WOW - that is sure a beautiful area.
Took the whole family up there a couple of summers - Loaded up the old Chevy Vega with Wife, 3 kids, camping gear and a canoe strapped on top. We really had a beautiful campsite with a view across a lake of Mount Katahdin. Then Fundy National Park and then all the way around the Bay of Fundy to the southern part of Nova Scotia.
They almost didn’t get me to leave New Ross Farm in central Nova Scotia. It is an authentically run farm community with all the trades and crafts as they were done in the 18th century. We spent three days there and I was right at home hitching up a team of oxen and plowing, barrel making, foot treadle powered wood lathe and a whole bunch of stuff right up my alley! They give you a chance to actually do those things yourself. Second time up there we spent 5 days there - and man was it hard leaving and coming back to the old grind. It was like Sturbridge Village or Williamsburg but without the commercialization.
As a kid, my parents introduced me to a whole world of wonderful things through an old Book Of Knowledge Encyclopedia. I spent many many days reading about the world and things. It was trying to wrap my mind around a 50’ tide where the water goes from near the top of the dock to being out of sight that made me want to go there. I had to see it and experience it and wanted my kids to see it too.
Anyway, I wonder if we will ever see times again where people like the town clerk (along with the other jobs) are appreciated for all they do and we encourage people to for the good of all rather than for a new ipod, sports car, mansion, etc. I don’t think we will, and it makes me sad.
Prince Edward Island is beautiful also, but the Katahdin
area and around Moosehead Lake are my favorite spots. Talk about secluded. The paper companies have built roads all through the area and most of them are open to the public but the logging trucks have the right of way and if you see one coming, you best move way to the side of the road as they are coming full tilt, have a lot of weight behind them and don’t slow down a bit! There are dozens of lakes and ponds in this area and you can pull up to the edge of any body of water and camp as long as you wish. The stars are never so bright as they are out in the wilderness. Add the call of loons to this scene and it is heaven on earth.
The State of Maine has built camps for Game Wardens throughout the area and most have picnic tables, hand pumps for water and outhouses that the public may use. It is a well kept secret as few people use these areas. We were great friends with a Game Warden and camped with him frequently so we know the area fairly well. It is very easy to get lost though as there are no road signs-you are on your own in that vast expanse. We try to get up there at least once a year and more if at all possible.