VINALHAVEN -- Mainers have always been known to be hardy and resourceful, and no one embodies that more than the residents of Vinalhaven.

Traveling by ferry to and from Rockland is just a way of life for residents who choose to live year round on Vinalhaven.

"To get off the island with a vehicle you have to call at 5:30 a.m. the day before you travel," explained Jeannie Conway, operator of the Island Closet. "Most islanders go off at 7 a.m. or 8:45 a.m. because of doctors appointments, so it's critical we get those first two boats which doesn't always happen."

Theresa Young grew up on North Haven but chose to move to Vinalhaven because it was bigger.

"You have to have the tourist to help support the island to keep it going the way it's going," Young said. "And there are businesses tha

See Full Page