This morning it seems like everything is upside down. It is easy to feel disoriented that is for sure. I look around and the natural world has not been disrupted. Bluebirds are still in the nest box at the end of the driveway, the phoebe is on her nest over the garage door and this week the stripers returned to the Saint George. Tonight, the moon is full and the tides are higher and lower than normal like usual and pretty much as predicted.
This week I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to catch a few stripers but also made a trip to Greenville and spent a day on the East Outlet of Moosehead Lake fishing with a guide there. Something I had never done and really enjoyed (in spite of the long drive). No, I did not catch a ton of fish; 10 or so salmon and a single brook trout with no trophies. Still an enjoyable day out and a chance to visit a new place with a long-time friend and fellow guide. This coming week my own guiding schedule is a little busier with Maine residents wanting to do what I just did. I am grateful for their business and support.
I have made some changes to the
procedures around the pandemic as the situation evolves and restrictions are loosened. Things are now almost back to normal for me, except for the requirement that nonresidents quarantine here for 14 days on arrival making most vacations impossible . That seems to be about to change but then again I have thought that for some time. On the upside Maine has a very low rate of infection and deaths from the pandemics as a result of that caution.
Another change here is the addition of an
InReach satellite text device that will allow for an SOS from anywhere. No I will not text you when the fish are biting! For 10 years I carried a Spot Messenger but an upgrade was in order this is simpler to operate and all in one so the need to find and turn on two devices is gone. Cell phones work most everywhere in mid coast Maine but not everywhere. When I am in the North Woods in the fall I shut my cell phone off because it only works in a few places closer to town. So a new level of confidence in getting help in an emergency should one arise. I will note that at this point no emergency of this sort has ever come up so planning ahead for what might happen someday.
The world is in disarray for sure but know that things are proceeding in the Maine Outdoors. With luck we will be able to spend some time together later this summer and I will be ready. Until then take care and stay well.
Best regards,
