Aroostook Outdoor News: 10.13.16 edition

In this edition: 1) Awareness walks in #PresqueIsle and #Houlton. 2) #5k Run/walks in Presque Isle. 3) #Hiking trips in #Caribou and #BaxterStatePark. Plus lots more! #offugo…

#AroostookThing of the week: The Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Deboullie Day Hike trip from Caribou to Deboullie Public Reserved Land, just south of St. Francis.

DBULI

Getting outdoors is just part of who I am. But that was not always the case.

A couple of watershed moments in my life include reading Donn Fendler’s story “Lost on A Mountain in Maine” when I was a boy and taking my first trip to Deboullie as a young man.

One was important for what it sparked. The other, for what it reinforced.

As boyhood heroes go, Donn Fendler was right up there with leftfielder Carl Yastrzemski of the Boston Red Sox, firefighter John Gage of the Los Angeles County Fire Department (“Emergency!” TV show), and lineman Roy Shea of the New England Telephone Company (my dad).

Donn fed my imagination as a child and fueled my love of the outdoors as a young adult.

When I had the opportunity to meet him a few years ago, Donn did not disappoint. His presentation was as crisp and real as if he had just been found at Lunksoos Camp. His demeanor was affable and open, and you could sense his genuine curiosity for the things around him: it wasn’t that hard to see the traits that helped him survive nine days in the Katahdin Wilderness.

Though not a full-time Mainer, Donn is a Maine legend. My stepson Brady and I tried to catch up with him at an event in Baxter State Park this summer, but Donn was not feeling up to the rigors of the trip. We signed a birthday card for him and wished him well, and hoped that there would be a ‘next time.’

Donn Fendler passed away recently at the age of 90. Donn will be missed, but his memory will live on through his story. Thank you, Donn, for being my hero, and for helping me seek out adventure and places like Deboullie Mountain.

Deboullie Public Reserved Land, for the uninitiated, offers rugged terrain, numerous ponds, and spectacular views. From Deboullie’s high ground and open acreage, it’s easy to forget the signature rolling hills and potato fields of Aroostook County.

Deboullie is not that easy to get to – although thanks to recent efforts by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, it is much easier to access then it was 25 years ago – and that remoteness plays a big part on why the area is so special to me.

Deboullie is one of those places for which stories do it no justice – you have to experience it for yourself

The Caribou Recreation Department, through its well-rounded Take It Outside Series for adults, is offering a trip this coming weekend; let them be your guide to what Deboullie has to offer.

Preregistration for the trip is required and the program is restricted to those in excellent shape the cost is $20 per person, and participants should bring a bag lunch and additional money for a potential stop at Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage for dinner.

If there were such a thing, this trip would qualify as a #HighlyRecommended trip by #offugo. Contact Neal Sleeper at 207-493-4224 or sleeper@cariboumaine.org to sign up today!

#AroostookNote: Maine’s official fall foliage website, www.mainefoliage.com, indicates that the colors in Aroostook are “past peak” at this time. While that may certainly be true, I am seeing plenty of greens and partially turned leaves, which tells me that the color explosion is not over yet. Get out there and see for yourself!

 

*Thursday, October 13-Saturday, October 15

Friends of ANWR Wildlife Refuge Week, Limestone. Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, 97 Refuge Rd. Oct. 13-14: educational backpacks available, pillowcase project. Oct. 15: pumpkin decorating, GPS, educaching; lunch, snacks available. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634) or friendsofanwr@gmail.com FMI

 

Friday, October 14

3rd Annual Hope and Justice Project Walk It Up, Presque Isle!, Presque Isle. Light walk to bring awareness to domestic abuse and sexual violence. Registration and Story Time: 11:00 a.m. at Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library, 39 2nd St. Walk start: 12:00 p.m. Free t-shirt and lunch to those who pre-register. Visit www.hopeandjusticeproject.org FMI

 

Friday, October 14

Friends of Baxter State Park North Traveler Day Hike, Patten. North Traveler offers fascinating geology and sweeping views over the northern portion of Baxter State Park and the East Branch of the Penobscot. We’ll depart from South Branch Pond Campground. Advance sign-up required; space is limited. Contact Sarah Holland admin@friendsofbaxter.org FMI

 

Saturday, October 15

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Deboullie Day Hike, Caribou. Deboullie Public Reserved Land offers rugged terrain, numerous ponds, spectacular views. Let us be your guide to what Deboullie has to offer. Preregistration required; program restricted to those in excellent shape. Cost: $20; bring bag lunch and additional money for a potential stop at Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage for dinner. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

*Saturday, October 15

Bridge to Hope 11th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, Houlton. 8:00-11:00 a.m. Walk starts, ends at Gentle Memorial Building, 128 Main St. Contact Houlton Recreation Department (207-532-1310) FMI

 

