Winter is definitely over now. I heard bluebirds singing this morning and yesterday I heard flickers for the first time since last summer. Our barred owls are back in the woodlot behind the house and calling "who, who, who cooks for you" in the evenings and early mornings. The weather has changed as well, there is still frost at night but the days are warm and sunny. The snow is almost completely melted and I noticed on Monday morning that the ice is almost completely out on Seven Tree and Round Ponds. Every day is a little warmer and it is light a little longer in the morning and evening. For those of you in more southerly latitudes our day changes almost nine hours from the shortest to the longest day and we have already added over four hours of daylight since the winter solstice.
On a warm sunny morning last week with a milky blue sky. I knew that once the afternoon sea breeze started the air would chill quickly. So I did the best thing I could think of, I loaded a canoe and headed down to the Saint George River for an hour or two. The ice was out of Seven Tree Pond enough so that I could launch and paddle up into the river. The water level is very high, those of you that have been on this trip will remember the rock up river that is at least six feet above the water level in the summer was nearly covered. It had an ice cake hung up on top where the falling water level must have left it that looked very much like a white top hat. Because of the high water I was able to paddle well up into the woods and explore places that I cannot visit on summer trips. There were hundreds of ducks of a variety of species. Wood ducks, mallards, black ducks, ring necks, and a few mergansers all in brilliant spring breeding plumage. I was also able to paddle right up to a flock of turkeys as well.
I was back home and at my desk again in a couple of hours, what a great break!
I met Monday with the Samoset Resort in Rockport and am pleased to report that we are offering packages together again this year. Packages that we are offering this year include
Bird Watching
A three hour Learn to Birdwatch trip with Maine Outdoors. A great opportunity to learn about the birds and other wildlife on the coast of Maine. This is a new trip offering for the 2008 season and I am looking forward to showing folks what is so interesting about those birds. Everyone who goes on these trips will get a Critters of Maine book to take home. Includes two nights of accommodations and a guided birdwatching trip for up to 4.
Fish & Game
Our newest outdoor adventure package satisfies both of your hungers to experience championship oceanside golf and venture off-property for a guided fishing trip with Maine Outdoors. This is our most diverse package that will make memories for a lifetime. Just don't use your golf balls for bait. Two nights luxurious accommodations, 1/2 day private guided fishing trip up to 3 people, one round of golf for 2 and a welcome amenity that includes local microbrews, Samoset golf towel & cigars.
Rod & Reelaxation:
Feeling like a fish out of water? Time for an angler's escape at the Samoset. Whether it's fly-fishing for smallmouth bass on secluded ponds, luring largemouths on our shady rivers or snaring stripers in the surf, our guides from Maine Outdoors supply all the equipment you need, from fishing rods to raingear. Or bring your own. Back at the resort you will be dreaming about the catch that didn't get away, lulled to sleep by the sound of the ocean.
To make a reservation for any of these packages call the Samoset at 1-800-341-1650.
Getting Ready for the Coming Season
I am getting ready for the coming season. Equipment is taken out looked over and replaced if worn everything from life vests to monofilament line on spinning rods. As a result the last week saw steady visits from various delivery drivers. They brought new fly lines, new binoculars for bird watching trips and a new handheld GPS device. (I know after all of these years why bother, but it will be great in the fog and in Northern Maine) In the next couple of weeks the new Lund Alaskan will be ready for me to pick up at the dealer. All of this is to make sure that everything is in tip top shape for your arrival this summer.
A tip for those of you that fish, replace your monofilament line each spring and make an effort to keep it out of direct sun. I find that fishing line deteriorates rapidly if left in the sunlight and that it has mind of its own after being left on a reel over the winter.
Annual Maine Guides Banquet
Argy and I attended the Maine Professional Guides Association Annual Banquet. It was a great time with a very good turnout. For me it has become an event that I do not want to miss because the room is filled with many friends and peers. It is good to see these folks, swap a few stories and hear about their plans for the coming year. Of course there are always folks there from the Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Conservation along with a few legislators and other dignitaries.
The speaker this year was Doug Painter from the National Shooting Sports Foundation who I had met years ago at a meeting. He described how things are changing and participation in hunting and fishing is dropping, primarily due to the lack of time that we are all feeling these days. He also mentioned a piece that I had heard that golf was declining even more steeply for the same reasons. He then went on to tell us that hunting and fishing have the advantage because they can be done as a family.
Doug challenged all of us to "maintain the well" by insuring that the next generation is introduced to the outdoors and the things we all love. When he finished Jeff Bellmore stood up and described how they had three requests for scholarships to the Maine Conservation School for this summer but only enough money budgeted for two. He then asked for donations and it was gratifying to see the line of folks who came forward and made donations to send another kid to camp.
It was a great feeling to know that Maine Outdoors was already there with a policy that gives 10 percent of profits to conservation education.
Booking now for the coming season!
Reservations continue to come in for spring and summer. If you are planning to be in the area please give me a call or reply to this e-mail so we can plan a date to spend some time outdoors together.
