What Kind of Bike Should I Buy? A Maine Outdoorsman Will Help You Decide.

Spring is here and so is the good weather.  The more robust ones among us are figuring out how to lose those winter pounds and get some healthy outdoor exercise.  One activity is biking.  Are you unsure of the type of bike to buy?  Check out this article found online:  "Ask an outdoorsman: Want the right fit? Try on your bike", Maine Sunday Telegram, April 18, 2010. Click here to learn more about biking in Maine.

Osprey Return to Maine

Birds are doing their spring migration to Maine and if you are a birder then this is an exciting time for you.  One of the species returning is the Osprey.  Read a birder's description of this bird described as "a master of hunting over water".  See "Osprey's Return to Maine", Birding in Maine, April 17, 2010.  Click here to learn more about birding in Maine.

Whitewater Rafting in Maine

There are many areas of Maine that offer whitewater rafting.  Click here for a list of firms that offer whitewater rafting tours in Maine.

Important Happenings in Brunswick, Maine During the Past Decade

The Bowdoin Orient, a newspaper published by Bowdoin College located in Brunswick, Maine, has published an article entitled "Decade in review: Brunswick and Maine issues" (April 16, 2010).  The article lists many of the important stories of the past decade that pertains to Brunswick (such as the closing of the air base, nearing of Amtrak service, and various voting issues).  Naturally, being a college student newspaper the article deals with issues important to the college students.  Still, the article provides a sense of some of the important happenings over the past ten years in this coastal community.

Maine's Seacoast: Great Place for the Weekend

The coast of Maine is beautiful to look at and worth spending a weekend visiting.  If you are looking for something to do this weekend with the family then consider the coast of Maine.  For a listing of places to go click on "Maine Coast Destinations".

Birding in Maine

This is the time of year that various species of migratory birds come to visit the state of Maine for the warm weather season.  Dedicated birders are camped out at various locations in an attempt to add to their list of bird sightings.  Birding is an activity (see "birdwatching" at Wikipedia) that has low impact on the environment and that does not cost much to the participant.  Click here for more information about birding in Maine.

Place to Eat and Drink in Brunswick, Maine

Looking for a friendly town pub to eat and drink near Brunswick, Maine? Then try Lilee's Public House.  A pub in downtown Brunswick where you can feel comfortable.  Read a recent online article that reviews the pub - "Lilee's carries pub tradition in fine style", The Portland Press Herald, March 25, 2010.

Biking in Maine: Time to Get Outdoors

With the arrival of spring folks are looking for ways to shape up, get exercise, and lose a few pounds.  Riding a bike is a great way to do that.  Maine is considered to be a "bike friendly state".  If you are new to biking then there is help out there for you.  Consider joining one of the many biking clubs found in Maine.  For a listing of Maine bike clubs click on "Biking in Maine".

Bringing Back the New England Cottontail Rabbit

Maine's landscape has been changing from that of farmland to suburban developments and reforested areas. This has dramatically cut down on fields where the New England Cottontail Rabbit can be found.  It is estimated that only 300 of the rabbits now exist in Maine.  However there are some people who are trying to bring back the Cottontail population here in Maine.  Read more in "Southern Mainers restoring cottontail rabbit habitat", The Portland Press Herald, April 3, 2010.

One Week Travel Vacation Along the Maine Coast

Are you starting to plan your one week vacation to the Maine coast?  Read an online article by one author who did a one week family trip to Acadia and other Maine seacoast spots.  He incorporated a number of activities to keep the children interested to include hiking, biking, mountain climbing and more.  Read "Do-it-yourself adventure tour", Boston.com, April 11, 2010.

Spring Birds in Maine

Spring is here in Maine and with it comes a variety of birds not seen during those long winter months.  Birding is a big activity here in Maine.  Read more about spring birds in Maine at the "Birding in Maine" blog.

Maine Civil War Monument in Bath, Maine

The city of Bath, Maine offers the visitor a lot of attractions.  There is the Bath Iron Works -  a huge shipyard that builds ships for the U.S. Navy, a maritime museum, picturesque downtown, shops, restaurants, and pleasant views.  Like many New England towns it also has its Civil War Momument.  This monument can be found in the Oak Grove Cemetery in bath.  It was erected in 1896.  Click here to view some photographs of the monument.

