Islands have attracted travelers and tourists for centuries. Monhegan Island, eleven miles off the rock-bound Maine coast, had its first documented European visitor when Capt. John Smith stepped ashore in 1614. The island soon became a fishing village that saved starving Pilgrims. Two years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, they sent to Monhegan Island for food.
Islands continue to attract travelers, now in the form of tourists seeking adventure. Monhegan Island has fewer than 100 winter residents, but about 1,000 in summer months, plus numerous day visitors. "Treasure Island" evokes thoughts of adventure. Whoever would write a book called "Treasure Farm?" Comparisons between Monhegan Island and Cedar Key are possible. Contrasting the two makes sense as well. Both islands harvest marine resources and tourist dollars. Both have about a square mile above the high tide line. Both islands inspire local and visiting artists. Golf carts and pickup trucks dominate the road(s). But Monhegan Island is surrounded by deep, cold lobster-infested waters, while Cedar Key has the rich warm shallow water loved by dolphins and clams. A Monhegan Island visitor from Cedar Key in 2009 can gorge on lobster at less than $6.00 per pound, cheaper than T-bone steak. A nosy visitor from Cedar Key will find that electricity is 70 cents a kilowatt hour, more than six times the cost at home. Solar energy is old hat. Wind power is under serious discussion. The economics, environment and competition facing Monhegan lobstermen will be presented in the next "letter from Monhegan." Furthermore, land-use policy, the mundane aspects of illuminating a television set and the spectacular history of art on Monhegan will also be forthcoming. | 
