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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
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bangordailynews.com
Spring 2020
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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.
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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 03
04
MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Happy ●
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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
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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
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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.
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bangordailynews.com
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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE 11
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MAINE OUTDOORS & ADVENTURE
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bangordailynews.com
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Spring 2020