Sit Back and Enjoy the Chowder

When I woke up in southern Maine for the first time I was welcomed with this view

I had never seen the Maine coast, or witnessed the north Atlantic.  It's truly a beautiful place.  Once you look past the quirky tourist shops and over priced ice cream a group of friendly, welcoming locals are unveiled.  Fortunately my new friend Jannine was more than happy to show me around the small town of Ogunquit, ME.  

I met Jannine through my friend Greg, and we share a common bond from all being former students of the Jack Mountain Bushcraft School.  We started off our day with a fun breakfast at a family owned and operated restaurant, The Egg and I.  

After a short hike we found ourselves at the beach, where we spent the next few hours enjoying the waves, and after an exhausting round of body surfing, we stopped at The Oar Weed for a delicious bowl of seafood chowder!   Next stop, Masardis, Maine!

A Stop in Chicago

On the trip from Omaha to Chicago one of the bus driver’s comments really stuck in my mind.  “Folks, we will be experiencing some high winds, but don’tchu worry yall, I drove in worser winds den dis.”  It’s one thing to hear that on a flight, it’s a little different hearing it while you’re on the upper level of a double decker bus. 

The Chicago stop on my journey did not disappoint!  After meeting my sister at the bus stop we enjoyed a great breakfast at The Corner Bakery, before I took off on the blue line for the airport.  Unfortunately my flight is delayed for about 2 hours, causing me to miss my bus from Boston to Portland… but it could be worse, and my excitement to get to the North Woods has weakened my frustration.

Luckily for me, my friend Greg agreed to meet in Boston, instead of Portland, ME, which solves my bus problem.  I’ll be able to give more frequent updates on this trip, due to occasional WiFi at the Guide Shack once I get to Masardis, ME.  Here are a few pictures from Chicago.  Stay tuned for another great adventure!  

Gear Advice That You Can Trust!

There are so many "survivalists" now on the web and on TV sharing with you what they think to be the best gear to use.  First of all, they're biased, because they're usually just promoting their own over priced equipment.  Second, most of the gear they promote isn't necessary, and hasn't been tested in the field for long periods of time.  

Luckily Paul Sveum has come to the rescue.  Here's an article that he has on his blog concerning gear and it's the best info I've found to date.  Paul will be teaching a course this summer at Jack Mountain Bushcraft and Guide Service.  

http://paulsveum.posterous.com/gearing-up-part-one

Pictures From The 2011 Maine Expedition

2 dozen eggs, several pounds of bacon, one fying pan!

I've been getting really pumped lately about my upcoming trip to Maine.  It will be a great challenged, and I'll really be able to put the skills I learned last year to the test.  Here are some pics from 2011.  Enjoy!

Looking zonked after an all-nighter of packing

Waiting out a 4 hour rainstorm

Poling the Aroostook River

Paddling down the Aroostook River

My tent at a remote location in the North Maine Woods

Drying out my tent after a rain storm

I woke up one morning to find this giant moose track right outside the door of my tent.  Apparently dangerous animals like walking next to me in the middle of the night!

Thanks for reading!