Guest Information and Trip Planner
Matinicus Island Vacations Inc.
Entry: Houses have combination locks: Dial 0-5-2-0, and push in to spring the latch. You can leave the house unlocked.
Sheets & Towels: BRING THEM. You supply your own. Kohl’s has one queen, 4 twins (2 sets) Norris’ has one queen, 4 twins (2 sets). If you arrive without sheets and towels, you will find linen odds and ends in the blanket chests, but you are on your own here.
WATER SUPPLY: The water supply to the house has high iron content. The water is filtered, and looks clear, but has a mineral taste. Guests bring some gallons (3-4??) of Poland Spring or equivalent for just drinking. Tap water is fine for cooking. There’s fresh water available on-island at the outside tap at the Bakery. Don’t wash white clothes in the washing machines, please.
RECYCLING has to be REMOVED FROM ISLAND AT END OF YOUR STAY. Island Recycling Sheds by Library are open Friday at 3, Saturday at 10 promptly. If you can’t make it, remove from island. Cleaned paper, plastic containers and wrappers, cans, bottles, etc, anything cleaned will be accepted at recycling center. Edible trash can tossed to the seagulls below high tide line.
BASIC SUPPLIES What is on hand in the houses at any time is uncertain, so it’s smart to be prepared as if for an expedition to an remote offshore island with no stores or services and have your own materials. We suggest bringing Dollar Store sizes of toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, dish soap, sponges, laundry detergent, essential condiments, even though many of these items may be in inventory and even oversupplied.
Air Transportation: Penobscot Island Air 207-596-7500
CHARTER BOAT SERVICE ARRANGE WELL IN ADVANCE:
Capt. George Tarkleson at www.matinicusexcursions.com, email: gtarkleson@yahoo.com and cell phone 207-691-9030.
The State Ferry’s infrequent (3-4 monthly) trips can be viewed online.
Propane, if you run out: call Paul Murray 366-3695
ISLAND TAXI: Andy Peirce 207 366 3039, email: peirce141@gmail.com and via Facebook messenger to make arrangements. He plans to meet George’s boats.
Cottage Telephone Numbers: Kohl’s: 207-366-3388 Norris’: 207-366-3100
WIFI in both houses, see password on back of the black modem
Parking: There is long-term fee parking on the mainland at both the Ferry Terminal and Airport. Arrive early, at least one hour before you depart via boat. Plane parking is easier to find.
Coffee Makers: Mr. Coffee style makers in both houses.
IF SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT THAT YOU NEED ADDRESSED: Please let us know at the beginning of your stay and usually anything can be remedied.
ORDERING GROCERIES FROM THE MAINLAND: Most reliable supplier we use is Southend Grocery, Rockland www.southendgrocery.com 207 596 7321. Call Southend to learn their current order policy, generally you order at 10 a.m. Southend delivers to the flying service, and the groceries fly out at 1:00 but check with the flying service for times, and to leave a credit card for flight payment.
Postscript: What follows is one list of essentials made by our daughters (18 and 21 at the time) who have made their own trips to the island with friends:
Must bring items:
SHEETS AND TOWELS FOR YOUR PARTY.
dish soap
sponge
toilet paper and paper towels
trash bags to remove recycling items
peanut butter
salt/pepper (but usually there is a supply on hand)
pasta
coffee and filters, cake style paper filters for Mr. Coffee makers
water--3 gallons or more, house water tastes like minerals from granite
powdered or canned drinks
bread and butter
bisquick
more butter
matches or lighter (beach fires, the gas stoves have automatic lighting) (not really necessary, you can always borrow from a youth in the harbor...)
toilet paper, don’t count on the last people leaving you lots of it…..
paper towels
laundry soap
Grilling: there is a small Weber grill that uses charcoal briquettes or charcoal of some type, best to bring what you want as the supply varies between guests.
remember: you can always bring it home if you don’t need it, or leave something for others
The standard Matinicus advice for alcohol: Plan what you need for the week and then double it.