Many of us think of New England as rugged, adventurous and chilly, and that perception is actually not too far off the mark. Many people enjoy the idea of a cool summer up north, and Connecticut's Mystic Seaport is a wonderful "port of call" for a New England vacation. There is very little possibility of becoming bored if you choose Mystic to visit, because anyone from old to young can find the most perfect souvenir, the most beautiful view, and the most wonderful dinner if they only know how to explore.
You might want to consider visiting in the fall; New England is well-known for brightly-colored foliage and some spectacular photos. The downfall to an autumn or winter visit, however, is the possibility of snow, ice and treacherous roads, as well as harsh temperatures that will have you breaking out the parkas and snow boots. If you're not the type to worry about cold weather and have a sturdy vehicle built for tough climate, you should have nothing to fear! Go ahead and defy the snow.
Mystic Seaport is not a large place; indeed, it's easy to get lost in the huge maps of Connecticut. There is something about that homey feeling, though, that makes you glad this little fishing village isn't full of skyscrapers, bars and traffic. Mystic Seaport will transport you back centuries ago, when the sea pervaded nearly every aspect of people's lives in this region.
When you arrive at the seaport, one of the first things you will notice is the stately old ship sitting peacefully in the harbor. This is the Charles W. Morgan, a whaler. If you're a history lover like I am, this old wooden ship will be the highlight of the visit. The Charles W. Morgan is not the only sailing vessel you will see here (a harbor wouldn't be a harbor without more than one ship!) and you will have the option of getting aboard some of the other vessels.
Mystic Seaport's other big attraction is the recreated village. Though perhaps not as detailed as Williamsburg or Plimoth Plantation (yes, spelled that way!), it is certainly just as essential an experience. The historic architectural styles are a wonder to the eye, and shopping and dining abound throughout the town of Mystic. If you're traveling with children, they may find a primitive version of a schoolhouse to be of interest. This place is called the Boardman School and its historical background is a good teaching tool for youngsters. Other historical homes and buildings can be found in Mystic Seaport as well. The printing press is one place not to miss, as well as Schaefer's Spouter Tavern.
The Thomas Oyster and Thomas Greenman houses date from the mid-1800s and are majestic and pleasing to the eye. Don't forget to compare the primitive architecture of the "olden days" to the many different building styles available in this day and age. You certainly won't walk away bored from Old "Mistick" Village (the spelling is strange; we're in the 19th century, after all!) The pedestrian-only path helps to create an illusion of the past.
It's time to eat! After a long day of exploring Mystic Seaport, you'll want a great restaurant option. Some possibilities are: Seaman's Inne Restaurant and Pub, with great offerings for everyone in the family, and the Cafe and Bake Shop for a quick treat. You can find the Cafe and Bake Shop open from 8-6; this is a great place to grab breakfast or a small dinner. At Seaman's Inne you will find a much bigger selection. You might want to partake of a seafood supper; after all, it's one of the things for which New England is famous.
Many people can't stand the thought of visiting a new place without picking up some special souvenirs, or at the very least window-shopping and choosing what they *would* bring home if they were able to afford it! Mystic Seaport has you covered. At Bank Square Books on Main Street, you'll find everything from maps to novels in case curling up in front of a roaring fireplace is your idea of the perfect New England vacation. Try Whyevernot, a unique store with all kinds of treasures, such as home decor, books, apparel and much more.
You don't have to worry about finding the perfect lodging. Mystic offers everything from quaint, cozy bed and breakfasts to chain hotels. Whatever your budget or lodging preference, you won't be disappointed.
By Lacie R. Schaeffer
Monday, April 10, 2006
Sunday, April 09, 2006
When a Teen Flies Alone
By Christina VanGinkel
Well, we put our youngest son on a plane yesterday to fly out to Dallas to visit with his Aunt and Uncle over the holiday break. It was the first time that he had flown, and I was expecting him to be a bit nervous, as our oldest son is not a good flyer at all. With our oldest, we had to pre-medicate with Dramamine hours before the flight, and then have them pre-board him to give him time to settle down before they boarded the other passengers. With our youngest, he acted as if he had flown a million times before and it was just another day of his life.
