Aging in place with no change in sight: Monhegan Theatre.
Much of Maine could be said to be out of this world — the raw beauty of its rocky coastline, old-style clapboard homes dotting the landscape, and the quiet that falls over the state after Columbus Day when residents hunker down for long, cold winters. But nowhere was an other-worldly experience more pronounced for us than in the remote, almost untouched island of Monhegan.
With a rocky shore for a side yard, this house faces the elements on the island of Monhegan.
We knew we were headed to a place that time forgot. After all, that’s why artists and writers and part-time bloggers like us go there: to see how people live simply and without fanfare in a day-to-day existence envied by many. We were told to bring our own food because “nothing’s open in late October.” “Pack it in, pack it out,” the owner of Shining Sails told us, and we thankfully heeded the warning, or we wouldn’t have even had granola bars handy for supper.
Maybe only at rest for the winter, but possibly at rest for several years. No hurry on Monhegan.
Tourists are rarely seen or heard after the season ends. And the scarcity of people coupled with remnants of another time reminded us that not much gets “packed out.” It just ages in place.
Rusting in place.
Homes boarded up for the winter take a stoic stance against the elements. Isolated and humble, they almost resemble colonies long abandoned. Until spring when tourists return and doors open to salty sea air again.
Facing the morning, a house closed for the winter endures the elements all alone.
Monhegan Island is out of this world.
For more “out of this world” photos, check out this week’s WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge.
To see other posts on travel in Maine, see Autumn Down East.
Spritzgie?maschine
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this website. Thank you, I’ll try and check back more frequently. How frequently you update your web site?
Oh, the Places We See
I wish I had a set time to post each week, but I don’t. I do, however, try to add one post each week. Thanks for returning!
dawnkinster
Maine is just so darn photogenic.
Oh, the Places We See
Ya got that right!
lexi
Love the photos!! I have been trying to get my Life Bus to Maine for a long time. This gives me another motivation to make it happen in the very near future. Love learning about a new place to seek out when I do get there.
Oh, the Places We See
Everyone needs to see Maine, one of the prettiest states in the U.S. However, this week is not the time to go — they’re expecting their third nor’easter! I don’t know how they stay snowed in so well for so long.
lexi
All the snow went to the east this year, we’ve had almost none 🙁 I do feel for them out there with all of those storms. In the alternative, they’ve had lots of cozy snow days to stay inside in PJs and bake!
Gardener's Cottage Acadia
Gorgeous! Hoping to get to Mohegan this summer. Have you been out to Swan’s Island?
Oh, the Places We See
Monhegan is definitely worth a trip, especially if you love taking pictures. It’s said to be an artist haven, so you’ll be in good company if you like painting, photography, etc. We didn’t make it to Swan’s Island on this trip. But that’s all I need — another excuse to go back! 🙂
Gardener's Cottage Acadia
I’ll try to get out to Monhegan this summer. I’ve wanted to visit for years. Do check out Swan’s Island. The ferry leaves from Bass Harbor, so you can revisit that lighthouse, too!
M.B. Henry
Maine is one of the few states I haven’t been yet! Lovely photos 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks so much for the compliment. We’ve been looking over the 50 states again to see which ones we haven’t visited. I hope you get to Maine, though. It’s so pretty and there’s lots to do whether you’re just driving up the coast, or you love to hike and sail! Best wishes for a lovely spring.
ksbeth
so beautiful. i’ve never been to maine but would love to visit
Oh, the Places We See
Maine is still unspoiled in many places. Definitely worth a trip.
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rightpouitree
Great images and text! Certainly an other-worldly feel…
Oh, the Places We See
Thanks for taking a look. More to come on Monhegan. Definitely one of my favorite places in Maine.