One Night on Mt. Liberty

Summit of Mt. Liberty

With my big trip to Iceland, I didn't go on my usual summer backpack trips, and I've been aching to sleep in the woods.  With the weather turning cooler, I decided I better get out before I lost my opportunity for the year.  Fortunately, my friend Jenny, took me up on a last minute invite to spend the night near the summit of Mt. Liberty at the Liberty Springs Tentsite.  We were rewarded with early fall weather, summit sunsets, and a pleasant hike. Here's how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Mt. Liberty Overnight Backpack

Jenny on the Liberty Spring Trail

Getting There:  Mt. Liberty is located along the famous and often visited Franconia Ridge in the White Mountains.  To get to the trailhead, I took I-93 north into Franconia Notch State Park.  You can park at either The Flume or The Basin parking area.  I choose The Basin.  Both parking areas are free to park and have pit toilets.  To access the trail, walk south on the paved bike path about 0.8 miles until you reach the Appalachian Trail/Liberty Springs trailhead.  Your hike starts here.

Trail:  We took the Liberty Springs Trail from the bike path all the way to the tentsite and summit.  This is also part of the Appalachian Trail and is marked with white blazes.  The first 0.6 miles gradually rises through a hardwood forest.  At 0.6 miles, you reach the junction of the Flume Slide Trail with the Liberty Spring Trail.  Many hikers choose to take this offshoot to the ridge at Mt. Flume and then loop back to Mt. Liberty.  I've tried it in the past and while it's enjoyable and fun, the Flume Slide Trail is challenging and difficult.  I decided it wouldn't be as fun with my large backpacking pack.

Loving Nature on the Franconia Ridge

From the junction, the trail gradually meandered up through the forest, crossing over a moderate river crossing (not bad in fall).  As we crossed into the boreal zone of conifers and evergreens, the trails steepness increased and the last 1.5 miles was like a long rock staircase.  The challenge of the hike came in the consistent steady uphill, but I would categorize it as fairly moderate since there was little to no slab or technical hiking involved.

At around 2 miles, we reached Liberty Springs Tentsite.  We checked in with the cartaker (still manned through September), paid our $8 a piece fee and were assigned our platform.  Due to to the high numbers of campers, we had to share a platform with another small tent.  Our AMC caretaker warned us of increased bear activity and reminded us to cook in the assigned area away from the tentsites and to keep all food and food-related materials in the bear boxes.

Rainy hike down...bring the right gear!

Jenny and I set up camp and left again to reach the summit.  Back on the trail, it was another 0.3 miles or so to the ridge junction.  From here, we turned right on the Franconia Ridge trail.  We hiked through low trees on a gradual rise until we popped out on the rocky summit of Mt. Liberty (about 0.3 miles from junction).  We reached the summit around 6:30 pm - just in time to admire the sun setting behind the western mountains.

We returned to camp, made our delicious dinner of burritos and settled into our tent for a cool night under the stars.

In the morning, we packed up and returned the same way - 2 miles back down the Liberty Spring Trail to the bike trail and 0.8 miles back up to The Basin parking lot.

Difficulty:  Moderate in fair weather

Bear Watch at Liberty Spring Tentsite

Distance: 5.2 miles on the trail (including summit) plus 1.6 miles on the bike path to the parking lot = 6.8 miles total.

AMC Liberty Spring Tentsite: The Appalachian Mountain Club maintains shelters and tentsites in the White Mountains.  During the busy season, a caretaker is there to help assign tent platforms, maintain the privy, and aid hikers.  There is an $8 fee per person.  This gives you access to the privy toilet (bring your own toilet paper!), bear boxes, and a water source.  In the summer the tentsites and shelters fill quickly, especially on weekends.  Make sure you get to your site early.  Even through it was mid-September, Liberty Spring Tentsite was completely booked by the end of the night.  We got there around 5 pm and there were still spots (although we had to share a platform).  This is a great way to backpack through the Whites with limited impact and guaranteed water/tentsite.

Recommendations:

- Check the Weather - Franconia Ridge is notorius for high winds and variable weather.  Although it was easily 80 F in The Basin parking lot, it was a cool 40 with windchill at Mt. Liberty summit.  We experienced hours of downpour overnight and woke up to drizzle in the morning.  Fortunately, we had checked the weather and were prepared with rain gear and warm layers.

