Four of us met at Bethel Point Landing in Cundy’s Harbor to begin a trip to historic Malaga Island. Conditions at Bethel Point have improved since my last visit. Parking near the ramp is now allowed without a permit and a toilet has been installed. Additional parking is still available nearby for a small fee. We experienced easy paddling during our traverse through Ridley Cove and past West and East Cundy Points to Malaga. After landing on the northern end of the island, we carried our boats up onto an ancient shell midden to protect them from the rising tide. The island owner, Maine Coastal Heritage Trust, has erected a kiosk that provides a history of the island that relates the forced removal of poverty stricken inhabitants by the State of Maine at the beginning of the 20th Century. They have also constructed a well-designed trail system that circumnavigates the island. We hiked the entire trail including a spur that led to a scenic location on the rocks on the southwest end where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch. Our return paddle was equally delightful.
Participants: Bob Rowe, Andrea Reising, Bruce Weik, and TC Ron Chase