OT: Maine

[pittdan77]

Just got back from a week in Northern Maine (Moosehead Region). Probably not on your short list of vacation spots but you should check it out if you want to go somewhere quiet. I left the wife home so yeah, really quiet. Spent a rainy day trip to Bar Harbor and Arcadia. Lobster dinner. And a lot of hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

 

[McCool]

acadia/bar harbor on the bucket list for next year. any recos?

 

[Darth_VadEER]

Just got back from a week in Northern Maine (Moosehead Region). Probably not on your short list of vacation spots but you should check it out if you want to go somewhere quiet. I left the wife home so yeah, really quiet. Spent a rainy day trip to Bar Harbor and Arcadia. Lobster dinner. And a lot of hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

My brother in law is a Border Patrol Agent in Maine. It's been on my short list for a visit and see him. Did you drive or fly?

He's told me his area is extremely remote, hard to get to. He has a great bar story about doing a foot patrol into the woods during winter and being stalked by a mountain lion.

 

[JD1976]

Maine in July and early August is amazing. I used to travel to Portland each year. Nice area but really strange people. No wonder Stephen King always sets his novels there.

 

[1963Uninvited]

My brother in law is a Border Patrol Agent in Maine. It's been on my short list for a visit and see him. Did you drive or fly?

He's told me his area is extremely remote, hard to get to. He has a great bar story about doing a foot patrol into the woods during winter and being stalked by a mountain lion.

I'm taking my wife and four daughters (under 10) to Acadia in a couple weeks. I'm considering carrying my .357 as protection against black bear and mountain lions. I don't have time to do the permit process. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether the potential penalty would be worth the protection? I can't really find any data on the number of human encounters with these animals. I know it's fairly rare, but if it were to happen, there's no way I would be able to get everyone out.

 

[Dr. von Yinzer]

Maine in July and early August is amazing. I used to travel to Portland each year. Nice area but really strange people. No wonder Stephen King always sets his novels there.

I've been just about everywhere and domestically, only Utahans and West Virginians are stranger.

It's still a great place to visit though. It's very different than any where else I've ever been. The rocky beaches are like something out of a film. Acadia is absolutely spectacular.

Michigan's U-P is similar in some ways. It's not quite as good but it is another very cool place to visit - particularly Mackinac Island. That's the only place I've ever been that felt remotely like Maine.

BTW, leave the firearm at home. Just use some common sense and you'll be fine. I just think there are too many bad things that can happen if you bring it compared to the remote chances that you're going to encounter a mountain lion or a bear who wants to do you are your loved ones harm.

 

[Jpripper88]

Just got back from a week in Northern Maine (Moosehead Region). Probably not on your short list of vacation spots but you should check it out if you want to go somewhere quiet. I left the wife home so yeah, really quiet. Spent a rainy day trip to Bar Harbor and Arcadia. Lobster dinner. And a lot of hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

That's pretty cool. Always heard great things, except for some of the eccentricities of the population.

Question: Did you go alone or was it a guys trip of some sort?

 

[Consultant Panther]

I love Maine...it's one of my favorite places. I try to avoid the more crowded spots, like Bar Harbor. There are many nice towns near Acadia that you can rent some great places for pretty cheap. I also like Lubec. It's a tiny town in the northeast most spot in the U.S.

 

[President Stache]

Just got back from a week in Northern Maine (Moosehead Region). Probably not on your short list of vacation spots but you should check it out if you want to go somewhere quiet. I left the wife home so yeah, really quiet. Spent a rainy day trip to Bar Harbor and Arcadia. Lobster dinner. And a lot of hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Just moved to Boston, I will have to trek up there. Thanks for the tip!

 

[HailtoPitt]

Take the wife to Jordan Pond in Acadia.

Thunder Hole is pretty neat as well.

 

[pittdan77]

I went with my daughter, parents, and some cousins.

The day trip down to Bar Harbor and Arcadia was nice. Bar Harbor is beautiful but a bit of a tourist trap. Lots of little shops and parking is a nightmare unless you're staying there. Whale watching and plenty of good places to eat. Arcadia, right next door, feels like any other National Park I've been in. Really didn't get to explore it the way we wanted except for some beach time with my daughter.

