Tag: things to do in maine

Maine Canoe Kayak River Races
Maine offers a variety of canoe and kayak races throughout the year, with several notable events scheduled for 2025.

Paddling in a spring Maine river race is as much about the journey as the competition. It’s a chance to challenge yourself. To embrace the raw beauty of nature, and connect with the Maine river in a way that few other experiences can offer. It’s tough, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Maine canoe kayak river races are a rite of spring. A chance to celebrate one more outdoor waterfront tradition.

Paddle, Drift, Gawk. Witness Small Town Maine. What It Is Really Like Living Here. Canoes Can Have Motors… But Not In A Maine River Race.

Families, individuals, folks you work with and old childhood classmates connect at a Maine race venue.

Year after year it becomes a fraternity, sorority ritual for many. Do you get out on the open water for the thrill of paddling down a Maine river?

Connect with others that have the same healthy river paddling habit. The Maine canoe, kayak and paddle boards don’t just get used in a spring race and then put away to gather dust.

Here are some of the key Maine canoe kayak river races, along with their locations, dates, and registration details:

St. George River Race
Date: Traditionally held on the last weekend in March. The 2025 date is yet to be announced.
Location: Searsmont, Maine. The race starts at the St. George Bridge in Searsmont Village.
Registration: Typically opens on February 1st each year. For updates and registration, visit the Waldo County YMCA website.

Maine Trail Finder

Passagassawakeag River Race
Date: Traditionally held on the first weekend in April. The 2025 date is yet to be announced.
Location: Belfast, Maine. The race course typically runs along the Passagassawakeag River.
Registration: Details will be available on the Waldo County YMCA website as the date approaches.

Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race
Date: Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Location: Bangor to Kenduskeag, Maine. This is a 16.5-mile race starting in downtown Bangor and ending in the town of Kenduskeag.
Registration: Registration details will be available in early 2025. For more information, visit the official race website.

Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race

Aroostook River Spring Runoff Canoe & Kayak Race
Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Location: Caribou, Maine. The 6.2-mile race starts at the Lower Lyndon Street Boat Launch by Caribou Stream and ends at Forbes Pit, 1100 Fort Fairfield Road.
Registration: Race day registration is from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at the starting point. Fees are $10 per paddler aged 19 and over, and $5 for paddlers 18 and younger. Online registration is available through the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department’s portal.

HappeningNext

Sheepscot River Race
Date: The 2025 date is yet to be announced.
Location: Newcastle to Wiscasset, Maine. This is a 6-mile canoe and kayak race starting in Newcastle at the Route 1 Rest Area Bridge and finishing at the Wiscasset Waterfront.
Registration: Registration opens on race day at 11:00 AM at the Newcastle Rest Area. The fee is $20 per person, with discounts for kids under 17 and adults over 70. For more details, visit the organizer’s website.

Seaspray

Cathance River Flatwater Race
Date: Traditionally held in September. The 2025 date is yet to be announced.
Location: Bowdoinham, Maine. The race begins at the Bowdoinham Kayak/Canoe Launch.
Registration: Registration typically begins at 2:00 PM on race day, with the race starting at 3:30 PM. For more information, contact the event organizer.

Bowdoinham

Regarding the number of spring canoe river races, Maine typically hosts several. The events include the St. George River Race, Passagassawakeag River Race, Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, and Aroostook River Spring Runoff Canoe & Kayak Race, among others.

The exact number can vary each year based on scheduling and conditions.

In terms of difficulty, the Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is often considered more challenging due to its length (16.5 miles) and sections of whitewater, including the notable Six Mile Falls.

In contrast, races like the Sheepscot River Race are shorter (6 miles) and feature more flat water sections. It makes them more accessible for beginner paddlers.

The amount of winter snow significantly impacts Maine river conditions during spring races.

Last year, Maine winter weather was mild and low on the snow amounts. This year has started out with a repeat snow less Maine winter but lots of rain. A heavy snow pack leads to higher spring runoff, resulting in increased river volume and faster currents.

More water, higher levels can make races more challenging and exciting.

Conversely, a lack of winter snow reduces runoff, leading to lower water levels, slower currents. Potentially exposing obstacles like rocks and sandbars, which can affect race dynamics and safety.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s advisable to check the official Maine river canoe race websites .

Or contact the organizers of each race as the event dates approach.

Maine, Somehow Water Is Always In The Background, foreground, All Around. Part Of The Outdoor Fun In Maine Is Water.

Grab A Partner To Canoe River Race In Maine. Kayaks, Paddle Boards Welcome Too!

Historical Perspective on Canoes in Maine

Before the development of roadways, railways, and recreational trails, Maine’s rivers served as vital transportation routes for its early inhabitants, including Native Americans and European settlers.

Canoes, particularly those crafted from birch bark, were essential for navigating the state’s interconnected waterways.

These vessels were not only lightweight and portable but also well-suited for Maine’s rugged terrain. Allowing people to traverse vast distances for trade, communication, and resource gathering.

Rivers like the Penobscot, Kennebec, Androscoggin, and St. John served as the primary “highways” for early Mainers. Connecting settlements and enabling the transport of goods such as furs, timber, and agricultural produce.

