Most people go to Freeport to shop, the savvy make their way to Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, an oceanfront jewel with hiking trails and picnic area. One of the biggest natural attractions is the osprey nest on adjacent Googin’s Island, viewable from the mainland. This week, Dick, an elder male osprey, returned to his summer home and began preparing it in anticipation of his partner’s arrival from their winter place in Brazil.
The ospreys return (there’s another pair nesting in a salt marsh in the park) coincides well with the park’s upcoming annual Wolfe’s Neck Birding Festival.
According to park info: Osprey are one of the largest birds of prey in North America and eat fish almost exclusively. Once an endangered species because of pesticides, they are found on all continents except Antarctica. Osprey build nests on high trees and man-made structures. They mate for life, though if a mate dies, the remaining bird will find a second mate. Osprey can live 15 to 25 years.
Dick is thought to be the older male of the two Wolfe’s Neck pairs, according to according to Park Manager and naturalist Andy Hutchinson. The bird is mated to a younger female, and the mating is thought to have occurred nine years ago after he lost his first mate.
Photo: courtesy of Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands
I’ve been negligent in posting over the past few days, primarily due to exhaustion. I’m in Churchill, Manitoba. Not for the polar bears, not for the beluga whales, but for the northern lights. And I haven’t been disappointed. The sky has been tripping the light fantastic until 2, 3 a.m. or so. But here’s a little peek, the result of a tundra buggy adventure with Frontiers North outfitter.
This weekend, I hiked into the Flagstaff Lake Hut of the Maine Huts & Trails network for a quick overnight and to present Dave Herring (left), executive director of Maine Huts, with the Society of American Travel Writers Phoenix award. As a writer who specializes in Maine and who strives to get readers off the beaten path—beyond the chain motels and fast-food joints—to experience and discover the real Maine, I was particularly pleased to present this award.
Back in 1969, S.A.T.W. realized that tourism leaves footprints, some harmful to the environment, others—such as when we love a place too much—destroy the very reasons for travel. The Phoenix Award recognizes conservation, preservation, beautification, and antipollution accomplishments related to travel, and no place is more deserving than Maine Huts & Trails.
When completed, the 8-foot-wide human-powered/multi-use trail through Maine’s woods, lakes, and rivers will stretch 180 miles, from Newry in the Mahoosuc Mountains to Greenvile, on the shores of Moosehead Lake. Full-service, alternative-powered off-the-grid huts, spaced roughly every 10-12 miles or a day’s hike apart, offer comfy beds, hot showers, and delicious all-you-can-eat meals. The trail is open to bikes, skis, snowshoes, and foot, as well as, in some locations, canoes, kayaks, and rafts.
To date, two huts have been completed, one at Poplar Falls, a bit over two miles from the trailhead in Carrabassett Valley, and the second on the shores of Flagstaff Lake, just shy of two miles from the Long Falls Dam Road trailhead, or a good day’s hike or ski from Poplar.
Previously, I’ve hiked into Poplar; the hike into Flagstaff is far easier, opening up the experience to far more folks (one can even go in over the construction road, shortening it to just over one mile); in summer, it’s even a lunch (with option for overnight) stop on a pontoon-boat tour of Flagstff lake. The third hut, sited on Grand Falls of the Dead River, is awaiting final permits and fund raising, but construction is slated to begin this year, perhaps as early as May.
Before the snow melts and the huts close for mud season (later this month), go in for a look-see. Hike, ski, or snowshoe in for lunch, if not an overnight. You’ll be amazed at what’s available:
• bunkrooms sleeping 2-8 outfitted with nice mattresses, pillows, and fleece blankets and heated to 60 degrees;
• dining hall, with woodstove, and a lounge, with leather furniture, games, and a few books;
• drying room for wet gear;
• restroom equipped with showers, composting toilets, and sinks.
You might be in the middle of the Maine woods, but you’re not really roughing it. Even beer and wine are available.
Go ahead, give it a try. Trust me, you might be a bit challenged, but you won’t be disappointed. Below is a just a sampling of what awaits along the trail.
NOTE: Top photo credit and copyright Carey Kish; all others credit and copyright Hilary Nangle.
