The spacious screened porch alone beckons us back to this charming throwback home. Its birdseye vista of crazy-picturesque Five Islands harbor comes complete w a bustling osprey nest that needs no binoculars (though some are provided) and a stunning quiet punctuated by the soft hum of passing boats, the delighted bark of a dog sitting at the helm, seagulls arguing over a fish. We loved watching the lobstermen tend their traps in these cold, deep waters deemed lobster paradise. It all awakens the kayaker within, and so our family rented a fleet of singles and spent many happy hours paddling till our arms tired. It’s hard to say which was the bigger highlight: seeing dolphins splashing out of the water and seals popping their heads up around us or fetching lobster to go via kayak without fear of the fries getting cold. Nothing fancy about this house, but the necessary comforts are all there: the nap-worthy daybed with the picture window downstairs, COVID-era confidence in the home’s cleanliness, comfortable beds, windows catching the coastal breezes (offsetting a bit of mustiness), kindling & firewood for the fireplace (a happy luxury for evening chill even during our July stay), charcoal grill at the ready, an amply provisioned kitchen with plenty of lobster crackers in the drawer, an outdoor table where a family of six can play cards through a storm and enjoy their every meal on the porch. What a treat to enjoy lobster pulled moments before right from the waters beneath you, and to have the lobster wharf a quick walk away. What a bonus to have Reid State Park so close at hand—and a beach pass hanging on the fridge. Reid’s beautifully rugged mile-long beach gave us our sandy beach fix, w plenty of space for the kids to play beach soccer, and we enjoyed braving the brisk surf. It didn’t matter one bit that our pup wasn’t allowed on the beach because she got to swim herself silly fetching sticks in Reid’s pristine lagoons, which might just be the best Labrador—and kid—swimming hole anywhere. Betsy gave us a warm welcome and she and her family were helpful and responsive hosts, even inviting us to help ourselves to their inflatable boat right out of the box. Her guidance about being aware of changing tides and currents and making that grocery stop in Bath was spot on. All told, we are thankful to have found this Five Islands home.