Those darn seals kept us awake again last night. They make their appearance around twilight and then, as the sea darkens to a shadow, they begin snorting, flattening the water with their fins and otherwise horsing around. Practically no point in even trying to get to sleep. And does the campground care? Ha! They claim there is nothing they can do. They could though post a few signs, right? I know not every seal can read but it still might make a difference.

We enjoyed both islands but liked Mayne just a bit more. Mayne is just so islandy (tiny, few services, everyone knows everyone and if you spend more than a day there they will know you too). Unlike the mega metropolis of Spring Island (population 10,000 with at least two restaurants /bars that stay open past 8 PM), Mayne has just a thousand residents, two small grocery stores, two restaurants plus an incredibly good take out pizza place and a brewery that stays open to six but only during the “busy” summer season.

Even Gilligan eventually left the island. And sadly so will we. In a little bit. We are waiting now in a clean room with views of the bay, fresh water and a place to charge one’s phone. For one used to Chicago’s dysfunctional CTA it all seems so magical. So much so that one can excuse a few unruly seals.