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| My wife and I on a trip to the coast in early spring |
As you can see Maine has a lot to offer as well as a lot to see, and the nice thing
is most of it's free! We hope you'll enjoy some of the places we've been and hope you'll check them out for yourselfs
as well. Enjoyed the ride! If you have a ride in Maine you've enjoyed and you think would make an
interesting ride for others to check out, let us know. We'd love to have you share your photos and stories
with everyone.
We hope that some day we'll catch you in the wind!
Crazy AL
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Small Falls
This section of the Sandy River begins at Small's Falls, a popular roadside picnic area. There are several scenic neighboring waterfalls as well. Small's Falls drop 54 feet with
swimming and wading pools at the bottom. The area is surrounded by the sculpted cliffs that continue down the length of the
Sandy River. The section from Small's Falls to Phillips (15 miles) has numerous class I - III rapids and is recommended for
expert canoeists during spring at medium water.
For a Map Click here
Jonesport-Beals Bridge
Beals is a town in Washington County, located on Beals Island and incorporated on April 7, 1925 from a portion of Jonesport, from which it is accessible by the Jonesport-Beals Bridge.
Traditionally a fishing and lobstering community, the town, through Jonesport-Beals High School, has been an exporter of successful basketball teams, frequently making the
state tournaments.
According to a story recounted by Jim Brunelle, Long Barney Beal, was a legendary figure who lived
during the Revolutionary War and inspired the naming of Barney's Point.
After holding a fairly stable population since
1970, Beals suffered a significant decline in the 2000 Census as did many towns in Washington County.
The Great Wass
Archipelago nature preserve, in Beals and Jonesport, is managed by The Nature Conservancy. The fifteen islands (Great Wass,
Crumple, Mistake, The Man Islands, Little Hardwood, Black, Mark, Seguin, Head Harbor, Devil, Marsh, Little Peabody and Big
Peabody) are on the edge of the Gulf of Maine off the Jonesport peninsula. The islands have many topographical similarities
though each has its own character. They are all usually cool, wet and windy. Great Wass at 1,579 acres is by far the largest
and features a cool spruce forest, a wetland with sundews, and two beaches.
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On Top of Cadillac Mountain
At 1,532 feet, Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. It is one of 17 mountains on Mount Desert Island, Maine, that were pushed up by earth's tectonic and volcanic forces millions of years ago. Were it not for the
once huge glaciers that sheared off their tops, they would be even higher than what we see today.
Cadillac Mountain is
largely composed of pink granite with forests of spruce and pitch pine.
Rt. 201 Spencer Mountains
Try starting in Skowhegan and head up Rt 201 and you'll find many places to explore and a few Rafting Companies along the way. Jackman is situated along the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway just before the U.S./Quebec border. This road is also known
as the Arnold Trail because it traces Benedict Arnold’s route into Quebec during the American Revolution. The Attean View Rest Area, just south of Jackman, is a great place to stop for a picnic. From
this vantage point, you have a clear view of Attean Lake and the network of ponds connected by the Moose River, with the western
mountains as the backdrop. Jackman is a hub for all types of outdoor adventure. Established as a stopping point for lumber-hauling
trains, it is now a major depot for those traveling Maine’s extensive network of interconnected snowmobiling trails.
More than 60 lakes, ponds and streams are easily accessed from Jackman, which is situated on the shores Wood Pond. Remote
fishing camps, many dating back to the late 19th century, are also located around this area. Each has a loyal following that
returns every year in search of “the big one.” The annual smelt run after ice-out (usually in April) kicks off
the season. Fishing for trout, land-locked salmon and togue is excellent through September. The area also offers great canoeing and kayaking. The Moose River Bow Trip is a 34-mile loop that offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness
— with a few light rapids along the way. Paddlers can camp out at one of the remote sites found along the river.
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Bad Little Falls
Machias (a corruption of the Native American name, "Mechises"), means "a bad run of water," or "bad little falls," an
appropriate name for the river which runs through the town. Bad Little Falls Park, between US Highway 1 and Maine Route 92, offers a splendid view of the reason for the name. Machias Maine is
touted as the gateway to the discover and adventure that is found in Down East Maine. The town is rich in history, cultural
pursuits, many varieties of wildlife and natural beauty. Machias Bay Area is the furthest eastern point in the United States
and is the point at which the first rays of the morning sun wake the nation.
The friendly little community of Machias is located in Washington County in Eastern Maine. Machias will make
a lasting,and memorable experience for any person who is looking to find an example of the traditional Maine way of life.
Among the historical sites to visit in the area is Fort O'Brien. Fort O'Brien is one of the forts in Maine, which was active during three wars - the American Revolution, War of 1812 and
Civil War. The fort's important role in protecting the Machias River and its towns remained unchanged even to today.
Mt. Washington
What can I say, it's Maine and you never know what you will find around the next bend on some of our
back roads.
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| Ferry Map |
What a great ride, Washington County Rt. 9 & US Rt. 1. This is one ride you'll never forget! It's
filled with so many beautiful nooks and crannies you man want to make sure you have extra time to explore it all!
From start to finsish the ride covers approximately 360 miles if you just stick to the main route but I'm
willing to bet you'll have a hard time doing just that. This ride contains some of Maine's most beautiful hidden treasures,
from the lush forests and rocky out cropping's along the airline of Rt. 9 to the many quaint and welcoming fishing villages
coming down US Rt. 1.
As you ride be sure to explore the many hidden peninsulas, senic harbors and blueberry fields you'll find
along the way. For a true delight be sure to sample everything you can along the way from lobsters in Eastport, to crab rolls in Lubec as well as a mess of clams in Jonesport Beals and don't forget some of the locally made world famous strawberry pies at Hellens Restaurant in Machias.
