Archives for 2012

Some kind of hive?

Got up at our usual, non-travel day time (about 9:00), though Hubby had to slip out of bed a half hour earlier to turn on the furnace. It had been a cold night, and we were glad the horses had on their winter blankets. After a leisurely breakfast, we had a discussion about where to ride today. We had two versions of the trail maps from here, and they didn’t agree on a lot of points, with lots of multi-use trails that suddenly changed into hiking trails, or dead-ended, or became forest and sometimes even county roads. I finally managed to chisel out a loop, and downloaded it onto my GPS for backup. As we were saddling the horses, a young ranger I had spoken with yesterday came over with another set of maps that Karen, one of the workers here, had highlighted for me. I was pleased that the trail I had planned was almost exactly the same route, so off we went, fairly certain we wouldn’t have much trouble following that route. Alas, it didn’t quite work out that way. We were delighted with the first part of the trail, it being more of a trail and less of a road that we thought it might be, but before long, we ran into our first map problem. After passing through a parking area, which we expected, we soon came to a road, which we also expected. According to the map, we were to take a left and cross the main road, 232, to the trail on the other side. We crossed the road, but couldn’t find the trail. Worse, when we crossed the road, we were at the entrance to a place to Owl’s Head, which, according to the map, should have been some distance north of the road crossing that we were supposed to be making. Since I had based my GPS directions on the inaccurate map, that didn’t help much. I finally decided we would go back up the road in the other direction and see what happened. Before long, we were approaching what was obviously private property, and were almost ready to turn back when I saw an intersection ahead with what looked like street signs of a sort. When we got to the intersection, we saw another road sign assuring us we were on Lanesboro Rd., but it also indicated the crossroad we were facing was the Cross Vermont Trail. Well, we knew we wanted to go south, so we turned left and followed the trail in that direction. We soon ran into some bikers, but they were just visitors and couldn’t help us, and in fact, they thought they might be lost, too. Anyway, it was obviously a rails-to-trails road, but they put a really nice footing on it, so it was a nice ride, partly circling a large pond, until we came to an intersection. We knew we needed to go east at some point, and the GPS seemed to indicate this would get us back on track, so we turned left again, heading downhill for quite some time until we ran into 232 again. This time when we crossed it, we clearly found the trail we were looking for and breathed a sigh of relief. Again, it was long and straight, right through a beautiful forest, so picturesque with the trees all turning colors, it almost took our breath away. Got in some lovely trots and canters as well, it being so straight and wide. Eventually we reached our next left turn, which took us toward a campground by a lake. Again, the map was vague, and we wandered through the campground for a while, watered the horses at the lake before deciding to take a little hiking trail with a sign that said “to store.” It got too narrow, but paralleled the road, so as soon as we could we moved out, passing the general store (closed), passing the Big Deer campground, running into some road traffic along the way, before finally reaching the Nature Center, which, according to Karen’s map, would lead us to another trail that would bring us north again. We circled the Nature Center looking for a suitable trail, and found only two trailheads, both of which seemed to narrow and close for horses, but we finally found one that had the name of the trail we thought we needed, Hosmer Brook, and headed out on it. It was narrow and rocky, and at one point, there was a 6-inch diameter tree across the trail with no safe way around it, so I got out my trusty folding camp saw and spent 10 minutes cutting it and pushing it out of the way. Soon afterward, we came across a bog that only had a two-plank, loose boardwalk, which was not suitable for horses either, but since our horses are so experienced, they managed to get across okay, with Apollo only slipping once on one foot in the back but quickly recovering. That horrible trail finally ended up on a newly-bulldozed trail, again with no markings, so first we went right, thinking that would take us north, but then I didn’t trust the newness of the trail, so we turned around and headed left instead. That bulldozed section soon met up with an older established trail, and, at last we found a trail marker indicating we were coming out of multi-use trail! We took that trail north, and seemed to finally be on the right track on something known as the Telephone Line Trail. That ended at another intersection that had no markings, except for the trail from which we emerged. We knew we were close to the campground, but wasn’t sure if we needed to go straight or turn left. We turned left, but then my GPS indicated we were heading too much west and not enough north, so we turned back and sent straight for more than a mile, before once again deciding we were on the wrong track, and had to turn around again. By this time we were exhausted, having been in the saddle for more than 4 hours, and not in the mood for more map mistakes. We headed back to the intersection and took the road we thought was going too westerly, but it turned out to be correct, and that we were only about a quarter mile from the campground. So far out of our way, just because they didn’t have a sign or a trail marker indicating the way back to camp! So even though the trails were very enjoyable, and there were many more of them than the map indicated, the day was a bit spoiled because of all the map and trail marking failures. Very frustrating, but then again, we’ve been to so many places like this, we’re almost used to it. It wouldn’t take much to fix the problem, we’re just at a loss as to why so many places don’t take marking their trails or making good maps for their visitors more seriously. Quite frankly, I expect that will be our next career, making maps for parks who can’t or won’t bother. Anyway, got the horses fed and settled in, including winter blankets as it’s supposed to rain and get cold overnight, fed the dogs and the family, and had a relaxing, or rather, exhausted, evening.

