2019 Maine Outdoors & Adventure

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Fall/Winter 2019

READY TO HIT

THE TRAILS? ICE FISHING SEASON A FROZEN MAINE TRADITION

MEET A COUPLE ENJOYING WINTER

OFF THE GRID

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‘Tis the season Experts, locals weigh in on Maine’s ice fishing tradition

BY JOSHUA ARCHER Scott Belair (right) unhooks a cusk while his brother-in-law, Beau Bradstreet (near left), and father-in-law Steven Bradstreet look on.

PHOTO: COURTESY SCOTT BELAIR

F

or some, the itch to go ice fishing lasts year

handle, to first check thickness a few feet out from shore

round. When winter finally arrives, weekends

and if that looks good I will walk further out while heavily

will be spent on Maine’s frozen lakes drilling

striking the ice with the chisel every few feet,” he said.

holes, dropping bait, and hoping for a big catch.

This year, Maine’s ice fishing season begins on January

1, 2020, according to Scott Belair, a land enforcement officer for the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s northern Maine region.

He recommends to stop and check the ice about every 25 feet.

A visit to a nearby fishing establishment may be the next step before heading out to fish, Belair said.

“A local fishing shop is a great place to get guidance on

“Some lakes are open as soon as the ice is safe, which

selecting and/or using gear as well as current conditions,”

is usually early December or even late November in the

he said. “The internet can be a great source of info as well

north,” Belair said. “Other lakes do not open until the

and a quick search will reveal countless articles on the

middle of February, so you really need to check the law

basics of ice fishing. Iceshanty.com is a website with forums

book for season dates.”

organized by state where you can read trip reports, ask gear

Belair said many lakes have line limits, species limits, and special regulations that the public should be aware

questions, get info on current conditions, and read many great fishing stories, some of which might even be true.”

of. And with the exception of one free fishing weekend

Belair said good fishing is available statewide, and

each year during the ice fishing season, a fishing license

determining the best place to ice fish may depend on the

is required to fish in Maine. Newcomers to the sport can

desired species of fish.

visit maine.gov/ifw for more information on fishing laws, regulations, and safety tips.

Before venturing out on a frozen body of water, it is important to check how thick the ice is and determine how much weight the ice can support to prevent injury.

“Ice safety is crucial, and since ice thickness can vary

“If the trip objective is to introduce newcomers to ice fishing, a place should be selected that ensures fast action with lots of flags. This is much more exciting than a long day with no flags,” he said.

Those flags are attached to ice fishing traps. When a trap is tripped, the flag raises signaling sings of a fish.

Matt Albert, raised in northern Maine, has made many trips to his family’s camp at Cross Lake over the years and said he’s been ice fishing for as long as he can remember.

considerably from place to place on a lake, you should never

Bodies of water with warm water species of fish offer

“My dad always used to take me ice fishing and I ended up getting

venture out unless you have checked the thickness and are

more excitement, Belair said. He suggested looking at fish

hooked on it,” Albert said. “We’d go ice fishing there almost every

positive that you know how much ice is under you,” he said.

stocking reports available on maine.gov/ifw to see where

weekend when it’s nice out. Opening day we’re out there.”

Belair added that while 2–3 inches of ice will hold a

cold water fish may have been heavily stocked in the fall,

person’s weight, he prefers four inches or more before he sets out to ice fish.

“During early season trips when there tends to be less ice, I like to use an ice chisel, a heavy blade on a four to five foot

which, Belair said, can result in good early season trips.

“Many of the northern and western lakes are well known for salmon, lake trout and brook trout and often hold trophy size fish,” he said.

When the time finally arrives to fish, Albert recommended to make sure your ice auger starts before leaving, remember to pack traps, flags and reels, and most importantly don’t forget your bait.

“Shiners, smelt, those both work really good—live bait, you know,” he said.

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After drilling a hole through the ice it’s time to set up traps.

“Your traps are those pieces of wood that

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to run out of bait. It’s my release,” he said.

