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Spend my summer on a small island, purchased by my parents and secluded from urban life

Residing in a fortress crafted from salvaged construction waste on an isolated island, I found solace and managed to achieve sobriety.

Island Purchase by Parents: Summer Retreat, Away from Urban Life
Island Purchase by Parents: Summer Retreat, Away from Urban Life

Spend my summer on a small island, purchased by my parents and secluded from urban life

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In the heart of Casco Bay, off the coast of Portland, Maine, lies a tiny island named Sand Island. Home to one man, Scott Kern, this 0.6-hectare piece of land has become more than just a piece of real estate—it's his "planet".

Before Scott's residence, Sand Island was a wasteland of sand and poison ivy with no buildings or docks. But now, it's home to a unique structure that Scott calls the "Garden Shed Tree Fort". Built from recycled construction waste, this off-grid abode is where Scott spends his days, working on various projects and documenting his life on his YouTube channel.

Scott Kern's journey to Sand Island began several years ago when he was struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism. The island, with its tranquil surroundings and isolation, played a crucial role in his recovery. He stopped drinking on Sand Island in November 2015 and has been sober for seven years.

Life on Sand Island is simple and dictated by the tides and sun. Scott's daily routine consists of working on a stone wall to protect against erosion when the tide touches the bottom of his anchor buoy, and eating and resting when the sun sets. He gets water from a cafe on a nearby island and has a gas-powered generator that runs a deep freezer, allowing him to store food such as grilled chicken or burgers.

Scott's residence on the island lacks running water, electricity, and reliable internet. This isolation allows him to disconnect from the outside world and focus on his mental health. According to Scott, three months on Sand Island can potentially be more beneficial for mental health improvement than brief exposure to nature.

Despite being an outsider elsewhere, Scott feels at home on Sand Island. He enjoys interacting with boaters who pass by and hosting day visitors on the island. His stays on Sand Island grew longer over time, and he now resides there permanently.

Scott's parents purchased a half-ownership of Sand Island in the 1990s, but their names are not mentioned in the provided information. Scott goes into the city (Portland, Maine) as rarely as possible, typically every three to five weeks to restock supplies.

In his free time, Scott enjoys listening to music from the 1990s, 1950s, and 1960s on his battery-operated radio. The peaceful and solitary life on Sand Island has provided Scott with a sense of peace and tranquility that he had been missing for years.

Scott's story is a testament to the power of isolation and nature in healing and recovery. His journey from drug addiction and alcoholism to a peaceful life on Sand Island is an inspiration to many, and his YouTube channel provides a unique insight into his life on the island.

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