Book excerpt: According to acclaimed writer Isak Dinesen, "the cure for anything is salt water," and most coastal Mainers would likely agree. The distinct sense of place one gets in Maine is instilled at early age and living along Maine's rugged coast requires a combination of industriousness, flexibility, and self-sufficiency, all coupled with a profound sense of community. Like barnacles on a tidal ledge, these close-knit communities cling to the edge of the sea. They have salt in their veins, and the Maine coast is their ecosystem. In this book about people, Charlie Wing talks with some of the hardy folk who call this place home. Here are stories of lobstermen, boatbuilders, artists, writers, and teachers who opened up to Charlie and share their feelings on world events, government, the weather, and people from away.