View of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain from Liberty.

- Gear - Know what you need for an overnight.  Besides a tent, sleeping bag, and pad - overnight hikers need to be prepared with extra water, water purifier, stove, food, warm layers, and extra first aid materials.

Experiences sunset on the Franconia Ridge was a magical experience.  By spending a night up at Liberty Spring Tentsite, Jenny and I got to enjoy some of the best views and camping in the White Mountains at the beginning of fall.  I highly recommend a night near the ridge.

Please leave comments and questions below.  Don't forget to visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheFreelanceAdventurer

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Guest Post: Best of the Best - Portland, Maine

As fall begins, consider squeezing in a visit to tourist-friendly Portland, Maine. Planning a trip after Labor Day ensures you beat the crowds. Here are the places you need to know for the best day experience.

Eastern "Prom" - Portland, Maine

Walk: Portland Trails*: Back Cove Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Parking: Free at lot across from Hannaford on Preble Street Extension

The Back Cove Trail is a loop trail (3.5 miles) which boasts beautiful views of the Portland skyline, the occasional marsh wildlife such as Great Blue Herons, and perfect for walking, running, and biking. The terrain is with mostly flat except along a stretch that parallels I-295. There are benches and water fountains (seasonal) along the trail.

*A network of trails in greater Portland, free for public access. Full map here: http://trails.org/our-trails/

Hilltop Superette Counter

Lunch with a View: Hilltop Superette @ 135 Congress St.

Fare: Deli style sandwiches, pizza ($1.79 slices), and hamburgers

The 80-year-old store has been recently raised back from the ashes as it was nearly destroyed by arson last year (previously Colucci’s). Now the local market (opened July 2014) is bustling in the Munjoy Hilll neighborhood. The menu boasts local produce and breads from Borealis Breads. I highly recommend the Italians, especially the Spicy Superette if you like a little kick. Grab a bag of chips to share, drinks, and walk down the street towards the Eastern Promenade for a picnic style lunch with a view of Casco Bay and surrounding islands.

Infinity Beer Barrels

Beer: Bunker Brewing Company @ 122 Anderson St.

Summer Hours: Thurs & Fri 5-8pm, Sat 12-5    Call before stopping by

Website: http://bunkerbrewingco.com/

This microbrewery was established in 2011 and has quickly made a name for itself. Nestled off Anderson St. in a 1920s era brick garage in the developing neighborhood of East Bayside. You will experience a small artisan brewery that founders Chresten Sorensen and Jay Villani believe to be the future of beer. If you appreciate a good pilsener try their Machine Czech Pils (flagship brew). The Peninsula Pale Ale is a local favorite. Feed your competitive edge and challenge your party (or locals) to a game of corn hole just outside the garage.

Dinner: Corner Room @ 110 Exchange St.

Fare: Italian Kitchen & Bar

Happy Hour: Mon-Thurs  4-6pm (complimentary tapas to pair with drinks)

Late Night Menu: Thurs-Sat ‘Til 11pm

Website (menu): http://www.thecornerroomkitchenandbar.com/

Corner Room Restuarant

An open kitchen restaurant invokes a warm and cozy atmosphere with house-made pastas, pizzas, antipasti, and artisanal breads made from local ingredients. Small patio available for dining. The Corner Room is one of the four “Rooms” restaurants owned by chef Harding Lee Smith.

Dessert: Bar of Chocolate @ 38 Wharf St.

Fare: Wine, Dessert, and Espresso Bar

Hours: 4pm-12am everyday

Walk down Exchange St. to Wharf St. and the Bar of Chocolate after dinner at the Corner Room. This the perfect place to visit after a nice meal and its hidden in plain sight! Wharf Street is in the absolute heart of the old port and is one of the few historic cobble stone streets remaining. The Bar of Chocolate is small and cozy and always has excellent locally made treats stocked in the dessert case ranging from flour-less chocolate cake to blueberry pie. Pair your desert with your favorite wine, cocktail, or tea/espresso for a wonderful cap to your day.

MEET THE EXPERT:  Jenny Galasso - Portlander

Jenny is a blogger and local to Portland, Maine.  She is an expert on Maine adventures, restaurants, and hidden gems.  View other posts that feature Jenny by clicking keyword "Jenny" on the side bar.  

Gear Review: HomeStar Pocket - Personal GPS

HomeStar Pocket GPS helps find way in
snow covered trail.

