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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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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 03
‘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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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 05
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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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 07
(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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Fall/Winter 2019
Fun and creativity are
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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 09
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
MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE
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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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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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