Bangor is a cool little city. I'd put it at about the same size as Little Washington. Only about 36k people. Saw Steven King's house. Otherwise, not terribly spectacular. Although it's a great spot to fly to if you are going to head into the back country from there.

The back woods of Maine are simply stunning. Once you get up on the plateau, it's like you've entered another world. Mountains and forests are beautiful and there are lakes and "ponds" everywhere. Fishing wasn't very good but we were told that's pretty normal for late July. I really didn't care because we basically had the large "pond" we were on to ourselves. Loons would call at night. Very cool. Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin are breathtaking. Appalachian Trail ends there and it's high enough that the trees don't grow at the top.

So far as a sidearm is concerned, Maine doesn't require permits unless you are in specific towns. Pretty sure they like you to have one if you're out of state. Not sure what the rules are in Arcadia. I have a permit and carried when we were out hiking or really anywhere remote but then again, I didn't see a cop anywhere except for a couple manning construction zones on I-95. Nothing in the back country. I'm told they're pretty strict about hunting and fishing though so don't skip out on the permits.

People were all very friendly but there were some strange cats lurking around. Probably not much different than most places I've been. Traffic from Hartford to Portland is a total nightmare. Really made the trip longer as it's probably about 800 miles to Portland depending on where you start in PA. Lots of dirt roads that are way out there so make sure your car is in good shape with good tires before you head out into the middle of nowhere.

 

[Darth_VadEER]

I'm taking my wife and four daughters (under 10) to Acadia in a couple weeks. I'm considering carrying my .357 as protection against black bear and mountain lions. I don't have time to do the permit process. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether the potential penalty would be worth the protection? I can't really find any data on the number of human encounters with these animals. I know it's fairly rare, but if it were to happen, there's no way I would be able to get everyone out.

If you legally own the firearm, I believe you can legally carry in Maine, but I don't know if that's true for non-residents. So there might not be a real permit process.

You'd also need to be aware of the laws of other states your traveling through and have it properly secured for transport.

I'd call their state police and check with them to be certain.

 

[pittdan77]

If you legally own the firearm, I believe you can legally carry in Maine, but I don't know if that's true for non-residents. So there might not be a real permit process.

You'd also need to be aware of the laws of other states your traveling through and have it properly secured for transport.

I'd call their state police and check with them to be certain.

Oh yeah. You don't want to get caught with a loaded firearm in NY, Conn., or Mass. because you will regret it. I was advised by PSP to make sure it is unloaded with the clip out and locked (I used a case with a cheap luggage type lock). Keep ammo separate. If you're traveling in a car, keep the gun in the trunk and ammo up front. Was told to never put either in the glove box, for whatever reason.

 

[recruitsreadtheseboards]

Maine in July and early August is amazing. I used to travel to Portland each year. Nice area but really strange people. No wonder Stephen King always sets his novels there.

I am thinking of heading there in late September.

 

[Darth_VadEER]

Oh yeah. You don't want to get caught with a loaded firearm in NY, Conn., or Mass. because you will regret it. I was advised by PSP to make sure it is unloaded with the clip out and locked (I used a case with a cheap luggage type lock). Keep ammo separate. If you're traveling in a car, keep the gun in the trunk and ammo up front. Was told to never put either in the glove box, for whatever reason.

I wouldn't recommend traveling with a handgun, not across multiple states. You can think you're doing everything right and still get in some hot water.

I'm sure the poster is responsible, but having a loaded handgun (I assume it will be loaded, because you can't shoot a bear with an unloaded gun locked in a box) during a camping trip with 4 kids under 10 makes me nervous.

The old - treat every gun like it's loaded, and always keep it loaded because it doesn't do you any good if it's not, holds true for this situation.

I've been camping with my kids and nephews. Hard to keep track of them all and they are always digging through bags and gear - looking for smores, flashlights, ect. Hard environment to always know what's going on, and that's when accidents happen.

