I've sarched the message board and can't find anything specific on visiting Peaks Island and what one might do with their kayak while they're there.

I'd like to plan a day trip to visit but don't know if there's a place for a group to land or tie up a fleet of kayaks for an hour or two.

Any guidance would be welcome!

I've read Dorcas Miller's book and have searched the internet - and most of what I find out there is geared towards getting there by ferry or water taxi.

There is a beach you can land on next to the Ferry stop. Tom Berg of MIK (Maine Island Kayak) uses this location to store and launch some of his boats and hold events. There are a couple of restaurants a short walk from there as well as a place to rent bicycles if you want to check out the island that way. It is quite populated but a very interesting little island, especially the outside. Tom seems to always welcome visitors but I have always called first.

Doug

There is a beach you can land on next to the Ferry stop. Tom Berg of MIK (Maine Island Kayak) uses this location to store and launch some of his boats and hold events. There are a couple of restaurants a short walk from there as well as a place to rent bicycles if you want to check out the island that way. It is quite populated but a very interesting little island, especially the outside. Tom seems to always welcome visitors but I have always called first.

Doug

Here's the beach and route from Eastern Promenade... http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5846989

You can also (or used to be able to) launch from a dock just north of the ferry station, with the advantage of being able to park in the ferry terminal garage.

--David

Perfect! Thank to both of you!

Cathy:

As Doug mentioned there is a funky bike rental place and a ride around the outer edge of the island is fun. You can also walk through the center of the island to get to the outer shore along roads. There is a neat little museum regarding the civil war as well. There are some nice little beaches on the southerly shore, but for the coffee shop and "village" landing near the ferry wharf or Tom's place is best.

There is plenty of day parking at the "Prom" and nice place to launch from. You can go across to the fort (worth a stop), then on to Peaks.

I hope you are planning an NSPN paddle. Seems awhile since there was one to this part of Casco Bay.

Boat traffic can get heavy in summer.

Ed Lawson

Another fun thing to do would be to plan a spring weekend and spend the night. Years ago I stayed at the Eighth of Maine while taking a kayak course from MIKCO.

The place was great - big quirky old New England house right on the water. They have a big dining area and kitchen for food preparation. If space was available, it would be a fabulous place for a larger group to stay. It would also allow for non paddling significant others to join in the evening fun.

http://www.eighthmaine.com/Pages/default.aspx

I hope you are planning an NSPN paddle. Seems awhile since there was one to this part of Casco Bay.

Hope to have one posted after the trip planning meeting tomorrow night!