Seems about the time that Maine inshore and offshore fishing begins in Maine.
There are a ton of boats around to take you on that great memory lasting fishing trip.
There are two types of Sea Fishing in Maine. Inshore and Offshore
Inshore is closer to shore and different types of fish can be caught during May-Oct.
Striped Bass, Bluefish, Mackerel and Pollock
Offshore fishing is a ways out, but the fish get bigger
Ground fish Cod and Haddock, Sharks and Tuna
You can get the Inshore for around $300 to share between 5-6 of you. The Offshore is typically double.
The experience is priceless.
-MTTD
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Desert of Maine
Would you believe it if i told you there was a desert in Maine? Well, there is, and its in Freeport Maine. Open May-October, the “Desert” offers tours, and camping facilities. Another feature is mining at the Desert Of Maine . The GGM Mining Company Sluice for all gem stones and fossils. With the narrated coach tours, nature trails, Barn Museum and Gift Shop, its a sure pick when traveling through Freeport.
- Narrated Coach Tours
- Sand Designing
- 1783 Barn Museum
- Walking Tours
- Marked Nature Trails
- Giant Sand Dunes
- Picnic Area
- Gift Shop
- Convenience Store
Scientists and writers the world over have attested to the Desert’s authenticity. The natural phenomenon has been accorded recognition by such notables as Walter Winchell in his New York Daily News column and in Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Also featured in Deserts of America, a Universal documentary.
Admission Rates - hours of entertainment , education and unique experience.
Enjoy a 30 minute educational glacial desert tour ride starting approx. 9:00 AM Tours depart every Half Hour Last Tour 4:30 All Day Admission includes 30 minute Narrated Tram-Tour, 1783 Barn Museum, Nature Trails, Butterfly Room, Gem Mining.
| adults | $ 10.50 |
| teens (13 - 16) | $ 7.75 |
| children (4 - 12) | $ 6.75 |
In 1797 the Tuttle family moved to the 300 acre farm that once covered the Desert of Maine where they successfully raised crops of potatoes and hay for several years. Failure to rotate crops thereafter, combined with massive land - clearing and overgrazing resulted in severe soil erosion that exposed this hidden Desert. As the spreading sand grew uncontrollable, the Tuttles surrendered, leaving the Desert to it’s destiny. Visit our Farm Museum in the original Tuttle Barn. The barn is over 200 years old and is the only building remaining from the Tuttle farm.
The Desert of Maine and it’s surrounding forest have remained a natural haven for Maines indigenous Flora & Fauna. See living trees half covered in sand. Puruse the various nature trails and see wild flowers, mushrooms,wild blueberries and many other varieties of nature’s wonders…
Gem Stone Hunts For Children 12 years old and younger. . .
Price is included with admission
NO EXTRA FEE!
The Desert of Maine is proud to present its NEW Butterfly Room. Butterfly assortments will be based on availability and seasons. Cost of entry is included in the admission price.
Gift Shop
Camping Rates
“Desert Dunes of Maine Campground” is set in a pine forest adjacent to the famous Desert of Maine.
Campers will receive a pass to explore our Nature Trails, the Desert, the 1783 Tuttle Barn and its museums. They will also receive discounted rates on the entrance fee which includes our Narrated Tram Tour full of History, Geology and Ecology information to help you understand this Glacial Wash Plain.
- FREE Wi-Fi Hot Spot
- Pets Welcome with leash & own cleanup
- RV’s and Tents
- Open & Shaded Sites
- Water & Electric
- Sewer Sites
- Hot Showers
- On-site Picnic Tables
- Pool
- Volleyball & Badminton court
- Laundry Facilities
- Dumping Station
- Fire Rings
- Picnic Area
- Convenience Store
- Horseshoe Pits
- Dog Pin/Course (See Picture Below)
Take Exit 20, Turn West to Dead End
95 Desert Rd. Freeport, Me. 04032
Tel. (207) 865-6962
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Only 2 miles off I-295
Take Exit 20, Turn West to Dead End
95 Desert Rd. Freeport, Me. 04032
Tel. (207) 865-6962
e-mail: info@desertofmaine.com
A low front is headed to Maine this weekend. That could mean snow showers in the mountains Sunday. Temperatures will stay in 40s and 50s - dropping into 20s and 30s at night. Should just be enough to keep snow on the slopes a little bit longer.
