Water
The well water sometimes has iron that will stain white clothing in the washing machine.
Drinking water can be
a) brought to the island in one or more 3-gallon jugs,
b) refilled at the Island Bakery or Church or
c) the house tap water is filtered and we have additional ceramic filters that for some people achieve adequate drinking water quality.
Note: The water is SAFE, just has a metallic taste.
House Cleaning & Guest Expectations
We manage a full cleaning of the houses at the beginning of the quick seven week summer season, and then have to rely on the work of guests as the brief season unfolds. Sometimes we have help during the busy summer, sometimes not, as the island a 100% a fishing island and there is no service labor sector for tourism. What makes Matinicus different is that it exists for lobster fishing and not for tourists. The typical Airbnb cleaning maintenance turnover staffing is NOT something to expect. If this causes concerns, our offering is not for you.
Our maintenance concept during the season is “housekeeping cottage” or as the British say, “self-catering” and you are on your own and may find you have to improvise. For example: one guest, not locating a spatula in the kitchen since it had migrated down to the beach as a child’s toy, fashioned his own spatula using a flattened aluminum can and a driftwood handle. Self-reliance like this is essential if you choose to go out to Matinicus Island.
You can put a broom and mop to the place and in quick order whatever mess the kids or the dogs made will be lessened. Guests are asked to remove/recycle their trash and leave the place 'Broom Clean' as turnovers on Saturdays are tightly scheduled, and in-between cleaning service can't be 100% guaranteed.
Note about trash, compost and recycling: Guests are responsible for removing all their trash and recycling from the houses. You can drop off recycling at the island sheds or arrange with the island taxi driver to drop off for you. Guests are expected to remove trash with them when they leave the island. Compost can be fed to the seagulls at low tide.
Emergencies and Law Enforcement
Law enforcement: Young men who work on the boats have been known to ride ATV’s in the wide sand at the beach, which is against Maine law. Other Maine laws are broken at various times around the island. Island residents mostly like it this way. You are on your own at Matinicus, and this is an attraction for many. Matinicus is a backcountry location and in a medical emergency you would call 911 and may require air transport to the mainland and then to Pen-Bay Hospital in Rockport.
Food & Island Deliveries
There is no store on the island , but you can place orders to the mainland Southend Grocery in Rockland, they will pack and deliver food at a reasonable cost. For Southend orders if you place an order by 10am they can have it delivered to you by 1pm. We’ve also had some success, and misses with 2-day deliveries from Walmart. Other island visitors have had success with Doordash deliveries, Amazon orders or other known delivery services. Our best advice is for you to bring with you what you need or ask another guest or local on the island if you need something in a pinch!
Sheets, Towels & Paper Goods
Guests are expected to bring their own sheets and towels. There are ample blankets and pillows stored in the houses and the mattresses are all new and quite comfy. There are cloth kitchen towels and bath mats, but guests should bring toilet paper, paper towels and dish soap. We suggest dollar store sized quantities of these basic household essentials.
Laundry
Both houses have washing machines for guests to use. Note: the well water sometimes has iron that will stain white clothing in the washing machine. As a rule of thumb do not pack whites to the island OR avoid washing during your stay.
Getting Lobster
The island can easily supply all the lobster you can handle. Prices the last couple of years has made it Very Inexpensive. There will probably be a notice on the refrigerators in the houses with phone numbers for who to call to order, or go to the Fisherman's Wife gift shop and order from Donna Rogers, or go down to the harbor and talk directly to the lobster buyer or the lobstermen.
Island Bakery
The island bakery is located in the center of the island near the cemetery. You’ll usually find a full line of breads plus cinnamon rolls, whoopie pies, and blueberry pies. There's great brewed coffee there too and the outdoor tap is a clean, clear source of drinking water. (Fill your jugs.)
Bikes
Many of our visitors bring their bikes. We'd love to provide them with the houses, but the salt air makes for a maintenance nightmare. The boat services and the plane service can carry bikes.
Dogs & Cats
We welcome your pets and Matinicus is a very dog friendly environment. Please use common courtesy and keep public trails and the grounds around the house free of animal excrement. The number one complaint we receive from guests is related to messes (pet hair or poop) of other’s pets. Please do your best to clean up after your pet, future guests will appreciate it!
Unanswered Questions?
We enjoy talking with our potential guests, so don’t hesitate to call and we can discuss any concerns and trip planning details.