It is now 29 August 2026 – almost two years since I began writing this post. I have mentioned I am behind in many of my travel tales. This coming week I hope to tackle many of those overdue stories, but wanted to start with this trip in 2024, followed again in 2025 with David, Mari and Gary joining me. and, my hope is it will entice you to experience STAR ISLAND this September 20 for the third open house for a day. An experience well worth it.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO STAR ISLAND’S WEBSITE FOR DETAILS

Click here for a PDF of the open house activities I attended in 2024 and 2025

On 17 November (2024) I related I was behind on completing my trip writings. And, in spite of what I wrote below – now on 18 November I hope to finish and share this afternoon on Star Island at their first Open House to encourage you to take a trip and then plan more time there.

I have to catch up with writing to remember my adventures – I began writing this post 23 September (2024), and now back to it on 8 November, at which time I started by laying out all the images, short narrative to fill in later – I have about ten experiences still to document from almost eleven months ago. But, as a plaque on my desk states, “The Best Way to Get Something Done Is To Begin.”

On Sunday 15 September I joined with 300 of my friends to travel out into the ocean to Star Island off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. What a great opportunity to re-experience this amazing special place. I have had two stays here – in September 2012, I attended a photography workshop here – and Click Here for a List of those Posts. Then in September 2021, during Covid, I did a midweek conference – basically a “do it yourself'” with no schedule. Click Here for my Post of that Bucolic Time.

When I received the email announcing the open house day, I immediately bought my ticket – a bargain for the ride out on the Thomas Leighton (ha, ha, and back) as well as food, entertainment, and just being back on Star Island.. Boarding began at 12:15, departure at 12:50 and arrival just after 2 pm. I left home early to arrive in Portsmouth so as to “not miss the boat.”

timing is important to coincide with the raising of Memorial Bridge on the hour and half hour.

remember my galleries may be clicked for larger image views.

And, below the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – on the north side of the river in Maine.

Below a submarine in dry dock undergoing an overhaul (I took a DDG through overhaul in Philadelphia in 1976-77).

Long abandoned, the Portsmouth Naval Prison. One standing joke in the Navy Supply Corps (I retired as a Navy Supply Corps Officer) is that if you “mess up” (well illegally) the prison below will become home for awhile. Packed with asbestos, holes in the roof, hopefully someday a plan will be developed to save this impressive structure.

This view below from the WAZE app on my phone shows you the Isles of Shoals which are  approximately 6 miles off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine.

Approaching you first pass by Appledore Island, first settled about 1640. Part of Kittery, Maine, the population moved to Star Island in New Hampshire around 1700 to escape taxes from Massachusetts which “owned” the land that later became Maine. I spent a fun few hours on Appledore in September 2012.

When you leave Star the Star staff gathers at the pier chanting, “You will be back.” — and here I am returning back.

putting it in to perspective —

above fascinating sea and landscapes so colorful and full of texture – below walking back from the gazebo.

the dining hall

show me a rocking chair I do not like !!!

behind the hotel up to the stone buildings – museum, classrooms, etc.

On this trip the museum had an exhibit on Margaret Mead, the anthropologist. As you know, my grandfather, Franz Boas, was her mentor. Displayed in the case was one of her books with him mentioned in the acknowledgments. Mead spoke here at a conference in August 1969.

Note Franz Boas thanked

I have always enjoyed these steps through and over a stone wall.

about perfect.

even more perfect, albeit without human enjoyment.

one of the more bucolic spots on STAR ISLAND

and, time to leave —

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When you do not get to finish releasing your post for 2024, you can then add the trip in September 2025, when David, Mari, and Gary joined me for the day. Below, on our way leaving Portsmouth.

Now my fourth trip out to STAR and I always have included the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and Naval Prison – both actually in Kittery, Maine.

And, arrival — some things fortunately NEVER CHANGE.

David on the right heading to the hotel.

It was not long before David and Mari got into STAR mode, David relaxing, Mari exploring nature. Remember you can click my galleries for larger images. Years ago in David’s “sailboat faze” on the way to Maine from Boston they spent a night anchored just off the island.

above, Mari and me, and below our view.

The island is full of color and texture – some of my favorite things to “capture on film.”

Exploring the other side of the gazebo – Gary, David pointing, and Mari.

and, looking back to the hotel and festivities in the shadow of the gazebo.

goodbye STAR ISLAND

Sailing on the Thomas Laighton 

and, sadly heading home sailing towards a setting sun.

and, a bonus for you. On my trip in September 2021, essentially an unstructured retreat, we were all asked if we would like to bring items for a silent auction to benefit STAR. I brought a needlepoint serving tray which did very well. There was this grouping of STAR ISLAND Cat’s Meow buildings. I had to have them, and now I do, proudly having them in my front sitting room.

First the group – and then a gallery you can click to open if you wish to read the backs of each with the building histories.

And, as I am completing this I am preparing for yet another escape back a century in time and life style to STAR ISLAND. Stay tuned, stay safe and well, luv, RAY