Because of his age, he was to be pre-boarded, but the flight was running late, and it never happened. He was boarded with the rest of the passengers, after the elderly and those with small children were on. He had a single layover, and then was back on the plane for the final part of his flight. When he landed in Dallas and they were told that they could turn on their cell phones, he dialed my husband on his cell phone to tell us that he had landed. We thought he was in the airport already, but he said no, that he was still on the plane, taxiing down the runway. He just had to call and tell us that all of our fears about his flying were for nothing. Not only did he not become ill, he had fun. When asked if he would want to fly again, he immediately responded that eh would. This just goes to prove the point that children are as different as night and day, My oldest son was so un-enamored of flying that when he had to make a trip a few years back, he chose to take a bus instead, even though the actual travel time was days instead of hours!
If you do have a child or teenager who will be flying soon, I have a few tips to share with you to help make the flight as uneventful as possible:
Let them take with a cell phone. Not only, will they be able to call a parent as my son did, to say they made it, they can also call the person, or persons who are suppose to be picking them up if they are not at the gate to greet them. Maybe they were caught in traffic, or are at the airport already, but are just at the wrong gate. That they can call someone instantly, without having to find a phone or have an airline employee try to contact someone for them is a huge piece of comfort to them, taking away a lot of the stress associated with flying unaccompanied by a family member or friend.
Have them take with a handheld game system, such as a PSP, to play a game or watch a movie on. If they are a bit nervous about being on the flight, something like that can help them to pass the time. If music is more their style, a small MP3 player or CD player is also ideal. If the flight is a long one, both a game and music player is even better.
Be sure to check if the airline offers snacks or meals on board, and go over the choices with the child or teen. If nothing is to the child's liking, be sure to pack a snack or lunch in a bag for them to eat at their leisure. Also, pack a stomach relief product, such as Tums or Rolaids that is suitable for the age of the child, just in case they do get an upset stomach. Also, be sure they know that drinks will be available on the flight, and all they have to do is ask a flight attendant to get them one.
Also, have them pack a magazine or book, or some other small item to help them pass the time. When my son was packing his carryon, I reminded him to try to keep it light; as he would have to carry it, with him at all times, even on his layovers, and to be sure to keep all of his essentials within easy reach inside the bag. I also told him he could pack a few items, such as a magazine, even if he did not think he would need them, just in case he did become a bit nervous or bored, so that he had a few activities to choose from. His PSP was his favorite item when I asked him late yesterday after landing, though, as he was able to watch a movie and the time passed quickly!
Well, we put our youngest son on a plane yesterday to fly out to Dallas to visit with his Aunt and Uncle over the holiday break. It was the first time that he had flown, and I was expecting him to be a bit nervous, as our oldest son is not a good flyer at all. With our oldest, we had to pre-medicate with Dramamine hours before the flight, and then have them pre-board him to give him time to settle down before they boarded the other passengers. With our youngest, he acted as if he had flown a million times before and it was just another day of his life.
Because of his age, he was to be pre-boarded, but the flight was running late, and it never happened. He was boarded with the rest of the passengers, after the elderly and those with small children were on. He had a single layover, and then was back on the plane for the final part of his flight. When he landed in Dallas and they were told that they could turn on their cell phones, he dialed my husband on his cell phone to tell us that he had landed. We thought he was in the airport already, but he said no, that he was still on the plane, taxiing down the runway. He just had to call and tell us that all of our fears about his flying were for nothing. Not only did he not become ill, he had fun. When asked if he would want to fly again, he immediately responded that eh would. This just goes to prove the point that children are as different as night and day, My oldest son was so un-enamored of flying that when he had to make a trip a few years back, he chose to take a bus instead, even though the actual travel time was days instead of hours!