And a little bit longer is just about all we have for skiing in Maine. Here’s what’s happening:
- Sunday River has its Parrothead Festival this weekend. It includes events such as pond skimming, concerts, Spam carving contest and an Easter Sunday service. Not quite sure what it takes to win the Parrothead Costume Party but it’s going to take more than a Hawaiian print shirt.
- Saddleback reopens Friday. (Yeah it closed during the week.) They have Easter Sunday service and an Easter egg hunt. After this weekend, they have a Flyin’ Hawaiian Event on the calendar but they’re taking a wait-and-see approach to their last day.
- Sugarloaf is holding on for the Reggae Festival on April 12-15. After that, we don’t know what’s going to happen..
- Sunday River plans April 15 as its last day. Everyone skis free, and season pass holders are treated to a free barbecue.
If you’re going to head out for one last time, read Heather Burke’s list of ski slope pet peeves. See if she’s talking about you. I hope she revisits it for next season before we all hit the slopes with our iPods blaring.
And that’s going to be a wrap for me. Doesn’t seem to be anything left to talk about unless a Nor’easter makes an appearance. It was a short, intense ski season. I hope everyone had a good time and you found this column helpful.
Follow Schusster on Twitter!
Thanks @Schusster and @Ski_Maine for a wonderful Season! -MTTD
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By Carl Natale
Cheer up. If you’re looking at rain, there’s a good chance that it is snowing in the mountains. Then that will be it for the weekend. Some storms are expected to pass well to the south of Maine. Temperatures will be very lamb-like this weekend with pretty clear skies. It’s not a balmy weekend, but the cold nights are letting the snowmakers do their work.
It’s that point in the season that it’s easier to list who is open this weekend. Lonesome Pine, Saddleback, Sugarloaf and Sunday River are it. And this is the last weekend for Lonesome Pine. Sunday is the last day.
And before we get to what’s happening on the slopes this weekend, take the time to read about a day in the life of the Sugarloaf ski patrol.
Saddleback Mountain
They’ve fired up the snow guns to keep about 17 trails open. This is your chance to see if you can ski on water. The pond skimming contest is at 1 p.m. Saturday. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m. Then they celebrate April Fools Day by letting Maine residents ski for $29 Sunday. Plus their Snow Report email says if you have a pass for another ski area, you can ski for $29.
Sugarloaf Mountain
They’re making snow also to keep trails open. And they seem confident that they can keep things white for Reggae Fest, April 12-15.
Sunday River
They have an inch of fresh snow on top of the stuff they’ve been making. The big guns are out to keep trails open too. Break out the big hair and Members Only jackets. It’s Retro 80s weekend. And while you’re searching for old clothes, keep an eye out for those Hawaiian shirts. You’re going to want it for the upcoming Parrothead Festival, April 6-8.
Did I miss anything? Well let me know by sending an e-mail to schusster@carlnatale.com
Hit The Slopes in style with….a RideMe T- shirt from LiveME Click on T-shirt for Snow Karma!
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I bet you’re loving this weather. If you are, you’re not working for one of the Maine ski areas that has to close earlier than planned. It’s crazy. Skiers dressed for the beach hitting slopes in March.
But we’re on the verge of something like a course correction. Temperatures are about to drop 20 degrees. Which is still quite nice for the early days of spring in Maine. That means below freezing temperatures at night for most mountains and snow makers.
There is a storm that is tracking south of Maine that’s likely to miss us this weekend. Even if it does wander north, it probably will bring rain. Look for a slight chance of snow showers in the mountains Monday.
Like I said, the weather has cut short spring skiing at some areas. Here’s the guide to where not to go and where to get your last runs :
- Big Rock: Saturday looks like the last full day but there will be a sunrise run Sunday morning. Then closed for the season.
- Black Mountain: Closed
- Camden Snow Bowl: Closed
- Lost Valley: Closed
- Mt. Abram: Closed
- Shawnee Peak: Ending the season Saturday with a mattress race and season pass holder BBQ.
- Spruce Mountain: Closed
- Titcomb Mountain: Closed
Lonesome Pine Trails (tentatively scheduled April 1 as last day), Saddleback, Sugarloaf and Sunday River look like the sole survivors after this weekend. Even those areas have closed many trails.
If you’re not quite ready to do some yard work this weekend, then hit one of these events.
Sunday River
It really gets hot this weekend in Newry. Saturday is the 22nd Annual Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff and Firefighters’ Race. The firefighters in full turnout gear will be racing in teams of five - all carrying the same firehose. I don’t want to discourage you from sampling the chili in the contest but there is a chili dog eating contest later in the afternoon. You’ve been warned.
