More Maple Sundays - Apr 5 at UMaine

The Page Farm and Home Museum at UMaine is celebrating Maine Maple Sunday on April 5th of this year. Sounds like a great day for the family and kids. Read more in "Page Farm and Home Museum Plans Maple Syrup Fest April 5", UMaine.edu News, March 21, 2008. Click here to read more about Maine maple syrup making.

Snowmobiling in Maine Continues

The snowmobilers are having an exceptional season as many parts of Maine still has abudunt snow on the ground. See "Gardeners Not As Happy As Snowmobilers", Kennebec Journal, March 29, 2008.

Spring Skiing in Maine

Read some recent news postings about skiing activities going on in Maine. See "Spring skiing has plenty to offer", Morning Sentinel, March 29, 2008; "Winter to spring at Sunday River. Maine ski area has plenty of snow", Concord Monitor, March 24, 2008; "New Lift, Trails, and snowmaking for Saddleback", SKIREBEL Magazine, March 25, 2008; "Sunday River Announces Installation of First Chondola in the Northeast as Part of $14 Million in Summer Upgrades", PR Web, March 26, 2008. For more information on skiing in Maine see Maine downhill skiing or Maine cross-country skiing.

Birding in Maine - Spring is Coming (we hope)

See a online posting on birding. March 24, 2008. "Androscoggin Co. on Maine Maple Sunday". Maine Bird Field Notes, MaineToday.com.

Shawnee Peak, Maine May Stay Open for Extra Weekend of Skiing

Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Maine may stay open for an extra weekend of skiing. See "Shawnee pushes for extra weekend", Sun Journal, March 27, 2008. They have reduced prices in an attempt to sell enough tickets to stay open April 5 and 6. For more info see their website - Shawnee Peak. Click here for general information on skiing in Maine.

Seminars Offered by Maine Outdoor Stores

L.L. Bean, Cabela's (opening in May), and the Kittery Trading Post are three outdoor stores in Maine that offer outdoor seminars for those wishing to learn more about sports and recreational activities. All three are known for holding educational sessions almost every week. Read an interesting news article on this subject - "Outdoors stores spread wealth of knowledge through seminars", MaineToday, March 23, 2008.

Snowmobiling in Maine in May?

In some parts of Maine it will be possible to snowmobile during the month of May. See "Snowmobiling in May? Maybe", Morning Sentinel, March 26, 2008.

Snowmobile Safety CD

Here is some news from another blog about snowmobile safety. "The SledChix Blog" ('Cause riding's not just for guys anymore!) has published a posting advertising a Snowmobile Safety CD from the Maine Snowmobile Association and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Click here for information on snowmobiling in Maine.

Maine Maple Syrup Day

This weekend Maine held its Maine Maple Sunday. Here are some news reports of that event.

"Mainers turn out at sugar houses for Maine Maple Sunday", The Boston Globe, March 23, 2008.
"Maine syrup producers sap happier than last year", SeacoastOnline, March 23, 2008.
"Maine Maple Sugar Sunday", The Shaw Family Blog, March 23, 2008.

State of Maine Sportman's Show (28-30 Mar 08)

The 28th State of Maine Sportsman's Show will take place on 28-30 March at the Augusta, Maine Civic Center. There will be many state sports organizations and state agencies present with booths. Lots of exhibits will be present to include L.L. Bean, Trout Unlimited, The Maine Bowhunters Association, and more. To learn more read "Annual spring rite starts Friday", Kennebec Journal, March 22, 2008. The event is sponsored by the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine. The event location is at the Augusta Civic Center, 76 Community Drive, Augusta, ME 04330. For more information contact the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine.

Maine Maple Syrup Day - Sunday, March 23rd

It is Maine Maple Sunday tomorrow - Sunday, March 23rd. Read more on this Maine tradition.

March 22, 2008. "Farms ready for syrup Sunday". Morning Sentinel.
March 22, 2008. "Cold nights, warmer days fueling hopes for syrup producers". Kennebec Journal.
March 20, 2008. "What's sweet about mud season? Maine Maple Sunday". MaineToday.com.
March 20, 2008. "Griddle warms up for Skowhegan event". Morning Sentinel.

For a list of sugar houses showing off their maple syrup see the Maine.gov "Maine Maple Sunday" web page. Click here to learn more about the Maine maple syrup tradition, where to find “sugarhouses” to see how they operate, and where to buy some of their maple sugar products

Spring Ski Season in Maine

With the beginning of spring so comes the spring ski season here in Maine. It promises to be good with the deep snowpack that we have. Read more in "Fun times still ahead during spring ski season", Kennebec Journal, March 22, 2008 and "Record Conditions Boost Ski Resort Ticket Sales", WCSH6 News, March 20, 2008. Click here to see a list of Maine Skiing Destinations.