Climbing in Camden, Maine

For those who like to climb you can combine rock climbing with visiting a wonderful coastal Maine town.  Camden, Maine offers both.  Click here to read a blog post about climbs in Camden, Maine and click here to learn where to eat, shop, and stay while visiting Camden.

Brunswick, Maine and Joshua Chamberlain

History buffs on the civil war know that Joshua Chamberlain was one of the more famous generals of the North.  At the start of the civil war Chamberlain was a 28-year-old math professor at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.  A statue can be found that honors his service.  Click here to learn more about this civil war monument of Chamberlain and click here to learn more about Brunswick, Maine.

Birding in the Weskeag Marsh (Rockland, Maine)

A local birder writes about his days spent birding in the Weskeag Marsh near Rockland, Maine.  Read "Stalking the Weskeag Marsh with Don Reimer", The Free Press, March 25, 2010.  Click here to read more about birding in Maine.

Maine's Maple Syrup Season Ends Early with the Weather

Maine's maple syrup season ended early due to the weather.  For many it was too cold during the day and too warm at night.  The maple sryup business is hit or miss sometimes and this season it was a matter of timing - when to tap the trees.  Read more in "Weather Forces Early End to Maine's Maple Syrup Season", Maine Public Broadcasting Network, March 23, 2010.

A Little of Maine Becoming History: Sardine Cannery to Close

The last sardine cannery in the United States is shutting down on April 18, 2010.  The cannery, in Prospect Harbor, Maine, will be the last of its kind to operate in the U.S.  Sardine canneries in the U.S. have "fallen victim to global competition, corporate consolidations, and a general lack of appetite".  There used to be at least 50 canneries in Maine but they have gone away over time.  Read more in "In Maine, Last Sardine Cannery in the U.S. Is Clattering Out", The New York Times, April 3, 2010.

Sporting Camps in Central Maine Woods (AMC)

"A 30,000-acre reserve unites some of New England’s greatest wilderness lodges.


By Stephen Jermanok

Best known for its network of huts in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the Appalachian Mountain Club is now working on a Central Maine system of sporting camps that promises to make Henry David Thoreau’s rugged haven more accessible than ever. In November the AMC purchased 29,500 acres from the Plum Creek Timber Company for $11.5 million, a move that safeguards two century-old sporting camps. (The new acquisition adds to the 37,000 acres of land containing two other camps the AMC purchased in 2003.) Since each camp is spaced seven to 10 miles from the next, vastly greater expanses of terrain in the legendary 100 Mile Wilderness area are now open for lodge-to-lodge backpacking and canoeing (or cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dogsledding in the winter)."

Read the rest of the article in "Opening Up the Maine Woods", Mens's Journal, March 31, 2010.

Cabin Fiver by the Freeport Players (Maine entertainment)

The Freeport Players will present "Cabin Fiver" from April 9-25, 2010 (Fri/Sat/Sun).  This will be held at the Freeport Performing Arts Center on Holbrook Street, in Freeport, Maine.  Click on http://www.fcponline.org/ for more info.

Wings, Waves, & Woods Weekend on Deer Isle, Maine (May 21-23, 2010)

The fourth annual Wings, Waves and Woods, a weekend festival of birding and art, will be held May 21-23 on Deer Isle, Maine. Events include birding walks, presentations by Maine Birding Trail founder Bob Duchesne, boat and kayak excursions to view eagles, sea birds and puffins, artists' exhibits and studio tours, and an old-fashioned chowder supper. The weekend is sponsored by the Deer Isle-Stonington Chamber of Commerce, Downeast Audubon and Island Heritage Trust. For more information, call 348-2455 or go to: http://www.islandheritagetrust.org/ or http://www.deerislemaine.com/.

Spring Brewers Festival - Portland, Maine - May 22, 2010

The First Annual Spring Brewers Festival will be held in Portland, Maine on May 22, 2010.  Click here for more information on time, location and how to buy tickets in advance:  Spring Brewers Festival.  Click here to learn more about brew pubs and microbreweries in Maine.

Parrot Head Festival at Sunday River, Bethel, Maine on April 9-11, 2010

The annual Parrot Head Festival will take place at Sunday River Ski Resort on Friday through Sunday, April 9-11, 2010. 

