Mount Tire’m, Waterford
Difficulty: Easy
Description: When you arrive in the village of Waterford just past Keoka Lake, turn left onto Plummer Hill Road. The trailhead begins on the left just a hundred yards past the Wilkins Community House. You may have to park on the shoulder of the road. The official name of the trail is Daniel Brown as can be seen by a marker (but Tire’m is well suited if you walk briskly up the initial ascend). This short walk through the woods begins with a steep incline but levels off to a slow ascent to granite ledges from which one can view farms and fields as well as Bear Pond, Long Lake and neighboring peaks. On a clear day you may catch a glimpse of Sebago Lake.
This easy scenic jaunt would combine well with a Fall visit during apple season to the orchard at the crest of the hill on Plummer Hill Road. Ask for the Apple Doc at the Mt. Tire’m Cider Mill. If all goes well they’ll be pressing cider Saturday afternoons (September thru November) starting at 1:00 p.m. See http://www.theappledoc.com/
Directions:
278 WHITES BRIDGE RD, STANDISH going toward WESTERLEA WAY go 2.9 mi
Turn LEFT on US-302 go 12.3 mi
Turn RIGHT on ME-35 go 16.7 mi
Continue on WATERFORD RD(ME-37) go <>
Note: If apple cider and apple sauce and apple juice from the orchard makes your stomach sour, you are not too far from Melby’s Market on Route 35/Valley Road in North Waterford—the home of the Buffalo Burger (five ounces of pure-grass-fed bison served up with homemade onion rings and a bottle of Moxie while your at it!). Oh, and by the way you are only a few short miles from that locally famous yet internatioal road sign at the intersection of Routes 35 and 5. Or if that is a little too far on the wild side of the dietary spectrum, you can double back from the orchard and recline your gentile soul at the Lake House Restaurant in the heart of the Village of Waterford (reservations si vous plait).
Hawk Mountain, Waterford
Difficulty: Easy
Description: The walk up Hawk Mountain is an easy .5 mile ascent on a broad rocky trail that only recently restricted horse, ATV and Jeep traffic. The trailhead is obvious though unmarked and there is a small parking lot on the left side of the road. At the top there is an outcropping of granite that provides a view of the northern portion of Long Lake and more immediately Crystal Lake as well as Bear Pond--to the west of course one sees Mount Washington.
This would be a good spot to visit when the foliage is bright (but I suspect you will be joined by many others) or it might be enjoyed in combination with other stops in and around the friendly town of Harrison; for example, if it is hot then a dip into Crystal Lake or an ice cream across from the Long Lake park; if it is Summer then consider taking in a show at Deertrees Theatre (http://www.deertreestheatre.org/).
Directions:
278 WHITES BRIDGE RD, STANDISH going toward WESTERLEA WAY go 2.9 mi
Turn LEFT on US-302 go 12.3 mi
Turn RIGHT on ME-35 go 15.6 mi
Turn RIGHT on MILL HILL RD go 0.6 mi
Turn RIGHT on HAWK MOUNTAIN RD go 0.6 mi
Arrive at HAWK MOUNTAIN RD, WATERFORD
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, Lewiston
Thorncrag Santuary and Walking Trails
Description: The Stanton Bird Club has been actively engaged in conservation work in the Androscoggin County area for over 80 years. Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary in Lewiston, a 357 acre wildlife preserve, has been the primary focus of that activity through the years. At an elevation of 510 feet, the highest point in the city, this sanctuary sits as a green capstone, a forested oasis surrounded on three sides by urban and suburban development. The "Crag", belonging to the family Thorne in the 1800's, is a familiar and well loved landmark in Lewiston.
Thorncrag encompasses approximately 6 different wildlife habitats: Upland Wetlands, Mixed Forest, Restored Farm Meadows, Vernal Pools, Coniferous Old growth Forest, Built Environment (fireplaces, trails, foundations, walls, amphitheaters, etc.). These six habitats support large, diverse populations of wildlife, trees, and herbaceous plants.
Visitors are encouraged to walk the trails using our 32-page "Self-Guided Nature Trail" interpretive brochure to learn more about the flora and fauna at the sanctuary. The brochure is available for $3.00 (includes postage and handling) from: Stanton Bird Club, P.O. Box 3172., Lewiston, ME 04243. Checks should be payable to: Stanton Bird Club.Brochures are also available for $1 at the Customer Service Desk at Hannaford's Supermarket on Sabattus Street., as well as both the Lewiston and Auburn Libraries.
