Forty years ago, my parents purchased an island in southern New Hampshire. It is of modest size, densely wooded, about an acre in area. Over the years we built a cabin (32' X 20') upon it, to which were added some modern conveniences: propane-powered stove, refrigerator, and incinerating toilet. The cabin, my mom's design and my dad's construction (with some help from me), is hand-built throughout---one large room below, sleeping loft above. All this was accomplished without the aid of electricity and through the use of two rowboats (one with a 5-hp motor), which we used to transport above-described appliances and all of the lumber, sand, and concrete necessary for construction. My childhood summers were spent here: days on the pond, fishing (yellow perch, sunfish, largemouth bass), observing wildlife (beavers, blue heron, chipmunks, snapping turtles, frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, spiders), and enjoying the varied flora (pine, hemlock, spruce, maple, azalea, blueberry, sundew, water lilies, fungi, and many ferns). And the night sky! Being up in the mountains, away from 'civilization', the stars did in glorious fact look down on me---and I gazed at them, awed by their number and brilliance. The years have passed: my parents are now both aged 88. The time has come for a change in ownership of this lovely place. I am an only child, and sadly am not in a geographic or financial situation that allows me to assume its stewardship. Mom and Dad have made some tentative inquiries at a real estate establishment...but their hearts are just not in this course of action. What they would like is for the island to be owned and enjoyed by someone who appreciates it, who would come to love it as they do. My parents' goal is not to make a fortune but to see the island in thoughtful, caring hands. Yes, money will be involved---but the transaction will be much more akin to a friendly adoption than a sale of merchandise. In this respect, I present the island to the Forum membership. Nowhere could I find a group of people more involved in and concerned with the natural world than here. It is my hope that one among you will share my parents' dream, and make it your own. Thank you for reading this post. If interested, please send me a private message.
How amazing togata. It must be so sad for you all to part with such a beautiful place. With fears that new owners could ruin it so very easily. Just wondering if you had any joy selling it to the right minder "guardian" of this idyllic place on planet earth. Maybe if we were younger.......
