Tag: Winter

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall:Fort Western is a striking presence. It is situated on the east bank of the historic Kennebec River in Augusta, Maine. Built in 1754 it is America’s oldest surviving wooden fort. Fort Western was used as a storehouse to support Fort Halifax, to the north. The great fort was garrisoned from 1754 to 1767. Benedict Arnold used Fort Western for his assault on Quebec during the American Revolution. Walk in visits are available from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are also special events held throughout the entire year. Next time you are heading to Augusta be sure to stop at Historic Fort Western.

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: From Madison, Maine, Route 201 winds its way north along beautiful lakes and rivers. Also known as the Old Canada Road this highway is part of the National Scenic Byways Program. The Route snakes its way to the Quebec border passing through quaint, quiet villages and along the upper Kennebec River, Wyman Lake, and the Dead River. There are many four season outfitters along the way offering accomadations, restaurants, whitewater rafting, fishing and hunting trips as well as snowmobile and snowshoe rentals. Driving this road is particularly stunning in September and October when the trees are ablaze in Autumn colors. The rest stop just south of Jackman provides a stellar overlook with views of Holeb and Attean Ponds the Moose River and distant peaks. Jackman is popular spot for snowmobiling and is the last “town” before you reach the border so be sure to check your gas gage before passing it by. Besides the views and recreational opportunities this area has a lot of history from river run log drives to Benedict Arnold’s footsteps.

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: Since 1988 Ray and Nancy Reitze have operated Earthways Guided Canoe Trips and School of Wilderness Living. Their mission is “To teach people the ancient ways of living with the earth so they may hold a renewed perspective of love for all things and move forward with knowledge of both the past and present to freely choose their life’s purpose”. The school has an extensive schuedule including, study of wild medicinal plants and edibles, basket making, snowshoe lacing, and flint knapping and vision quests. Guided wilderness journeys on foot, snowshoes or by canoe through some of the most remote destinations in the Skowhegan area. Ray learned woods lore as a child from a Native American elder and is very passionate about all things wild. Primitive camp sites are also available on their property in Canaan. This is an exceptional way to get back to nature and learn as much about it as you will about yourself.

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: There’s nothing quite like a warm stack of pancakes covered in butter and hot Maple Syrup on a Sunday Morning. I’m not talking about the kind of “stuff” sold in stores that is labeled as Maple Syrup, but the real deal boiled down from the sap of Sugar Maples. Here in Maine; and New England in general, peoples spirits begin to lift when sunny days in March signal the coming change of season. These sunny days also get the Maple sap moving in the roots of trees and mark the start of Maple Syrup season. All across Maine there are families whose livelyhood depends on this sweet sticky stuff. And it is a good time of the year to get out and shake off the winter blues and enjoy the taste of tradition here in Maine. There are many Maple Syrup “Sugar Shacks” or Farms across the state, and visiting one during production is sure to be remembered. The process involves tapping the trees once the spring thaw begins, and can last for up to six weeks. It takes about 10 gallons of sap to make one quart of syrup, and the process varies from farm to farm. Generally the last weekend of March is the time these operations are in full swing, and is why folks call it Maine Maple Sunday. Good news is you can enjoy the rich taste of Maine Maple Syrup any time from anywhere, but there is nothing quite like enjoying it at one of these Traditional Maine Sugar Shacks.