Got up early to get ready to go, and was greeted by some stunning vistas across the road. As you’ve seen from early pix, there’s a lake, then mountains across from us, and this morning, after a misty night, there was a fantastic cloud layer at eye level and below. It reminded my of home, when the valley we overlook makes clouds like that. Truly stunning and impressive. Had to get some pix of that! Once we packed up, we headed out, using my new smartphone’s Navigation system, whose map, unlike Verizon Navigator, exactly matches the print map I pulled off the internet. Not too surprising, as they’ve both powered by Google maps. In any event, we had planned to stop for breakfast at a little diner in town, but discovered the parking area was WAY too small for us, so we headed back on the road until we found a Dunkin’ Donuts at a gas station. We had never eaten there before, but I had stopped at one a few months ago and discovered they serve breakfast all day, which is perfect for those times when we get a late start. Anyway, it was very good for fast food. The croissants seemed bigger than at Burger King, and the hash browns were laced with some lovely herbs, giving it a really nice flavor unlike any other breakfast potatoes we’ve ever had at any of the usual chains. Anyway, we soon arrived in Littleton, where we bought oats at Tractor Supply, groceries at Shaws, gas for the van and the generators, propane at a 100-year old hardware store, and picked up some of Hubby’s favorite brandy on sale! All within about 100 yards of each other, it was a very efficient stop. Finally headed out again, arriving at New Discovery State Park in less than an hour. We were greeted warmly by the ranger, and soon the woman I had spoken to last week came out to welcome us as well. They said we were going to have the place to ourselves at the horse camp, so feel free to pick any site that we wanted and to spread out as much as we liked. Love that kind of freedom! Since it was a mostly open area, we were set up in no time. Each campsite here had what the rangers called “corrals”, but in fact were posts with clips on them so that if you have your own electric fence, you could create a corral, but since we don’t carry that, we fixed up a highline between a couple of trees. We put the horses out on their anchors so they could mow and fertilize again, which has been a great way to keep our hay use down! Took a walk to the ranger station to ask where the nearest cell phone signal was, and they said stand by their mailbox by the side of the road was a good spot. Forecast calling for temps in the 30s, so we put the winter blankets on the horses before going to bed, trying to avoid them growing too much of a winter coat before we head south. Had a relaxing evening, especially since there was zero cell phone signal here in the campground, so I had to get off my computer for a change!

After a leisurely breakfast, we headed out on the trail again, this time just the short loop, which Bruce said was about four miles. This turned out to have some better, more grassy footing than the longer trail yesterday, so we managed to get a couple of trots and canters in. It made a lovely pass near the lake which provided another gorgeous view before turning back up to the campsite. Our brilliant horses started out a bit reluctant, but once we got on a new trail they got a little happier. We were only gone about an hour and a half, and they were back to eating clover in an area surrounded by rocks which we learned they flooded to make a skating rink in the winter. That’s one thing that is so predominant in Maine, the stone walls. A victim of the glacier 20,000 years ago, there are rocks and boulders of all sizes here, and generations of Mainers have collected them and used them to build low stone walls everywhere, apparently partly to clear their fields of rocks and partly to create walls to keep their livestock in. At Bradbury Mountain, they even had what they called a Livestock Pound build in the 18th century, where livestock that had wandered away from their owners were collected, and only released back to their owners when they paid the town a fine. Early taxes, those sneaky folks… Anyway, once again a lovely ride, followed by a nice chat with the neighbors before they left us on our own again. Relaxed for the evening once again in anticipation of our departure tomorrow.

