Maine Outdoors and Adventure

ENJOY A COPY IT’S FREE!

Spring 2020

CASTING FOR

RECOVERY

MAINE BREAST CANCER WARRIORS CONNECT AND HEAL IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

HAPPY CAMPERS

TAGALONG CAMPER ADVENTURES

MAINE’S SPRINGTIME DELICACY

FIDDLEHEADS

02

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

●

bangordailynews.com

Spring 2020

●

Casting forin Recovery Maine

BY GENIE JENNINGS

T

improve the lives of breast cancer patients.

the porch or lie on your bed in the middle

Bonnie’s reaction was, “I could do that.”

of the day and rest.

he very act of fly fishing has an inherent calming zen-like quality. One

Fly fishing is beneficial in several ways.

For the vast majority of participants, this

must focus on one’s fly, whether it is

Physically, the gentle, repetitive motions

is the first exposure to fly fishing, a many-

above or below water. It is artificial, so the

of casting are important movements for

faceted activity. The program includes the

fish will not catch itself as is often the case

strength and mobility of the chest muscles

kind of classes one needs for this sport:

with bait. One must be ever ready to set the

that have been affected by surgery and/or

how to cast, to tie knots, a bit about stream

hook, because the second the fish realizes that

radiation treatments. Being out of doors and

entomology and the flies that will be used.

he has something artificial in his mouth he

around the water can have a healing effect.

It is an introduction to what could become a

will reject it. That constant attention brings

Casting for Recovery gives more, though.

the fly fisher into the moment. There is no

For many attendees, this is the first time

meaningful avocation.

room for other actions or thoughts. Fish or no

they have been solely with others who are

across

fish, one leaves the water refreshed. Fly

dealing with the same affliction. People who

breast cancer patients. Anyone who has

fishing is the ideal therapy.

truly share what has and is happening to

undergone treatment is welcome to apply

Currently, there are 55 retreats planned the

With that in mind, Casting for

Recovery,

program with

to

severity and length of time in treatment does not matter.

cancer,

was

at least one chapter in each of the states and the District Columbia,

and

has

inspired similar programs in six other countries. who

attend

a

retreat are responsible only for their transportation to and from the event. Most are

held

at

for this opportunity. The

women

breast

Those

700

help

Manchester, Vermont. It has

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BONNIE HOLDING

over

national

reconstruction surgeon in

of

serving

a

founded in 1996 by a breast

Casting for Recovery attendees enjoy time together.

country,

One must be ever ready to set the hook...

That constant attention brings the fly fisher into the moment. There is no room for other actions or thoughts. Fish or no fish, one leaves the water refreshed.

Fly fishing is the ideal therapy.

established

Maine has the longest running Casting for Recovery program. Holding has many reliable volunteers, especially and

Nancy

Taylor

psychologist

Marga-

ret Atwood. Preparing for one of the earliest retreats, Holding and Taylor were searching for things to put in a ‘goody-bag.’ Holding became intrigued with a display of kids’ tiaras, and the Mountain Princesses

fishing lodges, but there

came to be.

are no other guests. Food, lodging, fishing

them. There are staff of the establishment

One may attend a Casting for Recovery

equipment, guides, often boats and canoes,

and Casting for Recovery volunteers, but

retreat only once, to enable as many women

are provided. Everything is done through

women have a chance to spend a lot of time

as possible to do so. Maine also has a unique

volunteers and fundraisers.

with others who are truly the same.

solution for those who crave more. Fly

“It is all about fly fishing, and not at all

The amount of sharing is dependent on

Fishing in Maine, a volunteer organization

about fly fishing,” says Bonnie Holding,

the individual, and not everyone is ready

in the Rangeley area, has for many years

who instituted the program in Maine over

or willing to share scars or skinny dip.

provided an ‘alumnae’ weekend for the

20 years ago. When Bonnie was attending

But, some are, and they find themselves in

Mountain Princesses. Meeting through the

a Women’s Health Symposium at Bowdoin

an environment where they can. Everyone

Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s

College, there was a small group who,

can relax in her own way. It is OK to stay

Association in Oquossoc, the event is

although not presenters at the symposium,

up half the night talking and laughing

supported by the entire community.

were explaining what they were doing to

around a campfire. It is also OK to sit on

This year’s Casting for Recovery in Maine

Spring 2020

A guide holds the hand of a Casting for Recovery attendee.