Belair said being a successful fisherman takes time.

have like a cross. The reel fits down in the hole

“Like all fishing, exploration is part of

and the cross stays on the ice. The bottom part

the experience and finding the best places

has the reel on it and that stays in the water,

requires time,” Belair said. “Achieving fishing

that way it won’t freeze up. The wheel will

success can be incredibly time consuming,

spin so when the fish get the bait and run with

but for me at least, that is the point of being

it, then the reel will still be able to spin and it

out there.”

won’t be frozen in the ice,” he said.

Albert recommended placing the bait just below the drilled hole.

Belair visits his camp on Millinocket Lake near Baxter State Park in the winter to ice fish.

“You try and get your line with your bait

“It is such a beautiful place to be out on

and everything just below the ice a little bit

the ice with Mt. Katahdin as a backdrop. My

because that’s where the fish like to run, just

favorite spot is at a small lake that often offers

below the ice,” he said.

very slow fishing which is a turn off to many

On many occasions Albert has fished from

as it can make for a long day. However, when

sunup to sundown. He said patience is part of

a flag goes up there is often a two to three

the hunt.

pound brook trout that has taken the hook

“That’s my therapy, I guess you could call it. If I’ve had a rough week at work, it’s like I have to go out on the ice and go up there—the only thing I have to worry about is if I’m going

Scott Belair (left, in red) watches as his brother-in-law Beau Bradstreet (right) catches a lake trout while his father-inlaw Steven Bradstreet (middle) assists.

and my personal record while ice fishing there was a five pounder.”

“Sorry,” he added coyly. “I can’t seem to

PHOTO: COURTESY SCOT T BELAIR

remember the name of that lake.”

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The mountains are calling —and you must go!

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COURTESY ACADIA MOUNTAIN GUIDES CLIMBING SCHOOL

each the summit of Maine—in winter! At 5,268 feet, Mount Katahdin is the state’s highest peak.

The remote and wild beauty of the mountain provide some of the most challenging backcountry skiing and climbing terrain in New England.

Reaching the summit at any time of year is an accomplishment, but in the winter it holds a little more magic—and a lot less people. The remote location, arctic environment, and rugged terrain make climbing Katahdin one of the most rewarding winter alpine ascents around.

Fortunately for brave souls everywhere, the Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School (AMGCS) offers open enrollment weekend summit climbs throughout the winter. Trips are also available by private arrangement and are led by experienced winter mountaineering guides. Hiring a guide can make a winter trip significantly more relaxing and rewarding—and will increase your odds of reaching the summit.

Climbing Katahdin in winter is a physically demanding trip, but requires no previous winter climbing or camping experience when accompanied by a professionally-trained guide.

AMGCS provides all technical equipment on their climbs including mountaineering boots, snowshoes, crampons and ice axe. They also have -20 degree sleeping bags available to rent.

The weekend trip includes two hot backcountry meals.

A typical weekend begins at Acadia Mountain Guides’ Orono gear shop, where a guide ensures you’re equipped with the appropriate personal and group gear prior to heading north. Upon arrival at the mountain, you’ll begin the approach with a half-day ski or snowshoe to a winter camp at the base. Your guide prepares a meal to fuel the next day’s summit attempt. After dinner, the guide teaches winter travel, camping, and climbing skills and helps you settle into camp in anticipation of an early morning start.

The following morning, your guide leads the way toward the

summit, teaching mountaineering skills as needed. Route conditions can vary greatly. From icy rock, to deep snow, to icy, semitechnical snow, your guide will ensure you’re outfitted with the appropriate equipment. After climbing to the summit and descending back to camp, the party makes the final push back to the trailhead by early evening to complete a challenging day.

Jon Tierney, AMGCS’s owner and a LifeFlight paramedic, has taught wilderness medicine for over three decades. He guides international climbing and skiing trips, provides mentorship for guides across the nation, and serves as the educational director for the Professional Climbing Instructors Association.

AMGCS has been continually accredited and peer reviewed by the American Mountain Guides Association since 1993.

For more information, visit AlpenglowGear.com or contact AMG at climb@acadiamountainguides.com or 207-866-7562.

