Cool Guest Emails Part 2

Coolest Guest Email #3:

Dear Geoff,

I just wanted to let you know how much we loved our week on Matinicus, and more important, to thank you. Kohl’s Cottage was everything you said it would be and then some. As I wrote down in the log, I remember that when I was a little kid, my parents had a small painting of a harbor scene on Monhegan. I used to love that painting and always dreamed of visiting a place like that. Unfortunately, my folks, while great parents, weren’t keen on traveling, and definitely not to place other than major cities. Anyway, once I got older and moved to New England, I used to take car trips up and down the coast looking for a place with the same feeling as that painting from my youth. No luck. I always came away vaguely disappointed, even in the places I sort of liked - Acadia, Bar Harbor, Blue Hill, etc. Well, I’m pleased to say the search is over. I’ve finally realized my dream on Matinicus. Even better, my wife and son realized dreams they never knew they had!! We all had a wonderful time biking, hiking and just plain watching the ocean. It was an unforgettable family time, one we’d like to turn into an annual tradition. When are you accepting reservations for next year!?! The whole place - its pace, its people, its overall feeling - really appealed to us. And to tell you the truth, it was a much, much needed vacation from lots of months of being overseas.

It’s sort of ironic that while my whole family loved the feeling on Matiniccus of being in a place that time’s forgotten, the only reason why we ever made it there was because of the most modern of all things, the internet! We’re lucky indeed that you chose to put that web page up. It’s even crazier that I stumbled upon it in China - and with ease, no less. I mean, when living in China during an earlier stint 12 years ago, I still had to book long-distance phone calls to the U.S. ahead of time at the post office! Times sure have changed. The changes are much welcome in Beijing, and they’re not so bad in Boston either, but I sure like the idea that Matinicus is moving along at its own slower pace.

Well, all of that is really just a long-winded way of saying thanks for letting us share your great place. We hope to meet you in person in the near future (you have a great looking family!), so if you happen to be passing through Cambridge anytime soon, drop us a line. Moreover, we’d love to see you on Matinicus next summer! We’re already counting the days till our next visit!

All the best,

Coolest Guest Email #4:

Hi Geoffrey,

I just wanted to let you know how much we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Norris Cottage. It is the most peaceful place. I wish I were back there now. My kids found such a sense of independence riding their bikes all over the island. They are restricted to our driveway at home since we live on a through street and there are no sidewalks.

Even though we were fogged in for days, it was wonderfully relaxing, peaceful, stress free environment. I didn't even mind the incinerating toilet! That was no problem at all. As long as I had a hot shower in the morning and a cup of coffee, I'm a happy camper!

I want to thank you for leaving us the beautiful wild flowers on the table and the blueberry pie in the refrig!! It was most welcoming and I truly appreciated that neighborly and welcome touch.

I would like to returnnext summer and hopefully make this an annual trip for my family. It is a place of reuniting with the family. I love that there is no TV!

Please let me know when you are accepting reservations for the summer of 2004 and if I can reserve at the same rate.

Once again, I thank you for your hospitality and for the opportunity to enjoy "Maine, the way life should be".

Victoria

Ipswich, Mass.