A winter expedition into Baxter State Park begins months in advance. Last Nov. 1, Allen Gaskell and I traveled to Baxter State Park headquarters in Millinocket to participate in the winter reservations lottery. Our goal was to obtain a six-day reservation at the South Branch Pond bunkhouse in the northeastern sector of the park. Allen’s […]
seniors
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Adventurous skiing at Mount Blue State Park
Mount Blue State Park offers one of the finest Nordic skiing opportunities in western Maine. Located in the mountainous region of Weld, the park has about 15 miles of trails groomed for classic skiing. Consisting of five loop trails of varying length and difficulty, there is something for virtually every cross-country ski enthusiast. My book, […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Challenging conditions on Bald and Speckled mountains
Bald and Speckled mountains are hidden gems. Situated in the heart of the Oxford Hills in the rural communities of Peru and Woodstock, just finding them is a chore. Once located, the two distinctive peaks offer a moderately demanding trek to open summits with spectacular views. I think my retired friend, John Stokinger, would be […]
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Maine receives nearly $5 million in additional LIHEAP funding
In total, Maine has received nearly $54 million this winter season through LIHEAP to help eligible households facing significant increases in their utility bills this winter.
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Revisiting the Penobscot River Trails in winter
The Penobscot River Trails are exceptional in winter. Created by Butler Conservation Foundation, they consist of a network of ski and snowshoe trails along the East Branch of the Penobscot River in Grindstone and a scenic snowshoe path on the Seboeis River a few miles west of Shin Pond. Since my wife, Nancy, and I […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Mosquito Mountain is better than the name
Mosquito Mountain has a very unappealing name. I don’t like mosquitos or black flies and do my best to avoid them when participating in outdoor activities. After decades of scrupulous plotting and scheming, I’ve become quite adept at eluding the nasty little bloodsuckers. And, I can say with great certainty that mosquitos will not be […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Quarry Road Trails is a Nordic skiing gem
When our friends, John and Diane Stokinger, invited my wife, Nancy, and me to join them for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at Quarry Road Trails in Waterville, I was skeptical. Although vaguely aware of the existence of ski trails in that central Maine community, I didn’t know anything about them. The Stokingers knowledge was also […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Cranberry Peak was a great fallback hike
In mid-January, I announced a Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society mountain hike on Burnt Mountain in Carrabassett Valley. The moderately difficult, scenic trek with an expansive exposed summit is situated adjacent to Sugarloaf Mountain and a club favorite. The trailhead begins on the west side of Sugarloaf Village. A few years had transpired since I’d […]
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Bath’s aging-in-place program expands with new funding
More homeowners can now take advantage of Bath’s Comfortably Home free repairs program for seniors after the nonprofit received a $150,000 grant, allowing it to increase income qualifications.
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Nordic skiing Narrow Gauge Pathway
When the Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society winter outings schedule was planned last October, I volunteered to coordinate a Nordic ski trip at a location to be determined on Jan. 15. At the time, it seemed reasonable to expect there would be several options to choose from. Not this winter. Acceptable snow for Nordic skiing […]