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The hunt doesn’t end with the picture

For one Maine youth, game hunting is deeply ingrained

BY GENIE JENNINGS

H

unting season is nearly upon us. Many Mainers, hunter or not, are aware that deer hunting begins in early November.

The fall/winter hunting season actually begins,

however, in late August with bear hunting followed by

other specific types of animals.

With the wide array of hunting opportunities at hand, many hunters have one or two types of animals that they pursue.

Laurelai Winslow of Damariscotta, Maine, is a young girl who is fortunate enough to do it all. Well, most of it—in Maine, a person must be 10 years old to participate in the moose lottery.

Laurelai is nine.

Life as a hunter can be exciting when you have a father who is a guide and a mother whose family has owned sporting camps in the North Maine Woods for several generations. When your whole family hunts and fishes, you get to live what might be a fantasy for many children who are interested in hunting.

Although few have the familial opportunities that Laurelai does,

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(Left) Laurelai Winslow and her father with a turkey and “Hunting Barbie.”

(Right) Laurelai hauls off the hide and bones from a successful hunt in her junior-sized ATV.

PHOTO: (BACKGROUND) ©TOMREICHNER /ADOBE STOCK

PHOTOS: CONTRIBUTED

many children hunt in Maine. There is no minimum

Hunters must be 16 years old before they can take a

age for the Junior Hunting License which extends

hunter safety course and go on their own.

Laurelai learned early that the majority of the work happens after the pictures have been taken. The game

through age 15. According to the Maine Department

In the fall, social media sites are full of pictures

they are seeking is destined to be on their table. Much

of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, hunters from 10–15

from proud parents of their progeny with their

of it will spend some amount of time in the freezer.

years of age must be in the presence of, and under

bucks and birds. Laurelai’s parents’ Facebook

Whatever has been killed must be transported and

the effective control of, an adult supervisor. Being

pages have been inundated with her trophies. The

processed. As a toddler on her first outing, she was able to

“in the presence” means that there must constantly

walls of their home display her first partridge

carry four ruffed grouse one at a time back to the cabin.

be both visual and voice contact with the young

(ruffed grouse), deer, and bear.

She brings her deer and turkeys back in a sled attached to her junior-sized all-terrain vehicle. She enjoys being

hunter without the use of enhancing devices, such

Laurelai, however, is not a trophy hunter. Although

as binoculars or radio devices. The supervising adult

she loves almost all aspects of the hunts and rarely

must always be able to see and speak to their charge.

complains of the cold, the early mornings, and

While her father does the heavy lifting (literally) of

Hunters under the age of 10 must be within 20 feet of

the long slogging walks, she takes great pride in

hanging the carcasses and cutting them into manageable

the adult supervisor at all times.

contributing to the food supply along with the adults.

pieces, Laurelai participates in the processing. Last fall

This required close supervision is the reason many

When the family is hunting with others, she is quick

Laurelai filled more than one freezer.

kids who would enjoy hunting as intensely as Laurelai

to share targets, especially with other youngsters and

This junior hunter even delights in taking her

does cannot do so. They can’t go by themselves or in

adults who do not get to go as often as she, according

own jerky to school for lunch—a big part of the

a band of youngsters the way they might go fishing.

to her parents.

culmination of the hunt.

able to transport other hunters’ catches, as well.

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Brookfield Renewable: B rookfield Renewable develops innovative natural power solutions that

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Our environmental principles are based on accountability, partnership and open communication. We accept the responsibility of managing natural resources in ways that ensure their long-term sustainability.

Brookfield Renewable is proud to have a strong presence in Maine with a long track record of providing clean, renewable, and

reliable energy to the people of Maine and New England. We are constantly working to be a responsible partner, committed to enhancing the recreational, cultural, and historic resources in the communities in which we operate.

This includes working to highlight the natural beauty and recreational benefits of this great state.

Did you know Brookfield Renewable provides whitewater releases on the Penobscot, Androscoggin, Kennebec, and Dead River?