Saddleback Mountain
How fast and creative can you be with just cardboard and duct tape? Saturday is your chance to find out in the annual Carboard Box Race. The theme this year is food. What that means is up to you and your imagination.
Hit The Slopes in style with….a RideMe T- shirt from LiveME Click on T-shirt for Snow Karma!
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By Carl Natale
Despite the dusting of snow we just got, it’s going to be much more like spring in the next week. Friday will see some showers. Since most highs will be in the 40s, we’re looking at rain showers. Hope the ski mountains will stay cold enough to collect more snow. Keep that warm-weather ski wax handy because Saturday - St. Patrick’s Day - will be sunny and warm. Interior sections of Maine may reach 70 degrees by mid-week.
As another sign of spring, ski resorts are closing. It’s the beginning of the end. Here are the final days that are scheduled:
- Camden Snow Bowl: March 18
- Lost Valley: March 18
- Mt. Abram: March 18
- Shawnee Peak: They don’t have a closing date but are operating under spring hours.
- Titcomb Mountain: Now closed for the season
But you can stay in denial this weekend with plenty to do across the state.
Shawnee Peak
Saturday is the annual Spring Fling and Slush Cup. The Spring Fling features a barbecue, snow volleyball, music and skiing. Only 75 competitors will be in the Slush Cup but everyone can enjoy their attempts to ski across the “pond.”
Black Mountain
Black Mountain’s idea of getting ready for spring is two days of races and games for the whole family. They call it the Family Fun Weekend and here’s why:
Saturday
8:30 a.m.: Egg McMogul - Top of Woods Trail
10 a.m.: Balloon Race on Novice
11 a.m.: Family GS Race
4 p.m.: Body Slide
4 p.m.: Wings till sell out
5 p.m.: Awards
7 p.m.: Ralph Arsenault Music
Sunday
11 a.m.: Obstacle Course Terrain Park
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Lunch break on the Deck (Cash only)
1 p.m.: Backwards Race on Novice
3 p.m.: Pond Skimming
4:15 p.m.: (at completion of Pond Skimming) Awards Apres Ski Party
Saddleback Mountain
There’s plenty to do at Saddleback this weekend:
The Friday Night Lights Rail Jam goes 4-8 p.m.
The Saddleback Ski Patrol Auction is at 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds to benefit Saddleback Ski Patrol.
Saturday is Saddleback St. Patrick’s Family Fun Day and if you find the pot of gold you will win a 2012-13 ski pass. It’s not the only prize to be won so a little bit of luck o’ Irish will go a long way.
And start looking for some boxes. The Eighth Annual Cardboard Box Race is March 24.
Mt. Abram
Wear green Saturday and get $10 off your lift ticket. Since Sunday is their last day, They will honor all season passes from other mountains. If you don’t have a pass, there is an online-only, $18 ticket.
Hit The Slopes in style with….a RideMe T- shirt from LiveME Click on T-shirt for Snow Karma!
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We can win! Contest ends March 17.
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and …Visit your Local Pub on St Patricks Day!
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Watch the sun go down on Boothbay Harbor while relaxing at the water’s edge at our Waterfront Inn.
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Cap’n Fish’s Waterfront Inn| 63 Atlantic Avenue | P.O. Box 660 | Boothbay Harbor | Maine 04538-0660 | 207-633-6605 | (800) 633-0860
Catch us on
By Carl Natale
Mother Nature doesn’t care what the calendar says. She’s declared spring skiing in Maine with Thursday’s balmy temperatures and sunny skies. Sure the temps will drop back to more winter-like levels Friday and Sunday. There may even be some snow showers Friday night. But some ski areas may see more temperatures in the 50s Sunday. All this happens after major amounts of snowfall the first week in March.
And if that isn’t enough incentive to hit the slopes, here are a few more things you may want to check out:
Smart Fun
Titcomb Mountain is holding its 18th Annual Dummy Downhill Competition on Saturday. The dummies will be judged on “originality or most creative, best workmanship, longest distance, most spectacular crash and overall winner.” Surviving dummies can be entered in a jump contest. Registration is at noon.
‘Brack to Basics’
Sugarloaf opened its Bracket Basin this week. This means 60 acres of glades are available to expert skiers. And even experts can use some Bracket tips.
The Sugarloaf Banked Slalom is Saturday and Sunday. That’s right. It’s a two-day race this year to open it up to 175 snowboarders. There is a $60 fee that doesn’t include a lift ticket. But racers do get a 25 percent discount. You can register online.
