Issue #13 -- Return to Moosehead Lake

If you've kept up with our blog, you know we went to Moosehead Lake last year in search of the ever elusive Moose.  Well, we decided to try again this year.  During the winter months we did a little research and found a camp of rustic cabins which rent year-round, Wilson's Cabins. Now that we've actually been there, we can say they are very rustic.

Riverside Cabin

Rustic is not a bad thing, we enjoyed a one bedroom cabin. These cabins are usually rented and used as a base camp for hunters and fisherman. We saw numerous fly fishermen on the feeder streams and rivers in the area. The cabin owners also employ guides who will plan fishing expeditions on the lake. My favorite parts of the cabin were the wood burning fireplace and the screened front porch. When your cabin is right on the lake you can't miss the GREAT VIEW of Moosehead Lake. Our stay lasted four nights and five days. Even though we did not see any moose that doesn't mean we didn't have a great time, or anything else to do. Far from it.

You never know where T-Bear is
going to show up!

Recently we tested a unique type of kayak, its a Snap Kayak. This kayak is really cool as you can purchase it for the number of persons you'd like it to be used for, i.e. one or two.  As we needed a two person kayak, ours came in three pieces. You can use it for only one as well.

On the morning of day two we woke at 4:30 a.m. to venture out on the lake via our kayak to find our moose. 

We were so lucky to have such a beautiful sunrise, and you couldn't have asked for a more placid lake.

After spending several hours on the lake, we did not see a single moose!  Not a problem, just being out on this beautiful lake was well worth getting up so early.  The sunrise was like none that I've seen, but that could be because I'm not usually up before eight.

Aunt M's Family Restaurant

When we failed to see moose on or around the edges of the lake we decided to take a drive on some of the back roads of the area.  As we headed out our first stop was to Aunt M's Family Restaurant for some breakfast. They don't have their own website but in case you visit that area, their address is: 13 Lily Bay Road, Greenville, Maine. The food is good old fashion cooking.

Eggs Benedict

Onward and still in search. Again, no moose, but we did see several deer and the drive itself was lovely.

There are a number of things to keep you busy when visiting the area.  Last year we did the three hour tour aboard the Katahdin.  The length of the Katahdin tour gives you an idea of just how big Moosehead Lake is.

Katahdin

Let's talk about lunch and dinner choices. There are a few, and all worth trying.  We tried two different locations this year and both were excellent.  One location was Kelly's Landing, which is both waterfront dinning and lodging.

Kelly's Landing

David's favorite, scallops!

Another place with extremely good food is Flatlanders Pub and Restaurant located at 36 Pritham Avenue, Greenville Junction, Maine. Flatlanders is not on the lake directly, however; it is just across the street from the lake.  If you're looking for some good home cooking with generous  helpings, this is the place to come.  The food was so good we ate there twice.

Now for something truly beautiful. Moxie Falls.  If you'd look for one of the highest falls in New England, this is the one to see. Moxie Falls has a vertical drop of over 90 feet into a pool which is about 17 feet deep.
Moxie Falls is located in West Forks, Maine which is in Somerset County.  Once you arrive in the parking area for the falls you hike about a mile and a half to arrive at the falls. There are a lot of bugs during the hike so you should take some bug spray along to keep you protected from bug bites.

These views were just breathtaking.
Once you arrive, you will see that the hike is well worth your time. (It involves moderate non level, densely forested terrain).

Our drive from  Timberland Acres RV Park to Moosehead Lake is about two hours and you travel through several small towns.  One of those towns is Dover-Foxcroft.  I bring this up because if you've ever enjoyed a whoopie pie, you might also be interested in attending Maine's annual Whoopie Pie Festival.  The festival is held every year in June and attended by thousands and you are treated to every kind of whoopie pie concoction that you could imagine.  If you're unable to try them all, take home a few and they freeze well.

David's Buddy Stops:

There are several places throughout the East coast to find some "great" or "really good" ice cream.  We've passed this CLOSED ice cream shop every time we head to the Bangor area, over the last two years, and we've decided the only reason it's NOT still open is because it was only "Pretty Good" Ice Cream! They still have a website so maybe if you're interested in having your own "pretty good" ice cream shop you can contact  Pete at Pete's website. It would probably be a great business plan to change the name if you buy it.

David those are Bears not Moose!

Looks like our friend Debbie found
a moose of her own.

