The last few days have been sunny and very warm, nearly perfect spring weather. The first warblers have shown up and are soon to be followed by waves of their fellows. The leaves are not yet out on the trees letting full sunlight onto the forest floor. The early wildflowers are taking advantage of their moment in the sun so to speak.
I was walking behind the kennel yesterday and came across a clump of early Purple Trillium (click here to see the picture) also known as Stinking Benjamin for their less than aromatic smell. Interesting to note that a clump that I watch for behind the house has not even appeared as shoots yet. There are a few of the other early flowers beginning to show, most of them will be in full bloom in the next couple of weeks. Then they will be back to living in the shade for the rest of the summer.
One of the sure signs that summer is around the corner is the call of the phoebe. Since they are a flycatcher their arrival tells me that the bugs are out. Our phoebes arrived last week and we are greeted on every trip outside by calls of "phoebe". For a few summers they were adamant about nesting in the garage or directly over the door. Last summer they found a new nesting spot and I hope that they settle there again this year.
As spring warms and you begin to make summer plans I hope that Maine Outdoors is on your list for a new outdoor memory this season. Please get in touch using any of the new media listed later in this newsletter or of course you can reply to this e-mail or simply call 1-800-203-8549 and arrange your trip today!
Why Hire a Guide?
I have been thinking about why someone should hire a guide. I have hired guides in a number of different situations and every time have been pleased. From Gettysburg to Normandy and a few fishing trips in between. Most recently in Washington DC with our son Nicholas who has become a licensed DC tour guide for the spring. The point has been driven home to me. Each of them knew how to get around, lots of interesting detail and made the trip much more rewarding.
It just makes sense to let someone else put in the time and effort to know where you should go, provide the equipment you should use and be trained to look out for your comfort and safety. Not to mention knowing a lot of the background detail. How much did you say that statue weighs? Whether you want to take a full-day fishing trip, watch a few birds or just spend a few hours learning a new skill, your time is precious...use it wisely. When you visit a new area just figuring out where to go can take precious time. Let a Guide show you where to go, provide the equipment you will need and make the arrangements.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hand, a guide will make you more successful, offer helpful suggestions, share lots of knowledge about the area and add a great deal to your experience.
Last Chance for Free Hats with your 2009 Season Reservation!
Time is running out on the offer of free Maine Outdoors Waxed Cotton Hats for you and a partner ($35 value) with fishing trips reserved before April 30th for the 2009 season. Offer good for striper fishing on the Saint George River, large or smallmouth bass fishing , a learn to fly fish experience or a family fishing trip. Offer expires April 30, 2009. Of course you can simply buy your hats in the store, but without the trip they are only great looking, functional hats without a story or a shared memory of a great time on the water.
Lets Stay in Touch!
As the season gets started I am enjoying phone calls from many of you and planning your adventures for the coming season. Times have changed though and there are is a list of new ways to stay in touch.
You can now friend me on Facebook (Don Kleiner) or become a fan of Maine Outdoors there as well. I am also on Linkedin and Twitter (Don Kleiner) if you would like to stay up on the goings on here. Of course I still update the blog on the website twice a week and am available to chat on AIM, Googletalk or MSN when I am at my desk. Although desk time is getting less frequent as season gets underway.
Of course I still use e-mail and the telephone still rings in the office if you would like to discuss the details of your trip.