COVER PHOTO: ©CHRISTINE GLADE/ADOBE STOCK

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BONNIE HOLDING

will take place on June 5-7 at Bald Mountain

I have been very lucky. My tumor

Camp in Oquossoc. Applications must be

was small and I was able to have only a

in by March 27. For more information on

lumpectomy and radiation therapy. For

the programs, a place to apply to attend a

a couple years after my treatment, I did

retreat, as well as to volunteer or contribute,

not feel as if I could even say I had breast

visit castingforrecovery.org.

cancer, because there are those who have had much worse outcomes than I did. I hesitated to apply for Casting for Recovery

On a personal note, I became a Mountain

even when I discovered that many of the

Princess in 2016. It was one of the most

women I was connected to through Maine

moving experiences of my life. The love and

Women Fly Fishers had been to retreats

care that is shown by the guides, the support

as either volunteers or participants. I felt

staff, those who tie hundreds of flies to

almost like an imposter. I am so grateful to

present to the MPs is phenomenal. They hold

Nancy Taylor who told me to apply, and to

your hand, and they hold your heart.

Bonnie Holding who made it all happen.

●

bangordailynews.com

●

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 03

04

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

●

bangordailynews.com

●

Spring 2020

Spring 2020

BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE: AN EXPERIENCED DEVELOPER, OWNER, AND OPERATOR OF RENEWABLE POWER FACILITIES

B

rookfield Renewable develops innovative natural power solutions that accelerate the world toward a carbon-free future. We do so by combining 100 years of operating experience as a developer, owner, and operator of renewable power facilities with industry-leading environmental stewardship and a strong commitment to health, safety, security, and the environment.

We are committed to understanding, minimizing, and managing the potential environmental impacts and safety hazards associated with our operations and activities. 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? We 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.

In addition, we provide recreational access to some of the New England’s best fly fishing locations including the Rangeley Lakes region renowned for their native Brook Trout.

As owner and operator on the Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and Saco rivers, Brookfield Renewable invites you to share the rivers safely.

We provide real-time flows for our facilities via our waterflow website at safewaters. com. The new website was recently launched to provide real-time flows and elevations at your favorite facilities. We hope you enjoy this new and improved waterflow tool.

Please remember, river systems are wonderful resources, but they can also be dangerous. Conditions can change quickly and without notice. Take precautions!

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 observe all signage, warning signals, sirens, and barriers.

Setting a

●

bangordailynews.com

●

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 05

Riverboarding Record

BY JOSH DEAKIN

W

hen the state of Maine doesn’t resemble Hoth from “Empire Strikes Back,” there are a lot of

water-centered

activities

available for locals and tourists to enjoy. Among these activities is the often overlooked sport of riverboarding. Riverboarding is a boardsport in which the participant lies prone on their board with fins on their feet for propulsion and

records for waterfall drops on a riverboard for

steering, according to wikipedia.org.

females. Richard gathered her information

Caitlin Richard, a local of Millinocket, currently holds the record with the World

and submitted it to the World Riverboarding Association and waited patiently for a reply.

Riverboarding Association for Women’s

“Even though all websites that describe

Waterfall Descent. Richard set the record by

Tawhai Falls and the height of it being 13

dropping 6.8 meters — or 22 feet, 5 inches —

meters, the WRA (World Riverboarding

down a waterfall in New Zealand.

