Outdoors

Published
March 21, 2010

Got gear?

MOST ATHLETES understand the importance of wearing sweat proof sunscreen when exercising outdoors during peak sunlight. But many people do not realize that ultraviolet radiation can severely damage the eyes. LONG-TERM UV exposure can damage the cornea and lens. Exposure can also lead to cataracts and skin cancer around the eyelids. All eye colors are […]
Published
March 21, 2010

Fleming: Mountain trek is for a worthy cause

Many people hike, bike, run or kayak to raise money for a cause, but not all create a Web site as an educational platform to further environmental issues on top of a 30-mile-a-day, four-month trek. That’s what former Hampden Academy track star Oriana Farley did with her boyfriend, David Madeira, in preparation for their thru-hike […]
Published
March 21, 2010

Allen Afield: No burnout, just burning up calories on the road

Some writers who cover bicycling claim pedaling year-round can burn folks out, so even in warmer climates they encourage a layoff in winter, which allegedly rejuvenates the body and soul. These writers suggest a focus on weightlifting, riding stationary bikes, other exercises and dieting to stay in shape from December through March. It’s a regimen […]
Published
March 21, 2010

Skiing: Ready for a bigger, better Dumont Cup?

At 23, Simon Dumont of Bethel has skied and competed all over the world. His trophy shelf of big air and halfpipe medals is as vast as his passport stamps. Just this winter he’s traveled all over the Rockies, New Zealand, South America, Scandinavia, Austria and France – where I spoke with him last week […]
Published
March 21, 2010

Birding: Smart imagery, conception make new guides stand out

A couple of new books have crossed my desk that I think will be interest to birders. The first is a new field guide to the birds of the eastern part of our continent. Published by Princeton University Press, this guide is titled “Birds of Eastern North America: A Photographic Guide,” written by Paul Sterry […]

Published
March 21, 2010

Snowmobiling: We all can help improve reports on conditions

Snowmobilers are out on trails often for long periods of time in some of the most remote and rugged areas of Maine, in always-changing weather conditions. That is why what they see and hear is so important to the National Weather Service offices in Gray and Caribou. “This is the first year that our offices […]
Published
March 21, 2010

ShoutOut

Bradbury the spot for hawkwatching
Published
March 7, 2010

Snowmobiling: Lack of snow has hurt, but several races are still on

Many festivals and events were canceled this season due to a lack of snow – most notably Cain’s Quest, scheduled for the week of March 13 in Labrador City, Newfoundland, and now rescheduled for March 12, 2011. Many events in Maine were cancelled as well, but, remember that March can produce sizeable snowstorms, and “April […]
Published
March 7, 2010

Ask an Outdoorsman: Get educated about avalanches

Q: What causes avalanches? A: Basically, it happens when a lot of snow breaks away from a weak layer of snow. And this has to be on terrain of a sufficient angle. “Basically avalanches are a whole lot of bad luck,” says Jeremy Kupferman, a Professional Climbing Instructors Association certified climbing instructor and assistant winter […]
Published
March 7, 2010

Allen Afield: Yes, weasels can provide fun learning experience

Recently, on a sun-splashed day on the Bartlett Road in Belgrade, a short-tailed weasel (Mustela erminea) in its winter white caught my eye, darting furtively along the top of a dirty snowbank right beside my vehicle. I stopped and so did the little predator. He eyed me suspiciously before retreating to the woods. My passing […]

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