Major Rivers Hosting Canoe and Kayak Races in Maine
- Penobscot River
- Kenduskeag Stream (a tributary of the Penobscot River)
- St. George River
- Passagassawakeag River
- Aroostook River
- Cathance River
- Sheepscot River
- Androscoggin River
- Meduxnekeag River
The Oldest, Newest, and Most Popular River Races in Maine
- Oldest Race:
  The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race, first held in 1967, is the oldest continuously running canoe race in Maine. This iconic event attracts paddlers from across the country and is a hallmark of springtime in Maine.
- Newest Race:
  The Cathance River Flatwater Race in Bowdoinham is one of the newer additions to Maine’s canoe and kayak racing calendar, emphasizing a more relaxed paddling experience with scenic views.
- Most Popular Race:
  The Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is also the most popular race in Maine. Known for its 16.5-mile course featuring a mix of flatwater and challenging whitewater sections, it draws hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators annually.
How Early Rivers Shaped Racing Culture

Maine’s historical reliance on rivers as primary transportation routes has evolved into a strong paddling culture. With recreational and competitive canoeing and kayaking becoming popular Maine pastimes.

Early Races Are Cold River Runs With More Water, Greater Speeds, Trickier Currents.

Many races take place on rivers that once played a critical role in the state’s economic and cultural development. Maine’s combination of history, natural beauty, and challenging waterways ensures that its canoe and kayak races remain deeply rooted in the state’s identity.

Nothing cures cabin fever in Maine better than paddling for all you are worth to come out on the top of the field of river racers.

Spring Means High Fast Water, Canoe Races.

Or to just clear out the cobwebs being cooped up parked by a Maine cabin wood stove. Young and old alike team up for the chance to compete, complete and maybe win a t-shirt.

Been On Your Feet All Day? Er I Mean Through Maine River Rapids, Twists And Turns? River Race Paddlers, 2 Paddle Boards In The Meduxnekeag River Race.

The cost of purchasing a canoe in Maine varies based on factors such as the canoe’s material, brand, condition (new or used), and specific features. Here’s a general overview to guide you:

New Canoes:
- Plastic Canoes: Typically range from $800 to over $2,000, depending on size and brand.
  Kayak Guru
- Aluminum Canoes: Generally priced between $1,500 and $4,000.
  Kayak Guru
- Composite Canoes (e.g., Kevlar, Fiberglass): Often start around $2,500 and can exceed $6,000, reflecting their lightweight and high-performance characteristics.
  Kayak Guru
Used Canoes:
- On average, a used canoe costs about $750, with prices ranging from $300 to $1,500, influenced by factors like condition, age, and brand.
  ruggedoutdoorsguide.com
Local Maine Options:
- Two Rivers Canoe & Tackle: Based in Sherman, Maine, they offer the “Maine Freighter,” a custom-built canoe known for its quality and durability. For specific pricing, it’s recommended to contact them directly.
  Two Rivers Canoe & T
- Saco River Canoe & Kayak: Located in the Mount Washington Valley area, they sell gently used kayaks and canoes at affordable prices. For current inventory and pricing, reaching out to them is advisable.
  Saco River Canoe & Kayak
- Check Uncle Henry’s, Facebook Marketplace, Heck Mardens!
When considering a Maine canoe purchase, it’s essential to assess your specific needs. Such as intended use (recreational, whitewater, or expedition), desired durability, weight preferences, and budget.

Visiting local retailers or outfitters in Maine can provide hands-on experience and personalized advice to help you make an informed decision.

Grab A Paddle, Load Up The Canoe, Launch The Kayak! Spring High Water Time Is Here!

Paddling hard in a spring Maine river race is a mix of adrenaline, connection to nature, and sheer physical effort. It’s an experience that pushes you physically and mentally while immersing you in the beauty and unpredictability of Maine’s rivers. What does a Maine river canoe kayak paddler experience from the waterway run around the state?

The Build-Up: Anticipation and Energy
- Spring in Maine: The rivers are swollen with snow melt, running fast and cold. The air is crisp, and the landscape is a patchwork of lingering frost and emerging greenery.
- Pre-Race Jitters: Standing at the starting line, surrounded by other paddlers, you feel the buzz of excitement. Everyone is checking gear, strategizing, and trying to stay warm.
The Start: Pure Adrenaline
- When the Maine canoe race begins, it’s chaos in the best way. Paddles splash, competitors shout, and the Maine river seems alive, surging forward as if it’s part of the race.
- The water grabs your canoe or kayak, demanding quick reactions. Your heart pounds—not just from effort but from the thrill of it all.
The Physical Challenge: Pushing Hard
- Paddling Against Resistance:
  Each stroke cuts through icy Maine river water, your muscles burning as you fight the current, your competitors, and sometimes the wind.
- Rapids and Obstacles:
  Maine’s spring rivers are unpredictable, with rapids, rocks, and sometimes low-hanging branches that require skill and focus. A lot like unpredictable forces in life right?
- Cold Water Reminder:
  The cold splash of the Maine river keeps you sharp. It’s invigorating but a reminder of how serious the conditions are. Better bungie cord the cooler and any loose items just in case we capsize.
The Mental Battle: Grit and Strategy
- Finding Your Rhythm:
  After the initial burst of energy, you settle into a paddling rhythm. Your breathing aligns with your strokes, and your mind shifts into a zone. Maine, the way life should be.
- Strategic Decisions:
  Do you paddle harder to gain ground or pace yourself to save energy for the end? Reading the river current becomes critical—choosing the fastest line, avoiding obstacles, and adjusting to currents.
- Moments of Doubt:
  When your arms ache, and it feels like everyone is pulling ahead, it takes mental grit to keep going down a Maine river.
The Connection: Nature and Camaraderie
- Wild Beauty:
  The riverbanks are alive with the first signs of spring—birch trees budding, birds calling, and the smell of damp earth. Even as you push hard, you can’t help but notice the beauty around you.
- Shared Experience:
  Whether it’s a glance exchanged with a competitor or a friendly laugh at a near-capsize, there’s camaraderie in the shared effort.
The Finish: Exhaustion and Triumph
- Final Push:
  As you near the finish line, you dig deep, every ounce of strength going into those last strokes.
- Relief and Joy:
  Crossing the line is pure satisfaction. Your body aches, but it’s worth it for the sense of accomplishment.
- Post-Race Vibe:
  Onshore, there’s a mix of laughter, shared stories, and warm drinks to chase away the chill. You feel part of a community that understands the unique thrill of river racing.
Dressed For Fun, The Outdoor Application. Not Being A Clotheshorse. Or Out To Impress. Just Warm, Cool, Dry, Comfortable.