Bunk rooms are bright, clean, and comfy. All-you-can-eat family-style dinners might include roast turkey with all the fixings followed by linzer torte.After dinner, relax by the woodstove.A crew from the Wilderness House sports stores prepares to hit the trail in the morning.
Had the great fortune to attend Maine golden boy Seth Wescott’s homecoming celebration at Sugarloaf, and hat’s off to the guy. Wescott’s love for his hometown and state is heartfelt, and Mainers know that. They also know he gives as good as he gets.
A humongous crowd showed up at the ‘loaf to welcome him home, and Seth didn’t disappoint. He rode in amidst throngs of eager kids, then took to a balcony podium, where Maine Governor John Baldacci congratulated him, before turning over the mic. Afterwards, Seth patiently sat and signed autographs for what must have been hours, giving each child his undivided attention for a minute or two as he signed, smiled for the photo, and engaged the kid in conversation.
Back in 1991, Seth said he attended the U.S. Open and watched his biggest heroes refuse to sign autographs for kids. “I said if I ever get to that point, it’s a way to give back; it motivates kids for years to come,” he said. “And I’d rather that than be a jerk.”
WinterKids
Seth is not only a motivator, but also a spokesperson for Maine’s WinterKids Program, which aims to get kids participating in winter sports. He sees his role as a “natural extension of the way I was introduced to the sport.” Neither of his parents skied, so it took initiative to not only take up the sport but keep with it. “Maine’s winters are long and cold, and there’s a lot of childhood obesity. It’s important to get kids outdoors to have fun.” And that’s, what WinterKids is all about.
Training at Sugarloaf
Seth also talked about his connection to the ‘loaf. When asked why he remains anchored here when so many athletes choose to move elsewhere to live and train, he said: “I don’t want to move my home. You can’t get a sense of home by changing your roots. It never crossed my mind to move.”
In high school, he’d look out the thrid floor window and see the back side of Sugarloaf. “I skipped a lot of school,” he quipped. “I feel more at home here than anywhere in the world. We spend so much time on the road.” Then he praised the local facilities—the mountain, CVA, and the Anti-Gravity Center: “These are equally as good as if not the best training and gym facilities anywhere in the U.S.”
Future vision
Seth is aiming for the 2014 Olympics, and he’s also planning to play a role in Sugarloaf’s future. “Sugarloaf is in my heart. There’s a lot I want to do,” he said. He’s involved with a Vision 2020 program that’s setting long-term goals. “I want to help the mountain implement the potential of what this place has to offer. There’s another whole mountain to develop, so much potential to realize, and I’m excited to get involved to make that reality. The next 10 years are going to be exciting.”
Camden Harbour Inn bar manager Tom Laslavic won Monday night’s Bartender Bash, the kick-off to Maine Restaurant Week. Laslavic’s drink, Camden Hike, was inspired by ingredients from a summer walk in Mid-coast Maine. The drink comprises a sweet and tart blend of Cold River Vodka, lemon, blueberry puree, blackberry puree, Crème de Cassis, Honey Syrup and Club Soda.
Want to try a Camden Hike at home? Here’s the recipe:
Camden Hike Created by Tom Laslavic of Natalie’s Restaurant
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz. Cold River Vodka
1/2 lemon, squeezed
1 tsp. blueberry puree
1 tsp. blackberry puree
1/4 oz. Creme de Cassis
1/2 oz. honeyClub soda
Fresh berries and thick lemon peel garnish
Mixed and shaken, pour into iced glass topped with cold club soda & garnished with fresh berries and lemon peel.
My suggestion: Enjoy it after, not before, you hike those Camden Hills.
When the world, technology, and the buzz of civilization become too much, consider unplugging and rediscovering life’s simple pleasures at this one-bedroom housekeeping cottage on Loring Point, Maine. Situated on Passamaquoddy Bay, a bit north of the Eastport turnoff, it’s a fine place to watch those humongous tides ebb and flow, sight birds and other wildlife, hike and paddle.
Walt Loring is the sixth-generation owner of this 15-acre chunk of real estate, with 1,500 feet of shoreline, and he’s put a conservation easement on about 10 acres to preserve it.
