Aroostook Outdoor News: 9.22.16 edition

In this edition: 1) An #Allagash waterway trip departing from #Caribou. 2) Awareness and historical information walks in #FortKent and #PresqueIsle. 3) A celebration of the outdoors, trails, and #FallFoliage in #Madawaska. Plus lots more! #offugo...

#AroostookThing of the week: the Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Moose and Fall Foliage Ride, departing from Caribou on Monday, September 26.

The moose hunt: it’s an annual fall tradition, and a significant part of the tourism economy here in northern Maine.

Have you ever wanted to see what happens at the handful of moose tagging stations across Aroostook during hunting season? Then the Caribou Recreation Department has the perfect trip for you!

As part of their “Take It Outside Adult Series,” Caribou Rec. is hosting a Moose and Fall Foliage Ride on Monday, September 26. The tour departs from the Caribou Wellness Center at 9:00 a.m. and returns by 4:00 p.m.

Attendees will take a ride to various moose tagging stations, starting in Fort Kent and then heading down Route 11, with a stop at Hedgehog Mountain for refreshments. The trip will proceed to Portage Lake, with a break for lunch at Dean’s Motor Lodge, before heading to Ashland’s Gateway Variety, one of the busiest moose tagging stations in Maine

The tour concludes at Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle. Preregistration is required and the cost is $25 per person, which includes a sit down lunch.

Interested? Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

#AroostookNote: Did you know: Moose can move each ear independently, and can also move each eye independently? The total length of a moose is about 9 feet and height measured at the shoulder is about 6 feet. The largest bull ever harvested in Maine had a dressed weight of 1,330 pounds and means it would have weighed approximately 1,767 pounds! For more moose facts, visit www.maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/species/mammals/moose.html.

Saturday, September 24-Sunday, September 25

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Allagash Exploration, Caribou. One night stay at Macannamac Camps on Spider Lake; tour Churchill Dam Museum, hike to historic Chamberlain Lake trains. Participants must be in excellent shape. Preregistration required. Cost: $75; includes transportation, lodging, meals, not snacks. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Saturday, September 24
2016 Walk to End Alzheimer's – Northern Maine, Fort Kent. Take the first step to a world without Alzheimer's. Check-in: 8:00 a.m. at Riverside Park. Ceremony: 9:00 a.m. Walk start: 9:30 a.m. Route Length: 2 miles. Contact: Chris Sedenka (207-772-0115) or csedenka@alz.org FMI

Saturday, September 24

Presque Isle Historical Society Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour, Presque Isle. 10:00 a.m.-Noon. This guided two-mile tour begins and ends at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, 16 Third Street, and covers over 30 historic sites and individuals. Fee: FREE; $2 donation suggested. Contact Kim Smith (207-762-1151) or visit www.pihistory.org FMI

Sunday, September 25

Four Seasons Trails Fall Foliage Festival, Madawaska. 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 25 Spring St. Guided nature walks and bike trail tours, horse and wagon rides, youth games, family bean hole bean lunch with hot dogs, corn on the cob, ployes. Visit www.fourseasonstrails.org FMI

Monday, September 26

Caribou Rec. Take It Outside Series Adult Moose & Fall Foliage Ride, Caribou. We’ll take a ride to various moose tagging stations, starting in Fort Kent, down Route 11, stopping at Hedgehog Mountain for refreshments, break for lunch at Dean’s in Portage, then head to Ashland’s Gateway Variety, one of the busiest moose tagging stations in Maine, concluding our day at Ben’s Trading Post in Presque Isle. Preregistration required. Cost: $25, includes sit down lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

Wednesday, September 28 and Saturday, October 8

RSU 29 Adult Ed. Firearms Hunter Safety Course, Houlton. 6:00-9:00 p.m. on 9/28; 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. on 10/8 at Houlton High School Cafeteria. Maine DIF&W Hunter Education is more than gun safety; taught by trained, certified instructors, students receive course handbook, outdoor survival info, and more. Course includes lectures and demonstrations, field experiences, and written exam. Cost: $5/person. Contact Melody Gonya (207-521-3100) or melody.gonya@rsu29.org FMI

Saturday, October 1

Cary Medical Center Ladies Auxiliary Walk for Hope, Caribou. Get your pledge forms today at Cary, all Pines Health Services locations, and local banks. Proceeds benefit “Brian’s Ride” to assist Jefferson Cary Cancer Center patients. Registration: 9:00 a.m. at Cary Medical Center. 2-mile walk start: 10:00 a.m. Light lunch provided. Contact Cary Customer Service Desk (207-498-1380) or visit www.carymedicalcenter.org FMI

