The weather in Harrisburg this week has been absolutely gorgeous. During my early morning walks with Bailey, the blue skies had me thinking about our recent trip to Bailey Island, Maine. It’s one of my favorite places to which I’ve ever been. We discovered it a few years ago and we always visit during our annual vacation. It’s tradition.
Getting There
There are over 4,600 islands off the coast of Maine. Bailey Island sits in the Casco Bay and is part of the town of Harpswell in Maine’s Mid Coast. Per the last census, the year-round population of Bailey island was 400. Of the many things I find appealing about the island, one is that you don’t need a boat to get there.
To get there, you drive over the historic Bailey Island Bridge (also known as the Cribstone Bridge) that connects Orrs Island to Bailey Island. A concrete road was built on top of 10,000 tons of granite slabs used as cribstones (without mortar or cement) on this 1,150’ bridge. Completed in 1928, it is thought to be the only cribstone bridge in the world.
This is Maine
Near the Bailey Island Bridge is a red building where you can rent kayaks. There’s also a little shop called the Salt Cod Cafe that has delicious lobster rolls. Enjoy your sandwich on the deck and watch the boats in Harpswell Sound. It’s really calm and peaceful.
On our drive down to the end of Bailey Island, we pulled over a few times just to take in some classic Maine scenery.
Land’s End
During our most recent trip to Bailey Island, we had the most spectacular weather that we’ve ever had. Perfectly blue, clear skies and temperature in the 60s. And there’s just nothing like breathing in that crisp, clean air by the sea.
It feels much farther, but it’s only about 15 miles from US Route 1 to Land’s End on Bailey Island, the end of Route 24. By the time you get there, you’ve lost cell service and you’re driving about 35mph on a two lane road with hardly any other cars around.
During previous visits, it’s been overcast and/or really hot and humid. This particular day was just incredible. Bailey is always elated to be out of the car by the time we reach the end of the road (I think she inherited her motion-sickness from me). We take a lot of photos and even though she’s giving me the side eye, she really does love posing…
Final Thoughts
Last summer, Bailey walked along the edge of the water on the beach and since it was warm enough, she plopped down when the tide came in. It was so shallow and she wasn’t even floating. However, she moved all four legs as if she were paddling (it was really a crawl). Thinking of the sheer bliss emanating from this little dog in that moment always makes me happy. She was still on her leash, but she seemed to feel such joy, freedom and peace in the Bailey Island water. I think that’s why I love Bailey Island, too. Bailey is my spirit animal, after all.
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