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Fall/Winter 2019

Fun and creativity are

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highlights of Midcoast Conservancy biathlon

COURTESY MIDCOAST CONSERVANCY here can you find a squirrel on the firing end of a paintball rifle; or a lizard, the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland,

and Tigger on skis? Only at the Midcoast Conservancy winter biathlon, to be held Saturday, February 29, at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson, Maine.

In 2019, nearly 100 racers ranging in age from five years old to over 80 took to the groomed one-kilometer-lap ski course, while enthusiastic spectators urged them on with cheers and cowbells. Using Midcoast Conservancy’s paintball rifles, skiers flop down at the firing range between laps to take five shots at the targets under the supervision of a host of gun safety volunteers. Missed shots lead to short penalty laps around a nearby pond before the next race course lap can begin.

Racers ski at all skill levels and either individually or as teams of four. Team

names are always creative; 2019 winner of best name was Unicorn Splat. Costumes (encouraged but optional) spawned even more creativity: one family, winners of best costume for their Alice In Wonderland cast of characters, sewed all four of their outfits themselves. A group of intrepid first-time snowshoers came from the local high school and raced with smiles on their faces the whole way. The s’mores station was the most popular spot for the 30 kids who raced in the biathlon.

Fire pits keep everyone warm between races, as do hot chocolate, coffee, veggie chili and cookies for hungry racers. Skis, boots and poles, as well as snowshoes, are available to rent for the event. Midcoast Conservancy’s Outdoor Adventure gear library has skis, snowshoes, kayaks, fat tire bikes and more that are available for community programs throughout the midcoast area.

Race fees are $35 for adults, $10 for kids and students. Registration for the Biathlon will open on September 1.

The race is held regardless of snow conditions; in the event of no snow, running replaces skiing.

Hidden Valley Nature Center is 1,000 acres with nearly 30 miles of trails. Trails are groomed after significant snowfall and all are invited to ski, snowshoe, bike or hike its trails. For those looking for an extended visit, Midcoast Conservancy has five cabins and yurts available for overnight camping. Members get a 40% discount on reservations. For more informa-

tion on ways to spend time at HVNC, visit midcoastconservancy. org/preserve/hidden-valley-nature-center.

For information on Midcoast Conservancy and Outdoor Adventure programs, visit midcoastconservancy.org or call (207) 389-5150.

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Off the

beaten path

Acadia National Park offers unique cross-country skiing experience bolstered by teamwork

BY ALAN CROWELL

I

n the world of cross-country skiing,

chased with funds raised by the con-

the chance to hit some of the most

“We all enjoy getting out in the park

Acadia National Park on Mount

servation group Friends of Acadia,

beautiful trails in the world, including

and skiing, being able to enjoy our

Desert Island is an oddity, although

while the National Park Service pro-

well-known names like Witch Hole

backyard, so to speak. They are just a

“outlier” may be a better term.

vides training and support and also

Loop, Eagle Lake Connector, and

great group of people who love the park,

maintains the machines.

Paradise Hill Loop.

and that is why they do it,” she said.

More hilly than mountainous and

perpetually exposed to the vagaries

Together, the consortium over-

The iconic trails flow through

As the owner of real estate firm

of ocean-born storms with a mix of

comes both the vagaries of island

forests of evergreens, by lakes, over

The Knowles Company, founded in

rain and ice and snow, Mount Desert

weather and federal red tape to keep

historic bridges and offer glimpses

the 19th century by Belle Smallidge

Island doesn’t offer the consistent

a world-class mix of trails groomed

of the Atlantic Ocean and the islands

Knowles, a trail breaker who started

conditions prized by skiers.

at minimal expense and attract thou-

off Bar Harbor.

the first real estate firm of its kind

But to a growing group of fans, many of whom keep a daily check on

sands of appreciative visitors during the park’s slow period.