Saturday, October 1

Katahdin Woods & Waters Stars Over Katahdin Wilderness Stargazing, Patten. With some of the starriest skies east of the Mississippi, there are few better places to view the night sky than the new KWW National Monument Loop Road. Campfire with entertaining, informative chats, multiple telescopes available, stargazing with experienced astronomers. Great for families; reservations recommended. Contact Mark Adams (207-852-1291) or lunksoos@gmail.com FMI

Sunday, October 2

UMPI Alumni and All-Comers XC Race, Presque Isle. Distance: 5k. Race start: 11:00 a.m. at UMPI’s Park Family Field (soccer field complex). Contact Chris Smith (207-768-4972) or christopher.smith@umpi.edu FMI

Tuesday, October 4

Hope and Justice Project Light It Up, Houlton! Walk, Houlton. 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Houlton Recreation Department 128 Main St. Event to include a walk to end abuse, guest speakers, remembrance ceremony. Participants encouraged to help us light up the night with purple glow-sticks for domestic violence awareness. Free t-shirts available. Visit www.hopeandjusticeproject.org FMI

Thursday, October 6-Saturday, October 8

Caribou Rec Xtreme Chimney Pond Camping Trip & Mt. Katahdin Fall Summit, Caribou. What’s better than hiking Mt. Katahdin in the summer? Hiking it in the fall! Never will you hike Mt. Katahdin in the same conditions, that’s part of the beauty of being able to experience Baxter State Park in different times of the year. For youth in grades 5-11 Cost: $120; includes meals, not snacks. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Thursday, October 6

Hartland Recreation Nature Walk & Picnic, Hartland, NB. 12:00-1:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). Meet beside Hartland Library at Charles Allen Park. Walk along the Saint John River toward Hugh John Flemming Bridge. A representative from Nature NB will talk about interesting facts along the way, with a stop for a sandwich and water (provided). Contact Tanya Hawkes (506-375-4222) or tanyahawkes@nb.aibn.com FMI

*Friday, October 7 & Saturday, October 8

Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Haunted Woods Walk, Presque Isle. Music, food and lots of scary fun! Location: Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. Rates open at 6:00 p.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. each day. Bring flashlights! Trails not recommended for children under 12. Cost: $5/person. Contact Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce (207-764-6561) or visit www.centralaroostookchamber.com FMI

Saturday, October 8

Strong Tower Orphanage Love Run/Walk 5k, Houlton. Event designed for the whole family to help orphans in Caracol, Haiti. Registration: 7:30 a.m. at Military Street Baptist Church. Race start: 9:00 a.m. Cost: $20; includes bib, t-shirt guaranteed to those who register by Sept. 11, light refreshments. Contact Military Street Baptist Church (207-532-6614) or (207-532-2783) or visit www.houltonmsbc.org FMI

Saturday, October 8

The Dam Run, Perth-Andover, NB. 10k, 5k, Kids’ 1k races. Registration: 10:00 a.m. at River Valley Civic Centre. Kid’s 1k start: 10:30 a.m. 10k, 5k start: 11:00 a.m. (all times Atlantic). Run along the beautiful St. John River; pre-register for "I ran the DAM RUN" t-shirt. Cost: $30/adult, $20/student, $10/Kids’ 1k. Contact Tasha Wright (506-273-4845) or tasha.wright@perth-andover.com FMI

Saturday, October 8

Aroostook Birders Goose Lunch, Caribou. 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Collins Pond Picnic Pavilion, Roberts St. Canada Geese migrate through the County each fall, stopping for short stays; a favorite stopover is Collins Pond. We will also look for Greater White-fronted Geese or maybe even Pink-footed Geese in an activity similar to "Where's Waldo." Spotting scopes available. Light refreshments, drinks available. Contact Aroostook Birders thearoostookbirders@gmail.com FMI

Saturday, October 8

United Way of Aroostook Book It for Reading 5k and Kids’ Fun Run, Presque Isle. Support for the United Way of Aroostook, bring awareness to the importance of literacy. Registration 11:30 a.m. at Mantle Lake Park, 110 Pine St. Kids’ 1-mile Fun Run start: 1:00 p.m.  5k Run/Walk start: 1:30 p.m.  Cost: $10/Kids’ Fun Run, $25/5k Run/Walk before Sept. 24, $30 after Sept. 23; first 50 registrants receive free shirt. Visit www.runsignup.com/Race/ME/PresqueIsle/BookItForReading FMI

