Vinalhaven via the "Governor Curtis"

VINALHAVEN via THE "GOVERNOR CURTIS"*

In a poll taken in the spring of 1980 students who would be participating in The Maine Journey indicated they would like to ride a ferry boat to one of the island off the coast of Maine. Students contacted The Department of Transportation, Ferry Service...[in] Rockland, Maine...for information. A schedule of ferry service to the islands as well as rates for groups was obtained.

Travel to Rockland from the Bangor area is approximately two hours. Since the ferry boat travels to Vinalhaven and returns immediately one should plan to take the first ferry to the island and return on the last afternoon trip. The approximate travel time to Vinalhaven is an hour and twenty-five minutes. Once on Vinalhaven Island a number of walking tours may be taken. Short Walks Along the Maine Coast by Ruth & Paul Sadlier offers an excellent guide for Vinalhaven as well as other areas visited along the coast. A brochure dealing with activities available in Vinalhaven may be obtained at the Rockland Ferry Terminal. There are picnic facilities available for noon meal. Depending on the ferry schedule, one could spend approximately five hours on Vinalhaven Island arriving back in Rockland in time for the evening meal. McDonalds, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Burger King are all located on Route 1 just east of the main section of the city.

As an option one might choose a trip to Islesboro via the "Governor Muskie." This trip takes approximately one-half hour each way. Arrangements can be made by calling the Lincolnville Terminal...or the Rockland Terminal....Group rates are available upon request. Upon arrival at Islesboro one may wish to view the lighthouse, the small museum, and lobstering.

If one chooses the Islesboro trip for the morning, excellent picnic facilities are available upon return to Lincolnville Beach.

Camden Hills State Park is also nearby and affords one a panoramic view of Camden from the top of Mt. Battie which is easily accessible by foot or bus.

If time permits, one may journey to Rockport and see Andre the Seal. It is advisable to make prior arrangements with Harry Goodrich should one wish to see Andre perform.


Islesboro, Rockport and Camden Hills State Park
Student Rating - 3.0
Staff Rating - 3.3

*Not visited in 1980

(Excerpt from The Maine Journey Field Trip Guide, 1980, p.22.)