My parents bought an island in Maine. I spend my summers there, away from civilization and without running water.

"I rely on a generator, a deep freezer, and a grill People love to ask about the bathroom situation. I say, "Next question." I'm out here doing something extraordinary, working to save the world, and you want to know where I pee? I was an outsider, but felt at home on the island Sand Island is different: it's essentially a wasteland of sand and poison ivy. There were no structures or docks."

"Unfortunately, I didn't always hear that call. I have some health issues and have struggled with drug addiction and alcoholism. For years, that made me forget about the island. But when I started getting healthier, I knew where I wanted to spend my summers. When I first returned to Planet Sand for the summers, I was still drinking. I would wake up at noon, so hungover. We allow day visitors to the island, so I would see families playing together in this beautiful place, all while my head throbbed."

Scott Kern lives on Sand Island off Portland, Maine, in a fort built from recycled construction debris. He relies on a generator, deep freezer, and grill for essentials. Sand Island is a sparsely vegetated stretch of sand and poison ivy with no docks or structures; Kern walks its shore in about 15 minutes. His parents bought half-ownership in the 1990s and their sailboat trips fostered his attachment. Recovery from drug addiction and alcoholism began after he returned to the island and confronted his behavior. Summers are filled with manual projects, such as rock walls and winch repairs, which support his mental health and are documented online.

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