After a big winter storm has blown

in the area while raising a family,

through, on a cold day when the sky

Thompson said she doesn’t have

conditions via the Friends of Acadia

It all started at a time when there

is blue, the experience is magical,

much time to enjoy the trails during

Facebook page, skiing on the carriage

was even less funding for national

said Mia Thompson, president of the

the summer season.

trails makes up for all that with its

parks than there is today and a

Acadia Winter Trails Association.

spectacular scenery and miles upon

local dentist and cross-country ski

“Some people call it a champagne day.

miles of gently graded carriage trails

enthusiast tied a box spring behind

It is blue sky and all white snow. It is

ideally suited to skiers.

his snowmobile and headed out after

fabulous. It is one of those times in our

“The people are so appreciative of

a snowstorm so he and some friends

life when it is so gorgeous, and you just

it that it just makes you feel good,

could skate ski.

get to breath it all in. There is a beautiful

and I really love it when people are

quietness in it,” said Thompson.

out in the winter doing something

Even more unusual — perhaps unique — is the arrangement by which those trails are groomed, one

More than thirty years later, the

in which about 13 volunteer members

volunteer groomers are driven by a

Thompson said that the volunteers

of the Acadia Winter Trails Associa-

similar love of outdoor recreation

are motivated by a love of skiing and

tion volunteers drive equipment pur-

and a desire to see other people have

the outdoors.

But as much as she enjoys skiing, she also enjoys seeing visitors on the trails.

physical,” said Thompson.

As a business owner, she said she also appreciates the financial

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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 13

Interesting ice formations adorn the rock ledges along a carriage road that is a part of the Hadlock Loop, a cross-country skiing route in Acadia National Park.

PHOTO BY AISLINN SARNACKI

impact the visitors have on the

Paige projects

island’s economy.

Steele,

the

manager

conservation

at

Friends

of

$5,000 set aside to cover expenses

With frequent freeze and thaw cycles, conditions quickly move from

during the season.

“That is important for our year-

Acadia, said the program has grown

“It is kind of crazy because we

ideal to icy. Even if an early winter

round population and businesses,”

substantially since it started out

don’t really have a big budget,” said

storm brings a foot of snow, if the

she said.

with just a handful of friends with

Steele, “but the community just goes

trails themselves are not frozen,

a snowmobile and some improvised

wild for it.”

groomers don’t go out for fear of

Both skate skiers (similar to ice skating, only on somewhat abbreviated

Thousands of people keep track of

grooming equipment.

damaging the surface.

skis) and traditional cross-country

In 2005, with funds from a donor,

conditions through updates posted on

If a tree falls down in an area

skiers share the trails with walkers

Friends of Acadia endowed a fund

the Friends of Acadia Facebook page –

where there are protected animals

and people on snowshoes.

for

which

one post last year drew 20,000 views – and

or rare plants, a biologist may need

In order to maintain the best

today includes several snowmobiles

when conditions are right, visitors arrive

to be involved to ensure the tree

conditions for all three categories

as well as a tracked Kubota groomer.

from throughout New England and as

is removed safely. If one of the

of

The park system also helps with

far away as Philadelphia and Quebec,

historic stone bridges are damaged,

snowshoes use the same section of

training,

where snow conditions are more stable

a trail may be closed until the

trail) volunteers ask that everyone use

maintaining equipment.

but the windchill can be brutal.

bridge can be fixed in a historically

users (walkers and people on

grooming

equipment,

supervision

and

by

At

those

times

when

all

the

accurate manner.

the section of the trail that is prepared

Up to 30 volunteers, Park Service

for their particular form of recreation.

and Friends of Acadia staff are

elements align and the trails are in

It all means balancing the use of

cross-

involved in some way with grooming

great shape, she said there can be as

the trails by recreational users and

country skiers are normally on

over the course of a winter, either

many cars in some areas as there are

maintaining a beloved park that is

one side, with a section for skate

by

in the summer months.

under increasing strain.

skiers in the middle, while walkers

maintaining equipment or supporting

and snowshoe users use the side

the project in some other way.

Tracks

for

traditional

opposite that of traditional crosscountry skiers.

It

doing

all

the

comes

actual

grooming,

together

on

a

shoestring budget with only about

Because Acadia is on the ocean

“We do as much as we can to keep

and because the trails themselves

the public happy, but we always have

are historically very significant,

to make sure that we are taking care

grooming can be a tricky business.

of the primary resource,” said Steele.