Monday, October 10

5th Annual ABM Domestic & Sexual Violence Advocacy Center Walk to End Domestic Violence, Presque Isle. 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Micmac Cultural, Community, and Educational Center, 7 Northern Rd. Contact Aroostook Band of Micmacs (207-764-1972) FMI

Friday, October 14

3rd Annual Hope and Justice Project Walk It Up, Presque Isle!, Presque Isle. Light walk to bring awareness to domestic abuse and sexual violence. Registration and Story Time: 11:00 a.m. at Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library, 39 2nd St. Walk start: 12:00 p.m. Free t-shirt and lunch to those who pre-register. Visit www.hopeandjusticeproject.org FMI

Friday, October 14

Friends of Baxter State Park North Traveler Day Hike, Patten. North Traveler offers fascinating geology and sweeping views over the northern portion of Baxter State Park and the East Branch of the Penobscot. We’ll depart from South Branch Pond Campground. Advance sign-up required; space is limited. Contact Sarah Holland admin@friendsofbaxter.org FMI

*Saturday, October 15

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Deboullie Day Hike, Caribou. Deboullie Public Reserved Land offers rugged terrain, numerous ponds, spectacular views. Let us be your guide to what Deboullie has to offer. Preregistration required; program restricted to those in excellent shape. Cost: $20; bring bag lunch and additional money for a potential stop at Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage for dinner. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Saturday, October 15

Hollywood Pet Salon Strut Your Mutt, Houlton. Raising funds to help finish a building for abandoned or injured animals. Route info: Hollywood Pet Salon to Sanctuary grounds. Registration 9:00 a.m. at Hollywood Pet Salon, 70 Main St. Walk start: 10:00 a.m. Contact Lorraine Monfils (207-532-7387) FMI

*Saturday, October 15

MSAD 1 Adult & Community Education Kitchen Aid 5k, Presque Isle. Help raise money for MSAD 1 Adult Ed's kitchen project. Registration: 10:00 a.m. at Presque Isle Middle School. Kids’ Fun Run start: 10:30 a.m. on the PIMS track. Run start: 11:00 a.m. Cost: $15/person before October 1: $25/person after October 1. Contact LeRae Kinney (207-764-4776) or lerae.kinney@sad1.org or visit www.msad1.coursestorm.com/course/kitchen-aid-5k FMI

*Wednesday, October 19

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series Bradford Camps Trip, Caribou. For over a century, sportsmen and tourists have traveled to North Maine Woods to embrace nature. Learn about the history of the camps from the owners while being treated to lunch in a wilderness lodge. Cost: $40. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Friday, October 21 & Saturday, October 22

Presque Isle Historical Society Haunted Lantern History Tours, Presque Isle. This “slightly scary and kinda’ creepy” nighttime tour of downtown Presque Isle takes you through the old jail (only opened each year for this tour) and thirteen sites where interpreters relate the true history of that particular site by lantern light. Tours begin at 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. each night at Historic Fire Station, 11 Church St. Cost: $5. Contact Kim Smith (207-762-1151) or pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com FMI

*Tuesday, October 25

Caribou Rec. Adult Take It Outside Series North Maine Woods Trip, Caribou. Meet with NMW Director, tour Maine Woods Company hardwood sawmill in Portage and MooseWood Millworks in Ashland, swing through Portage Wood Products. Cost: $30; includes lunch. Contact Neal Sleeper (207-493-4224) or sleeper@cariboumaine.org FMI

*Friday, October 28 & Saturday, October 29

Eagle Lake Haunted Forest, Eagle Lake. Walk through the scariest trail you will ever experience filled with monsters, killers, and sadistic clowns. Come if you dare! 7:00-11:00 p.m. each night. Contact Sandra L. Fournier (207-444-5511) FMI

Ongoing Programs:

County Strides Running Group, Presque Isle. Sundays; 10:00 a.m. at various locations. Open to all abilities; be ready for an easy run of 30-45 minutes, and bring friends! Visit County Strides at www.facebook.com/groups/447181508818122 FMI

