Star Island

Since I was a little girl, I have wanted to visit the Isles of Shoals, a group of very small islands located about 10 miles off of the coast of New Hampshire.  Last summer, we took a boat ride out and around the islands, which only increased my curiosity.  I read both a fictional and non-fictional account of the famous murders on Smuttynose Island and by the time our vacation drew near, I was searching for a way to step foot on the islands.  We ended up going with a boat company that brought us out to Star Island and gave us about an hour to explore it.  It was definitely cool to be out there and the views were spectacular.

On board the Uncle Oscar. 

Star Island, from a distance. 

Much to my surprise, I spotted a seal in the water, not far from Star Island.  Lee, the girls and I were pretty much the only people on board that saw it. 

Smuttynose Island 

The remains of an old stone wall which kept the cattle herd outside the village. 

Monument to John Tucke, a Harvard educated reverand who arrived on the Isles in 1732.  He attempted to "civilize" the islanders until his death in 1773. 

This obelisk was erected in loving memory of the Beebe Sisters - Jessie, Millie, and Mitty - who died within a month of each other in the summer of 1863 after contracting scarlet fever. 

The Isles of Shoals were discovered by Captain John Smith (yes, that John Smith) in 1614, which was before the Pilgrims landed at Plimoth Rock.  This is a monument to him. 

Yes, I know that they are only seagulls, but I've never seen a baby seagull so up close.  We were dive-bombed by the mothers of other nearby baby seagulls shortly after I took this photo and had to high-tail it out of the area we were in.

This Stone Chapel was built in 1800 at the highest point on the island.  Chapel services are a cherished tradition on the island and are held each day at sundown. 

Candles are hung from these during evening services and made the shadows of crosses on the chapel ceiling.  It must be so beautiful. 

One of the many reasons I'm glad that we had the chance to visit Star Island is because we learned so much about the hotel on the island.  Lee and I have been talking about spending an overnight away from the kids on the island but, after learning just how "rustic" the accomodations are, we changed our mind.  Shared bathrooms, rationed and timed showers, limited drinking water and family style (think college cafeteria) meals! 

White Island 

The light house on White Island.