If you do have a child or teenager who will be flying soon, I have a few tips to share with you to help make the flight as uneventful as possible:
Let them take with a cell phone. Not only, will they be able to call a parent as my son did, to say they made it, they can also call the person, or persons who are suppose to be picking them up if they are not at the gate to greet them. Maybe they were caught in traffic, or are at the airport already, but are just at the wrong gate. That they can call someone instantly, without having to find a phone or have an airline employee try to contact someone for them is a huge piece of comfort to them, taking away a lot of the stress associated with flying unaccompanied by a family member or friend.
Have them take with a handheld game system, such as a PSP, to play a game or watch a movie on. If they are a bit nervous about being on the flight, something like that can help them to pass the time. If music is more their style, a small MP3 player or CD player is also ideal. If the flight is a long one, both a game and music player is even better.
Be sure to check if the airline offers snacks or meals on board, and go over the choices with the child or teen. If nothing is to the child's liking, be sure to pack a snack or lunch in a bag for them to eat at their leisure. Also, pack a stomach relief product, such as Tums or Rolaids that is suitable for the age of the child, just in case they do get an upset stomach. Also, be sure they know that drinks will be available on the flight, and all they have to do is ask a flight attendant to get them one.
Also, have them pack a magazine or book, or some other small item to help them pass the time. When my son was packing his carryon, I reminded him to try to keep it light; as he would have to carry it, with him at all times, even on his layovers, and to be sure to keep all of his essentials within easy reach inside the bag. I also told him he could pack a few items, such as a magazine, even if he did not think he would need them, just in case he did become a bit nervous or bored, so that he had a few activities to choose from. His PSP was his favorite item when I asked him late yesterday after landing, though, as he was able to watch a movie and the time passed quickly!
Friday, April 07, 2006
Learning the Language
By Christina VanGinkel
If you are traveling to any country whose language is different from what you are use to, it would be prudent for you to learn at least a few of the basic words. Which basic words and phrases you will want to learn, will depend on what you are planning to do while traveling. For example, if you are going to be doing a lot of shopping in Paris, learning how to ask for something as simple as a bag, or how to ask if a store carries XYZ, would not only be practical, but it will surely make your shopping time both more productive and stress free. On the other hand, if you are headed to Italy for some sightseeing, think of how much easier it will be if you are capable of asking, in Italian, when the museum opens, or if someone would be willing to take you and your companion's picture. We never realize how un-universal our language is, until we land in a country where the language of choice is very different from the one we take for granted.
Take a Class
You could take a class offered at a college or adult learning center to learn the language of your choice, and if you know far enough in advance where you will be traveling, this can be an excellent choice. A class guided by a teacher will allow you to get immediate feedback from someone that is fluent in the language, and if you have the chance to speak the language yourself, and hear someone who knows it speak it, you will have the opportunity to gain confidence in your speaking of it.
Audio and Book Language Travel Guides
If a class is out of the question, there being none in the language you need to learn being offered, or not enough time to take a course, as you are leaving in just a few weeks time, there are many programs and books available to help you with basic words and phrases like those needed to get you through the day to day dealings of a vacation. Checking out a few of them before you even book your flight can be one of your wisest travel preparations you will ever make. Fodor's offers travel guides in several languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese. The guides come in a range of styles, including book form and audio. I am a fan of the audio guides offered by Fodor's because I feel that hearing the words and phrases, along with the included listener's guide, which gives you a visual backup of the lessons, is about as good as it gets.
Electronic Translators
Besides learning the language of the country you will be visiting, you could rely on a translator. There are many electronic versions available in a pricing range that will not leave you feeling like you have no money left to enjoy yourself on the trip. While none of them will allow you to carry on a conversation fluently, they will be able to help you ask for basic needs. Most even, come with complete phrases. Better yet, many of them cover much more than one or two languages, so if you travel frequently, you will not have to buy a new one each time you head to a country with a different language. The TR-2900 Global 29 Pocket Language Translator by LINGO, has built in features that help with currency conversions, 58,000 phrases, 580,000 word translations in twenty nine languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Portuguese, Finnish, Estonian, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Turkish, Greek, phonetic Hebrew, phonetic Arabic, phonetic Chinese, phonetic Japanese, phonetic Korean, phonetic Thai, and Indonesian. Not to be done there, it also comes with clothing and shoe size conversions for those who consider shopping a major part of their vacation!