"The annual Parrot Head Festival is a weekend in paradise! Friday and Saturday celebrate with Jimmy Buffett cover bands, contests, prizes, parties, and more! Sunday, we kick off the day with pond-skimming, followed by our famous Key-lime pie-eating contest. Help the Parrot Head Club of the Northern Tropics spend a fantastic weekend skiing with parties, sun, and more! All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Foundation."

  Read more by clicking here.

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy - A Maine Traditional Drink

Allen's Coffee Flavored Brandy has been the number one selling spirit in Maine for twenty years.  At least, this is what the drinks website claims and it is probably true. 

"Allen’s Coffee Flavored Brandy has been the number one selling spirit in Maine for more than 20 years. This popular spirit is produced by M.S. Walker of Somerville Massachusetts. Many Mainers inquire about purchasing stock in the company, however, they are not able to since M.S. Walker is a fifth generation family business. M.S. Walker feels fortunate that the people of Maine support the brand and appreciate its outstanding taste. In appreciation, the company has been active in sponsoring local events and charities in Maine."

Heating Your House With Wood in Maine or How Not Too Run Up Your Oil Bill

Maine is full of "back to nature" folks.  One example is a couple who live in Maine who have foresaken the home heating oil rat race.  Read up on this unique couple who are living life in a rustic way.  Visit the Cold House Journal blog.

Fiddleheads - Recipes for Cooking this Maine Food

The picking season for Fiddleheads is about three weeks long and starts at the first sign of Spring.  Click here for some fiddlehead recipes provided by the University of Maine Extension service.

Maine Bloggers and Blogs

Maine is a great place to live and vacation.  But sometimes you can't always be here.  I know, sad face.

 :-(

But you can still get your fix of Maine life by reading some blogs about Maine.  See this comprehensive listing of Maine blogs to learn more about vacationing, travel, life, sports, politics, business, photography, farms, gardening and real estate in Maine.

Maine Maple Sunday - March 28, 2010

On Sunday, March 28 Mainers will be able to visit maple syrup sugarhouses (some will be open on Saturday as well).  Many of the sugarhouses will be serving pancakes for breakfast - along with their maple syrup.  Read a recent news article on Maine Maple Syrup Day in "Maine Maple Sunday: Tasty maple treats, from beans to doughnuts", Portland Press Herald, March 21, 2010.  Click here for a list of Maine Sugarhouses.

Get Ready for Hiking Season in Maine: To Start With - Avoid Blisters!

The early warm weather here in Maine has hikers (seasoned and new) looking at the possibilities of getting out on the trails.  If you are new to hiking you want an enjoyable first time experience.  Key to that is avoiding blisters.  The following article tells you how to do that!  "Ask an Outdoorsman: Blisters 101: Don't get off on the wrong foot", Portland Press Herald, March 21, 2010.  Click here for information about hiking in Maine.

Oh . . . and by the way . . . while walking along trails in the woods early in the season look out for ice under the leaves for the next few weeks.  You don't want to slip and hurt yourself on unseen ice!

Census Taking in Maine: ATVs, Lobster Boats, and Snowmobiles All Help Out

"PORTLAND, Maine - Census workers are using snowmobiles, airplanes, all-terrain vehicles — even lobster boats — to visit the most far-flung, hidden-away dwellings when counting the nation's populace.

Hand-delivering 2010 census questionnaires in the bush of Alaska, Maine's North Woods and other isolated regions isn't as simple as strolling up a front walk to a suburban home. To get to the more remote homes, census workers might fly over mountains or onto far-removed islands, four-wheel it through forests and contend with deep snow, bone-chilling temperatures and wildlife on the move.

In Maine, census workers will begin delivering forms this week by whatever means it takes — ATV, snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes — to get to those hard-to-get-to places."

Read the rest of the article in "Snowmobiles, ATVs, lobster boats used for census", CNBC, March 21, 2010.