Every outdoor adventurer is a little gear obsessed.  Here is my latest review of the HomeStar Pocket Personal GPS system.

Item:

Personal Handheld GPS

HomeStar Pocket Personal GPS

DHT Ventures

$110

HomeStarGPS.com

With the increasing number of backcountry navigation devices available, it's often difficult to choose what precious items will make it into your pack.  Fortunately, this little key fob weighs almost nothing and can bring you peace of mind and an extra orientation backup system.  Over the past months, I tried out the HomeStar Pocket Personal GPS to see if this little piece of gear was worth the addition to the pack.

HomeStar GPS guides through fog on
Mt. Katahdin, Maine

The Basics... 

The HomeStar is easy to learn and use.  The device works by letting you easily set three waypoints along your adventure.  When you are ready to return, simply click the button for the way point you want to return to and a circle of flashing lights will guide you back to your site.  

Test Adventures... 

I gear tested the GPS on three adventures - a mountain climb in September, a cross country ski in December, and a snow shoe hike in January.  In all three adventures, the HomeStar GPS worked well and did what it promised.  I was able to set way points and return to the site with its guidance.  

Advantages...

The HomeStar Pocket Personal GPS is a good tool to use as a backup safety orientation device.  Its super-small design adds literally no weight to your pack, and gives you extra piece of mind if you lose your way.  It is easy to use and comes with a user manuel and youtube video that shows how to use it.  Although it's no substitute for a good map and compass, it can save a lost hiker who has lost his/her way from a trail and needs to return to a way point.  

HomeStar helps us find our trail.

On Mt. Katahdin in Maine, I set way points at the car, an important junction, and the summit.  The night before our hike, we learned that three hikers had been lost in the fog and had to be rescued.  I realized that if I was in a similar situation, the HomeStar GPS could have led me back to a way point spot.  These hikers were not so fortunate, and rescuers finally found them far from the trail in a ravine.  They had wandered far - thinking they were returning to the trail.  

I found the device useful as a winter hiking companion.  I used it on two occasions after fresh snow fall - once while cross country skiing in Maine and once on a snowshoeing adventure in southern New Hampshire.  After the snow, the trail is often not packed and visible.  It is unsafe to rely on your tracks to lead you back, since at any time, new snow can fill the pockets, or you could easily get led astray by other tracks.  My companions and I used the HomeStar GPS as a safety back-up tool in case we lost our way from the trail.  We set a way point at the parking lot, an important junction and the turn-around-spot.  That way, if we had lost our way, we could have easily found an recognizable spot.  I tested the GPS and it was able to guide us back to these way points.  

Limitations...

HomeStar is limited to finding way-points - not new locations.

With small size, comes some limitations.  Although it's great as a safety backup in fowl weather or for a lost hiker, this device does not work well as a navigation and orienteering device.  While it can direct you toward a set way point, the HomeStar Pocket Personal GPS does not indicate the compass direction you are going (N, S, E, W).  Since you mark way points as you pass them, it cannot guide you to a place you have not been - only help you return to a place you once were.  

The other limitation of the small size of HomeStar is that it does not provide distances to way points.  Although as you get closer to your destination, the lights flash faster, you do not know how far you are from your destination.  

Set the HomeStar GPS at important way-points

Conclusions...

In conclusion, I found that the HomeStar Pocket Personal GPS was exactly what it promised - a super small, simple to use, way point storing GPS that will guide you through snow, dark, or fog to your destination.  I recommend it be carried as a back up safety feature by backcountry users.  Set the three waypoints at spaced-out places along your journey, so if lost, you can easily return to a site.  

Please leave comments or questions below...

HomeStar Pocket Personal GPS

Urban Hiking - Forest City Trail in Portland, Maine

Forest Trail, Portland, Maine. 
Photo courtesy of Jenny Galasso

 

This time of year is hard for me.  The weather is unpredictable, the trees depressingly bare, and trails covered in wet, slick leaves.  I often curl up at home on the weekends instead of burning gas to go to the mountains.  The wait begins for the day that snow covers my favorite paths, and I can take joy in hiking again.  Fortunately, my friend Jenny got me out of this funk and out into nature despite my reluctance for late fall hiking.  This time, instead of heading to the hills, we went to the city and took a walk along one of the hikes in the "Portland Trails" network.  This little hike revitalized my affair with nature and was a great reminder that November is a great time to be outdoors. 