But, his concerns aren't unreasonable and if I was in a place with a heavy bear or cougar population with my kids, I'd probably want protection too. Just need to be extra cautious

 

[1963Uninvited]

I wouldn't recommend traveling with a handgun, not across multiple states. You can think you're doing everything right and still get in some hot water.

I'm sure the poster is responsible, but having a loaded handgun (I assume it will be loaded, because you can't shoot a bear with an unloaded gun locked in a box) during a camping trip with 4 kids under 10 makes me nervous.

The old - treat every gun like it's loaded, and always keep it loaded because it doesn't do you any good if it's not, holds true for this situation.

I've been camping with my kids and nephews. Hard to keep track of them all and they are always digging through bags and gear - looking for smores, flashlights, ect. Hard environment to always know what's going on, and that's when accidents happen.

But, his concerns aren't unreasonable and if I was in a place with a heavy bear or cougar population with my kids, I'd probably want protection too. Just need to be extra cautious

I appreciate all the replys.

Absolutely, while traveling, gun locked in the trunk, and ammo separate in the front.

Maine is strange. The fairly new law says that residents and non-residents can carry without permits. They still issue permits, however, and you need one to carry in state parks and Acadia. They are not reciprocal with PA, so I would need to go through the permit process, which can take 6 weeks, and I don't have that much time.

I keep my guns in a safe at home. I know this isn't best for protection, but my three youngest aren't old enough to trust. We talk about gun safety, but it will be some years before I can take them out of the safe.

Good point about kids rooting through stuff. I would just have to be extra cautious. We're not actually camping - we're renting a house adjacent to Acadia. It would only be loaded during actual hiking in the park.

 

[PittMBA]

Just got back from a week in Northern Maine (Moosehead Region). Probably not on your short list of vacation spots but you should check it out if you want to go somewhere quiet. I left the wife home so yeah, really quiet. Spent a rainy day trip to Bar Harbor and Arcadia. Lobster dinner. And a lot of hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

I love Maine. My in-laws live near Ogunquit- it's a beautiful place. Lots of fantastic restaurants, beaches, trails, shopping -- just a great place. I love Portland too.

 

[magadog]

I love Maine. My in-laws live near Ogunquit- it's a beautiful place. Lots of fantastic restaurants, beaches, trails, shopping -- just a great place. I love Portland too.

We vacationed at Machias. Its roughly 2 hours north of Acadia along the coast. We were in the middle of nowhere, but enjoyed the peacefulness.

We went on a lobster boat & the captain was like Quint from Jaws. My mother in law inquired about life jackets & he just laughed & said, "If they don't save us within 10 minutes, a life jacket won't matter."

We also went up the coast & went to Canada. We crossed a two lane bridge to enter Canada. St. Andrews by the sea is nice little Canadian town.

 

[revampedpanthers]

I'm taking my wife and four daughters (under 10) to Acadia in a couple weeks. I'm considering carrying my .357 as protection against black bear and mountain lions. I don't have time to do the permit process. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether the potential penalty would be worth the protection? I can't really find any data on the number of human encounters with these animals. I know it's fairly rare, but if it were to happen, there's no way I would be able to get everyone out.

If you have a PA carry permit it may allow you to carry in Maine(not sure but there are like 30 states where it does) And no the risk isn't worth it otherwise, penalties are very stiff, very good chance you would get jail time out of it. Don't know anything about cougars except the tend to attack smaller people and can be aggressive. Black bears are normally passive but I have a brother in law that was chased up a tree by one, I think july august is their breeding time and they can be aggressive. I won't go in the woods in area's I know bears are without a pistol. I know my brother in law never will enter the woods again without something. If you can't carry get some bear spray supposedly its very effective.

 

[Saboteur]

acadia/bar harbor on the bucket list for next year. any recos?

I stayed in a tiny cabin on the water and loved it. The hiking/biking is supreme. Town filled with great eateries including breakfast.
I highly recommend that if you come upon a home set back off the main drag going into town with a sign reading HOMEMADE PIES that you immediately turn in. Don't think about it for a second....just turn.
I had a homemade blueberry pie that was better than sex (with a woman in case some of you deviants wanted to take issue). It was warm, moist, oozed sweet juices, held firm in all the right places. My lady and I sat outside and had one for dinner. We ate half and then gave the rest to an older couple from Alabama staying next to us. This couple never said anything to anyone our entire week there....including each other. Except for when they ate this pie.
For the Baker's out there....yes, she used Lard in her crust.
It was the pie by which all others are judged.