If you are planning to travel, take the time to explore some of these options to make your trip more enjoyable simply by allowing you to more freely converse with the people you will encounter while traveling. From hotel clerks, to other tourists, knowing the language can open up completely new doorways to the enjoyment you will reap from your travels.
If you are traveling to any country whose language is different from what you are use to, it would be prudent for you to learn at least a few of the basic words. Which basic words and phrases you will want to learn, will depend on what you are planning to do while traveling. For example, if you are going to be doing a lot of shopping in Paris, learning how to ask for something as simple as a bag, or how to ask if a store carries XYZ, would not only be practical, but it will surely make your shopping time both more productive and stress free. On the other hand, if you are headed to Italy for some sightseeing, think of how much easier it will be if you are capable of asking, in Italian, when the museum opens, or if someone would be willing to take you and your companion's picture. We never realize how un-universal our language is, until we land in a country where the language of choice is very different from the one we take for granted.
Take a Class
You could take a class offered at a college or adult learning center to learn the language of your choice, and if you know far enough in advance where you will be traveling, this can be an excellent choice. A class guided by a teacher will allow you to get immediate feedback from someone that is fluent in the language, and if you have the chance to speak the language yourself, and hear someone who knows it speak it, you will have the opportunity to gain confidence in your speaking of it.
Audio and Book Language Travel Guides
If a class is out of the question, there being none in the language you need to learn being offered, or not enough time to take a course, as you are leaving in just a few weeks time, there are many programs and books available to help you with basic words and phrases like those needed to get you through the day to day dealings of a vacation. Checking out a few of them before you even book your flight can be one of your wisest travel preparations you will ever make. Fodor's offers travel guides in several languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, German, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese. The guides come in a range of styles, including book form and audio. I am a fan of the audio guides offered by Fodor's because I feel that hearing the words and phrases, along with the included listener's guide, which gives you a visual backup of the lessons, is about as good as it gets.
Electronic Translators
Besides learning the language of the country you will be visiting, you could rely on a translator. There are many electronic versions available in a pricing range that will not leave you feeling like you have no money left to enjoy yourself on the trip. While none of them will allow you to carry on a conversation fluently, they will be able to help you ask for basic needs. Most even, come with complete phrases. Better yet, many of them cover much more than one or two languages, so if you travel frequently, you will not have to buy a new one each time you head to a country with a different language. The TR-2900 Global 29 Pocket Language Translator by LINGO, has built in features that help with currency conversions, 58,000 phrases, 580,000 word translations in twenty nine languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Norwegian, Swedish, Portuguese, Finnish, Estonian, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish, Czech, Slovakian, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Turkish, Greek, phonetic Hebrew, phonetic Arabic, phonetic Chinese, phonetic Japanese, phonetic Korean, phonetic Thai, and Indonesian. Not to be done there, it also comes with clothing and shoe size conversions for those who consider shopping a major part of their vacation!
If you are planning to travel, take the time to explore some of these options to make your trip more enjoyable simply by allowing you to more freely converse with the people you will encounter while traveling. From hotel clerks, to other tourists, knowing the language can open up completely new doorways to the enjoyment you will reap from your travels.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Flight Perks, Included or Not?
By Christina VanGinkel
With everything going up in prices, that airlines are raising theirs should come as no surprise. One way that some of the larger airlines are competing is by taking away services that were once considered standard, perks such as free snacks on board flights both moderate and long in length, replacing them with snacks to purchase. It is not just snacks though, that are disappearing in a trend whose ultimate aim is to save the bottom dollar, but features such as curbside checking of bags, which can now cost you a flat fee per bag, and cash up front please!