Issue #12 -- 2017 - Maine, A Great Place To Spend The Summer

April 28 - Scarborough, Maine
Each time we drive into the State of Maine, we get such a feeling of calm ... it's like returning home. Our first campground is one we found last year, Wild Duck RV Campground. The campground is an adults only, no one under the age of eighteen, campground. It is nestled in the pines and surrounded by a marsh.

My sister's dog, Kuualani

We liked Wild Duck Campground so much that we reserved two weeks for this year.  We arrived on April 28th.  May 12th  we'll head up for the opening day and season at Timberland Acres RV Park. Our season at Timberland Acres will be May 12th - Oct. 15th. But, lets not get ahead of ourselves, we have two weeks here in beautiful Scarborough.   

       

Old Orchard Beach:

One of the best known beaches in this area of Maine, is  Old Orchard Beach. If you don't like large crowds, this is a good time to come. Maine is a very seasonal State.  From about the end of May to the middle or end of October the beaches and National Parks are heavily visited by all kinds of tourists.  If you're someone who likes to do a little work-camping while you travel, Maine is a great place for that, in the spring or summer.  So long as you have a place to stay, i.e. an RV or camper, you can find all kinds of work here in Maine.

My sister, Linda, came up to check out the prospects. It didn't work out for her, but only because she's not quite there yet as she doesn't have an RV or bumper tow to utilize as a home. She did get to check out the area and thinks it's the type of lifestyle she'd enjoy.  David and I have been living the RV life long enough to know that we love it.  We choose not to work-camp as we enjoy just exploring the area and meeting both new and old friends.

Always time to check out the local restaurants, looks like T-Bear was in the mood for something Italian.

 

 But, if "GOOD" seafood if what you're interested in, then a really good place would be Ken's Seafood Place, 209 Pine Pointe Road in Scarborough, Maine. (Sorry no link because they only have a Facebook link and I know not everyone likes going through Facebook).
They have a very large seafood menu.  David and I tried the Haddock sandwich and also the Lobster Roll. There are other seafood restaurants, but Ken's is the one most recommended by friends and local Mainers.

No, No, No, those are not David's legs!

Kennebunkport:

Everyone knows you can't come to Maine and not check out Kennebunkport.  It is a charming, upscale coastal town that is also the summer home of former President George H.W. Bush & his lovely wife, Barbara.

The Bush Compound

There's a lot of construction in the main area of town this year, but we did visit the area in 2015 and captured some nice photos.

It's a beautiful little town with shops and eateries to explore, or just a pleasant afternoon to walk around.

Meeting up with GOOD FRIENDS

Friends Coming Together:

We had two weeks in the Scarborough area. While there, our summertime neighbors were making their way up the coast from Florida.  We were all lucky enough to meet up in Wells, Maine at a really neat pub, Litchfield's Bar and Grill. Rick & Cheryl are good neighbors and they both have "Green Thumbs," often providing neighbors with fresh vegetables & other goodies.

Haven's Candies
One of David's most favorite goodies is; CANDY!  I guess I should say, not just candy, but CHOCOLATE CANDY. Well, it just so happens one of the oldest candy companies in Maine is Havens Candies.  Haven's Candies has been handcrafting premium confections in Maine since 1915, using timeless recipes and only the finest ingredients. Haven's owner, Erin Collins, is the daughter of a good friend of ours, and Erin was gracious enough to give us our own private tour of the candy factory.

             

Just a side note for anyone who may be thinking of coming to Maine and spending a season at Timberland Acres RV Campground:  When you check in, you are greeted by the most friendly folks around and you also receive some Haven's Candies to enjoy at your campsite. 

Timberland Acres

Our season began on May 12th, at Timberland Acres RV Park.  We arrived around noon.  It always feels so good to check in and get the rig set up. Oh yes, true to course, we received Haven's candies when we arrived, not like David really needed more chocolate. 

Our first day is spent visiting our friends that camp in the area close to us as well as other friends within the park.  Next it's time to get the flower garden planted. David's is always a big help.  I do not have a green thumb, but I am getting better at it, and enjoy picking the color scheme we'll plant. I think David goes to the nursery for the sole reason that pulling the wagon makes him feel very young again.

Once the garden is done, it time for a campfire and a glass of wine!

David's Buddy Stops:

David says this link is a great explanation of government investigations, hope you enjoy it as much as he did!