Here is how to recreate this adventure...

Adventure: Forest City Trail in Portland, Maine

Trailhead
Photo courtesy of Jenny Galasso

Getting there:  We accessed the trail from Summit Street in Portland's North Derring neighborhood.  There is a large trailhead sign (see photo) and street parking available.

Trail: The trail immediately drops into a hardwood forest.  When you get to the power-line swath, continue straight.  After the power-lines, you will come to a seasonal stream.  Continue along the path and it will wind along the stream bank.  This will take you to the Presumpscot River.  At the river junction, turn right and continue along the bank, enjoying views of rapids and flowing water.  The trail ends at a lookout of the Presumpscot Falls. 

Difficulty:  The trail is easy and mostly flat with a few up/downhill parts towards the river.  Fallen, wet leaves made the trail slick at parts.

Presumpscot Falls, Portland, Maine
Photo courtesy of Jenny Galasso

Distance: Approximately 1 mile one-way (2 miles round trip).

Recommendations:  This is a great little urban trail to see waterfalls, woods, and still be in the city.  It is a dog friendly trail.  Be prepared to see a lot of fellow hikers with their pups.  It's a great choice for children and families due to the easy terrain. 






Jenny and I enjoyed our stroll through the woods on this brisk fall day.  I recommend taking a hike when the shorter days and cold weather is getting you down. 

Friends enjoy a fall urban stroll

Please leave comments and questions below.

Kennebunkport on Dwellable

Pemigewasset One Night Backpack

Summit of Mt. Garfield, White Mountains

Jenny and I took off for a early fall weekend in the White Mountains.  Only having the typical work weekend, we searched for a one night backpack that would offer moderate terrain, AMC shelter, and a summit view.  Our prescription was filled by a one-night backpack up the Mt. Garfield trail.  This 10 mile round trip out-and-back hike took us through a unique hemlock forest, along rivers, and to one of the best views in the Whites - the summit of Mt. Garfield. 

Here is how to recreate this adventure...  

Hemlock Forest - first mile of trail

Adventure:  Mt. Garfield One Night Backpack

Getting there:  The trailhead to Mt. Garfield Trail is located off Route 3 in Bethlehem, NH.  We drove up I-93 through Franconia Notch State Park and took exit 35.  From here, we took Route 3 about 5 miles to the first right.  This is the Gale River Loop Road.  Take the loop road (closed in winter) about 1-2 two miles to the trailhead parking area.  The trailhead is marked by a "hiker" sign and trail map.  There is no charge for parking and there are no bathrooms at the trailhead. 

Trail: This is the perfect 4,000-footer for a timid backpacker, family, or person with bad knees.  The hike lacks many of the rocky climbs and steep ledges of its other Presidential counterparts.  The trail begins by climbing a gentle, needle-padded trail through a forest of large hemlocks.  I love this part of the trail because it reminds me of the Oregon trails of my childhood.  The trail here is easy and pleasant.  At around 2 miles, you have a fun little river crossing.  On the way up, Jenny and I easily crossed the gently brook, but after a night of torrential downpour, we had a hard time finding a path back across.  As a result, we got some wet toes, but it made a fun little challenge. 
 

Stream Crossing on Garfield Trail

After the river-crossing, the trail ascends gently and easily through the typical hardwood forest of New England.  The trail is even and steady - with a few stones in the trail but nothing horrible.  The last 0.2 mile of the hike is really the only part I'd call "moderately challenging".  Here, you reach the junction of Mt. Garfield trail and the Garfield Ridge Trail (AT).  Jenny and I dropped our packs and scurried up the last 0.2 miles to the summit of Garfield.  This bare peak at 4,500 ft offers 360 degree views of the Pemigewasset, or "Pemi" wilderness.  To the east, the Bonds, scraped and scuffed by rock and glacier, give me a glimpse of one of my favorite White Mountain Hikes.  To the west, the Franconia Ridge rises magnificent, with many of the tallest peaks in the area.  In the center of the bowl is Owl's Head Peak - another one of the beloved 4,000 footers. Lastly, to the northeast, you can even get a glimpse of the summit of Mt. Washington. 

