Outdoors 2021 Fall/Winter by Bangor Daily News

Fall/Winter 2021

HUNTING TALES THE KIND YOU ONLY HEAR IN MAINE WINTERCHECKHIKES & BIKES OUT WHERE AND HOW TO

HIKE AND BIKE DURING MAINE WINTERS!

HIT THE SLOPES WITH A PSIA MASTER TEACHER

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Hunting Tales:

THE FAMILY BEARSKIN RUG BY SARAH COTTRELL

hen you live in a state as beautiful and rural as Maine it doesn’t take long before you hear a good ol’ hunting tale. And while many stories are full of moose as tall as buildings and that one fish big enough to feed an army that got away, there is always that one tale that stands out and becomes legendary because you just cannot stop laughing at it. Luckily for our readers, we got one helluva hunting story from China, Maine resident Tom Beaudet.

Beaudet tells us he put his hunting gun down more than 50 years ago. These days, you can find him hunting with his camera where he captures curious woodland creatures who venture into his rural backyard. “There was a mother deer and her twins coming to visit my yard for a little while there,” Beaudet says. He posts his images to Facebook regularly where friends and family can enjoy the sights of wild turkeys and deer set against blooming flowers and green grass.

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

And although these nature shots are lovely, nothing can top the hilarious hunting story he shared with us about his family’s prized bearskin rug that they acquired back in the 1950s. “My uncle Frank was an avid hunter and woodsman and he spent a majority of his life in the woods,” Beaudet says. “He had hemophilia and one time he was accidentally shot by another hunter. But Frank was so well-liked by the town that everyone volunteered to give blood to save his life.” Hemophilia is a blood clotting disorder. When a person with hemophilia is injured and starts bleeding, they will often need medical intervention to get the bleeding to stop. “When I was a kid, I would go to his house and in his living room, there was this big, black bearskin rug on the floor. Us kids used to lay on it and play around with it. It had the head with teeth and everything.” Beaudet’s uncle Frank had gone hunting with his brother, Tom’s other uncle, as they had many times before. As any hunter knows, things can go a little slow on a hunting trip. There are plenty of hours to pass while remaining relatively still and quiet in the woods. And inevitably, there will come a time when nature calls.

“So, my uncle realized that he needed a latrine. He’s looking around the woods and he finds an old log with a hollow and he figured that would work just fine. He set the safety on his gun and he set the gun down next to him before he took a seat on the log to do his business.” And it was just about this time when Frank’s brother, who was a little ways away to give him some privacy, spotted a big black bear walking straight toward Frank. “He quietly said, Frank, Frank you better look up, that bear is heading right for you! And so, my uncle, still sitting on the log, picked up his gun and unset the safety, aimed and shot the bear.” After that, Frank set his gun back down and finished his business on the log. The two brothers brought the bear out of the woods where they had the furry skin turned into a beloved family rug. “We used to have so much fun playing on that old bearskin rug,” Beaudet says with a chuckle. We have a feeling this story will never get old. Have your own funny or amazing hunting story to tell? Email us at aallen@bangordailynews.com and we might just feature it in an upcoming issue of Maine Outdoors & Adventure!

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In 2020, 1154 wildfires occured in Maine. That’s twice the average. Please be careful with all outdoor fires. To learn how you can prevent wildfires from threatening your home, please call 207-287-4989 or email Maine.forestrangers@maine.gov.

PO Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402

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OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Getting Ready to

HIT THE SLOPES O

ne might think that it is early to be preparing to ski, but one would be wrong. Skiing is a physically demanding activity, whether you’re a professional racer or an occasional slider. The Professional Skier Association of America identifies four areas of physical preparedness: (1) Cardiac function; (2) Muscular endurance; (3) Core strength; and (4) Agility. I will add a fifth requirement — water, and slip it in between numbers 1 and 2, because it is that important.

Get Moving

Cardiac function is concerned with our use of oxygen. We breathe in, our lungs separate the oxygen and insert it in the blood; then, the heart sends the oxygen-rich blood around the body to be used as necessary. We have an ability to alter the percentage of oxygen that we use. Athletes require a great deal of oxygen, because they need to not only use a lot of muscles, but also must have oxygen available to the brain in order to make good decisions. All skiers are athletes. We want to be working at 70% of our maximum volume of oxygen. To achieve an increase, we have to move more and faster. Increasing our rate of speed will influence how hard our hearts work. Walk, run, climb stairs, dance, any movement that gets you breathing hard. That is the first training.