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Make this season

on the slopes

safe and successful

S

kiing and snowboarding remain very popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to be relegated to the couch upon the arrival of winter weather. For the millions of men, women and children who can’t wait to hit the slopes each winter, the thrill of racing down snow-covered mountainsides is a feeling unlike any other.

While skiing and snowboarding are popular recreational activities, they can still be dangerous.

As a result, it’s imperative that anyone who plans to hit the slopes this winter takes steps to ensure this winter sports season is as safe and successful as it is thrilling.

• Start exercising. If

it’s been awhile since you hit the gym or broke a sweat, it’s best to start

exercising before you hit the slopes. Your risk of injury is greater if you are out of shape upon returning to the slopes, so start exercising as the season approaches so you can regain any flexibility you might have lost since you last slipped on your skis or strapped into your snowboard.

Some strength training exercises can reduce your risk of broken bones should you fall while on the mountain, and the better shape you’re in the more energy you will have to stay on the slopes.

• Reassess your gear. Before your first skiing or snowboarding trip, reexamine your gear to make sure it does not need to be replaced. If your gear has a bit too much wear and tear, the National Ski Areas Association recommends choosing gear that is resistant to wind and water and wearing gear that protects you from the sun, which can still do damage by reflecting off the snow and causing sunburn. In addition, inspect your equipment, including your skis and snowboard, to make sure they are up for another season of hitting the slopes.

• Take lessons. Novice skiers and snowboarders might want to take a refresher course at the onset of each ski and snowboarding season. Qualified instructors can reacquaint you with techniques you might have forgotten since last winter, and such instruction can reduce your risk of injury.

• Ease yourself back in. While it can be tempting to pick up where you left off last season, going too hard on your first trip can increase your risk of injury. Ease yourself back in on your first few trips down the mountain, warming up on easier slopes until you once again get the hang of things and feel comfortable tackling more difficult trails. If you do find yourself struggling on a slope, the NSAA advises that you always leave your skis and snowboard on and side step down the slope.

Many athletes and outdoor enthusiasts anxiously anticipate the day when they can return to the slopes to ski or snowboard. But it’s important that skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels exercise caution so their winter sports season starts off on the right foot.

Fall/Winter 2019

A visit to

BY TRAVIS FERLAND

Trip Journal, Day 1

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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 15

Rangeley in autumn

I’m an avid hiker, so the next stop was

kayaks out for a paddle on Haley Pond to

Trip Journal, Day 3

Bald Mountain. The first part of the trail

watch the loons. The inn had a plentiful

Sadly, it was time to depart and there

climbs very gradually and winds through

breakfast buffet and delicious local coffee

was still so much to explore! What about

We meandered into Rangeley along Route

the forest. The last section of the trail is

from Carrabassett Coffee. Feeling energized

hiking Saddleback Mountain, or Angel’s

17 (a National Scenic Byway), stopping

much steeper with some scrambling. At the

and ready to explore, our first stop was the

Falls, or kayaking on Cupsuptic Lake?

for panoramic views of the lakes and

top, a fire tower provides a bird’s-eye-view

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, located across

We had arrived with ambitious plans but

mountains at the Height of Land and Noyes

of the region’s lakes and mountains.

the street from the inn. They provided us with

would need to visit again. Since it was

trail maps and we set out for a morning trek.

unseasonably warm, we made one last stop

Overlook. The fall colors were on full,

After our hike we continued along Route

vibrant display. To our surprise, a moose

4 to Rangeley. The quaint downtown was

Midday brought us back to Rangeley for

emerged and sauntered along the road

bustling, with a number of shops, galleries,

lunch and time to explore the shops. We

Rangeley’s activities don’t end with hiking,

before ducking back into the forest.

for a swim at Smalls Falls.

and restaurants. We checked in to our

made some purchases, and were particularly

boating, and sightseeing. There are many

of

accommodations at the historic Rangeley

impressed by the photography at Touch the

opportunities for mountain biking, fishing,

Rangeley

Inn, the last of this region’s grand hotels.

