Clamming in Maine in December (Brrrrrrrr)

There is lots to enjoy in Maine in the winter - this includes activities usually done in warmer weather.  Read an article about one man's enjoyment in Maine's state parks while he collects steamers in the winter.  See "State parks offer events for season", Kennebec Journal, December 11, 2011.

Mount Blue

The Sun Journal has published an online article about the Mount Blue State Park area - located in Western Maine. The article lists sights to see, things to do, places to stay and dine, and more. Also provided are websites to further investigate this wonderful area of Maine. See "Road Trip: Mount Blue" (September 28, 2008).

Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park

Yesterday my wife and I hiked Wolf Neck Woods State Park in Freeport, Maine. As we live in the Freeport, Maine area it is just a short drive to get there. Coming from Freeport center the drive is very pleasant as you travel past old houses (some new ones also), farm fields with hay, pastures with cows, barns, streams, and lots of woods. Once there we parked the car and we set off to hike. On a whim we set off on a path we had not taken before. Little did we know that it was the longest trail in the park. After a while, as I gazed at what little sun was poking through the clouds, I determined we were heading west and eventually we came upon the west side of the peninsular that juts southward into the Atlantic Ocean. The trail then follows the waters edge with the woods on the left and the water on the right (a map check later in the day reveals that this is called the Harraseeket River). Across the water we could see Freeport Harbor where all the lobster and pleasure boats moor. It was foggy so there was not much activity on the water; although we could hear the occasional small motor boat running about. After a while the trail turns back east and we eventually got back into the Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park area. We have been there before and recognized one of the other trails that would take us to the waters edge within the park. Once there we sat on the rocks, rested a little, and admired the fog rolling in. For the first 50 minutes of our hike we did not see a soul; the last ten minutes we came across the occasional couple or family. A nice quiet walk in the woods along the ocean. Next time though I will bring my map! Click here to visit the Maine Department of Conservation website for Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park. Click here for more information on dining and lodging in Freeport, Maine.

Camping in Maine - A Budget Vacation

With today's gas prices folks are looking to cut some corners with vacation costs. One way to do this is camping. No expensive hotel bill, cheap meals prepared over a cook stove or campfire, and low-cost entertainment such as hiking, swimming, and more. A recent article on camping in Maine provides some places to go with descriptions, locations, costs associated, and either a phone number or website for further information. Read "The Ultimate Budget Vacation", by The Maine Switch, June 26, 2008. Click here for a listing or directory of places to camp in Maine.

Baxter State Park, Maine Now Open

Trails and campgrounds in Maine's Baxter State Park are finally open. The past winter season with its heavy snowfall delayed the opening of some trails and camps by over two weeks. Read more in the Bangor Daily News article of June 16, 2008 entitled "Trails Opened in Baxter State Park". For more information about hiking in Maine see "Hiking in Maine: Info, maps, trails, guides, and tours".

Maine State Parks Look to Busy Season

Maine state parks are gearing up for a busy season. The rising gas prices are causing folks to consider vacations closer to home. Day-use of the parks have increased by 20 % - somewhat caused by the longer than usual cross-country ski and snowshoeing season. A number of improvements are being made to several state parks this year to include new picnic tables, rest room facilities, and children's playgrounds. Read more in "Maine's parks anticipate busy season", Bangor Daily News, May 23, 2008 or click on Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. For more information on traveling in Maine click on http://www.travel-maine.info/.