This trip had been on my mind for a while; “Isle Au Haut”, it even sounds mysterious and magical. And, I can successfully report, it is!

This was originally planned as a 5-day, 4-night trip that was going to extend over to Swans Island before heading back to Stonington. The remnants of a hurricane moving through the Gulf of Maine over our initial trip window, caused some re-planning. So, we shortened the trip and waited until after the bulk of the messiness had passed.

Our initial goal was a circumnavigation of Isle Au Haut, which we were still able to accomplish with our shorter trip. Due to camping options, a circumnavigation of the island creates a longer paddling day. Unless you’re lucky enough to get a spot in Duck Harbor when site reservations open up, the rest of the camping is concentrated along the north side of the island.

Pro tip…stay away on Labor Day weekend. It was the window we had, and…it was also the window everyone else had!