Wild gallery and the vivid paintings at Jeff

hunting, and off-road activities. The town

Lake, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, and

We ordered drinks and snacks in the tavern

Seaberg’s Alpacaville shop. We reserved a

becomes a mecca for snowmobilers in the

Bald Mountain. At the Outdoor Heritage

and brought them to the inn’s front porch to

sea-plane tour in the afternoon with Acadian

winter, and offers an extensive network of

Museum we learned the astonishing

enjoy the early evening and “people watch.”

Seaplanes, which brought us over remote lakes

snowshoe, fat-bike, and cross-country skiing

and forests. A short drive to the top of Quill Hill

trails.

will provide a similar aerial-view experience

festival, occurs in the middle of February—

with both feet firmly on the ground.

perhaps a good time for our return visit!

We

continued

Oquossoc,

tucked

to

the

village

between

history of this area, and the folks who put it on the map for hunting, fishing,

Trip Journal, Day 2

and tourism.

We woke early and took a couple of the inn’s

Winterpaloozah, the annual winter

16

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Fall/Winter 2019

Cold Comfort Maine couple discovers joy in off-grid winter living

BY MOLLY MAYO

L

ife in Maine during the frigid

spacious living area. An impressive collection

in around 42 gallons. “You only get 18–20

Plowing aside, the number one challenge

winter months can be challenging

of Les’ wildlife taxidermy was showcased on

gallons out of that before you have to start the

of living off the grid in Maine is making sure

for even the toughest of us. Throw

the walls, and pictures of grandkids added a

generator again to fill it back up,” she said.

that you get ahead of a storm. “A lot of times

in life completely off the electrical

cozy feel to the space. Windows of all shapes

If, after a full day of cold Maine exposure,

when we get ice storms we can’t go out because

grid, and you’re talking about saying goodbye

and sizes peppered the rooms, allowing

you find yourself craving a hot shower and a

the road is icy, and we don’t have anybody to

to modern luxuries such as cell service, the

natural light to spill into the lodge.

mug of chocolate, do not despair. The lodge’s

gravel,” says Les. “So you’ve got to listen to the

internet, electricity without a generator, and

Living off the grid almost seemed like a

water system is heated through a propane

weather reports, hoping they’re correct.”

more. It could very easily turn into some

luxury as I explored all the different features

tank, which consistently brings in hot water

people’s worst nightmare.

of their home. On one side of the house

even when the generator is off.

As many Mainers know, there are few things in the world that are fiercer than

But to Sharon and Les Washburn of

was a sunroom, complete with an acoustic

I asked Les what a typical day looks like for

an old-fashioned nor’easter. Some of the

Lakeville, Maine, living off the grid is

piano. In the heart of the lodge was their

him. He said there’s no such thing. “We get

precautions that Les and Sharon take include

a whole new way of living. Their hand-

living room, featuring a personal library

up in the morning and have breakfast,” he

regularly checking for weather updates,

built lodge lies comfortably on Sysladobsis Lake and provides a wealth of wilderness activities. There is no lack of things to do in those long winter days—the couple’s time is occupied with operating their lodge and enjoying Maine “the way life should be.”

After asking Les why they lived off grid,

Often the couple will snowshoe or cross-country ski together, travelling hidden trails in the woods.

And when the weather gets real bad then they’ll warm themselves by their fireplace with a good book or a magazine.

shoveling around the house, and stocking up on dry goods. Once prepared, the Washburns can go practically all winter without a worry.

Surrounded by Maine woods and a frozen lake in which there is a bountiful supply of fish, the winter months almost float by.

Although Les jokes that his entertainment is sleep, he is in his element when outside

he didn’t miss a beat: his lodge is, he says, “too far from an extension cord. Tried it

and a fireplace with intricate stonework.

said. “I may be going fishing. We may want to

enjoying nature. He likes to go bear and deer

and it didn’t reach.” All jokes aside, there

Above the fireplace hung the majestic head

go cross-country skiing. It’s according to if I

hunting, and Sharon likes to take walks,

was a whole new set of challenges for the

of a deer that earned Les the title of third in

have to plow. There’s a million things [to do].

enjoying a couple of miles most days. Often

off-gridders to solve when they started out.

the state with a bow in 2003.