View from summit of Mt. Garfield - Pemi Wilderness

Jenny and I enjoyed a reward of "trail mix cookies" on the summit, took photos, and reveled in the view.  We sought shelter behind the rocks and in the old foundation of a fire tower since wind gusts were reaching 70 mph!

After our well deserved break, we descended back to the AT junction, grabbed out packs, and detoured onto the Garfield Ridge Trail.  This rocky path, takes you down another 0.2 miles to the Garfield Ridge Campsite where we spent the night. 

Our morning hike was just the reverse of our previous day, taking us back down the 5 miles of the Mt. Garfield trail to the parking lot. 

This is an easy to moderate trail - and in my opinion, the easiest 4,000 footer ascent in the White Mountains (although not the shortest).  It was the perfect pick for a leisurely hike to a magnificent view. 

70 mph gust winds at summit

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate - the only moderately challenging section is the last quarter mile
to the summit. 

Distance:  5 miles to summit/ Total backpack was about 11 miles. 

Recommendations

Trail - This is an easy to moderate trail.  I recommend this as an excellent first time backpacking trip for someone looking to get into the hobby.

The stream crossing was probably the most challenging part on the rainy descent.  It was very helpful to have trekking poles here to steady myself across. 


Campsite - The Garfield Ridge Campsite is excellent.  This large AMC site offers tent-platforms, views, water, bear box, privy, and a superb four-sided shelter.  Jenny and I decided to stay in the shelter to reduce pack weight and avoid the predicted evening storm.  We were very comfortable inside - sharing the space with eight other people.  We loved the experience of meeting the other hikers.  One group of over-50-year-old-men were tackling the Pemi Loop, while the other group of the three were from upstate NY and had decided to forgo the Adirondacks to experience their first White Mountain hike. 

Comfy Hiker Shelter at Garfield Ridge Campsite

The Garfield site is manned by an AMC shelter caretaker through Columbus Day weekend, and we had to pay $8 a person to stay there.  Since we were visiting in September, the campsite had plenty of space for all, but having been there in August in the past, I can advise that the beloved site gets crowded and even fills up in the summer.  If you are planning on staying here, it's best to get to camp early or plan on finding alternative camping in the busy summer months. 




In the Pack - the shelter offers a privy, bear box, and water source, but first time visitors should be aware that the tentsite does not offer toilet paper nor "filtered water".  Plan on purifying your water with chemicals or by boiling, and bring some TP for the privy. 
 
This one mile backpack offered easy to moderate trail, great views, and comfy camping accommodations,- all while ascending over 3,000 feet and hiking over 10 miles.  It's a great choice for a weekend in the Whites. 

Another great friend trip in the wilderness!

Please leave comments and questions below!

Zip-lining over Grand Falls, New Brunswick

Crossing Grand Falls on a zip-line.

Looking across the gorge

Most of my posts are written to propose experiences that others can easily replicate.  That said, I'm not sure how accessible Grand Falls, New Brunswick is to most New Englanders.  

I happened across this adventure when attending a teaching conference at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone, Maine.  This small farming town is located just two miles from the Canadian Border and is an over 5 hour drive from Portland.  

A Changing Waterfall

On an afternoon off, a group of teachers drove the 12 miles across the border to the town of Grand Falls, New Brunswick.  The Saint Johns river runs through this small, potato farming town, and creates  impressive falls at the center of town.  Zip Zag is a zip-line operation that offers a man-made adventure across the river.  Individual cost is $40 and if in a group $30.  This includes two, 16 second trips across the gorge with views of waterfalls, rock strata, and bridges.  

Although Grand Falls might not be in your immediate travel plans, I recommend you try zip-lining in your near future!  This adventure gets your adrenaline spiked and a breath of fresh air.

We're number one!

Pleasant Mountain Lives Up To Its Name

Try this moderate mountain hike only one hour north of Portland, Maine.

Jenny enjoys the summit views at Pleasant Mountain

On a late April weekend, I wanted to get a little exercise and enjoy the sunshine.  Usually, the only option for a moderately challenging hike is to drive two hours north to the White Mountains, but on this weekend, Jenny suggested we try Pleasant Mountain - the tallest mountain in Southern Maine at 2,006 feet.  Friends- Jenny and Holly - joined me for this sunny adventure to a new peak.

Although the trees were not yet green, it was still a beautiful day with gorgeous weather and views of the lake region below.  This is an ideal hike for someone looking for a half day away from the city or a family looking for a moderate trek up the mountain.

