I'm living on a small island for 90 days before deciding to move

I've spent most of my life in big West Coast cities, but after several short stays on a remote Pacific Northwest island, I'm testing whether it could be a long-term home. The island is roughly a $24 ferry ride from the mainland and has a population of just about 1,000 people, so I'm spending 90 days here to see how it feels beyond a weekend escape.

Less than a week in, I discovered the glove box with an emergency granola bar wrapper torn and a neat little pile of mouse droppings. If I were anywhere else I might have hired someone, but here I borrowed four old-fashioned snap traps from a neighbor, set them myself, and disposed of the remains — not exactly the relaxing island fantasy, but part of living in a place with limited services.

Island life has reshaped my days: fewer decisions, long stretches of solitude, more uninterrupted writing, beach walks, new recipes, and time to call friends and family. It also demands planning.

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