Why It’s Worth It

Paddling in a spring Maine river race is as much about the journey as the competition. It’s a chance to challenge yourself. To embrace the raw beauty of nature, and connect with the river in a way that few other experiences can offer. It’s tough, exhilarating, and unforgettable. Thanks for following our Me In Maine blog posts.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com |

MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA
January 12, 2025
Mt Katahdin Baxter State Park
Mt Katahdin Baxter State Park in Maine is a key location on the Appalachian Trail (AT).

Baxter State Park is home to Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the 2,190+ mile trail. Thru-hikers either begin or conclude their Appalachian Trail journey at Baxter Peak, the summit of Mount Katahdin.

My four kids and I along with extra friends spent a lot of time at Baxter State Park. Climbing Mt Katahdin is unforgettable and a yearly repeated hiking tradition. But lots of other mountains and smaller foot hills to hike and conquer as you collect the different trail experiences. Growing up less than a hour away means tapping into the natural beauty and majesty of Baxster State Park / Mt Katahdin was right in my backyard.

Have you seen the movie Lost On A Mountain In Maine?

80 miles, 9 days and lost on Mt Katahdin and wandering around the Baxter State Park and beyond. The movie, a true story based on the story that swept the nation back in the summer of 1939.

Donn Fendler, a 12 year old Boy Scout lost his hiking party and found himself alone, wet, cold, tired and deeply lost in the woods around Baxter State Park while climbing Mt Katahdin in Piscataquis County Maine.

Watch The Trailer For Lost On A Mountain In Maine!

Hear, see Donn Fendler himeself reflect on what happened and his experience that had a happy ending.

Share your experience with Mt Katahdin, the hiking personal tales you have at Baxter State Park.

Hiking Baxter State Park. Which Trails Do You Use The Most And Pick To Hike?

Climbing Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park Trails With Your Kids. Like You Did With Your Parents. Priceless.

Feel The Breeze, See The Moisture Clouds Floating By? The Tableland Of Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park.

Heading Up Mt Katahdin, Baxter State Park’s “Saddle”.

Lots of trails, which one to pick depends on the age, the size of your climbing party as you head to Baxter State Park.

Baxter State Park. No Burger King, No Mickey Dees. Just Wildlife. No Vehicles, No People, Just Four Seasons All Natural Scenery.

Where to begin?

Mountains in Baxter State Park:

Baxter State Park boasts over 40 mountain peaks and ridges within its boundaries. Notable mountains include:
1. Mount Katahdin:
  
  Comprises five main peaks:
  
  Baxter Peak (the highest at 5,269 feet)
  
  Hamlin Peak
  
  Pamola Peak
  
  South Peak
  
  Chimney Peak
2. Other Peaks:
  
  Mount Coe
  
  South Brother and North Brother
  
  Fort Mountain
  
  Doubletop Mountain
  
  The Owl
These mountains surrounding the crown jewel Mt Katahdin in Baxter State Park are breath taking.

Each provides a mix of hiking challenges, from strenuous climbs to more moderate trails, and offer stunning views of Maine’s wilderness. The park is renowned for its rugged beauty and commitment to preserving its natural state, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
Starting a family hiking journey in Baxter State Park and working your way up to Mount Katahdin is an excellent plan! Here’s a guide to gradually build up experience and confidence, taking into account age, weather, and time constraints:

1. Start Small: Horse Mountain

Trail Overview: A short hike (about 2 miles round trip) with moderate elevation gain, suitable for young children and beginners. 1400′ high. Start with this one my advice from experience.

Highlights: Scenic views without being too strenuous. Perfect for getting the family used to trails and rewarding vistas. The entire family can hike. Little hikers don’t have to stay home.

Tips: Bring snacks and let kids take breaks. Make it about the journey, not just the destination. Bring friends too to follow the blue dotted dash trail markets up and down the trails.

