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Harbors

It’s a Cold Job

A photo essay by Robert Bukaty captures the cold work done by a river dredging crew the Royal River in the deep of winter.

Damariscove: Beguiling Isle

Once a bustling year-round community, Damariscove Island today is largely uninhabited. It is owned by the Boothbay Regional Land Trust, which welcomes visitors.

Tough Swedes, Kayaks, Criehaven, and a Mission

Two brothers who were raised in New York City’s Lower East Side visited Penobscot Bay many years ago to search for a special grave on remote Criehaven Island. One of them reflects on the experience.

Why is the Ocean Blue?

Why is the ocean blue? Bigelow Laboratory For Ocean Sciences Senior Research Scientist Dr. William Balch tackles both the philosophical as well as the bio-optical angles.

On the Edge of Flight

Penobscot Air’s five Cessnas and their pilots keep offshore islands connected year-round.

Along the Waterfront

O’Hara Corporation is a classic example of a family-owned company thriving in a world of faceless multinational corporations. Headquartered in nondescript buildings on the Rockland, Maine, waterfront, the company’s seafood business reaches around the world.

Rusticating up to Camp

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.

Water Wings Not Included

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.

Lakeside Yachting

Yacht clubs on Androscoggin, Cobbosseecontee, and Moosehead lakes date back to the early 1900s and the days of the freshwater rusticators.

Oh the Loons

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.

Rangeley Lakes Camps

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.

Calling At Ash Island For Mixed Cargo

A beachcombing excursion to Ash Island in a tiny canoe.

Cruising Moosehead

Moosehead Lake is 40 miles long and makes a great cruising destination if you have a small sailboat that can be launched from a trailer.