More Snow in Maine - Snowfall Records Being Set in Maine

We have gotten a lot of snow this year here in Maine. Good for the skiers, snowshoe folks, and skiers. Caribou, Maine set a record for how much snow they got in a season. Read "Caribou sets snowfall record", Bangor Daily News, March 22, 2008.

Spring and Fishing in Maine? What about all this snow?

It is spring time in Maine but it does not seem like it with all this snow. We just paid the snow plow bill and the guy who comes to do the driveway at 5:00 am in the morning when it snows seems to have a good year. Of course, last year in April we were without power for nine days due a couple of ice storms - so this is probably not over yet. But let's be optimistic and think about the upcoming fishing season! Here are a couple of recent news articles about fishing in Maine -
"Northern pike, gobblers and new fishing laws", Knox VillageSoup, March 20, 2008 and "Visitmaine.com highlights fishing", Seacoastonline.com, March 19, 2008.

More News on Maine Maple Syrup Season

The weekend of March 28 will see many Maine maple syrup producers hosting visitors to their sugarhouses and stores. Many visitors will get the opportunity to see how maple syrup is made. And of course, many will have their products for sale! Read about the activities that the Painted Pepper Farm in Steuben, Maine will be providing in "Maple Syrup Sunday on Tap in Steuben", The Ellsworth American, March 20, 2008. Visit the Painted Pepper Farm website. Click here for more information on producing Maine maple syrup.

Maple Syrup Time in Maine

Some more news articles about Maple Syrup time in Maine. It would appear that the low supply of syrup resulting from previous slow seasons have driven prices of maple syrup up about 20 to 30%. See "New Maple Season Brings Higher Prices", WMTW Portland, March 17, 2008 and "Sweet smell of spring: It's maple sugar season in New England", Seacoastonline.com, March 14, 2008.

Fishing Laws in Maine Are Changing

Even though I still have at least a foot of snow in my back yard there are those among us who are looking forward to spring. And with spring comes the sport of fishing. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Division constantly monitors the state of fishing in Maine and will change the fishing laws to help manage the fishing activities of people in Maine. Read about some of these most recent changes in "The ever-changing law book, salters and mussels", Waldo VillageSoup, March 15, 2008. To read the Maine fishing regulations go to "Maine Open Water Fishing Laws and Rules" on the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.

Night Skiing in Maine

Skiing under the lights at night is a different experience than day-time skiing. Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Maine is one such place for night skiing. Read a news article about night skiing at Shawnee Peak. See "Schussing the night away", Sun Journal, March 16, 2008. Click here for more information about skiing in Maine.

"Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" - Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has a program called "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman". This program offers workshops for women who are interested in learning skills in hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Read more in the Knox VillageSoup article of March 14, 2008 entitled "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program schedule". For more information see the website for "Becoming an Outdoors Woman in Maine".

Maple Tree Sap is Flowing in Maine

Maine maple syrup prices may be higher than expected this year. To read more see the Sun Journal news article - "Sap rising - prices, too", Sun Journal, March 13, 2008. Click here to read more about maple syrup time in Maine.

Maple Syrup Making in Maine: Sugarhouses and More

The news this month here in Maine is that it is "Maple Syrup" time. Below are links to recent newspaper and blog postings about maple syrup making here in Maine.

March 15, 2008. "Maple syrup industry in Maine can't be out-sourced". Morning Sentinel.
March 14, 2008. "A sugarhouse that was worth the wait". Knox VillageSoup.
March 14, 2008. "Maine Maple Syrup Celebration". Sturbridge Yankee Workshop.

Click here to learn more about the maple syrup season in Maine.

Maple Syrup Activities in Maine

As the sap starts running and the sugar houses start gearing up to make make syrup - others are promoting the making of maple syrup into activities for the family to enjoy. The links that follow provide more information on these activities.

"Maine Maple Sunday Community Day", Waldo Village Soup, March 13, 2008.
"Maine Maple Sunday", keepMEcurrent.com, March 12, 2008.
"How to Tap Maple Trees and Make Maple Syrup", University of Maine Cooperative Extension, March 13, 2008.
"Students build sugar house", Bangor Daily News, March 13, 2008.
"Sap Gathering and Boiling Event", Waldo Village Soup, March 11, 2008.

Snowmobiles and Consideration for Animals

The Maine Warden Service has advised that snowmobilers need to be considerate of wild animals such as moose and deer. In the middle of winter, with lots of snow in the woods, the animals are looking for easier walking paths - such as snowmobile trails - to get around. Read more on this topic - "Officials urge riders to use caution on snowmobile trails", Kennebec Journal, March 12, 2008. Click here for more information about snowmobiling in Maine.

Maine Governor to Open Maple Syrup Season

Governor Baldacci, the Governor of Maine, will "officially" open Maine's Maple Syrup season Wednesday when he taps a tree at the governors residence. Maine Maple Sunday will be held on March 23, 2008. Read more in the news posting by WMTW.com ABC on March 12, 2008 entitled "Baldacci To Open Maple Syrup Season In Maine". Click here to learn more about the maple syrup season in Maine.