2. Intermediate Hikes: Gradual Progression

For families with younger children or when weather or time is limited, Baxter State Park offers excellent “in-between” trails:

South Turner Mountain

Trail Overview: Moderate hike (about 4.5 miles round trip) with excellent views of Katahdin and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Best For: Kids with a bit more endurance. A great next step after Horse Mountain.

Blueberry Ledges

Trail Overview: A fun, easier trail with a round-trip of around 3.5 miles, offering waterfalls, forest views, and ledges to explore.

Best For: Kids who love variety and shorter distances.

Ledge Falls

Trail Overview: Not a hike, but a fun family spot where kids can enjoy sliding down the natural rock water slides.

Best For: Hot summer days when hiking might be too exhausting. Work your way up to longer trails, steeper Baxter State Park mountain options.

3. Advanced Preparation: Mount Katahdin

When your family is ready, tackling Katahdin is a monumental achievement. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. You might choose from these popular trails:

Saddle Trail (via Chimney Pond)

Trail Overview: The most family-friendly ascent to Katahdin’s summit, but still requires good preparation.

Distance: About 10 miles round trip.

Best For: Families with teens or older children who have experience hiking and can handle longer, more strenuous climbs.

Hunt Trail (Appalachian Trail)

Trail Overview: Classic but steep and exposed. Amazing views!

Distance: About 10.4 miles round trip.

Best For: Fit, experienced family members comfortable with rock scrambling.

Rainy/Time-Limited Days in Baxter State Park

Kid-Friendly Nature Trails: Explore interpretive trails like the Daicey Pond Loop (1 mile) or Sandy Stream Pond (0.5 miles) for wildlife watching.

Relaxing by the Water: Spend a day by Kidney Pond or Daicey Pond fishing, canoeing, or just soaking in the scenery.

Camping Adventures: Book a night at a family-friendly campsite, like those at Roaring Brook or Abol Campground.

Tips for Hiking with a Family:

Plan Ahead: Check trail conditions, weather forecasts, and park guidelines.

Pack Essentials: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and layers.

Set Realistic Goals: Know everyone’s limits and be prepared to turn back if needed.

Celebrate Small Wins: Let kids enjoy smaller accomplishments as stepping stones to bigger challenges like Katahdin.

This approach allows your family to build hiking confidence and create lasting memories in one of Maine’s most beautiful natural areas!

Maine’s Highest Mountain, MT Katahdin. Located In Forever Wild Baxter State Park. Snow Comes Early, Stays Late On This Almost Mile High Mountain Top.

Hope you plan to hike and bring your family to start the outdoor tradition trail, mountain climbing in Maine.

Enjoy the movie Lost On A Mountain in Maine with your family. I would love to hear questions and can share my experiences from many trips to Baxter State Park, Mt Katahdin growing up, with my own kids and now as grandchildren pop into the picture.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com |

MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA
November 24, 2024
Maine | What’s It Like Living In Maine?

Maine, what’s it like living in Maine?

The state up in the right hand corner of the country, Maine.

What to expect traveling to experience Maine up close and personal.

Maine. Small Word, Big Place, Lots Of Unspoiled Space.

For starters, the further you head north, east and west to get up to Maine, the quieter it gets.

Man made noise gets replaced with song birds, a breeze in the rustling tree leaves. Waterfront settings and lapping waves, singing loons, where it just you.

Maine hiking trails where you can really hear yourself think and process life.

Spending time to unwind and get some exercise and perspective up in Maine. Space, time out. Not so hard in Maine with only 41 people per square mile in southern sections. Even less, just 11 folks per same 208’x208′ acre unit in the northern Maine region. Less distractions, sharper awareness happens when you remove the urban buzz and grind.

Maine White Tail Deer. One Of The Wildlife Sights You’ll Meet On Your Trip To Maine.

Maybe it’s the fresh clean air alone. Not just the natural unspoiled space that is the cure. Maine has lots to offer and just as much to enjoy that is missing.

Traffic, crime, rude and impersonal. Those words don’t describe Maine. Not why you come for a day and end up staying a lifetime.

We all hunger to get beside or out on the waterfront in Maine.

Maine’s Highest Mountain, MT Katahdin. Located In Forever Wild Baxter State Park.

Slowly you get away from less stress of crowds, traffic, the impatience and impersonal way of life surviving population centers.

In Maine, you see wildlife, watch out for it as you drive the scenic highways. You meet some of the nicest the down to Earth friendly hardworking people always willing to lend a hand.

Small towns in Maine are proud of their communities, their children and where they live all four seasons.

The deeper you push up into Maine, the more relaxed and personal the strong local connection grows. The space, all this unspoiled Maine land

and nature in your private backyard is never taken for granted by locals and returning vacationers to Maine.

Chances are if you love blueberries they came from Maine.

Wild Blueberries From Maine. More Delicious, Healthier Than Bigger Ones Not From Raked From Maine.

Lobsters from the coastal waters of Maine are hands down the best too. Especially when enjoyed in a quaint Maine harbor town.

But the state of Maine, it’s way more than Aroostook County fertile farm fields growing potatoes or being

the dominate producers of the World’s tasty blueberries, lobsters and spuds.

There’s lots more to this great state of Maine than one, two, three pick ’em up and put them in the basket then barrel potatoes.