Wild west comes to western Maine
Mount Abram is hosting a Wild West Weekend. Although it is scheduled Saturday and Sunday, they are only releasing a schedule for Saturday:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Mechanical Bull is open; $5 per ride
1 p.m.: Cowboy & Cow girl Race is on Boris, Registration in ticket office. $20 a couple
2 p.m.: Live music from Keith Swett
4 p.m.: Lasso contest slope side
5:30 p.m.: Full Moon Hike
7:30 p.m.: Live music from Leaning Post
Tele Invasion
In addition to the 27 inches of snow that Saddleback says fell in the past week, there are a few events drawing skiers and riders this weekend:
The Telemark Invasion brings demos and clinics to the mountain Saturday.
The Ski Museum of Maine will have a display of the history of skiing in Maine in the Base Lodge lobby Saturday.
The Park Shark Event-Air Competition starts at noon Sunday.
Big Winterfest Fun
The Bigrock Winterfest rocks the weekend with lots of events that include the Kardboard Klassic, a torchlight parade and fireworks.
Did I miss anything? Well let me know by sending an e-mail to schusster@carlnatale.com. You can see more events as Maine’s ski season takes shape on our ski calendar and get up to speed on all the ski area deals. I’m also going to be sharing events, news and snow reports on Twitter as @Schusster. Follow me for everything you need to know to plan your next ski trip.
Hit The Slopes in style with….a RideMe T- shirt from LiveME Click on T-shirt for Snow Karma!
Click to Enter to win 4 Sugarloaf passes and a RideMe Tee Here!!
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From what I can tell, the snow is coming down hard all over the state. While the most is supposed to fall along the coast, Sugarloaf reported 10 inches by early afternoon Thursday with no sign of it letting up. But it is due to let up Thursday night. That means great snow all over Maine this weekend.
Powderhouse Hill
It’s snowing so much that Friday should be a great day at Powderhouse Hill in South Berwick. That’s right. Skiing in York County. They may be open Thursday night but only if enough volunteers can make it to the ski area. If you want $5 skiing this weekend, call them (207-384-5858) for hours and check their Facebook page.
Celebrating winter at Black Mountain
Winterfest is Friday through Sunday. Lift tickets will cost $10 Friday; and $25 Saturday and Sunday. Except for Saturday night. You can ski free 6-8 p.m. Saturday’s events include:
- Horse drawn sleigh rides
- “Big Air” competition
- Music
- Torchlight parade
- Lasagna dinner
- Fireworks
Lost Valley changes hours
It’s hard to imagine that it’s getting near the end of the season but Lost Valley is now operating under “end of season” hours:
- Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
- Open 4-8 p.m. Monday and Thursday
- Open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday (Sorry, no more free skiing)
- Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday
- Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
Nature lovers get a break at Mount Abram
On Sunday, stop by The Nature Conservatory at the lodge to tell them why you love nature. That will qualify you for a $20 lift ticket that day.
Firefighters fight cancer at Shawnee Peak
On Saturday, teams of five firemen in full turn-out gear race to raise money for the Susan G. Komen foundation. Registration is $100 per team and gets a free lift ticket, chili lunch, raffle ticket and fun. Contact Rachael Wilkinson at 207-647-8444 ext. 15 or rachael@shawneepeak.com; or Wayne Allen at 207-647-2481.
Sugarloaf’s Inferno
The Inferno Downhill - X-country Race is downhill skiing on nordic skis. Registration for Sunday’s race is $20.
Did I miss anything? Well let me know by sending an e-mail to schusster@carlnatale.com. You can see more events as Maine’s ski season takes shape on our ski calendarand get up to speed on all the ski area deals. I’m also going to be sharing events, news and snow reports on Twitter as @Schusster. Follow me for everything you need to know to plan your next ski trip.
Hit The Slopes in style with….a RideMe T- shirt from LiveME Click on T-shirt for Snow Karma!
This holiday is going out with a bang. A storm is moving into Maine on Friday that’s expected to drop 6 to 8 inches of snow on the mountains. In the lower elevations it will be a wet mess though. The temperatures will cool down Saturday and Sunday.
Saddleback Mountain
Heather Burke writes she was surprised by ski conditions at Saddleback Mountain. For some reason people don’t expect great snow in the mountains. And I have to pile on by raving about my day skiing Saddleback.