Trail Head sign at the Ledges Trail

Here is how to recreate our adventure....

Adventure:  Pleasant Mountain/Shawnee Peak hike in Bridgton, ME.

Getting there: Take Route 302 west out of Portland.  Follow it about 6 miles out of Bridgton and turn left on Mountain Road.  Pass the Shawnee Peak Ski Area.  The Ledges Trail is on the right (parking on left) about 2 miles past the ski area.  There is no fee to park there.




Trail:  We hiked the "Ledges Trail" up and back.  But there are multiple ascents.  Ledges provide a few good views on the way up.

Trail head map of Pleasant Mountain

Difficulty:  Moderately Difficult Trail.  This should be fine for anyone in moderate shape.  If you struggle with join pain, use treking poles as it does have a rocky incline/descent.  This should be a good family hike for grade-school age children and up as long as you take your time.  

Distance:  1.8 miles one way on the Ledges Trail.  3.6 round trip.

Recommendations:   Wear appropriate footwear (sturdy sneakers or hiking boots), carry a daypack with at least 1 L of water, a snack, and rain gear.  The summit is exposed and can be windy.
There are no bathrooms at the trail head or summit. 

It was nice to get out of the city for a little adventure and hike.  Pleasant Mountain provided a moderate hike with great views only one hour from Portland, Maine.  I can't wait to go again!

Impressive fire tower at summit of Pleasant Mountain

Please contact me or leave a comment if you have questions, comments, or concerns.

Southern Coast on Dwellable

Marginal Way in Ogunquit Maine

Ocean cliffs, lobster boats, and a bowl of chowder...the perfect way to welcome Spring!

Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, Maine

There are many beautiful beaches, shorelines, and walking areas in Southern Maine.  My favorites include Cape Elizabeth's Fort Williams Park, Kennebunkport's Parson's Way, and this one....Marginal Way walk in Ogunquit, Maine.

The Marginal Way walking path connects the tiny port of "Perkins Cove" to the bustling tourist center

Marginal Way Walk along beach cliffs in Ogunquit.

of Ogunquit by a paved path along ocean cliffs.  The trail offers views of jutting rocks and pebble beaches to the East, as well as, resorts and seaside homes to the West.  One of the reasons this is one of THE BEST walks in Southern Maine, is that not only do you get a great seaside walk, but it also connects two areas with fantastic shopping, eateries, and watering holes.  

Like most residents of the southern seacoast, I avoid the many coast towns in the peak summer months when tourists and traffic clog our usually quiet streets. As a local, spring provides the perfect time to enjoy Ogunquit and Marginal Way without the summer crowds.  My friend Jenny and I decided to venture down the coast on our first weekend of April break for a cliff walk, a bowl of chowder, and an afternoon escape from our routine.  Below is our adventure.

Marginal Way and Beach Walk
1.0 mile one way on Marginal Way, 2.0 round trip
** Up to 3 miles one way if you travel to Ogunquit Beach and do a beach walk.
Terrain: Easy

- From Rt. 1, Drive down Shore Road and follow signs through Ogunquit Center to Perkins Cove.

Map courtesy of Google Maps 

- Park in Perkins Cove (A on Map)
**Town lots charge in the summer, but it was free in early-mid April.  
- Walk paved Marginal Way trail North.
- At the "mini lighthouse", you are half way (0.5 miles) to town.
- Continue until you pop out next to the Sparhawk Resort (on right). (B on Map)
- Turn Right and follow Shore Road into town.
---This is one mile and concludes the Marginal Way walk ----
- To continue your walk to the Ogunquit beach, walk along Shore Road to Route 1, but take a sharp right onto Beach Street.
- This street goes all the way down to the beautiful and sandy Ogunquit Beach.  (D on Map).
** Jenny and I walked another mile or so on this before turning around.
- Walk back the same way, returning to Perkins Cove.
**All together, Jenny and I traveled around 4-5 miles round trip.

Shells on Ogunquit Beach

This is a great walk to do with people of any ability range.  The path is paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible, so it is a great choice for families.

Since it is narrow, this trail is not a good choice for joggers or people in a hurry because it is hard to pass other groups.  This is especially true during the busy summer season since it is usually crowded.

