The Rangeley Lakes Region is known as the Land of Fishing Legends for a reason: Its lakes and streams teem with fish, and the many camps that cater to visitors have been there for decades.
Back in the late 1800s, summer people coming to Maine called themselves rusticators. But natives rusticated too, going “up to” camps on remote lakes like East Grand on the Canadian border.
People are drawn to Maine's whitewater rafting trips for the adventure and to be surrounded by nature. The river guides are key to the success of these expeditions, as the author learns on an eventful rafting trip.
Loons are a triple-threat in the bird world: they are stunning to look at, possess a supernatural voice, and are skilled predators of fish. Their presence on a lake means it is healthy.
The earliest Rangeley Lakes recreational establishments were fishing clubs, where members had access to rustic accommodations and to guides. Then came resort hotels. These offered a more genteel experience, but also focused on outdoor activities and appreciation of nature.
Maine has a thriving oyster growing industry. Until recently most of these oysters were raised from commercial seed. As the industry has grown and coastal water temperatures have inched up, cultured oysters have begun to multiply on their own, particularly in the brackish waters of the Damariscotta River.
Cottrell Boatbuilding of Searsport, Maine, built a pair of custom classic Moths for a customer who had raced Moths when he was young. His charge to the Cottrells: “Design and build me two identical Moths within the classic Moth rules.”
Who hasn’t dreamed about a car that can go in the water? A German company made amphibious cars in the 1960s and exported them to the United States. Some are still on the road today. Bob Stover of Belfast, Maine, has owned and restored three of these plucky hybrids, which are at home both on land and in the water.