We’re active all the time. There’s no clowning

the couple will snowshoe or cross-country

Fortunately, Les and Sharon learned how

To the side of the fireplace were rustic

around in the winter.” He said some of the

ski together, travelling hidden trails in the

to run their lodge entirely by themselves.

guest rooms, each with their own personal

daily tasks include hauling in wood, tending

woods. And when the weather gets real

Common luxuries such as keeping food cold,

bathroom. Each bathroom was in fully-

the fire, cooking, and plowing.

bad then they’ll warm themselves by their

toes warm, and sheets dry were creatively

working condition. They used to draw their

But chores don’t have to be boring: As Les

fireplace with a good book or a magazine. All

dealt with. Technology such as a generator

water source from “a spring that was there

sees it, “plowing is an art of its own. You can go

wrapped into one package, the experience is

in the shed, a propane heater, and a gas

when my grandfather leased the land,” said

out and beat your head against a snowbank or

what Les calls “really special. We do it every

refrigerator was put to use in their home.

Sharon. “However, one winter something

you can go plow snow. You can get yourself in

day, but it is still special.”

Walking into their lodge, the first thing to

moved in the ground and the walls caved in.”

an awful pickle by not doing it. It’s a lot of fun.”

Far away from the world of social media

greet me was a fresh burst of cedarwood from

This forced the Washburns to dig a well for

That’s quite a statement coming from a man who

and instant convenience is a haven of peace

the house’s interior. This welcoming aroma

their water supply. The bathrooms now get

plows a seven-and-a-half mile long road with

and quiet—an experience that Sharon says

followed me around the hallway and into the

their water from a holding tank that brings

nothing but a truck with a plow on the front of it.

they try not to take for granted.

Fall/Winter 2019

(Top) Sharon and Les Washburn of Lakeville, Maine.

(Above) The Washburn’s home on a frozen Sysladobsis Lake.

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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 17

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Fall/Winter 2019

Maine continues to be

snowmobile wonderland Annual snowmobile show scheduled for October

BY JOSHUA ARCHER

M

aine’s snowmobile clubs are

trail system offers,” he said. “There is a lot

out there they’re guests on somebody else’s

already hard at work getting

of diversity in the types of trails and types

property and they need to respect that

trails ready for the upcoming

of terrain that are available across the state.”

when they’re out riding so they don’t litter,

The state has done a good job of purchasing

don’t damage anything, and treat it like it’s

winter season.

As if that wasn’t enough to get Maine’s

snowmobile

enthusiasts

salivating,

the annual Maine Snowmobile Show is scheduled for October 18–20, 2019, at the Augusta Civic Center.

and rehabbing rail beds that make up portions of

Maine’s snowmobile trails,

according to Meyers.

“The rest of it is based pretty much on private property, and so what a lot of our

your own land,” he said.

Along with landowners, clubs works closely with game wardens to promote snowmobile safety while riders explore Maine’s trail system.

“That’s a huge event and a kickoff of

clubs do is work hard with the land owners

“Number one is absolutely never drink

the winter season for everybody,” said Bob

to accommodate their needs and work

and ride. Save that for the end of the day.

Meyers, the executive director of the Maine

with them. The land owners in Maine are

Don’t ride by yourself, and operate at a

Snowmobile Association.

terrific,” he said.

reasonable and prudent speed, so you make

Meyers said registration reached a 10 year

Meyers attributes the relationship between

sure you’re always in control of your sled

high this past season. He reasserted that

the association’s 289 clubs and Maine’s

because there’s a lot of other people out

Maine has become the premiere destination

landowners as to what makes the state a

there,” Meyers said.

in the northeast for snowmobilers.

premiere destination for snowmobiling.

“Riders are looking for a high-quality

“They do a tremendous job on the trails.

experience when they go, and that’s what our

We ask people to remember when they’re

For more information on the Maine Snowmobile Association and the upcoming show, visit mesnow.com.

PHOTO: ©KERRI/ADOBE STOCK

18

Fall/Winter 2019

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