That island wave

Several years ago, Kellie and I took a vacation up to Islesboro. At the time we were living in Massachusetts and road tripped up Route 1 along coastal Maine.

Islesboro is a narrow 14-mile-long ferry accessible summer colony near Lincolnville, about the same distance away as Peaks is from Portland. As we toured around the island, I remember thinking: Why is everyone waving at us? It struck me as odd. Did I know these people? Was everyone in Maine just that darn friendly.

Years later we find ourselves living our own island life out on Peaks – and I’m now finally starting to get that island wave. People in small communities tend to look out for their flock. They are willing to give you a ride to the docks or spot you some yeast in the middle of a global pandemic. Islanders take care of their own. The island wave is just an unabashed signal of that can-do, we’re-in-this-together spirit.

At first it took me some time to get used to it, particularly because I certainly don’t know all of the ~1,000 year-round residents or 2,000+ summer dwellers here on the island. But as my island roots start to sink into Peaks’ rocky soil, I’ve become a fan of the wave. Maybe fan is a step too far, but I’ve definitely picked up the practice and incorporated it into my movements out and about on the island whether on foot, bike, cart, or car.

When off-islanders come out to visit us, I tell them to look out for the island wave. Be ready for it. Respond in kind. A smile helps but isn’t necessary. A simple hand wave, head tilt, or even the slightest movement of a finger – just not that middle one – will do. Welcome to the island.