Why a young family moved to a tiny Maine island
Why a Young Family Moved to Isle au HautSteve Hartman and his wife, Katelyn Waters, moved from their home in a small coastal town to an isolated Maine island community known as Isle au Haut. Over two decades ago, they were living in what was essentially a tiny place with no businesses other than a general store and a gift shop. The journey to Isle au Haut was one of making a difficult decision, despite its challenges.
The Background:
Steve Hartman and Katelyn Waters had lived in a small town for the past few decades. The community was remote, with little connection to the rest of Maine. They worked in the general store, often earning modest wages, but the demands of their job were high. Moving out from their home made them realize that they could not afford everything they needed—everything that would have brought them some connection or security.
Surviving Winter:
Steve and Katelyn survived through winter with little more than a few days of sleep each night. This was no easy task, given how isolated the area had been. But it was more about finding solace and making their lives as easy as possible. By December 2019, they were on an island that had been isolated for two years.
Living on an Island:
Isle au Haut is a small, secluded island in Maine, surrounded by lush greenery. The few businesses there—only the general store and a gift shop—made it seem like a distant place. However, Steve and Katelyn knew that this was where they would live for years to come.
Simple pleasures:
Steve Hartman says he and Katelyn enjoy living on an island with "no one," which means no family or social obligations to worry about. They found peace in the simplicity of their existence. Every morning, Steve and Katelyn would visit a local store, just a few steps away from their apartment window. In the gift shop, they would order coffee, play with little brothers, or plan surprise parties for each other.
Personal Moments:
Steve Hartman recalls one particular day when he and Katelyn were together at work. Steve had ordered coffee to himself, and Katelyn was there, holding a present for him. He noted that every day would seem easy, even if they didn’t take it for granted. "I think the hardest part of the journey wasn't knowing what I was doing but just finding myself," he said.
Living on an Island:
The move to Isle au Haut brought some changes to Steve and Katelyn's lives. They learned that simplicity could be the greatest source of happiness. They could enjoy routine moments, like going out for coffee or playing with their children, without worrying about the demands of a social life.
Resilience and Appreciation:
Steve Hartman and Katelyn saw themselves as resilient individuals. They didn’t have to do much to make their lives easy—just enough to feel happy. They celebrated each other’s simple joys and learned that even on an island, they could find joy in the natural world.
Conclusion:
Steve Hartman and Katelyn moved not out of curiosity but out of necessity. They chose a place that allowed them to live simply and enjoy the things they loved most—peace, simplicity, and unspoken gratitude for each other’s lives. Isle au Haut became a reminder that it is possible to find happiness in the smallest of communities, even if you don’t have much to do or worry about.
Final Thoughts:
Steve Hartman and Katelyn now live on an island with few businesses but find comfort in the simplicity of their daily lives. They know that while they might not be able to share much with others, they can appreciate the beauty of nature and the joy of being part of a community as small as theirs.
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