On May 29, I got the gift of walking proposed parts of Brunswick’s Perimeter Trail with Parks and Facilities manager and town forester Dennis Wilson and with representatives from the Lands Committee of the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust (note: I am also a member of that committee). On a morning when “more showers” were predicted, we […]
Maine outdoors
Posted inTimes Record
Heavy rains bring exciting whitewater in Western Maine
A major, two-day rainstorm in early May had members of the Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society studying river gauges for paddling opportunities. As rivers and streams rose during the second day of steady rain, plans were formulated. Eggman DeCoster announced a mountain stream descent in the North Conway, New Hampshire, area. Another group, organized by […]
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Posted inTimes Record
Final days on the Mopang Stream and Machias River expedition
Three of us awoke to the amenities of Wigwams Camp. Ken Gordon, Eggman DeCoster and I had reserved the cabin for the first night of our three-day trip on Mopang Stream and the Machias River. Owned by Downeast Salmon Federation, the cabin is located at the bottom of the first of four challenging whitewater rapids […]
Posted inTimes Record
A day of adversity while canoeing and kayaking on Mopang Stream
Although Mopang Stream in Washington County is a significant tributary of the Machias River, it’s rarely paddled. Limited road access, obtaining a reliable description and determining an adequate water level make planning a trip complex. Another complication: Since it enters the Machias River some distance from dependable road access, an overnight trip is necessary. This […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Do This, Guides, Life & Culture, Maine, Outdoors
Here’s 16 easy hikes in every county in Maine
We’ve finally traded snow boots for hiking boots, so it’s time to discover great hikes in every corner of Maine.
Posted inTimes Record
A rare descent of Upper St. George River
For many years, I’ve organized a Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society spring whitewater trip on the St. George River that flows through Waldo and Knox counties. The section chosen has been from Searsmont to North Appleton, the same route as the traditional downriver race held each March. Rarely paddled is a sector of the St. […]
Posted inTimes Record
A challenging paddle on Crooked River
Paddling the Crooked River near East Waterford has been on my mind for decades. When my friend, Paul Plumer, suggested joining him and Eggman DeCoster for a trip down Crooked River in late March, I quickly agreed. Neither Eggman nor I had paddled Crooked, and Paul’s only experience was in the summer of 1990 at […]
Posted inTimes Record
Rolling kayaks and canoes — for safety
The ability to roll a kayak or canoe in whitewater or the ocean is a great asset. A successful roll can make the difference between a very enjoyable paddling experience and an unpleasant swim. A failure to roll risks the loss of boat and paddle or worse. The kayak roll was developed by Inuits for […]
Posted inTimes Record
A blustery hike on Camden Hills Bald Mountain
There are a lot of Bald Mountains in Maine. I count at least four: Bald Mountain in Oquossoc, Bald Mountain in Weld, Bald Mountain in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island and Bald Mountain in the Camden Hills. There may be more. The four Bald Mountains have a similarity. All of them are relatively […]
Posted inTimes Record
Unique skiing on Titcomb Mountain
I’ve been aware of Titcomb Mountain in Farmington as a winter recreation destination for years. However, I didn’t realize they had an extensive network of cross-country ski trails. I recently met a skier who praised the quality of the Titcomb Ski Area trails and added that it was possible to ride the alpine ski lift […]