Cousins and Littlejohn Islands, Maine

Back when I used to work in the Yarmouth area, I discovered these two islands during a lunch hour. Just five minutes away from Route 1, they somehow seemed a world away from the business of my daily life, happily nestled in another time and space. Many afternoons I would take a small picnic lunch out there, to dine to the sounds of eiders, seagulls, and calmly lapping waters. It is so peaceful that you can almost forget your troubles in the lovely sights and sounds, something I really needed during that period of time.

Cousins Island is relatively easy to find, as there are ample signs to point you in the right direction. Littlejohn Island, however, takes a bit more work. It is well-hidden and if you want to find it, you are going to have to do it yourself. No, I'm not going to tell you how to find it - I had to work for it, and so should you. Besides, that's all part of the fun of exploring - and if you are an adventurer at heart, you know this fact as well as I do.

I always seem to stop on the bridge between the two islands, as this area brings a beautiful array of birds. You will almost always find some great blue herons, snowy egrets, and other birds peacefully feeding along the two grassy shorelines.

One thing you will find once you get over there is that the roads are quite treacherous, featuring rollercoaster hills with barely only room for one car, plus a steep dropoff into the sea. You kind of have to cross your fingers and hope no one is coming the other way. On the other hand, if you like excitement, you will certainly find it here!

There's not much to do on these two islands - I have been unable to find restaurants and the like there. But if you want some peace an quiet and some quality time with Mother Nature, this is a great place to go!