Late last night we were joined by a group of ATVers, with whom we had a nice chat as we did our morning chores. Headed out after breakfast, saddled and booted since the trails seemed to have quite a bit of stone on it, which turned out to be true, though most of it was pretty big stone rather than small gravel, which was easier on the horses. Headed out on what I guess would be considered the middle loop, which took us to a lovely place called Hedgehog Hill, where we had to leave the horses down below to hike up to the top of the hill, a stone cap on the mountain similar to Bradbury Mountain, but without the crowds. The view was equally stunning, however, particularly since the trees are just starting to turn their fall colors. Someone had somehow managed to build or haul up a couple of picnic tables on top, and we rested there, enjoying the view on all sides, and chatting for awhile. What a gorgeous day, the weather was perfect again. Took some great pix from up there, and another one of a rock that looked like a giant snapping turtle head on the road back. Climbed down again, passed a barren teepee at an intersection that has a plaque that invites travelers in to rest and build a small fire (very poetically, I might add, using old Iroquois wisdom), but it was in need of repair and walls. Found out later from Diana (another ranger) that the teepee isn’t used during the summer, but would be fixed in time for the winter season (which probably starts in the next few weeks : -) for the skiers, snowmobilers and snowshoers that apparently use the park to great advantage during the six months of winter here. Anyway, our ride ended up being about 7 ¾ miles long, another perfect day on the backs of our brilliant horses! Late in the day, some friends of the ATVers showed up with two horses, which they put in a portable corral. Meanwhile, ours were back in the “skating rink” happily munching on grass and clover.

  Had a late breakfast, then waited around until the mail arrived at noon, hoping for a package I was expecting yesterday, and today it finally came. I spent an hour going through everything, did a few business things that needed to be mailed out asap, so we decided I would do the mail and then try to activate my new smartphone. I headed out to the post office, then in search of a non-extended area, which turned out to be a dozen miles or more away. Spent several hours on the phone with Verizon tech support trying to work out the kinks, made some progress but still not all the way there, or so it seemed when I returned to the campsite, because I couldn’t get the hotspot connected to my laptop properly. Again, probably because of the extended area, but won’t know for sure until I get more time in a digital area. Anyway, finally gave up for the day, spent a nice evening before heading to bed at a reasonable hour, looking forward to a nice ride tomorrow.

 Time to head west, we’ve gone about as far east as the United States geography will let us go. We’re going to finish off Maine by stopping at Mt. Blue, which is very near the New Hampshire border. The trip was mostly cross-country, with just a few miles on an interstate, with one stop at a Burger King for breakfast, and again at a small town grocery store for a few supplies. Arrived at Mt. Blue by noon, and was warmly greeted by Bruce, who presented me with a FedEx package containing my new smartphone (my first). We weren’t in the main camping area by the lake, but rather up in the Center Hill area next to the ranger’s house, where there is plenty of lawn and a trailhead for several multi-use loops. We parked off to one side, near the only place with two trees open enough to provide us a highline for the horses, and even that was a stretch, using every last inch of rope we had to get between them, but we managed in the end. Bruce ran a water hose from the house out to us so we could fill up our tanks, and he filled a large livestock trough as well, as he was expecting another couple with horses later in the weekend. We were set up in no time, and I spent a good part of the afternoon getting acquainted with my new smartphone, the only problem being that I’m in an extended network here, and that always creates major data problems. I managed to get online okay with my old aircard, but no luck with the hotspot my new phone was supposed to create. Had trouble getting the phone authorized, again because I suspected I was in an extended zone, but the regular signal was so weak I couldn’t keep a phone call going long enough to get any real answers. Looks like it will take a trip to a regular digital zone to get it straightened out.