Association) stated that due to the flowage at

This took lots of practice and effort on

the time, the organization didn’t support the

Richard’s part, with years of experience.

topographical height listed and stated they

“I have a friend that introduced me to

would accept it at 6.8 meters,” said Richard.

whitewater sports,” she said. “He started out

Riverboarding takes time and effort to

showing me smaller sections of whitewater,

practice safely. You have to understand the

then I slowly worked my way up to running

equipment you’re using and it’s imperative

class 4 and class 5 whitewater.”

to go with someone who is experienced.

Since then, the duo has spent the majority

“There are so many different styles of

of their free time exploring different parts

board out now, you want one that fits you so

of Maine’s waterways.

you’re in control of it. Always start out with

“West Branch of the Penobscot River,

a guide who knows what they are doing and

Kennebec River, Dead River, Seboomook River,

can teach you all the safety pieces before

Canada Falls, and the Rapid River…these are a

going into the whitewater,” said Richard.

few of my favorite Maine rivers,” said Richard.

There are guide services that are local and

In 2016, Richard traveled to New Zealand to

extremely helpful in getting you to where you

explore the area on her riverboard. She was

want to be with the sport. “There is a company

on her way to the volcano Mt. Ngauruhoe,

in Millinocket, Maine Rafting Expeditions

also known as Mt. Doom from “The Lord

(MRE), that offers guided riverboarding trips

of the Rings” trilogy, when she stopped at

on the West Branch of the Penobscot River as

the Tongariro National Park in search of a

well as the Kennebec River. MRE can expose

specific waterfall. Tongariro National Park is

you to river surfing, river running, play trips,

considered New Zealand’s first national park

and family trips,” said Richard.

and is located on the country’s North Island.

The Maine woods are full of exciting and

The waterfall in question is Tawhai Falls,

interesting bodies of water to explore. “My

also known as Gollum’s pool — another

favorite place on the West Branch is a section

“Lord of the Rings” nod.

called Big Amberjacks. Big Amberjacks

“In order to set a record on your

has a surf wave called 3rd drop. I spend the

riverboard, you have to start the waterfall

majority of my free time in the summer and

drop in control of your board and end in

early fall at 3rd drop surfing,” said Richard.

control of your board. At no point in time can you let go of it,” explained Richard.

After going over the falls, it was brought to Richard’s attention that there were no

With Maine’s waterways, one does not need to walk into Mordor to find a waterfall.

But Richard didn’t just walk into Mordor — she riverboarded down it.

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

●

bangordailynews.com

●

Spring 2020

Celebrating

Maine’s Springtime Delicacy E

BY ERINNE MAGEE

their growth, Fuller said, is warm weather can

ach spring, Mother Nature brings a

hasten a fiddlehead’s growth after they have

unique treat to the river and stream beds

started emerging.

A repeated rinse-soak method will properly

in Maine.

Ostrich Fern Fiddleheads are a delicacy

clean the fiddleheads after picking. Until you’re

that have been an important part of Native

ready to cook or store them, keep the fiddleheads

American diets for thousands of years, said

refrigerated for no more than a week.

David Fuller from the University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

When it’s time for eating, the crucial thing to remember is proper cooking to ensure safe

With a short harvest, it’s important to understand proper fiddlehead etiquette.

consumption.

Raw

fiddleheads

can

cause

foodborne illness so the best way to prepare is

First, pickers must have the landowner’s

by boiling or steaming. Should a recipe call for

permission to harvest fiddleheads. If you do not

something else, such as sauteing, this should be

have this information, your local town office

done only after boiling or steaming.

can provide details, given you can point out the property on a map.

While there are several favorite recipes among fiddle-lovers, Fuller says he prefers to keep it

Next, to determine a fiddlehead is ready

simple: boiled with salt, pepper and butter. Others

to be picked, Fuller said a smooth dark green

enjoy a variety of pickling or fermentation

stem should be detected, and inside the stem, a

options. Several dishes also include fiddleheads

deep U-shape can be seen. A tightly coiled head

in a stir-fry of sorts over pasta. Nutritionally

will reveal a brown “papery” covering, which

speaking, fiddleheads are rich with fiber, Omega-

will eventually fall off (or can be brushed off

3s and Vitamins A and C.

during the cleaning process).