Sunday River
Kate Erickson felt like she had the mountain to herself when she skied midweek at Sunday River. The huge number of trails spread the few skiers out nicely so she was able to ski more than 21 miles of terrain in four hours.
Winterfest
Bethel is hosting Winterfest this weekend with events being held at nearby Bethel and Mt. Abram. One of the events is Saturday’s Box Race at Mt. Abram. Your “sled” needs to be made of cardboard and you need to wear a helmet. Those seem to be the only rules in this offbeat race and pageant.
Did I miss anything? Well let me know by sending an e-mail to schusster@carlnatale.com. You can see more events as Maine’s ski season takes shape on our ski calendar and get up to speed on all the ski area deals. I’m also going to be sharing events, news and snow reports on Twitter as @Schusster. Follow me for everything you need to know to plan your next ski trip.
By Carl Natale
I heard a lot of good things about skiing at Saddleback Mountain. What had me really interested was its reputation for being very friendly to beginner skiers. And it lived up to it when my wife and I went skiing this weekend.
I have to confess that I picked a tough weekend for reviewing a ski mountain. Saturday was the start of the busy holiday season. The parking lot and lodge were full of families. It seemed like a third of them were ahead of us in the rentals line. But the wait wasn’t long because of the amount of staff on duty and an efficient system. The crew was quick and helpful. Boots too loose? No problem. Me and everyone else needing to try a second pair were helped quickly.
The man picking my skis took the time to listen to me talk about my skiing ability and picked a set based upon more than just my weight and height. He gave me 160 centimeters because I was pretty confident. The longer skis would help keep me stable when I got some speed, he explained. None of the staff seemed to busy to explain anything to anyone with a question or two.
Something else struck me about the staff. There were a lot of employees everywhere. Wherever I went in the lodge, I was able to spot someone who worked there. On the slopes, there were plenty of instructors. The lifts were well staffed. Which was probably why those lines were typically short. They kept us moving. Of course most of my rides were on the South Branch Quad Lift. It’s easy to get people moving when the lift takes four at a time. And they did it with friendliness. At the end of the afternoon, they were more chatty and made sure we had a good day.
The fact that lift was dedicated to the easier trails of the South Branch area was a major factor in our enjoyment. It was easy to stick to trails we were comfortable with. And because there were so many routes, it spread out the skiers nicely. There was very little traffic.
We avoided the Royal Tiger trail that ran under the lift line and seemed to attract a most of the instructional traffic. Not because we felt we were too good for the run but we liked the trails that wound through the woods.
The weather was decent. There was a light layer of new snow when we started, and it kept falling throughout the day. It was just light enough to be noticed. It was the coldest ski trip I’ve had but I was still comfortable. I picked the right layers to keep me warm in lift chairs and on trails.
Toward the end of the day, I wanted to see what was outside the South Branch. I figured the Hudson Highway (still green) would be a simple, long trip for me. I have to say I loved the alpine terrain when I got off the Rangeley Double Chair lift. Everything was white and harsh. (It’s a different world at that elevation and it’s worth the ride to check it out.)
So the Hudson Highway was steeper than I expected. But I was doing OK until a small spill just before it met up with the Jitterbug. I had no confidence to navigate that steep, sharp turn. It took too long for me to sidestep my way down it and then ski into the Bea Wee Pass. But I managed to enjoy the views of Rangeley Lake at some challenging points.
Next time I’m hitting that trail earlier in the day with fresher legs. Oh yeah there will be a next time. There are some great views that make the trip worthwhile. And there’s the satisfaction of meeting a challenge.
That was a long trail for me late in the day. I was only comfortable doing one more run in the South Branch after that. My legs were spent. I couldn’t complain because I had a pretty satisfying day skiing. I got the runs in that I wanted and didn’t feel inconvenienced by anything.
Why I would recommend Saddleback Mountain
Saddleback lives up to its reputation as a great mountain for novice skiers and boarders. But that is just a fraction of what is available to more advanced skiers. There is plenty of fast terrain to keep those speedsters away from skiers who want a more casual trip. Saddleback also offers enough variety that you won’t be bored as your skills increase. Perhaps more importantly, you won’t be bored if you want to stick to the South Branch trails.
I would recommend this as a great place to learn to ski and gain confidence. Saddleback brags about its instructor to student ratio for good reason. I only saw instructors with more than one student a couple times. And I eavesdropped enough to hear a lot of patience and encouragement in those lessons. On the whole, the staff works hard to make it a pleasant experience.
If you want an exciting experience, that’s up to you.
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