Saturday, October 15

Hollywood Pet Salon Strut Your Mutt, Houlton. Raising funds to help finish a building for abandoned or injured animals. Route info: Hollywood Pet Salon to Sanctuary grounds. Registration 9:00 a.m. at Hollywood Pet Salon, 70 Main St. Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Lorraine Monfils (207-532-7387) FMI

 

Saturday, October 15

MSAD 1 Adult & Community Education Kitchen Aid 5k, Presque Isle. Help raise money for MSAD 1 Adult Ed’s kitchen project. Registration: 10:00 a.m. at Presque Isle Middle School. Kids’ Fun Run start: 10:30 a.m. on the PIMS track. Run start: 11:00 a.m. Cost: $15/person before October 1: $25/person after October 1. Contact LeRae Kinney (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org or visit www.msad1.coursestorm.com/course/kitchen-aid-5k FMI

 

*Saturday, October 15

American Council of the Blind-Maine White Cane Walk, Presque Isle. Celebrate White Cane Awareness Day and raise awareness of people who are blind or have low vision and may use a white cane for travel. Walk several loops from corner of Academy St. to corner of State St., using white canes (provided, if needed), guide dogs, or a sighted guide. Walk start: 10:00 a.m. in parking lot near Wilder’s Jewelry, Main St. Contact Bruce Archer (207-764-3360) FMI

 

*Saturday, October 15

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Aroostook County Brew and Wine Fest 5k trALE run, Presque Isle. Race start: 10:30 a.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. For all ages: come join us on the single track! Cost: FREE! T-shirt to first 25 participants; timing, showers available. Contact NHSC info@nordicheritagecenter.org FMI

 

Wednesday, October 19

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Bradford Camps Trip, Caribou. For over a century, sportsmen and tourists have traveled to North Maine Woods to embrace nature. Learn about the history of the camps from the owners while being treated to lunch in a wilderness lodge. Cost: $40. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

Friday, October 21 & Saturday, October 22

Presque Isle Historical Society Haunted Lantern History Tours, Presque Isle. This “slightly scary and kinda’ creepy” nighttime tour of downtown Presque Isle takes you through the old jail (only opened each year for this tour) and thirteen sites where interpreters relate the true history of that particular site by lantern light. Tours begin at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. each night at Historic Fire Station, 11 Church St. Cost: $5. Contact Kim Smith (207-762-1151) or pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com FMI

 

*Saturday, October 22

Chewonki Live Owl Presentation, Presque Isle. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library, 39 Second St. See live owls up close and hear a presentation about the Chewonki Foundation. This program is open to everyone. Bring your cameras and prepare for a really fun hour-long learning experience. Contact Sonja Plummer Eyler (207-764-2571) FMI

 

Saturday, October 22

Unite Against Bullying Walk, Run, or Roll, Caribou. 2 miles. Join us as we raise awareness to Unite Against Bullying! Registration: 1:00 p.m. at Caribou Rec. Center, 55 Bennett Dr. Walk start: 2:00 p.m. Contact Kim Parent (207-540-3659) or visit www.uniteagainstbullyingme.org FMI

 

Tuesday, October 25

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series North Maine Woods Trip, Caribou. Meet with NMW Director, tour Maine Woods Company hardwood sawmill in Portage and MooseWood Millworks in Ashland, swing through Portage Wood Products. Cost: $30; includes lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

 

*Tuesday, October 25

SJV Senior College County Sky and Space Seminar, Fort Kent. 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Francis Malcolm Science Planetarium in Easton. Why study the sky? This trip will answer this question and many more using both digital and optical technologies. Fort Kent carpool departs UMFK Sport Center at 11:30 a.m. Cost: $15 plus $5 lab fee; includes tuition for all SJV Senior College classes that term. Contact MSAD 27 Adult & Community Education Office (207-834-3536) FMI

 

Thursday, October 27

Woodstock Rec. Zombie 3k Run, Woodstock, NB. Cross-country run through Connell Park while being chased by Zombies, who will try to take your 3 lives before you return to finish line. Prizes, awards following race. Registration: 5:00-6:00 p.m. at AYR Motor Centre, 105 Connell Park Rd. Zombies come out at 6:30 p.m. (all times Atlantic)! Cost: $10/adult; $5/student with ID. Zombies needed. Contact Jill Dunnett jill.dunnett@town.woodstock.nb.ca FMI

 

*Friday, October 28

Caribou Class of 2017 Haunted Walk, Caribou. 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Caribou High School track/ski trails, 308 Sweden St. Cost: $4/person. Music, concessions provided! Proceeds support Project Graduation. Contact Heidi Lamothe (207-498-3775) FMI

 

Friday, October 28 & Saturday, October 29

Eagle Lake Haunted Forest, Eagle Lake. Walk through the scariest trail you will ever experience filled with monsters, killers, and sadistic clowns. Come if you dare! 7:00-11:00 p.m. each night. Contact Sandra L. Fournier (207-444-5511) FMI