Do note the cottage is rustic, as in there’s-no-electricity, and there’s-an-outhouse rustic (a two-holer!), but there’s a fully equipped kitchen, with hot and cold running water, and an outdoor hot water shower. Walt’s partner, Susan, has added her artistic touches (and quilts) to make it all quite comfy and homelike. Both are Reiki masters, so they can help heal what ails you. And try, just try, to resist purchasing one of Susan’s quilts.
Olympian Seth Wescott, who calls Maine’s Carrabassett Valley home, won his second Olympic Snowboardcross gold medal yesterday; he’d won the inaugural Olympic event in 2006. Seth is a western Maine mountain’s guy, his heart’s here and his home’s here, and he’s never forgotten his roots here. He’s an owner of The Rack, the restaurant and bar on Sugarloaf’s access road, which celebrated big time last night. There’s already a good display of Seth’s Olympic and other memorabilia on display, but that’ll probably grow when he returns from Vancouver. And, by the way, The Rack is one of the best places to catch him; either that or on the hill.
You want remote? You want to cross-country ski or snowshoe without seeing anyone but a moose? Or maybe ride that snowmobile over groomed trails through Maine’s back country wilderness? Yeah, I’ve got just the ticket.
Five Lakes Lodge photo credit.
Five Lakes Lodge, seven miles south of Millinocket (about 75 miles north of Bangor), is just as its name indicates. The massive log lodge sits on a spit of land extending into one of the five lakes that nearly surround it. And the views? Down the lakes to Katahdin in the distance. Gorgeous country. We’re talking true wilderness here, folks.
The lodge especially appeals to snowmobilers, as its sited midway between ITS 86 and ITS83 on the Katahdin Loop Trail.
But it’s not just snowmobilers who will will enjoy it. Snowshoers and cross-country skiers can escape the vrooms and fumes on nearby groomed trails or with a trek to Ragged Mountain’s summit or in Baxter State Park.
Now don’t go thinking this place is old and creaky, far from it. It was purpose built, opening in 2004. Rooms vary, but most have king-size log beds, gas stove, and inroom hot tubs. There’s a sauna on the premises, and a huge stone fireplace in the great room. Breakfasts are guaranteed to fuel you though a full morning of activity, and then some. Or just hang out and soak in those views.
By Cheryl Michaelsen, former owner of the Berry Manor Inn in Rockland
List is garnered from former guests of the Berry Manor Inn and veterans of the Pies on Parade events. Cheryl’s husband–Piehead Mike, at right–ticks off the tips:
1. Friends don’t let Friends Drive “Pie-Eyed”. Treat yourself to a 1 or 2 night package at one of the Historic Inns of Rockland.
2. Pre-schedule time at the gym on the Monday following to enjoy the Pie Parade guilt free. (Pie-lates would be a good choice!)
3. Dress for Success: Baggy pants with elastic waistband to “stretch” for pie consumption, comfortable shoes to power walk between pie venues to burn calories and layers to accommodate the dash in and out of pie stops and the flush of the sugar high.
4. Bring your own water bottle and cutlery – fork, spoon or spork! This saves time and helps the environment.
5. Put extra tape on your “Pie Sticker Ticket” so it adheres to your coat, hat or purse in any weather and allows you to “flash” it at the door to bypass the lines.
6. Plan your pie route in advance to optimize the number of pie stops you make in the allotted time.
7. If you plan to “Power Pie” and make it to all stops, set the timer on your cellphone to keep you on schedule. With 15 venues, 10 minutes per venue with 5 minutes transport in between.
8. Pace the sweet pie intake – start heavy on the savory pies and then move to the sweet pies to balance the sugar hit.
9. Conserve space in one’s “Pie Hole” — share pie samples with friends to increase the number of pies one can taste.
10. Smile – you can’t spell “Helping” without “P”- “I”- “E” and by participating in the event you are helping to raise funds for food and fuel for our local community.
Remember buy your tickets early there is a limited number and may not be any at the door on the day of the event.
Most people go to Freeport to shop, the savvy make their way to Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, an oceanfront jewel with hiking trails and picnic area. One of the biggest natural attractions is the osprey nest on adjacent Googin’s Island, viewable from the mainland. This week, Dick, an elder male osprey, returned to his summer home and began preparing it in anticipation of his partner’s arrival from their winter place in Brazil.
