Getting Here Without Stress

Let us talk about the moment most people quietly worry about: arrival.

Not the being-here part - that is easy. It is the getting-here part that triggers questions like: Where do I park? What if it rains? What if we are late? How does luggage actually get to an island?

This guide exists to answer those questions before they spiral. Read it once. Then stop thinking about arrival altogether.

We are on Annabessacook Lake in Monmouth, Maine — near Winthrop and the Winthrop Lakes Region.

First: You're Not the First to Do This

We've been at this for almost two decades. Thousands of guests have arrived at 1 Big Sustainable Island before you.

Some on sunny afternoons. Some in mist. Some running a little behind schedule. Some with coolers that were ambitious.

They all made it. You will too.

Arrival here is not a test. It is a transition.

Where You Park (Simple, We Promise)

You will park on the mainland at the designated 1BSI parking area.

Before your stay, we send clear, specific directions - not vague "near the lake" instructions. You will know exactly where to go, where to leave your car, and what happens next.

Once you are parked, your car's job is done. Island life begins shortly after.

How Boat Transfers Work

Getting to the island happens by boat. You can bring one, you can paddle one of ours, or you can ride on our free ferry. That's part of the charm - and we keep it straightforward.

Depending on your stay:

• Boat transfers are coordinated by the 1BSI team, or
• Arranged in advance with clear instructions

You do not need boating experience. You do not need to time anything perfectly. You do not need to rush.

This is not a high-speed launch moment. It is a calm crossing.

How Luggage Actually Moves (This Matters)

Let us demystify this.

Luggage travels by boat - sometimes in a cart, sometimes with you, sometimes on a separate run - depending on timing, weather, and volume.

Here is what helps most:

• Packing light (your arms will thank you)
• Using soft bags instead of rigid ones when possible
• Fewer coolers, packed well, instead of many half-filled ones

We have been moving bags across water for a long time. We will guide you through what makes sense when you arrive.

Nothing gets stranded. Nothing gets left behind.

What If It Rains?

It is Maine. Rain is a personality trait.

Light to moderate rain does not stop arrivals. It might slow things slightly - and that is okay.

We adjust timing, loading order, approach, and safety steps as needed. Safety and comfort come first.

Pro tip: rain on arrival often leads to some of the coziest first evenings on the island.

What If You're Running Late?

Take a breath.

If you are running behind:

• Let us know as soon as you can
• Do not rush unsafely
• We will work with you

Arrival windows exist for a reason, but they are not meant to create panic. Clear communication solves almost everything.

We would rather you arrive calm than on time and stressed.

The Unspoken Truth About Arrival

Arrival is not about precision.

It is about crossing a threshold.

Once you step onto the boat, something shifts. The mainland starts to feel less urgent. The lake takes over the pacing. The island does not care how many emails you sent that morning.

By the time you step onto the dock, arrival has already done its job.

A Quiet Reassurance Before You Go

You do not need to memorize this guide. Just remember:

• Parking is clear
• Boats are handled
• Luggage moves logically
• Weather is part of the experience
• Being a little late is survivable

We have done this before. Many times. For almost twenty years. Successfully.

Your only real responsibility is to show up willing to slow down.

One Last Thing

If this kind of arrival - simple, human, slightly unscheduled - sounds like your speed, there are a few different ways to be out here.

See you at the dock.

Arrival FAQs