 

*Saturday, October 29

Woodland School Haunted Walk, Woodland. 6:00-8:30 p.m. at Woodland Consolidated School, 844 Woodland Center Road. Join us for a spooktacular time and an experience you’ll never forget! Tractor rides, delicious snacks, drinks available. Cost: $3/person. Contact Woodland Consolidated School (207-496-2981) FMI

 

Sunday, October 30

1st Annual Fort Kent Outdoor Center Team USA vs. Team Canada Halloween 5k/10k Trail Race, Fort Kent. 1k Kids’ Race (12 and under). Runners in costume receive time bonus in 5k, 10k races. Registration: 10:30 a.m. at FKOC, 33 Paradis Circle. Kids’ race start: 11:45 a.m. 5k/10k race start: 12:00 p.m. Cost: $15/runner; Free/Kids’ Run. Contact Jeff Dubis jdubis@maine.edu FMI

 

*Saturday, November 5

Aroostook Birders Long Lake Tour, Sinclair. 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Meet at Sinclair boat launch parking lot by the bridge. Join us on a jaunt around Long Lake to see the last migrants leaving the state. Carpool around the lake stopping at promising spots, finishing up at Lakeview Restaurant for lunch. We can always count on seeing spawning salmon even if the bald eagles scare away all the birds! Contact Bill Sheehan thearoostookbirders@gmail.com FMI

 

*Saturday, November 5

Run The River, Nackawic, NB. 10k/5k/3krunning races and 1k Kids’ Fun Run. Prize money awarded to top 3 male/female in each distance. Race start: 9:30 a.m. (Atlantic Time) at Nackawic Shopping Mall, 135 Otis Dr. Register online only by Nov. 4 at www.raceroster.com/events/2016/9897/run-the-river-2016. Cost: $25/age 14 and over, $12/age 13 and under, FREE/Kids’ 1k. Contact Greg MacFarlane (506- 450-5802) or greg@liv9.ca or visit www.facebook.com/runtheriverNackawic FMI

 

Ongoing Programs:

 

County Strides Running Group, Presque Isle. Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at various locations. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Visit County Strides at www.facebook.com/groups/447181508818122 FMI

 

Francis Malcolm Science Center Walk-in Tours, Easton. Weekdays; 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Experience our planetarium’s new, full-dome, digital projection system, featuring a 30-minute activity; 15 minutes in the star theater, 15 minutes to visit the facility at large. Cost: $5/visitor; reservations requested. Contact FMSC (207-488-5451) FMI

 

Sportsmen’s, Inc. Meeting, Stockholm. First Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Axle Siding Clubhouse (intersection of Lake Street/Rt. 161). Outdoors men and women promoting the traditions of the outdoors. If you’re interested in joining, you’re welcome to attend as a guest. Kids are welcome too! Visit www.facebook.com/Sportsmens-Inc-568794129811741 FMI

 

Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Meeting, Limestone. Second Monday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at ANWR headquarters and Visitor’s Center, 97 Refuge Rd. Founded in 1998, Friends are involved in a number of volunteer projects on the ANWR in an effort to balance the enhancing of habitat with the public access privilege to enjoy wildlife in an unmolested environment. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634) or friendsofanwr@gmail.com FMI

 

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Meeting, Presque Isle. First Tuesday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. The club promotes healthy outdoor recreation, economic vitality in Central Aroostook County by providing first-class facilities and programs to area residents, athletes, visitors. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.org FMI

 

Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Meeting, Presque Isle. Last Tuesday of each month; 5:30 p.m. at PIFG clubhouse, Parsons Road. Established in 1947 to help protect, conserve, maintain and restore our natural resources as well as to protect and promote our outdoor heritage. Meetings include a delicious supper, cash bar, short business meeting. Visit www.pifg.org FMI

 

Central Aroostook Humane Society Walk-A-Dog Wednesdays, Presque Isle. Wednesdays; 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Central Aroostook Humane Society, 26 Cross St. Stop in to CAHS any Wednesday in October, take one of our resident dogs for a walk…and Pat’s Pizza will thank you with a $5 gift certificate! Contact CAHS (207-764-3441) FMI

 

Four Seasons Trail Association Meeting, Madawaska. First Wednesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Non-profit organization dedicated to promotion of healthier lifestyles for this community; participation open to anyone interested. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

 

Fort Fairfield Frontier Fish and Game Club, Fort Fairfield. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month (fourth Wednesdays during summer); 6:00 p.m. at FFFFG clubhouse on Monson Pond, 550 Dorsey Rd. Founded in 1958 to help conserve, protect, maintain, and restore our natural resources and to promote our outdoor heritage. Visit www.heyevent.com/venue/bmyulgbaawlhca FMI

 

* = New or updated item(s).