Maine Farm Field Produce The Best Potato Varieties. Many White Blossoms, Some Purple Like Above Maine Potato Plant Field Photo Shows.

This blog post highlights the what’s it like living in Maine.

You can not rely on reports from online folks who have never been to Maine but have very loud and negative things to say about Vacationland. What are your expectations and everyone is not just like you and me is a good start before broadcasting the wrong idea about Maine.

Who would want to visit like 37 million folks do a year that vacation in Maine?

Those vacations and return visits are what lead to reasons to consider moving to Maine.

Often water has something to do with your picking Maine. Water is tied to your Maine vacation or relocation location selection. Nothing compares being parked on the ocean, lake, pond, river or stream in Maine. It is a spiritual experience if you are lucky enough to have the Maine waterfront for a property neighbor.

Listening To Maine Loons. Seeing Them Paddling Your Kayak On A Maine Lake. Priceless.

Breathing in the salt air, touring the Maine coast on a guide boat ride hearing and seeing the local highlights. Each trip in or around Maine is an education. Maine, you can’t say you been to a Kittery ME shopping outlet and be dubbed an expert of “what’s it like living in Maine. You barely entered the very big state. Keep going and sampling after you cross the big green bridge entering Maine.

Ever been to Downeast Maine?

Can you get there from here? Sure can. What’s it like in this part of Maine? Not the same take away coastal experience in say Wells Beach area as in Eastport or Lubec Maine.

Traveling Downeast Maine. Where Is It Exactly Along The Jagged Rocky Maine Coast?

Camping, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating in Maine.

What’s it like in Maine depends on what you like to do, which of the four seasons you visit. The close knit villages and small towns of Maine offer a unique quality of life. The work ethic

develops at an early age living in Maine. Growing up, everyone in the Maine family no matter how small has a job. Mainers are productive, producers and not just consumers. Mainers are not lazy. Don’t have so much time to whine and complain. What’s it like living in Maine?

The spirit of pitching in and volunteering in Maine communities is unstoppable.

Putting On Local Live Productions Like Children’s Theatre Is One Huge Volunteering Event In Maine. Community Theatres, Bands Are Fun To Attend.

Maple syrup operations and sugar shack sap collection events in Maine.

Picking fiddlehead ferns in spring along river or stream banks. Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitat in Maine. Maine lupines and their vibrant colors. Shucking fresh farm corn. Diving into a pot of steamed clams or oysters, fresh fish right off the boat at the Maine harbor pier. Hoisting a sail on your own self propelled powered by wind boat. Lots of suggestions on the list of what it there to do in Maine. To answer the what’s it like living in Maine.

Reading a good book or better yet writing one for others to share.

Painting a Maine setting or trying to capture it from the best angle at the perfect sweet spot time of day for natural lighting. Maine is the playground to do all of this. Hobby farming and horsing around or managing a Maine woodlot. Building a camp or cabin up in Maine. To live remotely to get below radar and live off grid. Heating with wood and nothing eaten that was not made from scratch. Farm to table all natural without sprays. You know your Maine farmer or have a hand in what you eat that was raised on your own patch of fertile Maine farm soil.

The Family Farm Owned And Enjoyed By Me In Maine Author Andrew Mooers.

Cutting and splitting next year’s firewood for the Maine home or camp stove prepared a season ahead.

Following orange bouncing balls around high school college circuits. Try to keep your eye on the round black circle at local high school and hockey level hockey games. There is lots to do and enjoy living in Maine. Youth sports is big and you know, maybe are related to the players. Possible coached a few in peewee rec leagues.

Lots of good valid answers to the question what’s it like living in Maine.

Walk The Old Port In Portland Maine. Cruise Ships Seen. Take A Ferry Ride To An Island Visit.

Apple picking, making the pies with all the Maine local fruits from raspberries, blueberries to mince meat and pumpkin flavors.

Churning your own home made ice cream. Looking and see lots of Maine moose, wearing flannel in the fall, LL Bean boats tramping the Maine woods. Attending Maine farmer and lumberman museum public suppers. Maine snowmobile sled club breakfasts cure hunger. Then helping twitch the trails that always needing repair. Or a bridge repair, new short cut trail created with many hands and a few chainsaws.

Leaf peaking the amazing Maine colors of fall around farm harvest time.

Things to do in Maine suggestions? Attend A Sea Dogs baseball game.

Play Ball. See The Sea Dogs Play Excellent Baseball In Portland Maine.

Collecting Maine lighthouses.

Many Get Snap Shot, But All Maine Lighthouses Are Unique And Beautiful.

Over 60 of those Maine lighthouses to find and return to many times while on Earth. I have collected 45 Maine lighthouses and counting. Do not forget your camera and make sure the battery is charged and ready.

Head to a Maine beach.

Sandy, Sea, Salt Water Air, Swims,Walks And Talks. Maine Beaches Attract Like No Other Vacation Travel Visit Attraction Or For Life Long Locals Alike.

Check out local artists at local Maine craft shows. Maine quilts, 4H exhibits around the local Maine fair circuit. Antiquing, checking out farmers markets, take a balloon, train or motorcycle ride. Golf, fish, look up and see amazing night skies in Maine where there is no light pollution. Paddle the Allagash Wilderness Waterway and see the ghost trains.

Lots to do year round that attracts folks that come to know what’s it like living in Maine.

