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Fall Supper Update

Hi All,

I have an update regarding this year’s fall supper weekend, scheduled for October 9-11.  Because of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Maine due to the delta variant, it is not recommended to be indoors in public without a mask, regardless of vaccination status.  The events that require indoor time, including the chowder making, potluck supper and business meeting are cancelled.  We will still have a list of trips and activities as trip leaders volunteer to lead them.  Please watch this space for additional information.  Also, if you are willing to lead a hike, rock climbing adventure, sea kayak, bike or canoe trip, please let Nancy Chase know so that she can include it in the fall newsletter.Sorry for the disappointing cancellation.  There’s been too much of that this year!  At least we’ll have some good trips and opportunities to connect socially outdoors on Mt Desert Island.  More details to come.

best,

Helen

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Oct 12, 2019: Fall Supper Sea Kayaking

Participants: TC Kenneth Gordon, Dave Boyle, Troad Richmond, Ron Chase, Kenny DeCoster

After no small amount of discussion as to the safest venue for paddling that day (there were some ominous forecasts close to MDI) we decided to paddle from Hadley’s Point to Bar Harbor. It was  a good choice as seas and winds were calm and we had an opportunity to visit a small set of sea caves known as “The Ovens”. Heavy seas would have preempted getting too close to them but we were able to get inside and look around. We finished the trip by taking a short tour around the Porcupines and admiring the view of the mountains closest to the MDI shore. It was a beautiful day to paddle and more than made up for last year’s windy rain soaked adventure.

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Oct 12, 2019: Norumbega Mountain


Participants:  TC Ron Chase, John Brower, Brent Elwell, Julia “Troad” Richmond, Dave Boyle, President Eggman DeCoster

My scheduled Fall Supper Trip was a bike ride on the Carriage Trails.  The problem, we had rain, fog, and wind and no one wanted to bike but me.  Someone mentioned a short hike instead.  Another wannabee hiker suggested Norumbega Mountain.  We had a plan.  By the time we arrived at the trailhead for Goat Trail, the rain had diminished to mist.  The steep aptly named Goat Trail was a bit slippery but the most remarkable aspect of the climb was that President Eggy established a new hiking fashion standard wearing his cap inside out.  Views at the summit were minimal but the stormy conditions had their own peculiar appeal. 

Descending gradually south on Norumbega Mountain Trail to the southern terminus of Lower Hadlock Pond, instead of completing the intended 3 mile loop, we decided to extend the trip by continuing around the far side of the pond.  In retrospect, I’m still not sure the cause.  Perhaps the provocative conversations initiated by Brent and Eggy distracted us.  Regardless, six experienced hikers carrying maps somehow managed to miss the Norumbega Connector Trail instead returning to the south end of Lower Hadlock Pond; completing an unanticipated circumnavigation of the entire picturesque body of water.  Free mileage was the cry!  Instead of a 3 mile loop, we completed a 5 mile double loop.  I got my bike ride in as I talked Eggster, John and Nancy into a cycle around Eagle Lake after.  For the rest of the story, visit my blog at http://www.rchase.bangordailynews.com/