In true Maine fashion, there is also a festival

From there, sustainability plays a big role.

to honor this local delicacy. This year, the

“Fiddlehead plants can be killed by over-

Fiddlehead Festival will be held on Saturday,

harvesting,” said Fuller, who recommends when finding a clump of eight, for example, only take three or four coils.

May 1 in Farmington.

“It’s a great family event that celebrates the local food scene,” said Cynthia Hoeh Stancioff,

Also, make sure the coiled head has two to

who helps organize the event.

three inches of stem and use only your hands

Fuller will be on hand at the festival to lead

to snap the stem, versus a knife or other sharp

a walk that offers attendees a firsthand look at

object. This helps prevent damage to the

fiddleheads while conducting an informative

delicate plants.

workshop as well.

Even

though

Maine

has

unpredictable

“I have picked fiddleheads for about 40 years,”

weather in spring, fiddleheads emerge around

said Fuller. “I like being outside, beside a stream

the same time in the same location, regardless

in the spring sun and eating something wild.”

of what Mother Nature is doing.

PHOTO: BDN FILE

06

In southern Maine, the harvest begins in

For much more information on fiddleheads, see the University of

Maine Cooperative

April, while the northern part of the state

Extension's website: extension.umaine.edu/

typically waits until May. The one caveat in

fiddleheads.

Spring 2020

●

bangordailynews.com

●

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 07

Garlicky Fiddlehead Risotto Recipe Author: Sarah Walker Caron Recipe type: Dinner Serves: 6

Ingredients

medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and saute until softened and lightly golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the arborio rice and toast, stirring, for 1 minute.

Stir in the white wine and allow to cook until fully

2 cups fiddlehead greens, trimmed and washed

absorbed. Add the chicken stock or broth, one ladle

2 tbsp olive oil, plus 1 tbsp, divided

at a time, stirring well and allowing it to completely

3 shallots, chopped

absorb before adding more. Continue until all the

1 cup arborio rice

stock or broth has been used.

½ cup white wine 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth, warmed ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese.

Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet heat the remaining 1

salt and pepper, to taste

tablespoon of olive oil. Add the garlic and saute for

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

about 1 minute — until softened. Add the drained

Instructions PHOTO: SARAH WALKER CARON

In a heavy stockpot, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the fiddleheads and boil for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

fiddleheads and toss well to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until warm and fragrant.

Stir the fiddleheads into the risotto. Adjust seasonings as desired. Enjoy.

read “in season now” in bangor metro magazine to Find more great recipes SARAH WALKER CARON is the editor of Bangor Metro magazine and the author of several cookbooks including “One-Pot Pasta,” “The Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook,” and “Grains as Mains.”

Her latest cookbook, “The Easy Appetizer Cookbook,” is out now from Rockridge Press.

She is also the creator of the popular food blog Sarah’s Cucina Bella (www.sarahscucinabella.com).

08

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

bangordailynews.com

Happy ●

●

Spring 2020

Campers

Tagalong Adventures Throughout Maine — and Lessons Learned

BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

O

first journey gave us a chance to see how

moment day trip to Reversing Falls

well the refrigerator and plumbing worked

in Pembroke, out of nowhere my

and to determine the ease of the septic and

husband Phil suddenly proclaimed, “Let’s

(Above) Set up at Johnson BayLubec Campground. (Left) Parked overlooking Cobscook Bay. (Below) The tide coming in at Cobscook Bay. PHOTOS BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

of neighborhood was not for us. But this

n our return from a spur-of-the-

water hookup and breakdown.

buy a camper.” Fast forward seven months,

Our next camping trip was in October.

and we became owners of a 2004 24-foot

I was intrigued reading about the 20-foot-

tagalong camper.