Downhill and cross country ski in Maine. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and easily go up and down rolling trails and fields blanketed with fresh pure white powdery snow.

Hang on and shoot a rapid in a rubber raft on a Maine river with other adventuresome sorts.

River Rafting In Maine. Hang On, Paddle Hard, Get Wet. Take Your ME Whitewater River Rafting Ride Down Penobscot, Kennebec, Dead Rivers.

What’s it like living in Maine?

Sample the state parks in Maine and start out with simple, low cost camping vacations. Picnic lunches and mini instate vacations in Maine are so common and

enjoyed by locals and new visitors alike.

Craft breweries, Moosehead Lake, Gulf Hagas, Maine’s Grand Canyon.

These are just a few examples of what’s it like living in Maine. Why we do it and what we enjoy about the state of Maine.

Biking Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor Maine. Or returning to see it in the winter walking the perimeter roads. Camping on Mt Katahdin in winter is unforgetable too.

Winter in Maine, just one of the seasons.

But remember, Mainers are outdoors everyday. Dressed a tad different but always happy, warm and filling our lungs with fresh Maine air.I love to downhill snow ski, to snowmobile on the well groomed and marked ITS trails.

More on Maine winter weather.

What you See On Maine Winter Recreation Trails. Wildlife, Scenery, A Bald Eagle, Moose.

To set you straight on lots of myths from folks repeating them who have never been to Maine, Vacationland. Folks come to Maine to stay that are wanting a better quality of life for their kids. To become involved and make a difference in their small Maine town location and community spirit of volunteerism. Retirement in Maine is an obvious choice for the Golden Years group of active seniors.

Some retirees, transplants are snow birds. Flitting back and forth twice a year to and from Maine waterfront camps and cottages to shared home locations where snow shovels are not used. Many retirees moving, relocating to Maine are from here. Natives who returned to Maine, knowing it is truly the way life should be.

MOO Yourself. Milek Cow Calves In Maine Farm Visit Say Hello.

Back to the land homesteaders and off grid living in Maine.

The living off the land in Maine is not a new movement. Some come to Maine colleges and Universities and end up staying in the town where they get their higher education. Don’t forget while vacationing or living in Maine, quick trips to Canada happen. Maine is borders by Quebec and New Brunswick Canada. The I-95 highways starts in Maine, ends up in Key West Florida and is your gateway to the Trans Canada Atlantic Maritime Provinces.

Being a Maine border town with Canada has so so many perks for both sides of the International boundary line.

Come to Maine and island hop using regular ferry boat service. Island life in Maine, books written on the topic and many movies.

Leaving you with a farmers market in Maine video.

Seeing, hearing, being taken by the hand and introduced to Maine by a local insider native is the best way to use your time in Vacationland.

Just ask, the folks are so willing to give advice and help out with suggestions. The locals in Maine love where they live, work and play.

Thank you for being a loyal reader of the Me In Maine blog.

And if this is your first blog post visit, thank you for sticking around to the end. Hope you return for more Maine blog posts on what’s it like living in Maine.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com |

MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA

November 24, 2022
Orono Bog Boardwalk | Maine Hiking Trails

Orono Bog Boardwalk, Maine hiking trails.

Looking for something healthy to do and in the Bangor / Brewer / Orono area of Maine? This blog post highlights the over six hundred acres, more than 4200′ feet of floating decking known as the Orono Bog Boardwalk.

Welcome To The Orono Bog Boardwalk in Penobscot County Maine.

The boardwalk technically starts at the wetland edge of the Bangor City Forest.

But within 800′, you cross the Orono town line. The section of the Orono Bog Boardwalk in the town of Orono is owned by the University of Maine where both Meg and I went to school.

Meg and I did a quick overnight “staycation” in Bangor Maine this past Saturday and spent walk the trail for about 90 minutes on the Orono Bog Boardwalk.

The iron bars to grab near the table land or summit. No blue dashes of a hike up Abol trail at Mt Katahdin all missing. No big hills, the four foot wild section of decking creating the bog walk pathway are easy to maneuver. The low impact walk through the forest sections is all wide, easy to traverse pathways.

Orono Bog Tree Size, Meg Helps Show How Big This Smasher Is.

Through out the Orono Bog Boardwalk experience, lots of signage explains which birds, what other wildlife and various vegetation types you will find here.

Bring your camera and forget any fear of getting lost. The signage maps make it crystal clear where you are, where you can head depending on the time you allow for the Orono Bog Boardwalk.

Wide, Easy Walking Trails Criss Cross And Connect The Orono Bog Boardwalk.

The boardwalk is for walkers, wheelchair access users only.

We did see foot traffic hikers with leashed dogs on the wooded trail sections. Thousands of hours and dollars went into the Orono Bog Boardwalk creation and improvements.

Lady Slipper Wild Flowers, One Of The Many You See At Your Orono Bog Walk.

QR code maps sync you up with the network of trails so no repeat worries about what happened to Goldie Locks.

The 509 sections of composite decking that ride on aluminum rails, stainless steel footings have rest stop seating areas. Learn more about the Orono Bog Boardwalk.

The Many Flowers You See On Your Orono Bog Walk. Don’t Forget To Bring Your Camera!

