The Flying Bridge Operating Manual
The main operating systems that keep Flying Bridge running smoothly include trash, water, septic, electrical, and Wi-Fi. Appliances include a propane heater, which is typically not needed during the summer; a private well with water heater and pressure tank; a private septic tank; a gas range/oven; an electric refrigerator; an electric clotheswasher with an outdoor clothesline; and smoke/carbon monoxide and gas leak detectors* for your protection.
Please note that this is a smoke-free home and no pets are allowed on the property unless expressly permitted by the owners.
Please follow the tips below to help conserve resources and make your stay more comfortable! And don’t forget to clean before you go.**
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* The gas leak detectors in the living room and basement have a speaking alarm. The devices may reset during a power surge, which can occur frequently during the summer months. If you hear a voice prompt indicating the alarm is in warm-up mode, the detector is simply resetting.
** If there’s an immediate problem with any systems during your summer stay, contact BrackettHouse@gmail.com. During the off-season, contact the owners at Stay@FlyingBridgeMonhegan.com or the caretaker, Kole Lord, at 207-542-5097.
Wi-Fi
Although Wi-Fi wasn’t available during Charlie’s weather service days, he would have quickly taken advantage of its speed and efficiency to get data to the mainland.
For work or play, here’s how to stay connected:
Network: Fairport 12881
Code: bAY9ZEuS4g
A few requests…
Turn off lights and unplug when you can
Only flush septic-friendly toilet paper
Wipe food waste/cooking oils into the trash, not down the drain
Protect furnishings and floors…
take shoes off in the mudroom
use coasters, trivets, placemats, and tablecloths provided
wipe water off the floor after showers and hang bathmats to dry
close windows when it rains
close ALL blinds/curtains during high sun times
Store any type of fishing/boating gear or clothing (e.g., bibs, jackets, boots, gloves, fishing rods/poles, buckets, etc.) under the wrap-around deck…please do not store in the main house, mudroom, or basement
If it gets a little chilly in the summer, wrap up in one of the cozy blankets provided by Flying Bridge instead of turning on/up the heater
Be wary of the wind! Monitor the wind speed with the weather instruments and follow this tip when winds are high:
If you take it outside, whether it’s yours or ours, it will blow away on a windy day!
Enjoy the property…late sunsets off the deck, local artwork in the house, fresh blueberries and apples in the garden, and more!
Add to the story…sign the guest book, use #flyingbridgemonhegan, or share comments and photos at:
Pay it Forward…clean before you go and make it better for the next person!
Trash & Recycling
Contact Brackett Rentals during the summer for changes in pick-up times or sorting instructions.
There are three large gray outdoor trash bins on the right side of the home along the treeline. Please use these bins to sort recyclables, trash, and returnables respectively.
Seal/close trash bags and place them in one of the bins;
Place recyclables in another bin; and
Place returnables in the third bin.
Look for the returnable symbol on plastic or glass drinking bottles, aluminum cans, and more.
Bins must be ready by 9:00 am on the day of departure unless otherwise instructed.
For information on Monhegan Trash & Recycling Guidelines during the off-season, visit the Monhegan Plantation website or contact the owners.
Water
Flying Bridge has a private well that supplies water to the home.
Although the property has its own well, the Monhegan municipal water system is often in short supply during the summer months, which means one of the few alternative water sources is the purchase of gallon water jugs from the Monhegan Store. Your efforts toward water conservation will not only ensure a comfortable supply of water during your stay but will also be greatly appreciated by the community.
TIPS!
You won’t worry about running out of water if you…
Flush less;
Do not leave outdoor or indoor faucets dripping;
Use paper plates and cups;
Run fewer loads of laundry, avoiding small or partial loads; and
Apply your own innovative ideas for water conservation!
Electricity
Flying Bridge is on the Grid, but that doesn’t mean unlimited power.
The average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 12.07 cents per kWh.
The average cost of electricity for Monhegan was recently raised to 78.0 cents per kWh.
TIPS!
To keep Flying Bridge operating as efficiently as Charlie would have liked, try these tips…
Unplug: There are several outlets and power strips available for plugging in and charging all kinds of appliances and devices but please unplug when you're done!
In general, unplug anything you’re not using.Turn off: Flying Bridge offers lots of natural light so you can keep lamps and overhead lights off during the day.
Don’t forget to turn off lights whenever you leave a room.Stargaze: Monhegan offers some amazing starry nights…shut down the lights and spend a star-filled evening on the deck.
Remember, if inside at night, just a light or two will do.
Septic
Flying Bridge has private septic tank below the rock wall. Although septic tanks are environmentally friendly, they are more sensitive to solid waste that can get flushed down the pipes—feminine products, excessive toilet paper, food waste, and more—can all do damage.
TIPS!
Septic tanks are often misunderstood. Despite their sensitivity, it just takes a little effort to maintain them effectively, and you can help by…
Wiping food waste/cooking oils into the trash, not down the drain;
Avoiding excessive flushing;
Using septic/RV-friendly biodegradable toilet paper;
Always throwing feminine products in the trash, not the toilet;
Never throwing anything but toilet paper in the toilet; or
Consider throwing “used” toilet paper in the trash instead of the toilet. Lots of Islanders do it but make the best choice for you!
What to bring…
Renters are asked to provide their own sheets, pillowcases, and bath towels and must clean the home before departure. Refer to the “Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions”.
Although the property owners provide essentials such as bathmats, sleeping pillows, and blankets or quilts, it is recommended that you bring your own essentials based on your discretion.
If any owner-provided essentials are used during your stay, please wash and hang them to dry on the clothesline before departure.