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General |
Swans Island history is closely associated with the romantic figure of its namesake, James Swan, a participant in the Boston Tea Party. It is one of a number of islands off Mount Desert Island known as the Burntcoat group. Swan bought the group in 1784. To learn more about the island's history, light, and activities, visit http://www.swansisland.com/info.html |
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Things to do |
Dinghy the harbor and out to Hockamock Head Lighthouse. The grounds are open to the public; the lighthouse is not. Rent a kayak or bike from the Harbor Watch Motel (526-4563, advance notice is preferred). Take a tour of the island and include stops at the Swans Island Maritime and Lobster Museum located near the ferry dock and at the Atlantic Blanket Company, whose very high end exquisitely woven products use all natural wool from island sheep.
A shop with interesting local 'Winter Work' along with some crafts and works of art (created professional artisans who summer on the island) is located in the Boat House. Take a hike from the Boat House. The 1872 Lighthouse at Hockamock Head is nearby. There are two small, interesting museums: Swan's Island Library & Museum about half a mile 526-4330 Mon-Fri, noon-3pm and Swan's Island Lobster & Marine Museum 526-4282 located about 3 miles in the old library building just above the Ferry Landing in Mackerel Cove Mon, Wed, Sun 11am-4pm.
You may want to read "The Call of the Running Tide: A Portrait of an Island Family" by Nancy Price Graff, 1992, about a year in the life of a Swan's Island lobster-trapping family (children's book). |
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Boating Information |
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None |
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Marinas |
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None |
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Yacht Clubs |
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30 Moorings $20/day. |
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Moorings |
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Plenty of room near the mooring field |
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Anchoring |
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At foot of Boat House building and also at the Minturn town landing |
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Dinghy Docks |
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None |
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Launch/Water Taxi |
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Yes, at the Boathouse and at the Fisherman's Co-op, and Steamboat Wharf |
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Ice |
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Gasoline/Diesel available at Fisherman's Co-op but only in the mornings also Swans Island Steamboat Wharf |
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Fuel |
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No |
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Pump-Out |
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Engine mechanic on the island |
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Nearest Yard |
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Limited supplies at Fisherman's Co-op |
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Ships Store |
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Fisherman's Co-op may take trash for a 'per-bag fee' |
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Trash Disposal |
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2 at the Boathouse |
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Heads |
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None |
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Showers |
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None |
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Laundry |
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Supermarket: no
Other Resources: Limited, home-made provisions at the Boat House chowder, tea breads, etc. Island Bake Shoppe (other side of the island), Lobsters from Fisherman's Co-op and Steamboat Wharf. Note: Swans Island is dry. No beer, wine or liquor sold on the island. Bringing your own (and drinking it) is OK! |
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Provisioning |
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