plus tidal range in easternmost Maine,

Right from the start, Phil got the challenge

so we headed to Cobscook Bay State Park

he likes. Navigating this buggy from its nest

for a more off-the-grid camper experience.

of trees, rocks and overgrown brush was an

Soon after arrival, we visited downtown

art and science to be seen. His carpentry

Eastport. Of course, the waterfront statue

skills were put to work, a dedicated eviction

of an “ole salt” was a conversation piece

of squirrels was underway, and lots of

(the giant fisherman statue was originally

cleaning (and I mean lots) got us ready for

a prop for a reality television show called

our maiden voyage.

“Murder in Small Town X” that filmed in

We hauled our hotel on wheels off to the Madison area to attend a wedding. As we

Eastport), and the downtown was beautiful and fun to explore.

pulled into the busy campground, it was

After day-tripping, we dined on a grilled-

a culture shock for us. We never realized

to-perfection meal while appreciating the

campgrounds are a permanent summer

raw beauty of our pristine spot on the

home for many. Lesson learned: This type

coastal inlet.

Touring Georgetown’s Five Islands.

PHOTO BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

Spring 2020

bangordailynews.com

●

●

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 09

By evening, a stiff sea breeze kicked in,

where I was consumed in the spacious

with summer tourists while

allowing us to feel the warmth and hear the

Visitor’s Center, leaving armed with bags

navigating southern coastal

Parked at Sagadahoc Bay.

hum of our efficient furnace. Yet, all went

of new reading material. This border city is

Route 1.

PHOTO BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

silent overnight. Lesson learned: Camping

also where Phil’s great-grandparents were

off-the-grid requires more battery power

married, so we imagined stepping back in

Sagadahoc Bay in July 2019

than we had on board.

time to that special day.

was abruptly halted when our

Our

trip

We returned to the campground the

breathtaking. We witnessed tidal nature in

second night ready to grill under clear

was rear-ended and totaled.

motion, and our generator helped the furnace

skies, but our nest was dwarfed between

Our hearts were broken.

kick back in. Phil, being the adventurer

high-rises. These motor homes were mega

he is, wanted to buy a new battery and test

in size and price — vehicles towering over

though.

its longevity. Because I am not a fan of the

our pint-sized camper. Lesson learned:

plan, we headed to western

rumbling generator in the midst of such

Campground water didn’t suit our palate.

Maine in the fall thanks to

fee to the state and headed home.

Off

haul-behind

to

The sunrise the next morning was beyond

serenity, we donated our additional day’s site

little

return

treasure

We didn’t give up there Sticking

to

the

to Maine’s southern coast was

an on-site rental camper.

next for the summer of 2018. We like our

We traversed from Bethel

Our next journey brought us back Down

isolation and that is what Sagadahoc Bay

toward Rangeley and were

East to a campground — but with hookups

Campground offered with a remarkable

treated to a vast weave of

this time. This trip gave us a front row seat

cliff as a backdrop. By now we had learned

mountains painted like an artist’s palate of

our itinerary, and who knows where else the

for Mother Nature’s stormy performances.

the number of showers and dish washings

dotted colors. We visited Phillips’ original

camping bug may take us on a spur-of-the

Each bolt of lightning and clap of thunder

it takes to fill the waste-water tank. Lesson

train station and traveled through towns

moment expedition. This will all be in our

reverberated like fireworks on the Fourth

learned: We should have packed firewood to

not discovered by many. Lesson learned:

new 2005 26-footer. While it’s not our first

of July.

have evening fire-side chats.

We really needed our own camper!

love, it soon will be home.

We had last visited Campobello Island

We toured Georgetown’s Five Islands

This summer we are planning to explore

For Christmas we received travel mugs

and Quoddy Head Lighthouse as kids, so

— a panorama of coastal quaintness.

new views and antiquing opportunities in

labeled Happy Camper, and that is exact-

through adult eyes, we appreciated this

Brunswick’s repurposed Cabot Mills gave

the Fryeburg area. Sagadahoc Bay is a must

ly what we will be while looking for the

history even more. We stopped in Calais

us our antiquing fix, and we blended in

with the Maine Marine Museum in Bath on

next adventure.