Marginal Way is a great way to enjoy the scenic Southern Maine Coastline.  After our little walk, Jenny and I enjoyed a ice tea, bowl of chowder, and garlic bread and the well known Barnacle Billy's restaurant in Perkin's Cove.  It was a great way to welcome spring to Maine.

Clam Chowder, Ice tea, and Garlic Bread at Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove

Those who enjoy Southern Maine Coastal Walks might also enjoy my other blog posts:

* A Brisk Lighthouse Walk
* Kennebunk Beach Walk - Off Season Adventures

Jenny enjoys the seascape on Marginal Way

Ogunquit on Dwellable

New England Skiing...5 observations from a West Coast native

Over the past three years, I've begun to explore New England skiing - which as one friend put it - "is not West Coast skiing"- a statement that implies West Coast skiing is far superior.  I've currently skied nine of the seemingly unlimited ski resorts of New England and have found it enjoyable and challenging.  If you are planning on visiting New England to ski, here are five observations from a West Coast native...

Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine

1.  It's Icy - and that's normal.  I've realized that although you might enjoy the groomed corduroy for the first three runs, it won't be long before there is a consistent scraping sound beneath your skis or board.  In Oregon, an icy patch was unusual and was usually on the summit on a harsh day.  In New England, this is the norm.  As a result, New England skiers are skilled and used to the tough terrain. You rarely hear complaining.  It's what skiing is supposed to be.

2.  It's a ski mountain... snowboarding optional.  When I had a seasonal ski pass in California, I was one of the only skiiers on a hill dotted with boarders sitting in the trail, whizzing by me, and crowding the space off the chair.  The opposite is true in New England.  Skiing is the sport of the land, and although there are many talented snowboarders, they appear to be less than 10% of the population at these resorts.  I'm not sure the reason - maybe it's the poor boarding terrain or just the strong ski traditions of the Northeast, but either way, snowboarding is for the "alternative" nephew of the family.  Have fun buckling up at the top dude...we'll be half way down.

Wildcat Mountain Quad Chair

3.  There are A LOT of options and everyone has their favorite.  I grew up in Portland, Oregon.  If we wanted to drive up to Mt. Hood to ski for the day, we had three options: "Ski-bowl", "Meadows", or "Timberline".  The choice was usually easy since each had their advantages based on the weather, snow conditions, and budget.  Living in Southern Maine, I have at least 30 options within a three hour drive.  Over the past three years, I have never gone to one resort more than once.  This is because each friend has a favorite and are usually very attached to "their" mountain.  I haven't found "my mountain" yet, but here are a few I have tried...

- Sunday River (Maine)
- Sugarloaf (Maine)
- Saddleback (Maine)
- Wildcat (New Hampshire)
- Sunapee Valley (New Hampshire)
- Cranmore (New Hampshire)
- Waterville Valley (New Hampshire)
- Stowe (Vermont)
- Killington (Vermont)

Poor weather at Killington, VT

The larger resorts like Stowe and Sugarloaf cost around $80-$85 for the day and offer more trails, a terrain park, and in some cases, a gondola.   Smaller hills like Cranmore and Wildcat cost $60-$70 for a day and although offer fewer trail options, they often have fewer crowds at a lower cost.

4.  It's called "Wind Hold".  Maybe it's just my bad luck, but three of the 13 times I've gone up skiing, I've been put on "wind hold", which means I'm stuck riding the kiddy lift or even worse ... the T-bar... until the wind lets up.  Wasted money and time.  Check the weather before you head out and if it looks windy, don't make the drive. There's nothing worse then spending three hours in the car to spend 5 hours in the lodge waiting for the wind to die down.

Ski buddy Jenny enjoys her winter ski outing

5.  New England folks love New England skiing.  While spending the afternoon as a "single" on the chairlift during my recent afternoon at Wildcat Mountain, I had the pleasure of meeting many New England skiiers.  I found them all happy, friendly, and excited to talk about their New England skiing adventures.  The conditions at the time included blowing wind, icy trails, and negative temperatures - but to them, it was a normal skiing day. These folks were all happy to enjoy the "great day for skiing".  I realized that my soft West Coast conditions had spoiled me.  These New Englanders were what the sport should be ... taking nature for what it is and enjoying it.  Like a Girl Scout standing next to a Navy Seal - the West Coast ski scene now seems more about show and less about tactical skill. Ski The East!

My powder-friendly skis see more ice than pow