 

[1963Uninvited]

I stayed in a tiny cabin on the water and loved it. The hiking/biking is supreme. Town filled with great eateries including breakfast.
I highly recommend that if you come upon a home set back off the main drag going into town with a sign reading HOMEMADE PIES that you immediately turn in. Don't think about it for a second....just turn.
I had a homemade blueberry pie that was better than sex (with a woman in case some of you deviants wanted to take issue). It was warm, moist, oozed sweet juices, held firm in all the right places. My lady and I sat outside and had one for dinner. We ate half and then gave the rest to an older couple from Alabama staying next to us. This couple never said anything to anyone our entire week there....including each other. Except for when they ate this pie.
For the Baker's out there....yes, she used Lard in her crust.
It was the pie by which all others are judged.

Didn't see that house, but was told about a church near our house that sells them on Wednesdays, and that they were the best around. Now, I don't know how it compares with others up there, but it was better than any I've ever had. Unreal!

 

[CaptainMurphy]

We were told by park rangers that bear sightings in Acadia are rare. Acadia (Mt. Desert Island) is only connected to the mainland by a narrow stretch of land containing the road...essentially a bridge. So you are really unlikely to see any predatory species in the park given that the park is crawling with people for a good chunk of the year.

We were there for a week in September of 2012. My Acadia recommendation would be to stay as far away from Bar Harbor as possible and check the cruise ship schedule before heading into town. The cruise ship crowds can really overwhelm the town and make it difficult to get around. We stayed on the western side of Somes Sound and had incredible views and complete solitude but were still just a 15 minute drive from town. If you like to hike, Acadia is paradise. There are roughly a dozen trails that will take you up to rocky peaks above the treeline. Also, make sure to stop in at Atlantic Brewing. They had a nice little biergarten with some quality BBQ to go along with their brews.

And if you like to cook your own seafood, Google RATS. Super friendly local fisherman couple who sell top quality seafood (mussels, clams, lobster) out of their garage for cheap. I'll also recommend the lobster pound across the bridge from the island, as well as an awesome seafood shack just east of Ellsworth on the main drag out of town.

 

[rpost3]

I'm taking my wife and four daughters (under 10) to Acadia in a couple weeks. I'm considering carrying my .357 as protection against black bear and mountain lions. I don't have time to do the permit process. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether the potential penalty would be worth the protection? I can't really find any data on the number of human encounters with these animals. I know it's fairly rare, but if it were to happen, there's no way I would be able to get everyone out.

lol there's no mtn lions in Maine...maybe northern Maine currently there's no data showing a breeding population. Every now and then one makes it from the west into New England but that's about it.

And in lion country, they see you all the time but very rarely would you see them unless they want you to. And if thats the case then they aren't interested in eating you b/c that's not how they hunt. Im actually part of a citizen scientist program in California where we set up trail cams and collect field samples for researchers. I've saw fresh lion scat, which means it was nearby. Cali doesn't have a problem with attacks.

As for black bears, just bring spray. There's plenty of them in Maine. Saw one when I was running and it just kinda shuffled away. Attacks are very rare. They can get habituated to humans who try to feed them or don't secure their trash cans appropriately. Big problem in Jersey but Mainers are a little more saavy about it.

Your chances of being attacked by a local meth head are a lot higher. They're everywhere up there.

FYI Portland is awesome but the ocean is cold as balls even in August.

 

[joepor]

I'm taking my wife and four daughters (under 10) to Acadia in a couple weeks. I'm considering carrying my .357 as protection against black bear and mountain lions. I don't have time to do the permit process. Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether the potential penalty would be worth the protection? I can't really find any data on the number of human encounters with these animals. I know it's fairly rare, but if it were to happen, there's no way I would be able to get everyone out.

You are much better off with this....http://counterassault.com