The one hour passenger ferry steam from Port Clyde, Maine started a long welcomed journey to a point on the map with much to share. Near the coastal town of Rockport, Maine, visitors may choose a day trip from the port, or spend the Summer months living on Monhegan Island. My day trip to explore the island introduced me to Summer visitors, year-round residents and folks exploring like me. There are just 55 year-long residents. Many of those are lobster fishermen or staff of the few accommodations.
From some research in Port Clyde, where the ferry terminal is located, one can see the rich history of Monhegan to the Seventeenth Century of mariners, yet the culture of this island is now an artist haven. Lying 10 miles offshore and simply a few square miles in size, the two hundred foot elevation capped by its lighthouse is a first beacon to the sailors returning to the Northern Atlantic United States. There are no cars, but a few utility pickup trucks and a golfcart taxi service to service the two Hotels and the several room and board houses. Stretching up from the wharf are several well laid-out walking paths that meander through the Village and rise to the lighthouse. Hikers abound here, and a $1.00 map promotes the active search for the perfect sea view from the perfect ocean cliff.
Bring a great pair of walking shoes. You will find nourishment at either the Island Inn, next to the wharf or other “In the Rough” food establishments, plus the Monhegan Brewery, nearby is in the Village and known for a fine pint. The artists that have found this island brag of the phenomenal light, the unique rocky outcroppings, and the abundant wildflowers under pine trees. Shops do promote their works.
One reaches Monhegan via Monhegan Ferry in Port Clyde or The Hardy Boat in New Harbor, Maine near Pemaquid Point. They charge about $50.00 roundtrip for adults. Dogs must be leashed at all times on the island. On animals: I saw grey seals, harbor seals, porpoise, cormorants, and hawks on the ferry ride and off the cliffs. I did not see a minke whale, humpback, or giant ocean sunfish. They are there!
I do love the Maine Coast and this treat was perfect for a long wished adventure. Let’s have a lobster roll!
The seven miles of sugar white sand beach catches the gin clear six inch waves from the Western Jamaica sea daily. Walking the waterline is an interesting pleasure because visitors will make at least fifty new friends on their hike. The stretch from the remains of the salt petrified tree in front of Barry’s Bar on Negril Beach runs north easterly toward the boundary line of Couple Swept Away Resort Dive Shop, provide the finest tranquil swimming beach and the resort’s water sports areas. Foot traffic from other resorts make up most of the pedestrian movement.
Jamaica, W.I. in the Western Caribbean sea, just below Cuba, offers the best weather to provide great water sports. Trade winds blow off the Great Morass and down from the mountains to the beaches and cliffs of Negril, Jamaica. The earliest visitors from tourism found this area perfect for sailing , diving, snorkeling, fishing and swimming. Today the beaches support an infrastructure of all the toys for a fine vacation. The exception to the formula is no jet-ski watercraft are currently allowed by Parish Local Law. No Problem, Mon, and peaceful on the ears, too! Longtime friend and Negril resident, ELVIS, works the area near Couples Swept Away. His day starts early, just as the beach boys are raking the sand and arranging the chaise beach chairs. By 10:00 AM the chairs are filled and the beach vendors have begun their quest with handmade jewelry, Aloe Vera plant massages, straw hats, Bob Marley pendants, Coconut sculptures and every know island sales pitch of compelling style. These folk work hard. ELVIS stands in the middle of all with one goal: ” What can I get for YOU?”
ELVIS knows his customer will return again and again. With his broad smile and likable tone, wit and energy, he walks the several hundred meters of beach with his chant: Parasailing! The operation is seamless for this mission to get the people to the water’s edge, on the skiff out to the big fast boat and harnessed up and in the air. All day long the beauty of the Parachutes floating over the water just outside of the swim buoy lines attract more customers. But ELVIS works on. Negril, Jamaica lives on and the finer resorts, as mentioned, keep the tourist coming back year after year. ELVIS Lives.
 When does a busy Street Corner Diner make the grade? Since 1989, this Athens, Greece taverna, called EVGENIA. after the owner is a not so hidden of a gem, but, that few tourist would know about. The Nicodemou Street of the Plaka/ Constitution Plaza area is narrow and tremendously packed with taxis and delivery trucks, Yes, exhaust and noise is everywhere. The little Greek taverna tables and chairs are on the pedestrian sidewalk; ten in al
There is something about the tropics that has always kept me happy. It starts with the flora. Aside from the senses getting ramped up from the colors, the scents, and the attractions of the many species that need these plants for home, food, and a safe haven for life, I especially love the sounds of the tropical plant leaves that rustle in those balmy breezes. Coco Palms in the moon-light do that job for me. So my relocation to these tropics and the ensuing pleasure of photographing the dozens of different flowering plants in my spring bloom steps away is my mission. Perhaps, the Bird of Paradise, shown above, outside my door, will keep my Cannon clicking. Here are a few more flowers.
Sunkist2 Island Traveler 