Directions: DRIVINGFROM I-495 - MAINE TURNPIKE, NORTH & SOUTHTake exit 13 in Lewiston and head west on Rte. 196 (Lisbon Street).Turn right onto East Avenue. (the Promenade Mall will be on your left, Martel School will be on your right). Take East Avenue to the intersection of Sabattus Street (Rte. 126).You will see Rite Aid on the opposite left corner. Turn right onto Sabattus Street and continue until you see Hannaford's Supermarket on the left. Turn left there onto Highland Spring Road at the stone pillar with a Thorncrag sign on top.At the end of Highland Spring Road, turn right, and the Sanctuary parking area will be on your left.
Description: The Stanton Bird Club has been actively engaged in conservation work in the Androscoggin County area for over 80 years. Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary in Lewiston, a 357 acre wildlife preserve, has been the primary focus of that activity through the years. At an elevation of 510 feet, the highest point in the city, this sanctuary sits as a green capstone, a forested oasis surrounded on three sides by urban and suburban development. The "Crag", belonging to the family Thorne in the 1800's, is a familiar and well loved landmark in Lewiston.
Thorncrag encompasses approximately 6 different wildlife habitats: Upland Wetlands, Mixed Forest, Restored Farm Meadows, Vernal Pools, Coniferous Old growth Forest, Built Environment (fireplaces, trails, foundations, walls, amphitheaters, etc.). These six habitats support large, diverse populations of wildlife, trees, and herbaceous plants.
Visitors are encouraged to walk the trails using our 32-page "Self-Guided Nature Trail" interpretive brochure to learn more about the flora and fauna at the sanctuary. The brochure is available for $3.00 (includes postage and handling) from: Stanton Bird Club, P.O. Box 3172., Lewiston, ME 04243. Checks should be payable to: Stanton Bird Club.Brochures are also available for $1 at the Customer Service Desk at Hannaford's Supermarket on Sabattus Street., as well as both the Lewiston and Auburn Libraries.
Directions: DRIVINGFROM I-495 - MAINE TURNPIKE, NORTH & SOUTHTake exit 13 in Lewiston and head west on Rte. 196 (Lisbon Street).Turn right onto East Avenue. (the Promenade Mall will be on your left, Martel School will be on your right). Take East Avenue to the intersection of Sabattus Street (Rte. 126).You will see Rite Aid on the opposite left corner. Turn right onto Sabattus Street and continue until you see Hannaford's Supermarket on the left. Turn left there onto Highland Spring Road at the stone pillar with a Thorncrag sign on top.At the end of Highland Spring Road, turn right, and the Sanctuary parking area will be on your left.
Maine Mountain Division Trail
Maine Mountain Division Trail
Description: Named for the railroad line it parallels, the Maine Mountain Division Trail provides a gently rolling excursion in the rural Sebago Lake Watershed Area, northwest of Portland. The trail extends 4.8 miles from Standish to Windham. Maine's Department of Transportation owns the onward section between South Windham and Fryeburg and has yet to develop it. Trail advocates hope the entire route will someday connect with Portland's well-developed trail network. Start from the western trailhead at Johnson Field in Standish. Pause at the trailhead kiosk to fill out a registration form for use of the parkland within the watershed. From the large parking area, you'll follow a dirt road trafficked in summer by local YMCA campers. The road undulates past stands of mixed conifer and deciduous trees for about a half mile before reaching the trail. Technically, the Mountain Division Trail is a rail-with-trail, although the rail is no longer active. Narrow in places with steep embankments, the rollercoaster like trail sometimes runs level with the tracks and sometimes dips below. The soothing aroma of balsam fir permeates the air, especially near the Presumpscot River. (Note: Description provided by Rails to Trails Conservancy; see Traillink.com)
Description: Named for the railroad line it parallels, the Maine Mountain Division Trail provides a gently rolling excursion in the rural Sebago Lake Watershed Area, northwest of Portland. The trail extends 4.8 miles from Standish to Windham. Maine's Department of Transportation owns the onward section between South Windham and Fryeburg and has yet to develop it. Trail advocates hope the entire route will someday connect with Portland's well-developed trail network. Start from the western trailhead at Johnson Field in Standish. Pause at the trailhead kiosk to fill out a registration form for use of the parkland within the watershed. From the large parking area, you'll follow a dirt road trafficked in summer by local YMCA campers. The road undulates past stands of mixed conifer and deciduous trees for about a half mile before reaching the trail. Technically, the Mountain Division Trail is a rail-with-trail, although the rail is no longer active. Narrow in places with steep embankments, the rollercoaster like trail sometimes runs level with the tracks and sometimes dips below. The soothing aroma of balsam fir permeates the air, especially near the Presumpscot River. (Note: Description provided by Rails to Trails Conservancy; see Traillink.com)
Directions: To reach the trailhead at Johnson Field in Standish, take State Route 35 to its intersection with State Route 114. The parking area is on 35, a quarter mile east of the intersection. You'll find limited roadside parking in Windham.