Drink Water

Most adults need about 8 glasses (32 ounces) a day. The energy released by cell oxygenation has by-products that need to be cleaned out of the body. When we first increase our consumption, we can find it

BY GENIE JENNINGS, PSIA MASTER TEACHER, ALPINE LEVEL 2

inconvenient, because we will also need to eliminate it. Our bodies will adapt to the amount we are drinking, but we want that to be well before we are out on the snow.

Endurance & Strength

Muscular endurance and core strength are self-explanatory. I would like to throw in balance as well. Our goal is to maintain balance as we slide down varying terrain on changing pitches. We want our legs strong, because they will be keeping us going where we choose. We want the core muscles, in our torso and buttocks, strong to keep us upright and able to continually stay in balance. We are built to work with whole segments of our musculature. The core needs to learn to steady us when we are moving. It will not do so by performing crunches and sit-ups in a stable position. The muscles will strengthen, but they will not be cued to use their strength when needed. We move in a scissor-like pattern: right leg with left arm for example. The fundamental movements are most appropriate for this stage. Squats, lunges, bird-dogs, sideway moves with resistance bands. Practice lots of them with all their variations.

Staying Agile

Agility is quick movement, and change. Any movement on uneven ground will suffice. Walk along a curb; walk with one foot on and the other off the curb. Playgrounds offer many devices to encourage agile motion. Bike riding, hiking, climbing hills, both up and down, and, once again, dancing will work the right combinations. Think snow…but not just yet!

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

When quality and service matter, it matters where you go

29 Dublin St., Machias, ME 04654 • 207-255-3392

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Brookfield Renewable:

rookfield Renewable develops innovative

natural

power

solutions that accelerate the world

toward

carbon-free

future. We do so by combining 100 years of operating experience as a developer, owner, and operator of renewable power facilities with a commitment to health, safety, security, and environmental stewardship.

As Maine’s largest generator of renewable energy, Brookfield Renewable proudly operates hydro, wind, and storage facilities throughout the state. Our Maine facilities provide more than 840 MW of power, a generation equivalent to powering more than 500,000 homes annually. Now and into the future, our facilities remain critical in helping Maine meet its carbon emissions targets. We are passionate about the role we play in highlighting the natural beauty

and recreational benefits of this great state. We provide more than 200 recreation sites throughout Maine and provide daily releases from May through Columbus Day on Class 2, 3, and 4 whitewater. Each year thousands of private and commercial paddlers enjoy Maine’s pristine waterways as a result of these scheduled releases. Throughout Maine, we provide recreational access to some of New England’s best angling and fly-fishing locations. Whether you enjoy fall scenes on the Magalloway, Moose, or Penobscot rivers, the angling opportunities are endless. We provide real-time flows and elevations for our facilities via our waterflow website at safewaters.com. Remember, river systems are wonderful resources, but they can also be dangerous. Conditions can change

Visit safewaters.com for facility information

An experienced developer, owner, and operator of renewable power facilities

quickly and without notice. While the waters above and below a dam may look safe, conditions below the surface can present serious risks. Be aware of your surroundings and

MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY

observe all warning signals, sirens, and barriers. Please respect all signage, recreation rules, and be a good environmental steward wherever your next outdoor journey takes you!

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Hit the Trails All Winter

ON A FAT TIRE BIKE BY KATIE SMITH

CURIOUS ABOUT FAT TIRE BIKING? WE’VE GOT THE INSIDE SCOOP ON WHAT IT IS, HOW TO GET ONE AND WHERE TO GO.

