Today I did something I wanted to do since my first visit to Portland and that is get to look around Navy Island. I remember the driver pointing at the island telling me and the two ladies I was traveling with that it was once a tourist resort but now it’s used by the Royal Navy. Looking hard in the direction of the island, I could see what appeared to be a two-story building being overtaken by nature. I had to get a closer look.

So two years later I’m standing on the sands of Navy Island.

I didn’t even know it was listed in TA as a Portland “thing to do” until a few days ago. However, unless you are into gazing at ruins or perhaps seeking a reclusive retreat or would like to take a low impact island hike, I’m not suggesting for anyone to block out time from a visit and hire a boat to go over. I went because I’m too curious for my own good.

This is what you see before the boat reaches the dock The ruins of the Navy Island Hotel. I didn’t expect it to be so close to the shore nor look so intimidating.