Outdoors

Published
June 1, 2013

Deirdre Fleming: Bethel trail race puts focus on suicide awareness and prevention

Kristen Kimball at first only wanted to share with others the trails on which she loves to run around Gould Academy in Bethel, where she lives and works as a college counselor. But somewhere during a morning run this spring, a message about understanding and support came to mind. Kimball thought of creating a 5- […]
Published
June 1, 2013

North Cairn: If only this dog had nine lives

I fear the end. Not my own, you understand. The dog’s. In a way I have been planning for it for years, ever since she was diagnosed with epilepsy at 11 months of age. The vet already by then had been tolerating my dogs and me for 20 years — through the loopy antics of […]
Published
May 25, 2013

Allen Afield: Bass fishing in Maine — an experience like no other

Maine’s black-bass anglers find lots of action during most months from mid-spring to fall, but fishing peaks in the next five weeks, depending on latitude and elevation, as males defend spawning beds in the shallows. Our smallmouth bass in particular offer a world-class experience, an overused description in outdoor sports, but this species provides that […]
Published
May 25, 2013

What’s Up In June: Summer’s coming, and that means the solstice

The month of June always marks the beginning of summer for us in the northern hemisphere. This year that will happen at 1:04 a.m., June 21. The word solstice means “sun stands still” in Latin. That day marks the farthest north of east that the sun will rise and the farthest north of west that […]
Published
May 25, 2013

Hunting: Hunting suffers when landowners deny access

I lost a dear old friend recently. He was one of those rare individuals who respected differing opinions. Though not a strong proponent of hunting, he understood my passion for it, for some reason took a shine to me and allowed me access to all of his multiple properties. His widow was largely indifferent, but […]

Published
May 25, 2013

John Christie: Numerous campgrounds can provide for summer delights

If you haven’t been camping for a few years, I can tell you that you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise if you decide that this is the year to give it another shot. And if you’ve never experienced the natural pleasures of spending a few nights out under the stars with family or friends […]
Published
May 25, 2013

North Cairn: Dandelions, a beautiful scourge

I have been living in the woods, but these days the landscape is looking distinctly like a meadow. Now that the five minutes of spring have passed through New England, midsummer has taken hold on sunny days, and as usual I am unprepared for the transition to temperatures warmer than 75 degrees. But the vegetation […]
Published
May 25, 2013

Birding: Food’s the thing for a bird’s arrival

Difference in diet explains why grackles are among the first to show up, well ahead of ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Published
May 18, 2013

Best Bets

UPCOMING Ascent of the alewives May 25-27, Damariscotta The sixth annual Damariscotta Mills Fish Ladder Restoration Festival will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 25- 27. The festival is sponsored by the towns of Nobleboro and Newcastle and the Nobleboro Historical Society. Festival events will take place in many locations around Damariscotta Mills — […]
Published
May 18, 2013

Skiing in Maine: Books provide thrills for those unable to play

Praise the Lord (or Mother Nature or the Gregorian Calendar) — spring is here! Now that the days are longer and the temperatures warmer, we can finally get outside and enjoy one of the four best seasons that Maine has to offer. It’s time to put the boat in the water, air out the hiking […]

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