Plan Pla Pla an to to visit visit ooof Maine’s 55 of Maine’s largest la la argest RV RV Dea Dealers De alers and and oover oover 60 60 Campgrounds!

Cam mpgrounds!

Cam

Saturday 9:00am – 7:00pm · Sunday 9:00am – 4:00pm Over 35 Weeks of FREE Camping to Give Away!

www.CampMaine.com

Bring in 2 or more nonperishable food items for the Cardinals Kitchen Food Pantry and receive a $2.00 discount on full price admission.

April 4 & 5 5, 2020 at the

Norway Savings Bank Arena, 985 Turner Street, Auburn ME

Admission: Adults: $8.00 • Children 8 & Under: FREE Visit campgrounds from ME, NH & VT Onsite Free unlimited parking

10

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

●

bangordailynews.com

●

Spring 2020

The Maine Birding

Trail

Birding experiences that no other state can offer

(Left) Atlantic puffins share a meal.

(This photo) Doubletop Mountain in Baxter State Park.

(Right) Rose-breasted Grosbeak.

PHOTOS BY BOB DUCHESNE

BY BOB DUCHESNE

Parallel passes from Oquossoc in the west,

The latter is the result of sandy soil that

The Maine Birding Trail launched in

aine is a patchwork of calamity. It

over the top of Old Town, to Perry in the

drains quickly. The reason these coexist

2009. It maps out many of the best places to

has been volcanically blown up,

east, neatly bisecting the state. Below this

side-by-side is that glaciers laid down the

search for birds in Maine, sampling all of

glacially scraped down, and deeply

line, the forest has more in common with

sandy soil, eroded from mountains to the

the diverse habitats the state has to offer.

drowned several times. When the drifting

the hardwood forests of Appalachia. Above

west, while the oceans laid down the mud

Now, after a decade of enticing birders to

continents collided 300 million years ago,

the line, the forest begins to resemble the

during periods when sea levels were higher.

explore Maine, the trail has undergone

Maine bumped up against Morocco. When the

northern softwood forests of Canada. It’s a

Both soil types are now splotched across the

a facelift. Over 160 different sites are

continents split apart again 230 million years

patchwork transition, strongly influenced

Maine map in chaotic fashion.

documented

later, the state was left with a jagged coastline

by other factors such as elevation, moisture,

and a fresh intrusion of lava. Until about 10,000

and soil type.

M

The

years ago, Maine was underneath a mile of ice.

fact

Such nuances are not apparent to most people,

that

All of that geologic abuse has left Maine

Maine sits halfway

with an astonishing diversity of wildlife

between the trop-

habitats. Nowhere is that more apparent

ics and the Arctic

than in the distribution of birds across

makes a huge dif-

the state. The Maine Department of Inland

ference. According

Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) identifies

to IFW, at least 29

292 bird species nesting here. Many more

bird species reach

are seasonal visitors. Seabirds arrive in

the northern limit

summer from the South Atlantic, and in

of

All the geologic factors that determined what Maine is, now determine where the birds are.

but

they

are utterly obvious

www.mainebirdingtrail. on

all

devices

from

smartphone to computer.

Maine has birding experiences that no other state can offer. Atlantic puffins are

have

among the country’s cutest birds. These

divided up the state

colorful clowns nest on five islands off the

into

forest

and

Maine coast, and cannot be found south of

field,

marsh

and

here. A dozen boats visit these islands, and

plain,

coast

and

the information is on the website. You’ll find

mountain,

rocky

information on Maine’s birding festivals and

shore

sandy

tours, too. Of all the ways to enjoy watching

nesting

beach. Some birds

wildlife, birding may be the most organized.

autumn from the Arctic, to feast in the chilly,

ranges in Maine.

opt to nest in maple

Still, take a moment to recognize and

food-rich waters of the Gulf of Maine.

