6 Miles Out To Sea
6 Miles Out To Sea, off the coast of the border of New Hampshire and Maine sits a small group of islands and tidal ledges that feels like a step back in time.
Filled with generations of maritime history and local lore, the Isles of Shoals has served as a critical fishing outpost off the coast of northern New England for centuries. The islands have been occupied for more than 400 years by Native American fish camps and were originally name Smith Isles after Capt. John Smith sighted them in 1614.
Accessible by ferry from Portsmouth NH, Star Island hosts the public in-season while its neighbor Smuttynose Island was the site of a double axe murder in the late 19th century that remains a haunting part of the history here.
There are few special places like the Shoals where you can still get a raw, untamed experiences outdoors where a run-ins with giant bluefin tuna, humpback whales, and large sharks seems like an every day occurrence. We’ve been coming out here for decades for days offshore filled with peace, quiet, and a zen-like relaxation that can’t be found on the mainland.
Before the end of boating season, we visited the islands on a stunning sunny day for a morning boat ride and a day exploring the rocky cliffs and narrow cow paths that line the shore. We put together a little photo essay from our day 6 miles out to sea. Enjoy!