at tire biking has become increasingly popular, especially in the Northeast as it’s a sport that can be enjoyed year round. Whether you love biking in the snow, on mountain bike trails, through mud or even on pavement, a fat tire bike can give you a smooth ride over almost any terrain. The first, modern version of a fat tire bike was built in the late 1980s and was designed to be used in snow and sand. What makes these bikes easier to ride in bumpy or rough terrain is their low ground pressure as their frames are wider than your typical road or mountain bike. The tires and rims are also bigger. A fat tire bike can also be ridden with lower tire inflation pressure to make a steadier ride over slippery or bumpy conditions, and you can purchase studs for your tires, making them safer in icy or really slippery conditions. The fact you can enjoy them anytime of the year makes fat tire bikes especially attractive in a state like Maine when we crave to be active and get outside during the colder months. If you want to get out and go for a bike ride, you no longer have to wait for the roads to clear or the snow to melt. There are many year-round trails in our beautiful state to explore, and many bike shops which will rent you a fat tire bike if you don’t have one. Charles Lopez has been enjoying the sport for the past three years and especially loves riding in the wintertime. “Many of the local mountain bike organizations have taken to grooming trails for winter riding,” he says. “Fat tire bikes can also use snowmobile trails, and often have arrangements with snowmobile clubs to help support the grooming of these trails.” Just remember, if you’d like to try out your bike on a snowmobile trail, always ask for permission first as not all snowmobile trails are open to bikers. If you are looking to try out fat tire biking, Lopez recommends you visit your local bike store and talk with them about what interests you most about the sport and get some expert advice on the kind of bike that would be right for you.

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Try it without the commitment! THERE ARE LOTS OF PLACES TO RENT A FAT TIRE BIKE AND EXPERIENCE A RIDE BEFORE YOU PURCHASE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW:

• AJ’s Cycles in Rangeley. You can rent a bike from AJ’s for as little as a half day or as long as a week. They will even bring them to your desired riding location for you. • Green Machine Bike Shop in Norway. • Gorham Bike And Ski in Portland, Saco, Brunswick and Kennebunk. The stores rent out fat tire bikes for $50 a day at all four locations.

• Bath Cycle & Ski in Woolwich. • New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket. Rent a bike for $15 per hour, $40 for a half day or $60 for a full day. • Pine Land Farms in New Gloucester. Rates for rentals start at $30 for two hours; you can buy additional time at $10 an hour. This rental also includes a helmet. • Ski Rack Sports in Bangor. Fat tire bike rentals start at $35 a day. You can also rent one for the week if you’d like to try out a bike longer. • Maine Sports Outfitters in Rockport. You can rent a fat tire bike for just under $50 a day.

Where to go

THERE ARE MANY TRAILS TO CHOOSE FROM AND CHANCES ARE THERE ARE SOME IN YOUR NECK OF THE WOODS. CALL YOUR LOCAL BIKE SHOP OR GOOGLE FAT TIRE BIKING IN YOUR AREA. SOME OF THE POPULAR TRAILS IN MAINE ARE: • Bradbury State Park in Pownal • Lily Pond Bath Trails in Bath • Carrabassett Valley Trail System • Gorham Trails • Topsham Ponds • Rangeley Lakes Trail Center • Shepard’s Farm Preserve in Norway • Range Pond State Park in Poland

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Take a Hike

THIS WINTER

he state of Maine offers some of the most gorgeous hiking experiences across the east coast. From the Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail all the way to the coastal trails on Mount Desert Island, the state has a lot to offer for hikers just starting out to the well-seasoned. Hiking is a four-season sport in Maine provided you’ve packed the right gear and equipment.

Cold Weather Hiking Essentials If you want to go hiking in a colder climate, it’s best to wear your clothes in layers. These layers will help you stay warm during your trek with a base layer to collect uncomfortable sweat fol-

lowed by an insulating layer to keep your body heat in and completed by an outer layer to keep the elements off you. If you get too hot along your way, you can always stop to remove an outer layer of clothing. You’ll also want to pay attention to the fabric you’re wearing. Some material takes longer to dry than others and nothing is more miserable than hiking in wet clothes. This may seem obvious but keep your skin covered. It’s easy to forget how cold it is when you’ve been hiking and start to sweat. Removing clothing can lead to hypothermic situations as well as frostbite. Gloves and wool socks are essential items in combating frostbite. For a little extra warmth, try inserting a hand warmer or

BY JOSH DEAKIN

foot warmer into your gloves or boots. For better grip and stability in slippery conditions, don’t forget to strap crampons onto your boots (a traction device with teeth to grip ice and snow) to make traveling across icy surfaces safer. Hiking poles can also help keep you steady and upright. Depending on the weather and snow depth, snowshoes might be the best choice. Be sure to pack a headlamp just in case you’re out later than you anticipated. Remember, in the wintertime there are less daylight hours and at certain times it gets dark as early as 4 p.m. It’s also important to remember to wear sunscreen while you’re out. Just because there are less daylight hours that doesn’t mean the sun

is less likely to burn you. And if there’s snow or ice for the sun to reflect off, a sunburn is not unlikely.