Rivière-Bleue Appalachian Hiking Club Guided Bootlegger Trail Hike, Rivière-Bleue, QC. Fourth Sunday of each month; 1:30 p.m. at the end of Brissette Way. Hike to Long Lake. Visitors are invited to get acquainted with The Bootlegger trails, which will connect you with exceptional nature, islands, animals, and a magical setting. Cost: Free! Contact Marie-Jo Cormier (418-893-2859) or marie-jo.cormier@riviere-bleue.ca FMI

Francis Malcolm Science Center Walk-in Tours, Easton. Weekdays; 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Experience our planetarium’s new, full-dome, digital projection system, featuring a 30-minute activity; 15 minutes in the star theater, 15 minutes to visit the facility at large. Cost: $5/visitor; reservations requested. Contact FMSC (207-488-5451) FMI

Sportsmen’s, Inc. Meeting, Stockholm. First Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Axle Siding Clubhouse (intersection of Lake Street/Rt. 161). Outdoors men and women promoting the traditions of the outdoors. If you're interested in joining, you're welcome to attend as a guest. Kids are welcome too! Visit www.facebook.com/Sportsmens-Inc-568794129811741 FMI

Friends of Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge Meeting, Limestone. Second Monday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at ANWR headquarters and Visitor’s Center, 97 Refuge Rd. Founded in 1998, Friends are involved in a number of volunteer projects on the ANWR in an effort to balance the enhancing of habitat with the public access privilege to enjoy wildlife in an unmolested environment. Contact Friends of ANWR (207-328-4634) or friendsofanwr@gmail.com FMI

LP Fisher Library Walking Club, Woodstock, NB. Tuesdays; 12:00 p.m. (Atlantic Time). A nice 30 minute (2.8k) jaunt, followed by 20 minutes of stretching led by our resident yoga teacher. All abilities, ages welcome (parents, bring your kids in strollers!). Stretches can be done on the floor with our mats or on chairs. Cost: Free! No sign up necessary. Rain or shine (unless it's really, really bad!). Get out this spring and get moving! Contact LP Fisher Library (506-325-4777) or lpfisher.library@gnb.ca FMI

Nordic Heritage Sport Club Meeting, Presque Isle. First Tuesday of each month; 6:00 p.m. at Nordic Heritage Center, 450 Fort Fairfield Rd. The club promotes healthy outdoor recreation, economic vitality in Central Aroostook County by providing first-class facilities and programs to area residents, athletes, visitors. Visit www.nordicheritagecenter.org FMI

Madawaska Valley Adventure Club Meeting, Madawaska. Second Tuesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Contact Real Deschaine (207-728-4992) FMI

Presque Isle Fish and Game Club Meeting, Presque Isle. Last Tuesday of each month; 5:30 p.m. at PIFG clubhouse, Parsons Road. Established in 1947 to help protect, conserve, maintain and restore our natural resources as well as to protect and promote our outdoor heritage. Meetings include a delicious supper, cash bar, short business meeting. Visit www.pifg.org FMI

Four Seasons Trail Association Meeting, Madawaska. First Wednesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. at Four Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St. Non-profit organization dedicated to promotion of healthier lifestyles for this community; participation open to anyone interested. Visit www.fourseasonstrail.org FMI

Fort Fairfield Frontier Fish and Game Club, Fort Fairfield. Second and fourth Wednesdays of each month (fourth Wednesdays during summer); 6:00 p.m. at FFFFG clubhouse on Monson Pond, 550 Dorsey Rd. Founded in 1958 to help conserve, protect, maintain, and restore our natural resources and to promote our outdoor heritage. Visit www.heyevent.com/venue/bmyulgbaawlhca FMI

Bike Board and Ski Road Bike Ride, Presque Isle. Saturdays; 7:30 a.m. at BB&S rear entrance behind Northeastland Hotel. 20-30 miles; 1.5-2 hours. Pace: moderate to fast; 16-18 mph. All abilities ride; no mountain bikes. Focus on improving group riding skills, safety and etiquette. Spirited at times, but we regroup several times along the way. Contact Andrew Bouchard (207-551-7027) or andrew@bikeboardandski.com FMI

River Valley Runners Fun Run, Woodstock, NB. Saturdays; 8:30 a.m. (Atlantic) at LP Fisher Library. Group fun run on “The Loop.” Pace: easy; approximately 4.9k. Visit www.facebook.com/groups/rvrunnersnb FMI

* = New or updated item(s).