Sebago Lake Land Reserve
Sebago Lake Land Reserve Description: Sebago Lake Land Reserve is in our neighborhood has allowed for access to walking trails on public land that had not been accessible until a few years ago. The multipurpose trails provide a nearby option to get out for a walk or run. See an overview of the area and trailheads at: http://www.pwd.org/pdf/water_resources/sllrmap.pdf
The Portland Water District announced the grand opening of the Sebago Lake Land Reserve in 2005. While most of the PWD’s land is available to the public, accessing the lake along the Two-Mile No Bodily Contact Zone is still against the law. Fences protect the shoreline land designated as no trespassing, and nine separate permitting kiosks have been erected to guide land users to trails and popular destinations. Any person or group using PWD property will be required to complete a permit form and place it in a designated box.
Permissable uses of the 1700 acres of publicly accessible land include:
1. Hunting 2. Fishing 3. Trapping 4. Environmental Education 5. Hiking/Walking 6. Horseback Riding 7. Cross-Country Skiing 8. Snowshoeing 9. Mountain Biking 10. Snowmobiling on Designated Trails or by Agreement 11. Berry Picking
1. Hunting 2. Fishing 3. Trapping 4. Environmental Education 5. Hiking/Walking 6. Horseback Riding 7. Cross-Country Skiing 8. Snowshoeing 9. Mountain Biking 10. Snowmobiling on Designated Trails or by Agreement 11. Berry Picking
Note: See also Maine Mountain Division Trail as some of the trails overlap
Read about Blessed Pier Giorgio
Bibliography
A Man of the Beattitudes: Pier Giorgio Frassati
Author: Luciana Frassati
Publisher: Ignatius Press, 2001
My Brother Pier Giorgio: His Last Days
Author: Luciana Frassati
Publisher: New Hope Publications, 2002
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Journey to the Summit
Author: Ana Maria Vazquez and Jennings Dean
Publisher: Pauline Books and Media, 2004
Blessed Pier Giorgio: An Ordinary Christian
Author: Maria Di Lorenzo
Publisher: Pauline Books and Media, 2004
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Translator: H.L. Hughes
Publisher: Burns Oates & Washbourne, LTD, 1933
The Soul of Pier Giorgio Frassati
Author: Robert Claude, S.J.
Publisher: Spiritual Book Association, 1960
A Man of the Beattitudes: Pier Giorgio Frassati
Author: Luciana Frassati
Publisher: Ignatius Press, 2001
My Brother Pier Giorgio: His Last Days
Author: Luciana Frassati
Publisher: New Hope Publications, 2002
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati: Journey to the Summit
Author: Ana Maria Vazquez and Jennings Dean
Publisher: Pauline Books and Media, 2004
Blessed Pier Giorgio: An Ordinary Christian
Author: Maria Di Lorenzo
Publisher: Pauline Books and Media, 2004
Pier Giorgio Frassati
Translator: H.L. Hughes
Publisher: Burns Oates & Washbourne, LTD, 1933
The Soul of Pier Giorgio Frassati
Author: Robert Claude, S.J.