A Blog About Portland, Maine: The Road to the Farm (Pictures and Posts about Portland)

There are lots of blogs about the state of Maine.  This one is about Portland, Maine - with a twist.  The blogger writes about where she lives (the big city) but is hoping to end up on a farm - thus the blog title "The Road to the Farm".  But until she ends up on a farm we get to enjoy her posts and pictures about living in Portland, Maine.  http://roadtothefarm.blogspot.com/

A Sweet Sign of Spring: Maple Sugaring in Maine

A Maine writer has posted news of maple sugaring.  Read "Maple Sugaring Time: A Sweet Sign of Spring", A Good Eater, February 20, 2010.

Bruce McToose: The Intrepid Traveler - A Little Bit of Maine Culture

For you folks "from away" that want to know what life in Maine is like - we offer you "Bruce McToose the Intrepid Traveler".  Bruce is a celebrity adventurer and explorer and host of the TV series Intrepid Travels.  He is a guide to exotic and unusual places.  His show has been seen on Fox 23, WPME, and the Maine Public Broadcasting Network.  Check out his website for a slice of Maine life!

http://www.brucemctoose.com/

Windjamming in Maine: The Schooner Isaac H. Evans of Rockland, Maine

If you are interested in windjamming in Maine then you should check out the Schooner Isaac H. Evans.  The schooner can take you out on a 1, 3, 4, and 6-day sailing adventures on Penobscot Bay.  Maine has lots to offer with its coastline, islands, fair weather, lobster, lighthouses and other attactions.  Visit the Schooner Evans website for more information:

http://www.mainesailingadventures.com/

Summer Camp for Boys in Maine

It is not too early to think of summer camps in Maine.  One great place to send your young man is to Camp Timanous in Raymond, Maine.  It is a overnight summer camp for boys age 7 to 15 years old that was established in 1917.  Among the activities at the camp are archery, arts and crafts, baseball, basketball, camping, drama and music, lacrosse, nature, riflery, soccer, tennis, canoeing, boating, fishing, sailing, swimming, water skiing, and lots of other activities.  See the website for more information:

http://www.camptimanous.com/

Wolf Moon Journal: A Maine Magazine of Art and Opinion

Maine is rich in its abundance of writers.  Many successful book authors (for example Stephen King) live here as well as lesser known authors.  Add to this the numerous writers who post their creations online - whether it is fiction, non-fiction or niche blogs on a certain topic.  One such blog or "journal" is the Wolf Moon Journal: A Maine Magazine of Art and Opinion. 

"Wolf Moon Journal is a small but plucky independent web magazine based in Winthrop Maine, and has been on the web since 2002. The journal has a broad range of content, including movie reviews, essays on various topics, images of Maine, and poetry. While based in Maine, not all of our contributors are from Maine nor are all the articles about Maine—we are not afraid to tackle big themes that go beyond the state. On the other hand, we do treasure our independent voices from the hinterland, and much of our focus is on life in Maine. In short, we enjoy being somewhat contradictory."

Click here to visit the "Wolf Moon Journal"
 - http://www.wolfmoonjournal.com/

Click here for a listing of other blogs, journals, and magazines found online
 - http://www.travel-maine.info/maine_blogs.htm

Map of Maine Maple Sugar Houses

Maple sugaring time is nearing.  For some places in Maine it is already here.  Below are some resources should you want to know more about maple sugaring in Maine.
Map showing locations of Maine maple syrup sugarhouses:

http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/maine-maple-sunday-map.html

Info on Maine maple syrup making:

http://www.travel-maine.info/maine_maple_syrup.htm

Building a Maine Cabin

Maine is a land made up of resourceful people.  Some like the big city (Portland?) while others thrive to be in the country.  A lot of back-to-nature and plain old-fashion Maine folks live off the land (or try to).  Here is a blog by a person building a cabin in the Maine woods.  Read "Maine Cabin Blog" to share the author's experience of building a cabin.

Small-Scale, Backyard Maple Syrup Production in Maine

You don't need a large-scale operation to produce your own maple syrup.  Do-it-yourself operations exist all over Maine.  Read about one woman's small-time operation that provides her family with maple syrup year-round.  Read "Sappy" by Maine Adventure Mom (March 10, 2010).  Click here to learn more about maple syrup production in Maine.

Maine Maple Sunday

Maine Maple Sunday is coming.  Here is an online post by the Foodlore Library about their visit to a syrup maker in Maine.  Read "Sure Sign of Spring: Maine Maple Sunday", Foodlore Library, March 10, 2010.  Click here for more news about Maine Maple Sunday and Maine sugarhouses.