Lady slippers, Labrador tea, cinnamon ferns, cranberry, bog rosemaryy, tuffed cotton grass, round leave sundew.

The Orono Bog Boardwalk offers up to 140 examples of wildflower species. Lincoln’s sparrows, palm warblers, so many small mammals and amphibians along with random moose or bear might be seen on your bog walk.

The Information Spelled Along The Orono ME Bog Woods Trail Hike.

The tall healthy pine trees impressed me at the Orono Bog Boardwalk.

Many starting out as one large trunk and then splitting into two as they reached for the sky hungry for sunshine. Winterberry, black ash, oak, red maple along with beech, white birch. Lots of other hard or softwood forest examples provide the scenery and shade along your bog walk. Talk about vegetation and no bugs, no flies. Picked a good day or just kept cuffing along to stay ahead of them. There was breeze and the boardwalk was not over crowded with tourists or locals who frequent this venue.

Looking Out Over the Peat Bog In Orono Maine. Lots Of Life Happening As You Look Closer.

The Orono Maine raised peat Bog Boardwalk is designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park service.

30,000 visitors walk the mile long boardwalk that is a popular local exercise option. Learn more about the natural aspects, the history of the Orono Bog Boardwalk.

Excellent Family Fun Option, The Orono Bog Boardwalk Hike.

When is the bog open for walks, contemplation and a sense of wild wide open space?

Closed during the winter, here are the hours of operation for the Orono Bog Boardwalk. The Orono Bog Boardwalk is roughly 1.3 miles from the Bangor Mall. It offers a variety of Maine hiking trails to explore and to keep it new and different for all ages of walkers. Fresh air, scenery and always something new to learn. Added by the friends of the Orono Bog Boardwalk. Folks and local area businesses who donate so much effort and funding to this near peat bog area of Maine.

The Things You Learn And See On Your Bog Walk In Penobscot County Maine.

Frequent visits are possible because no long multi hour travel time is involved for those living in the Bangor, Brewer, Orono area of Penobscot County Maine.

Over 600 Acres, So Much Effort And Funding Put Into The Orono Bog Boardwalk.

Heading to Acadia National Park less than an hour to the south in the Bar Harbor area offers more hiking exercise if you want more.

Have a lobster. steamed clams and a local brew while on the waterfront along the Maine coast. Baxter Park to the north is an hour away to access all the hiking trails around Mt Katahdin, Maine’s tallest mountain. Maine is outdoors. Maine is the way life should be. Hope you enjoyed this blog post sharing of our walk along the trails of the Orono Bog Boardwalk in Penobscot County.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com |

MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA

May 31, 2021
So You Think You Know Maine…. Not If It’s From What’s Online.

News about areas of Maine that don’t get gallons of ink in the press.

Maine places that you just don’t see boat loads of online recycled electrons for copy used to spread the word around the web. It is always fresh and exciting when the same old tourist trap haunts are not the only Maine tourism information showcased.

Maine is such a big, beautiful and varied jewel. But like the dark side of the moon, what each unique corner of Maine is really like and what you want to make sure not to miss if you visit there is seriously lacking online. Maybe that is part of the magic of what you discover when you take the time to actually go to those little longer drive locations. What keeps it special and hidden and unspoiled.

What’s To Do In Maine? What’s Like? Where Do I Go? Need A Few Suggestions From A Local?

I like to go to the local library to dig deep for information on parts of Maine that I am not familiar with first hand.

And in the areas that I do know, there is always more depth and color in the information if you dig a little. What I have learned is if the person doing the book on where to spend your time in Maine is not ffrom that part of Vacationland, what is posted suffers dearly. The old axiom of “write about what you know” is so true. And to know an area is not just rehashing a few tidbits of information that show up over and over online.

It is doing time there so you collect from a stretch because it takes time to observe and collect what you end up sharing.

Like slow cooked food trumps the hurry scurry of drive through quick you deserve a break today. I can wait for my food without starving to death.

Check Out What You Are Missing. Frequent Local Maine Libraries! Find The Treasure Inside.

The latest book checked out from Cary Library was a tour of Maine. But the way the state was depicted was a gloss over of what most of us already know for odds and ends of travel guide information.

The author added a sarcastic twist and presented his stops along the highways and byways of Maine from a ridicule perspective. Ouch. It was presented in a hurried fashion giving the impression there was not much here to stick around for on a vacation. Like there were much better ways to waste his time than running up and down twisting US RT 1 into the willy wags of Maine.

Often times the tone in the paragraphs was obvious the writer was not impressed with many of Maine’s small towns.

Explore, Discover Maine. The Back Roads, The Hiking Trails, The Water Ways. We Are Outdoors More Than Inside All Four Seasons In Maine! Like That Where You Hang Your Hat Now?

Not exciting enough or just did not take the time to dig for more of the local happenings now and over the years. The mention of what the locals would consider highlights of the area and what to do and see while you are here was sneered at smugly. The historic value of the small town was diminished because the travel log writer seems disappointed with an air of is that all you have to offer a tourist or relocating individual thinking of moving to Maine in the pick me pick me stand out? There’s more, lots more but it does not make it to media outlets because you are off the beaten path where not everyone gets to go due to time limitations. Or publications leaving out huge sections of the state of Maine is there tell me a story.