  Set the alarm for before 8:00, since we had to trailer to horses over the Acadia and wanted time to get a good ride in. We had them loaded up and heading over a little after 10:00. Took a wrong turn on the road, though, and ended up going toward Bar Harbor (at least we got to see some of it), and also managed to find a post office that accepted both my letter and my UPS package, so we got a couple of chores done on the way. We finally arrived at the Brown Mountain parking lot, which I had been told would be large enough for horse trailers, but that wasn’t exactly true. The lot was pretty full, and it was too small to turn around in, but we did manage to park along one end of the parking lot, out of the way, more or less. We saddled and booted up, and headed out on the famous carriage trails, built by John D. Rockefeller in the early 20th century, and known world-wide for its’ amazing bridges and roads. Most of the footing was very small pebbles, and every road had a row of beautiful and useful rocks along it on both sides, as well as draining ditches, which meant the road had excellent footing, as expected. We probably didn’t really need boots, but better safe than sorry. We headed out, and at the first intersection I asked Hubby where he wanted to go, he said, “Down to the beach”, so we turned right and started following signs for Seal Harbor. Not surprisingly, the intersections were well-marked, with both road signs and post numbers which corresponded to the map. Lots and lots of lovely loops here, and I can’t say enough about the incredible bridges! Real works of art. We went down to Seal Harbor, only to discover it was just a parking lot, across from which we could sort of see the ocean, or bay, or whatever it was, but there was no access to the beach, as it was a part of that rocky shoreline for which Maine is so famous. We then headed east to follow a road around the bottom end of Long Lake, then turned north to loop back around. The weather was absolutely perfect, the roads spectacular, the horses were brilliant and willing the whole way. We got in many trots and a few canters (Hubby did more canters because his mare is still favoring one of her back legs on the trot, though it is improving) and plenty of walking. We were happily surprised to find that much of the park is hilly, even mountainous (from an Eastern point of vew). We thought that being an island, it would be mostly flat like most Atlantic-side islands seem to be. We ended up riding for exactly four hours, just over 10.6 miles, longer than we’ve been doing but since we figured this would be our only day to ride (there’s rain in the forecast for tomorrow), we wanted to make it a good one. It certainly was! The weather started to turn, with the wind picking up a bit as we packed the horses up in the trailer. On the way back to the campground, though, we simply had to complete our downeast Maine experience with lobster, so we stopped at the Downeast Lobster Pound for a fabulous, sloppy, finger-licking good lobster dinner. For $15 each, we got a 1 lb. Lobster, a huge ear of checkerboard corn, some coleslaw and a roll. We also got a hot chocolate to warm us up while we waited in the restaurant for our number to be called. It was delicious, though like all lobster, it was time consuming, which we figured was good, we would burn off calories as we were taking them in, so it might be a net weight loss in the end (not… : -). Once we cleaned ourselves up after that, we headed back to camp, fully satisfied that we’d had a most memorable day!

Thanks to some campers at Bradbury Mountain, we learned of a small State Park very near Acadia National Park called Lamoine. While they normally don’t take horses, they were willing to put us in their unused group campsite, while again only charging us for a single site. I’m really beginning to like Maine and it’s people, they are so accommodating and friendly, it’s remarkable! We headed off early again, only stopping once for fuel and once for a few things at Walmart. We arrived in the early afternoon and were guided by one of the several camphosts down to the site. Since it was technically a tenting area, we parked the vehicles in a parking area at the edge of the campsite, then put the horses out on their anchors in nice lush grass, which the park manager had instructed their volunteer lawn-cutters NOT to mow over the weekend so that our horses could graze on it… See what I mean about accommodating? The horses loved it, and happily munched away outside our patio door. We also found a very secluded spot hidden the woods perfect for their highline for their overnight security. We had everything set up, including satellite dish, by mid-afternoon, so we settled down for a relaxing rest of the day, looking forward to our ride at the much touted Acadia Carriage roads.

  Headed out about 1:00, crossing the road to the West Side trails. We thought they would be busy yesterday (and they probably were), but it was still very crowded today. Haven’t seen a trail with this many people on it since the Grand Canyon! Lots of hikers and a few bikers, with many of them stopping to admire the horses. We followed the well-marked trails in a figure 8, along trails with mostly a large rock and pine root surface until we reach the top of Bradbury mountain, where it opened up on to a large, relatively flat rock area that was covered with people sitting on blankets, walking around and socializing, eating picnic lunches, and just generally it looked like a day at the beach! Never seen anything like it! A very jovial atmosphere, though, and naturally, every kid around wanted to come and pet the horses. Hubby and I took turns walking down to see the view and entertaining the kids and their parents, staying more than half an hour there at the top, which was a nice way to fill in the day of what would otherwise would have been a pretty short ride. The view was spectacular, the trees just starting to change, and way, way, way off in the distance you could see the ocean, though I had to put my camera on superzoom to get it, and wasn’t really sure about it until I looked the pix later in the evening. Beautiful! Eventually we headed back down the mountain and back to the campground, only getting a few short chances to trot because of the rough pine root surface, but it was a lovely ride on a perfect day or sunshine and moderate temps, exactly the kind of day for which we are always searching!