Writer tests island life for 90 days before deciding on move

Amber Campbell is living on a remote Pacific Northwest island to see if it could be her long-term home.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Amber Campbell, a city person from the Bay Area and Seattle, is spending 90 days living on a small, remote island in the Pacific Northwest to decide if she wants to move there long-term. She's discovering the pros and cons of island life, from the solitude and slower pace to the challenges of planning every off-island trip. Though she hasn't made up her mind yet, Campbell is enjoying the experience and using it as an opportunity to write more than she usually does in the city.

Why it matters

Many people dream of leaving the hustle and bustle of city life for a quieter, more remote existence, but the transition can be daunting. Campbell's 90-day island experiment provides a unique window into what it's really like to live on a small, isolated island, which could inspire others to consider a similar lifestyle change or temper their own island fantasies.

The details

After house-sitting on the island for three weeks two years ago, Campbell, who has always considered herself a city person, decided to return for a 90-day stay to see if remote island living could be a long-term option. She's discovered both pros, like having more time for solitude, focus, and connecting with loved ones, and cons, like the need for extensive planning for every off-island trip and dealing with unexpected inconveniences like power outages and ferry disruptions. Though she's still undecided, Campbell is using the experience to write more than usual and get a true feel for island life beyond the initial honeymoon phase.

  • Campbell first visited the island for a three-week house-sitting stint two years ago.
  • She is now back on the island for a 90-day stay to decide if she wants to move there long-term.

The players

Amber Campbell

A writer who grew up in the Bay Area and later raised her kids in Seattle, Campbell is testing out living on a remote Pacific Northwest island for 90 days to see if it could be her long-term home.

The island

A small, remote island in the Pacific Northwest that can only be accessed by a $24 ferry ride from the mainland and has a population of around 1,000 people.

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What they’re saying

“Ugh, I'm sorry! That's so island,”

— Campbell's friend (Text message)

What’s next

Campbell plans to stay on the island for the full 90 days to get a true feel for the seasonal changes and long-term viability of island living before making a decision about whether to move there.

The takeaway

Campbell's 90-day island experiment highlights the appeal and challenges of remote island living, providing valuable insights for others considering a similar lifestyle change and showing that taking the time to fully immerse oneself in a new environment can be crucial before making a long-term commitment.