Maine Ice Fishing Update (Mar 11, 2008)

Here is a posting about ice fishing in Maine and using new techniques. See "March a good time to try new techniques", Morning Sentinel, Mar 8, 2008. Click here to see the Weekly Fishing Report by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Click here to read more about ice fishing in Maine.

Maine Boatbuilders Show (Mar 14-16, 2008)

The Maine Boatbuilders Show will take place this coming weekend on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (March 14-16, 2008). The show features the finest fiberglass and wooden custom boatbuilders on the East Coast. There will also be sailboats, powerboats, canoes, kayaks, and more. It will be held in Portland, Maine on 58 Fore Street. Call (207) 775-4403 for more information or visit the website. There will be a series of seminars on boating offered.

Birding in Maine

With the promise of Spring (is it really coming?) birdwatchers (or birders) are making plans to get outside and enjoy their hobby. Maine has a robust and dedicated birding community. See Travel-Maine.Info's web page on "Birding in Maine" for more information. This web page has information on tours, guided trips, bird sanctuaries, birding publications, Maine Audubon, birding news, birding events, birding clubs, and more.

Maple Syrup Making Time in Maine

We are in the maple syrup making time here in Maine. This short season will produce gallons and gallons of maple syrup. For an interesting blog on how maple syrup is made visit "Maple Syrup Making Time!". For more information on Maine maple syrup or where to visit a "sugarhouse" to see the process see "Maine Maple Syrup".

Can Am Crown International 250 Sled Dog Race - Fort Kent, Maine

Read some news postings about the Can Am Crown International 250 Sled Dog Race recently held in the Fort Kent, Maine area. "Experience pays off for Foucher", Laconia Citizen, March 8, 2008; "Snow, wind can't stop Melrose man", St. Cloud Times, March 5, 2008; "Veteran Montana musher well-seasoned for Can Am", Bangor Daily News, March 1, 2008; "Can-Am Crown races start today", Bangor Daily News, March 1, 2008.

Maine Ice Fishing Update (March 9, 2008)

Maine allows ice fishing at night. This is a change to the regulations and was instituted at the beginning of this current season. To read more on this see the following news article: "Maine's more liberal ice fishing regulations allow anglers to fish at night", Morning Sentinel, March 8, 2008. Read a blog entry entitled "The Magic of Ice-fishing", Maine Trail Tales Blog, March 7, 2008. Here is a story on a life-long ice fisherman from Sebago Lake, the recent Sebago Lake ice fishing derby, and life in general on the ice - "Hooked on the story", keepMEcurrent.com, March 3, 2008.

Maple Maple Sunday - An Unofficial Holiday in Maine

Maine Maple Sunday has become an unofficial holiday here in Maine. Many folks take the opportunity to visit sugarhouses on Maine Maple Sunday. Read the following articles about this special day:

"Maine Maple Easter?", Kennebec Journal, Mar 8, 2008.
"The sweetest sign of spring", Bangor Daily News, Mar 8, 2008.
"Gallery celebrates mud season, maple syrup", Morning Sentinel, Mar 6, 2008.

To learn more about Maine Maple Syrup Day visit maple syrup in Maine.

Cross-Country Skiing in Maine (Mar 3, 2008)

The snow continues to accumulate here in Maine. Two recent articles about cross-country skiing in Maine are listed here. One - "MAINE LINING: Camp to Camp cross-country skiing in Maine", Westborough News - WickedLocal.com, Feb 24, 2008 talks about the Applachian Mountain Club's series of camps along a cross-country trail. The second, by a Maine blogger - "XC Skiing in Maine: Still plenty of Snow", Hezzy's Sidewalk Talk, Mar 2, 2008 - provides a description of cross-country skiing at several Maine destinations. Click here for more information about nordic skiing in Maine.

Skiing at Sugarloaf, Maine

See a article about skiing at Sugarloaf, Maine - "Mountain Magic at Sugarloaf in Maine", Ashland Tab, Mar 2, 2008. Click here for a list of other ski resorts in maine.

Poplar Stream Falls Hut Opens in Carrabassett Valley, Maine to Cross-Country Skiers

The Irregular has posted a story (Feb 27, 2008) about the opening of the first portion of the Maine Huts and Trail system - "Poplar Stream Falls Hut opens". Maine Huts and Trails was founded by Mainers who wish to preserve beautiful areas of the wilderness for conservation and recreation. The trail system is expected, once complete years from now, to provide a recreational resource, protect recreational areas in Maine, and provide a stream of dollars for the state from vacationers and outdoor sportsmen.

2008 Maine WinterFest at Sebago Point, Maine a Success

By any accounts read by this poster of news the Winterfest held at Sebago Point in Maine was a big success. Read one account posted by keepMEcurrent.com (Feb 29, 2008) - "A winter party draws crowds, raises cash".