Meanwhile, 28 species reach their south-

and oak. Others choose balsam and spruce,

relish the chaos. Notice which forests

ern limits here. Maine enjoys the best of

and everything in between. All the geologic

are dry and which are wet. Then notice

both worlds.

factors that determined what Maine is, now

what kind of trees grow there. Investigate

determine where the birds are.

bogs, and ponder what created them. Look

It’s an easy mistake to think that all of these species are spread uniformly across the

birds.

at

accessible

Nearly

their

to

com,

300

species

and

state, or that they are distributed randomly.

Armed with this knowledge, perhaps you

After all, birds are birds. They can go

can now look at Maine with different eyes.

It’s confusing, for sure. It’s a daunting

at a mountain, and note the forest type

wherever they want. In reality, birds are very

Instead of seeing a map, you’ll see a jigsaw

challenge to figure out where all the unique

changing with every thousand feet of

picky. Each species has a preferred location. It

puzzle. You may ask yourself elaborate

habitats are, and then match them up with

elevation. Ask yourself why there are big

all comes down to the mosaic of habitats left

questions, like how did a marsh end up

accessible places to search for the bird

mudflats Downeast, but not in the Midcoast.

behind by cataclysms and glaciers.

next to a blueberry field? The former holds

species that nest there. Fortunately, the

Different birds like different habitats, and

Furthermore, Maine lies directly between

water because there is a layer of marine

work has already been done for you. The

it can all be traced back to the bumps and

the North Pole and the Equator. The 45th

clay or other impermeable soil below it.

Maine Birding Trail makes it easy.

bruises Maine suffered eons ago.

Spring 2020

Family Vacations that

F

ROCK!

amily vacations are meant to delight the whole family! Families looking for adventure, active trips and spectacular views may want to consider rock climbing or hiking with Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School this summer. It can be one of the most rewarding family experiences. It’s perfect for all ages, adaptable to all experience levels, and a blast for

any family. Acadia Mountain Guides (AMG) has been guiding families within the park for almost 30 years. Their staff can make sure that your family has an experience they won’t ever forget.

Immerse your family in the beauty of Acadia with the help of AMG. Climb right on the edge of the sea at Otter Cliffs, smelling the fresh salt air and seeing views very few get the chance to. Scale beautiful pink granite at Central Slabs and listen to your guide tell you a history of the park, enriching all aspects of your experience. With over 250 different climbs within the park, you don’t have to worry about something being too difficult. There’s something there everyone can climb!

Family adventures start in the morning or just afternoon after lunch. The guide meets you and outfits your family with a helmet, harness, and shoes. The group then drives down to the climbing site that you and your guide agree works best for your goals for the day. Half day options will go to one climbing site, while full day options can adventure to multiple sites. In a family of four, you typically average three climbs each during a half day session. The guide will work with you so that your family has the best time possible and gets awesome photos in the process.

AMG is the only guide service in the state to be accredited by the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) and the Professional Climbing Instruction Association (PCIA). All our guides are certified instructors, as well as certified Wilderness First Responders. Our owner, Jon Tierney, is an internationally certified guide and has been guiding since 1984. This allows us to provide excellent knowledge and education to guides and clients alike.

AMG offers family rates for groups of four to six. Climbs start at just $299 for four climbers.

This allows parents to give their kids that memorable vacation without breaking the bank at the same time. They also offer half or full-day climbs for those looking to either try it out or really dive into the adventure. Acadia Mountain Guides’ experience, knowledge, and professionalism place them at the forefront of their industry so make sure you put them at the top of your vacation itinerary. For more information about guided climbs visit AcadiaMountainGuides.com or give them a call at 207-288-8186.

●

bangordailynews.com

●

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 11

12

MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE

●

bangordailynews.com

●

Spring 2020