Most of us have particular loyalty to certain Maine map locations. Because we live there or they are fond destinations in our trip down memory lane. We all love the lighthouses, the seacoast salt air and all the variations of Maine water front. Nothing trumps sitting on mountain slab of rock at Cadillac or Katahdin or a slew of other tall pinnacles. To just let go and stare out over at the vast land volume of unspoiled terrain that stretches out in all directions. It is humbling, spiritual, calming plus energizing all mixed into one. It’s where you do your best thinking about what really matters. Like the guy heading “up on the roof” as a city dweller that only had that option to get away for for a better life decision making perspective. (more…)

March 29, 2019
Things To Do For Fun In Maine | See A Moose.

Things to do for fun in Maine, is the list the same for everyone?

No. Heck no. But there are some common requests or desires when someone is lucky enough to be able to spend time in Maine on vacation. And often a few vacation to Maine visits then suddenly you find yourself moving, relocating to Vacationland.

So what are a few of the many things to do for fun in Maine?

Look back over your shoulder on this Me In Maine blog for past posts to mine. Seems like everyone though crossing the big green bridge at the south end of Maine is hankering to see a moose. Where are they hiding, where do they hang out is a common query. Are they dangerous? As long as you don’t meet a Maine moose late at night on a pitch black Maine roadway they are not. Pretty docile.

Meet The Locals At Baxter State Park! Mister Moose May Continue To Eat, Ignore You Or Could Smile For The Kodak Moment. Everyone Wants, Needs To See A Moose When They Visit Maine.

So where to see a Maine moose to snap a picture for the album back home of memory making while on vacation? I see one moose a lot on a farm I own west of Houlton Maine on US Route 2. Not every state has a population of moose and unless you are making the long haul to Alaska, it is pretty neat to be able to be where these giant, gentle animals roam.

During hunting season with the Maine moose lottery for whatever zone you get your name pulled out of the hat, you don’t see so many live ones. Lots of dead moose being bagged, tagged, weighed in on the hoist block and tackle chain raised high. So hunting season in the fall might be the hardest time to see a live Maine while they are playing hide and stay alive. May through July is what the state inland and fisheries site says is the best time to spy with your little eye a Maine moose.

Where do you look in Maine for moose?

Again, you don’t want to run into one of these 1500 pound tall hood ornaments late at night. Drive with care around the highways. But look along the logging tote roads, the snow sled and ATV trails. The Maine moose is pretty big. Does not easily eye through the needle the thick woodlots the state is famous for that account for over ninety percent of the Pine Tree State.

Searching For A Snack. Shy Maine Black Bears Shake Off Hibernation And Become More Social.

Marshy places around Baxter State Park as you head in to hike up Mount “K”. That is another place you will see Maine moose during meal time.

Linking up with a woods camp operator to hunt with your camera and not anything with one or two barrels could save time. If seeing a Maine moose has to happen quickly because your time in the state is limited.

Maine has an estimated 75,000 moose for wildlife neighbors. Avoid getting between a mother cow and her Maine moose calf. There is nothing stronger than a maternal instinct no matter what species, with zero, two, four or more legs.

And a male during mating season can be a little feisty. His mind is on other things, one other sole purpose that blanks out all the rest of his usually easy going disposition. He is courting and sparking full time. The romeo of the Maine forest woodlot with a lot of acreage to cover to find a mate to keep the species growing in Maine.

Maine Moose Jogging By A Maple Syrup Tapped Grove. Spring Air Stirs The Wildlife.

The Golden Road, near Abol trail at Baxter, up the back way to access Aroostook County, Route 11. All are good places to increase the odds of seeing a Maine moose.

Around Sugarloaf USA ski area in the Carabassett Valley is another neat spot to snap shot a moose. Rangley Lakes, along Route 201 in Jackman from The Forks and the area surrounding Greenville, especially Route 15 are all prime time spots. To pull over, to park, wait, get your Maine moose shot to frame for over your fireplace mantel. More on spotting a Maine moose with the state tourism folks adding their two cents for suggestions.

Lots of cars pulled over is a good indication something for wildlife is now entertaining motorists. Could be a bald eagle, white tail deer, maybe a Maine moose. A timid Maine black bear not so much. Those you see signs of the party in the corn patch the night before but not up close and personal unless you are carrying a bag of jelly filled donuts. That brings them out of the woodwork. Or if like deer you turn them into welfare dependent with piles of feed grain for eye candy bait.

When you live in Maine part or full time, you see moose all over the place, round the clock.

On a Maine farm, you see signs of a moose that plowed through a back pasture. Maybe to court and spark with a cow because his vision is poor. Often a confused moose loses his bearings and heads into a population center. Gets lost and wanders into town. No one wants to see the confusion and feels for the animal so homely only a mother could love. The inland fisheries game warden, locals all try to herd not destroy the disoriented Maine moose back to the woods. The Maine moose who is not so used to streets and avenues, 7 11’s and Piggly Wiggly’s, the Circle K’s with neon lighting. To get them back hoofing the game trails around the rivers, ponds and lakes of Maine, it takes the village to help herd them into the familiar woods.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

207.532.6573 | info@mooersrealty.com |

MOOERS REALTY 69 NORTH STREET HOULTON MAINE 04730 USA

October 11, 2017