JOSH CHRISTIE: Test runs show gear makes difference

Outdoors

Published
March 15, 2012

JOSH CHRISTIE: Test runs show gear makes difference

Like a lot of weekend skiers, my quiver of skis is only one pair deep. The idea of a single "all mountain" ski is a tough one to nail down -- especially here on the weather-variable East Coast -- but it's a more affordable option than different skis for every condition.
Published
March 10, 2012

SNOWMOBILING: Iron Men

When David Hammond and Robert Gardner set out to Alaska to compete in the Iron Dog snowmobile race, they had three goals.
Published
March 10, 2012

SNOWMOBILING: Never forget land owners

The Maine Snowmobile Association is supporting L.D. 1613, "An Act To Strengthen the Relationship between Land Users and Landowners," sponsored by Rep. Andre Cushing, (R- Hampden), as initiated by the Small Woodlot Owners Association of Maine (SWOAM).
Published
March 10, 2012

ALLEN AFIELD: 4 signs that spring is near

Spring sounds start in earnest this month and pick up momentum in April, and the angle of the sun's rays dictate the timing of nature's canorous and at times cacophonous timetable.
Published
March 8, 2012

FOR THE BIRDS: Massive gathering of crows intriguing

It's thrilling to see an unusual bird. Who is not excited about the chance to see a snowy owl or an American oystercatcher in Maine? Yet there is the potential to experience wonder in watching our common birds.

Published
March 8, 2012

SKIING: Spring skiing is near

Just last week, skiers and riders could have used a reminder that although their lawns were bare, Maine's ski areas were still well covered with snow.
Published
March 8, 2012

HIKING: A short hike with grand views

Bauneg Beg Mountain rises inconspicuously above the rural outskirts of North Berwick in York County. Driving to the main trailhead on Fox Farm Hill Road, the mountain and its three peaks aren't distinguishable until you're nearly upon them. Perhaps that's because it is -- incredibly -- the only mountain in southern Maine without a communications tower.
Published
March 3, 2012

ALLEN AFIELD: Open-waterfishing hit or miss this time of year

In March, friends call or stop at my home to tell stories about early open-water fishing adventures in flowing waters in the bottom third of the state, and the up-to-date news fascinates me big time. It also spurs me to get on the water.
Published
March 3, 2012

Expert: Growing bear numbers OK for now

Maine's bear harvest has been declining at the same time the bear population has been increasing through ample natural food. But despite growing bear numbers, there's not a problem with bears clashing with the public and becoming a disturbance, state biologists say.
Published
March 2, 2012

Winter on the mountain

TOWNSHIP 2, RANGE 9, WELS -- On President's Day, while it was mild and 39 degrees in Portland, Dave Wilson was on the summit of Mount Katahdin, facing 60 mph winds and a new patch of frostbite on his face. He had been there before, at least once a year for the past 20 years.