If you're looking for some excitement on the forth of July, head down Rt. 187 to Jonesport Beals and
check out the "The Worlds Fastes Lobster Boat Races." Or if you're into peace and quiet and the sound of waves crashing
in on the shore, you might want to head down Rt. 186 to Schoodic Point Peninsula.
The ride's filled with the sounds and smells of Downeast Maine, the sounds of the surf, the smell of salt
water in the air as well as seagulls flying over head. In any case it a ride you'll want to do year after year and I'm sure
you'll never run out of places to explore!
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| Mt Katahdin Maine |
The famous Appalachian Trail ends in the Baxter State Park at the parks highest elevation of just
over 5200 ft., atop of Mount Katahdin. The views atop of Mt. Katahdin are spectacular revealing the true natural beauty of Baxter Park and Maine. The Knife's Edge is a trail atop of Mount Katahdin, that is somewhat perilous as its' name justly fits the description of this foot trail. Nearby communities include
Millinocket and Greenville and the Moosehead Lake region.
Sad part is that Baxter State Park is not excessable to Motorcycles!
Old Town
Old Town sits on the edge of the Great North Woods, on several islands in the Penobscot River. A thriving residential community of 8,500, Old Town’s acres of
forest and beautiful waters attract outdoor enthusiasts from hunters and anglers, hikers and canoeists, bird watchers and
photographers. It's the home of the now famous Old Town Canoe company. More than 50 miles of rivers and streams, accessible year round, are known nationwide for small-mouthed bass.
Wildlife population abounds with deer, bear, moose and coyote. Yet with all its scenic beauty, Old Town is still a bustling
industrial community.
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Running The Airline North
Running the Airline, Rte. 9, with my younger Brother and anytime I get a chance to
run with Brother, it's a great time! The Airline runs from Bangor thru the Maine wilderness
to Calais Me. and can be picked up at many points up and down the Down East coast line. Then it's just a hop and a jump to the Canadian border. Just make sure you have a brain bucket because, there's
no freedom of choice in Canada!
It's a small town that has many attractions and brings together the
best of coastal and inland Maine. Bucksport is less than an hour’s drive to some of Maine’s most beloved coastal
treasures—like Bar Harbor, Camden, and Blue Hill. Bucksport is also within 30 minutes of Bangor, Brewer, and Ellsworth.
And only two hours from Squaw, Sunday River, and Sugarloaf Mountains.
Bucksport is beautifully situated on the east bank of the river
at the "Narrows," forming a lovely picture, with its streets and houses rising on a gentle slope from the water. The sumniit
of the hill is crowned by the buildings of the East Conference Seminary, which, standing in bold relief against the sky, makes
the most Prominent figure of the village.
Bucksport has the only railroad in the county, the Bucksport arid Bangor Railroad.
Fort Knox, Maine's largest historic fort, features stunning military architecture and master granite craftsmanship. Constructed between 1844 and 1869, the fort was
strategically located on the narrows of the Penobscot River. Although it never saw combat, Fort Knox was garrisoned during the Civil and Spanish American Wars.Visitors are welcome to
explore the fort's passageways and many rooms. The fort also features two complete Rodman cannons. Guided tours are available
daily during the summer season. On Route 174, just off U.S. Route 1 west of the Waldo-Hancock Bridge.
Fort Knox, Constructed by master craftsmen and never fully completed,
this is an unaltered example of a large mid-19th century granite coastal fortification. It is also New England's finest unmodified
specimen of military architecture of the period. The
torpedo storage center was restored and transformed into a visitor and education complex the summer of 2001. An outdoor amphitheater,
gift shop, museum and offices were also completed in 2001. The Fort Knox Officers' Quarters, which was closed for decades
to the public due to structural safety concerns, was restored in 2004. Restoration of the Battery 'A' powder magazine was
completed in the fall of 2005. The next project will be the restoration of the cannon and the cannon mount in the Fort. Funding
for this work has been donated by foundations, private individuals and the State of Maine.
Unity Train Museum
After a short ride we finally found Unity Maine! The trip to Burnham Jct during this narrated train ride.
The train crosses two small train trestles. It runs along the shores of beautiful Lake Winnecook. There's
plenty of great photo opportunities along the slow and meandering train line. You'll find wildlife at
many points along the line as well. The countryside consists of marshlands, fields, rivers, streams and forest.
In Burnham the train passes through a set of “WYE” tracks to reverse the direction of the locomotive and head
back east toward Unity. You can freely roam about the train and visit their cafe in the dining car. You can
also enjoy a light lunch during your trip. All their cars are equipped with heat and A/C. There are restrooms available
at the "Unity Station", as well as on the train. Remember to plan enough time to stop and enjoy a visit to their train museum and
gift shop while you're there. It's a short but really fun and great ride!
We're sorry to say that the Unity Train Musem is closed until further notice
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| Russ & Vicki In Belfast |
Belfast
Belfast's swath of rocky shoreline and rolling countryside is dubbed the Heart of Coastal Maine for a good reason. Watch lobstermen
hauling their traps or walk up the hill one block to the downtown and stop into the mom-and-pop businesses on every corner
where you can find home-baked goods and some local art. Well-known for its exceptional crafts and antiques, Belfast is also
home to the Bearfest, where dozens of fiberglass bears are decked out in wild designs on
the town's downtown streets. Belfast Harbor begins at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River and stretches SE into West Penobscot
Bay. The City Landing lies at the bottom of the hill at the foot of Main Street. The center of the city is a short walk and
very scenic with its historic buildings and views of the Bay. The shores of Belfast Harbor have many large areas open to the
public for walks, picnics, etc. For the people who come here, Belfast is known for its convenience, hospitality, community
spirit, beautiful historic homes as well as it's beautiful shore lines.
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