Publisher: Spiritual Book Association, 1960
The Heart of a Saint: Ten Ways to Grow Closer to God
Author: Bert Ghezzi
Publisher: The Word Among Us Press,2007
Saints for Our Time: New Novenas and Prayers
Author: Barry Michaels
Publisher: Pauline Books and Media, 2207
Also visit the Frassati bookstore
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Frye Island Walking Trails
Town of Frye Island
Walking Trails
Location: Frye Island off Route 302 in Raymond, Maine
Description: The walking trails are underdeveloped and short; however, the perimeter gravel road is pleasant and quiet. The island is 2.5 miles long and 1.5 wide. I am assuming you could park a car in various places though there is a parking lot at Long Beach causeway from which you could explore the Long Beach area and Azalea Lagoon Trail, walk along Leisure Lane (the road) and Katherine’s Trail. A walk along the western side of the island will bring one past several little secluded beaches (they are numbered e.g. 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6) that look westerly toward Pleasant Mountain and must provide a splendid viewing for a sunset. The biggest of the beaches is #6 at the intersection of North Beach Road and Leisure Lane. The island might be best explored by bike or the beaches enjoyed after a long paddle around Jordan Bay.
Walking Trails
Location: Frye Island off Route 302 in Raymond, Maine
Description: The walking trails are underdeveloped and short; however, the perimeter gravel road is pleasant and quiet. The island is 2.5 miles long and 1.5 wide. I am assuming you could park a car in various places though there is a parking lot at Long Beach causeway from which you could explore the Long Beach area and Azalea Lagoon Trail, walk along Leisure Lane (the road) and Katherine’s Trail. A walk along the western side of the island will bring one past several little secluded beaches (they are numbered e.g. 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6) that look westerly toward Pleasant Mountain and must provide a splendid viewing for a sunset. The biggest of the beaches is #6 at the intersection of North Beach Road and Leisure Lane. The island might be best explored by bike or the beaches enjoyed after a long paddle around Jordan Bay.
Note: The Ferry runs on the half hour and is a short ride to the island. The cost is $5.00 to walk on, $10.00 with a bike and $24.00 a car load (however if you know a resident you can get a ticket for $12.00). In fact the ferry attendant asks who you are going to visit though I assume they would let you on to go sight seeing. Once you are on the island the town office is on your left and they may have island maps. Also on your left as you arrive is a restaurant and general store. See www.fryeisland.com
Directions: See map
1. Start at 278 WHITES BRIDGE RD, STANDISH going toward WESTERLEA WAY go 2.9 mi
2. Turn LEFT on US-302 go 6 mi
3. Turn LEFT on HAWTHORNE RD go 0.4 mi
4. Turn LEFT on CAPE RD go 3.5 mi
5. Turn LEFT on CAPE RD EXT go 1.1 mi
6. Continue on FERRY CROSSING LNDG go 0.1 mi
7. Take FRYE ISLAND FERRY (Check schedules and fares) go 0.4 mi.
8. Arrive at FRYE ISLAND FRY, RAYMOND go <>
1. Start at 278 WHITES BRIDGE RD, STANDISH going toward WESTERLEA WAY go 2.9 mi
2. Turn LEFT on US-302 go 6 mi
3. Turn LEFT on HAWTHORNE RD go 0.4 mi
4. Turn LEFT on CAPE RD go 3.5 mi
5. Turn LEFT on CAPE RD EXT go 1.1 mi
6. Continue on FERRY CROSSING LNDG go 0.1 mi
7. Take FRYE ISLAND FERRY (Check schedules and fares) go 0.4 mi.
8. Arrive at FRYE ISLAND FRY, RAYMOND go <>
Ten Most Popular Hikes in Maine
1 Appalachian Trail: Mount Katahdin
Millinocket, ME
2 Mount Katahdin via the Knife Edge
Millinocket, ME
3 Mount Katahdin - Maine Highpoint
Millinocket, ME
4 Acadia Mountain Trail
Southwest Harbor, ME
5 Acadia National Park Cruise
Bar Harbor, ME
6 Gulf Hagas
Milo, ME
7 Appalachian Trail: White Cap Mountain
Brownville Junction, ME
8 Appalachian Trail: Baldpate Mountain
Bethel, ME
9 Bald Rock Mountain
Camden, ME
10 Appalachian Trail: Mahoosuc Notch
Upton, ME
Millinocket, ME
2 Mount Katahdin via the Knife Edge
Millinocket, ME
3 Mount Katahdin - Maine Highpoint
Millinocket, ME
4 Acadia Mountain Trail
Southwest Harbor, ME
5 Acadia National Park Cruise
Bar Harbor, ME
6 Gulf Hagas
Milo, ME
7 Appalachian Trail: White Cap Mountain
Brownville Junction, ME
8 Appalachian Trail: Baldpate Mountain
Bethel, ME
9 Bald Rock Mountain
Camden, ME
10 Appalachian Trail: Mahoosuc Notch
Upton, ME
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