Maine Maple Producers Association

Maine Maple Producers Association
PO Box 471, Skowhegan, Maine 04976-0471
Phone: (207) 634-3521

The association webpage provides information on the history of maple syrup, how maple syrup is made, and how to enjoy maple syrup.

http://www.mainemapleproducers.com/

Click here for more information on Maine maple syrup.

http://www.travel-maine.info/maine_maple_syrup.htm

Maine Maple Sugaring

The maple sugar season is starting off slow in some areas of Maine and going well in others.  In the Gorham, Maine area the weather isn't cooperating to its fullest.  Read a recent news article on the current status this season.  See "Sap run slow as Maple Sunday nears", American Journal, March 11, 2010.  Click here for a listing of maple sugarhouses in Maine.

Maine Lobster Haul Very High in 2009

The poor economy has kept the price of lobster relatively low here in Maine; however, the lobster catch was quite large for 2009.  Read more in "Record volume of lobster caught in Maine in '09", Bangor Daily News, March 2, 2010.  Click here to learn more information about Maine lobster.

Maine Maple Sunday - March 28, 2010

Maine maple sugarhouses will be inviting the public to view their operations and sample their products on Sunday, March 28, 2010.  The spring in Maine is when maple syrup is made and it is a good family activity on the weekend.  The kids will be amazed!  For a listing of maple sugarhouses in Maine click on the link below.


http://www.travel-maine.info/maine_maple_syrup.htm

York Land Trust (Maine) to Build New Hiking Trails

The Maine Conservation Corps in concert with the York Land Trust is planning to open Highland Farms to the public and build some hiking trails this summer.  Read more in "Highland Farm to build public trails", Seacoast Online, March 3, 2010.

See Maine Conservation Corps, York Land Trust, and hiking trails in Maine.

L.L. Bean and Nordic Fashion Models

L.L. Bean of Freeport, Maine has always done a good job at marketing.  Countless catalogues come to our house (and we don't throw them away before reading!) at all times of the year.  The catalogues are well-done and I always seem to find something that I need in them.  L.L. Bean was always known for catering to the camping and hunting crowd but over the past several years it has gotten trendy.  Evidence of this is their newest catalogue with a supermodel now gracing its pages.  Read more in "L.L. Bean Goes High Fashion?", Slate, February 23, 2010.

Belfast Historical Society & Musuem 2010 Schedule

The Belfast Historical Society and Museum has posted its 2010 schedule online.  Visit the following link to download the pdf file.

http://www.belfastmuseum.org/museum_news.html

Maine Maple Syrup Tapping Time Ahead of Schedule

The mild late winter weather has affected the maple syrup activity in Maine.  The schedule has moved up a week or so and many Mainers have already tapped their trees.  It all depends on where you live in the state of Maine.  Read more in "Sap pouring in for producers, but harvest outcome uncertain", Bangor Daily News, February 25, 2010.  Also see Maine maple syrup sugarhouses.

25th Annual Handicapped Ski-A-Thon at Sunday River on March 27, 2010

A premier fundraising event that takes place at Sunday River in Bethel, Maine on Saturday, March 27, 2010.  Read more here. 

"At the Ski-A-Thon participants ski or ride for free all day, courtesy of Sunday River, (or Nordic ski down the hill at the Sunday River XC Ski Center), eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Grand Summit Hotel, and participate in relay races, the FUN RACE at Monday Mourning, or the Tropical Obstacle Course created by the Parrot Head Club of Maine. There is never a dull moment at the Ski-A-Thon. Ski-A-Thon’ers can get free massages, be thrilled by a magician, dance to the great sounds of Rockin’ George Leh and His Band or laugh with Gary Crocker, Maine humorist!"

"Shutter Island" Filmed in Maine

Parts of the movie "Shutter Island" were filmed in Maine on an island in Acadia National Park.  Read about this movie is "Movie Review: 'Shutter Island'".

Belfast Historical Society and Museum

The Belfast Historical Society and Museum has a number of exhibits worth viewing.  Among these exhibits are one about maritime history (Belfast being a coastal community), a two-cell jail, model ships, and more.  Visit the museums website at:

http://www.belfastmuseum.org/museum_exhibits.html