Continues on page 14

WHAT’S IN YOUR FIREWOOD? T

COURTESY OF MAINE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY

ime spent beside a crackling campfire or a radiating woodstove improves many outdoor pursuits in Maine. Unfortunately, tree-killing pests that can destroy our forests can hitch a ride with firewood. Help protect our forests: use local firewood. Firewood movement contributed to the rapid spread of the emerald ash borer, a devastating invasive insect that has killed billions of ash trees in North America. Many other invasive pests can also hide on or under the bark of, or within, firewood. Maine’s forests are at risk from these pests. Here are a few examples of what you may carry with you when you move firewood:

• oak wilt fungus that threatens our oak trees; • the colorful planthopper and expert hitchhiker the spotted lanternf ly, that threatens not only trees, but also important crops and certain adult beverages; • the devastating Asian longhorned beetle that can kill many of our hardwood trees, including the sugar maple; and • the rash-causing tree-defoliator, browntail moth. These invasive pests are just a few of many forest health threats that we know can move with firewood. Even apparently pest-free firewood can harbor hidden hitchhikers.

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

What’s in your firewood?

The LDD (formerly known as gyspy moth) is a devastating pest of oaks and other trees. Female moths lay tan patches of eggs on firewood, campers, vehicles, patio furniture—anything outside! When these items are moved to new areas, this pest gets a free ride.

OAK WILT is a deadly disease of oak trees, especially those in the red oak group. This disease is found as close as New York and could easily be brought to your neighborhood or favorite camping spot through infected firewood. The ASIAN LONGHORNED BEETLE loves to eat red maple

but can feed on over 20 species of trees. The larvae of this beetle l bore into trees, making it an easy pest to transport in firewood.

DontMoveFirewood_posterBrochure.indd 5-8

So, what’s in your firewood? Maybe the next threat to Maine’s pristine lakeshores and great trout habitat, to Maine’s tourism, recreation and forest economies, to Maine’s scenic mountains and shores, to Maine’s way of life and the way life should be—to the reasons you traveled here in the first place. The scars left from firewood-borne pests are more devastating than the cost of buying local firewood or bringing heattreated firewood. Maine bans untreated firewood from out-

LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP: www.maine.gov/firewood

The SPOTTED LANTERNFLY sucks sap from dozens of tree and plant species. This pest loves tree-of-heaven but will feed on black walnut, white oak, red maple, and grape. Like the gypsy moth, this pest lays clusters of eggs on just about any smooth surface, from landscaping stone to firewood!

The EMERALD ASH BORER—the infamous killer of ash trees—is already found in parts of Maine. This insect rapidly spreads when firewood is moved. Prevent this killer from destroying all the state's ash trees. Keep your firewood at home.

5/16/19 9:23 AM

of-state, but it is important to use local or heat treated firewood even within Maine. If you have questions, check out the Don’t Move Firewood FAQ’s at dontmovefirewood.org. • If you’ve already moved firewood, don’t leave it or bring it home – burn it! • If you can’t burn it all within 24 hours, bring it to the nearest drop-off site. Please, enjoy what Maine’s outdoors have to offer and use local or heat-treated firewood. Leave your firewood at home.

Learn more at www.maine.gov/firewood

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Continued from page 12

Where to Go There are a few hiking routes in Maine that are considered exceptionally beautiful in the wintertime and may be worth exploring on one of your outings. For example, the Witch Hole Loop in Acadia National Park would be a wonderful trek on a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes. During the summer, the path is a popular carriage route that offers a scenic journey by Witch Hole Pond. It’s a short path at only 3.3 miles but for the novice, that’s a sizable distance on cross-country skis or snowshoes. Another good spot for hiking, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing is Bangor City Forest. There are many options for trails through the forest to make your excursion as long or short as you want. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, you can try Great Pond Mountain in Orland. This trail offers some wonderful views of Acadia National Park as well as the surrounding areas. The main trail

is a slim 2.5 miles but there are nearly seven times that amount in adjacent trails nearby to explore in addition. For the advanced hiker looking for the ultimate winter hiking challenge, they should look no further than the Northern Terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Mount Katahdin has yearly winter summit expeditions for thrill seekers. This trek is substantially longer and requires more experience and specialized gear to complete. If you’re interested, it’s recommended to speak with a Baxter Park ranger on the best methods to complete such a task.

