On Easter weekend, I rented a car for the first time in 2026. For three days, I rejoined the American Car Culture. As usual, it was fun while it lasted, and I was glad when it was over.

At the very end of the peninsula is Deer Isle, which is really several islands, connected by low causeways that periodically flood during storm tides. Deer Isle’s only road connection to the mainland is a suspension-cable bridge built in 1939. I’ve been crossing (and sailing under) this bridge my whole life. It was built with an 85-foot clearance that accommodates the windjammer schooners and most larger sailboats.