Outdoors

Published
March 7, 2010

Birding: Some high-fliers from the world of bird books

A reader of this column, Tim McCormack, asked me to suggest a list of bird books to provide a good overview of the field of ornithology. After sending him some suggestions, it occurred to me that other readers might be interested in them as well. The number of bird books is huge, so I’ve chosen […]
Published
March 7, 2010

Learn to be a track star

Upcoming workshops can help you spot clues that identify the critters sharing your world.
Published
March 7, 2010

‘Crazy’ in a good way: Skiing on vintage gear

Portland ski instructor Theo Johnsen was one of the first Maine advocates for Alpine fun. And it’s interesting to note that in 1905, Johnsen called the skis made a century and a half before him “clumsy and awkward.” “Tradition tells us that the skee or sliding snowshoe … proved a heavy load to fasten to […]
Published
February 28, 2010

Hiking: Chill out on off-season seaside walks

Maine’s coastal beaches provide myriad opportunities for winter walking. In sharp contrast to the crowds of people basking in the summer heat, our beaches at this time of year are pretty much empty — perfect for a contemplative walk amid the rhythmic sounds of the waves breaking onshore and the invigorating smells of salty sea […]
Published
February 28, 2010

Allen Afield: Delve into a clever kingdom

Recently, I bought Bernd Heinrich’s ”Winter World” (Harper Perennial), a wonderful nature book by one of the world’s more prolific and entertaining naturalists. Heinrich owns a cabin in Perkins Township west of Farmington, a getaway spot from his job as professor of biology at the University of Vermont. Here in Maine, Heinrich spends free time […]

Published
February 28, 2010

GOT GEAR?

HERE’S A BIT of a different take on a gear feature. THIS IS A COOL site that seems worth sharing for anyone worried about having their gear jacked. IT’S CALLED Karma Army (www.karmaarmy.com), and they bill themselves as an ”Amber alert for your gear.” They’ll send out e-mail blasts in your area if your bike […]
Published
February 28, 2010

Skiing: Slope speak

That last face-plant, those too-chic togs and more all have meaning if you know the latest ski lingo.
Published
February 28, 2010

Snowmobiling: Snowolves’ Winterfest embracing community

Winterfest, sponsored by the Gray Snowolves Snowmobile Club, will be a community-wide event this year. The snowmobile club has teamed up with Libby Hill Forest Trails, the Gray-New Gloucester Fire Department and other community groups. The event will be at its traditional location — Crystal Lake — as well as Gray-New Gloucester High School, located […]
Published
February 28, 2010

Wescott’s Olympic gold will give ‘Loaf a lift, but not a gondola . . . yet

How many gold medals does it take to buy a gondola? That’s a question Sugarloafers may be asking after their ski area’s ambassador, Seth Wescott, returns home this week to Carrabassett Valley from the Vancouver Olympics, where he won his second gold medal in snowboardcross. Wescott, who lives at the base of Sugarloaf and has […]
Published
February 28, 2010

It’s a win-win situation

First the Sachs family of Freeport snags a free day on the slopes. Then they have a great time.

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Outdoors