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

Never Fear, The Outdoors is Here COURTESY OF THE RANGELEY INN

again, as landmark businesses, such as

the ability to simply reload your ticket

Yet, there is so much more. Did you

the Rangeley Inn and Sarge’s Pub, hum at

the next time you ski or snowboard, while

realize that the dining is superb in

a new level during the winter months.

also using the technology to streamline

Rangeley? That you can fi nd anything

the season takes on particular

This is life. This is revitalization.

other operations, such as dining. Food

from pizza to Thai (Blue Orchid’s unique

meaning in what it offers all

This is truly a special Maine winter for

and beverage starts fresh, with new

beer collection alone is reason to pay

of us in Western Maine.

so many.

menus, locally sourced food and the

Bob a visit) to an amazing breakfast

friendly service and smiles you’ve always

burrito at Classic Provisions? Did you

seen at Saddleback.

know there is a food delivery service in

ith the approach of this winter,

From

the

simple

peace

being

outdoors and hearing snow drop from the

With the re-opening of Saddleback, a number of great changes are coming.

With this re-birth also come new and

Rangeley for those winter nights after a

frozen lakes, to the diversity of skiing,

replaced

high-speed

different ways to enjoy the mountain

long day of fun, when you just can’t seem

snowboarding, snowmobiling and more,

Doppelmayr quad, reducing the ride up

and surrounding area (home to the most

to make it out the door one more time?

Rangeley comes into its own once more

the mountain to just 4½ minutes. The

natural snow in Maine).

Did you know that the Oquossoc Grocery,

as an iconic winter destination in Maine.

base lodge is expanding from 127 seats

From new ski school programs and

just down the road from Rangeley, has

Lakes are put to different use once

to 400, with a redesigned bar space, pizza

backcountry adventures led by Anne

rare fi nds from diverse regions, or that

more; Saddleback opens again after

station and simply spectacular views,

Rockwell and Ali Spaulding, to snowshoe

the clam pizza at the Portage Tap House

a five-year hiatus. People are skiing,

while also seeing the installation of a

hikes, new fleets of demo and rental

is insanely good?

snowboarding, skinning and laughing

state-of-the-art HVAC system. The resort

equipment, the outdoor experience at

If you need a vacation or just a few days

there again.

is converting the ticket/season pass

Saddleback will be one of many options

to play, it’s Rangeley, it’s Saddleback, it’s

system to RFID for guest convenience and

and one to remember.

winter in Western Maine.

pines and the long snowshoe walks across

The town opens its arms to winter guests

The old Rangeley Double is being by

new,

OUTDOORS FALL/WINTER • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • August 27, 2021

EPIC SPORTS: Your Adventure Starts Here! COURTESY OF EPIC SPORTS

pic Sports has been a local, family-owned business since 1997. Located in the former W.T. Grants building in downtown Bangor, it welcomes all who are adventure seekers and adventurers at heart. Epic Sports considers itself a specialty outdoor and sporting goods store, with an emphasis on hiking, camping, running and seasonal equipment. The staff of Epic Sports are experts in their own right and most willing to share their own experiences. Our staff want to help you, our customer, have the best possible experience in your adventure — whether it’s a walk in the woods, a climb on Katahdin, or an adventure on another continent. Our job is to match equipment, apparel, and footwear with your trek. We carry wellknown brands such as The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia & Prana. For your feet, Salomon, Oboz, and Vasque footwear. Gear brands include Osprey backpacks, Cascade Design, NRS, Fischer, and Tubbs. We also carry Thule and Yakima car rack systems to help carry your gear. We look forward to meeting you and appreciate you supporting the local downtown businesses in Bangor.

Find us at 6 Central St. in downtown Bangor, call (207) 941-5670, or visit epicsportsofmaine.com for more information.