In order to know what you are getting with the cost of your ticket, and to better help you plan your trip, you should ask your travel agent to be as specific as possible so you can be prepared with a few dollars of cash in your pocket if necessary. If you are not using a travel agent, which is a trend more and more of us are following to save ourselves as much on the increased cost of flying as we can, then be sure to check the website of whichever airline you are traveling for information related to the flight. You will often be able to find out such information pertaining to not only the price of what the 'extras' will cost, but also what exactly is included. American Airlines for example offers snack boxes of various assortments, and you can find out online what is included in each snack pack and the cost of each one. Non-alcoholic beverages are available free on most flights, and alcoholic beverages are usually available for a fee. Some airlines recently test ran a small section of the market to see how the average consumer would feel about paying for their beverages, even the non-alcoholic ones, and it apparently did not go over well, as the last I heard of it, the testing had been suspended, and that airline was once again offering their non-alcoholic beverages free to all of its customers.
American Airlines also offers entertainment choices on some of their flights, such as movies, music, and access to some favorite television broadcasts, ranging from news and sports, to sitcoms and nighttime entertainment. When available, depending on the flight, you will have to either bring along your own set of headphones, or purchase a set on-board for the sum of about two dollars. Twos dollars is a small sum, but if you want to get a pair, be prepared to pay the sum. First class and business class flights still offer this amenity free as of the writing of this article, but with the constant changes affecting such policies regarding these perks, I would check beforehand for any possible rule changes. I would be especially diligent about these small issues where a long flight is at issue, where something as small as a set of headphones could be the difference between an enjoyable flight and a long, boring one.
Keep in mind that most flights will also allow you to use your own laptop or personal DVD player, and some may even offer you the luxury of power ports. Where those are not available, be sure to bring along an extra battery so you do not suddenly find yourself in the middle of the cliffhanger part of the show with a dead battery! Also, keep in mind that you are only one of many, and even when using your own equipment, be considerate and bring along headphones so you are not disturbing those seated around you whose form of entertainment leans more to reading the paper or a magazine, or studying the backside of their eyelids! They are paying just as much for their seat as you did yours, and they are just as entitled to an enjoyable flight as you are.
If you are in any doubt about whether a service is included in the price of your ticket, call up the airline you are flying with and ask a customer service representative. If you are already at the airport, go to the service counter of your particular airline and inquire there. To be prepared for those small circumstances that you never thought of, always fly with at least a few dollars in your pocket.
With everything going up in prices, that airlines are raising theirs should come as no surprise. One way that some of the larger airlines are competing is by taking away services that were once considered standard, perks such as free snacks on board flights both moderate and long in length, replacing them with snacks to purchase. It is not just snacks though, that are disappearing in a trend whose ultimate aim is to save the bottom dollar, but features such as curbside checking of bags, which can now cost you a flat fee per bag, and cash up front please!
In order to know what you are getting with the cost of your ticket, and to better help you plan your trip, you should ask your travel agent to be as specific as possible so you can be prepared with a few dollars of cash in your pocket if necessary. If you are not using a travel agent, which is a trend more and more of us are following to save ourselves as much on the increased cost of flying as we can, then be sure to check the website of whichever airline you are traveling for information related to the flight. You will often be able to find out such information pertaining to not only the price of what the 'extras' will cost, but also what exactly is included. American Airlines for example offers snack boxes of various assortments, and you can find out online what is included in each snack pack and the cost of each one. Non-alcoholic beverages are available free on most flights, and alcoholic beverages are usually available for a fee. Some airlines recently test ran a small section of the market to see how the average consumer would feel about paying for their beverages, even the non-alcoholic ones, and it apparently did not go over well, as the last I heard of it, the testing had been suspended, and that airline was once again offering their non-alcoholic beverages free to all of its customers.
American Airlines also offers entertainment choices on some of their flights, such as movies, music, and access to some favorite television broadcasts, ranging from news and sports, to sitcoms and nighttime entertainment. When available, depending on the flight, you will have to either bring along your own set of headphones, or purchase a set on-board for the sum of about two dollars. Twos dollars is a small sum, but if you want to get a pair, be prepared to pay the sum. First class and business class flights still offer this amenity free as of the writing of this article, but with the constant changes affecting such policies regarding these perks, I would check beforehand for any possible rule changes. I would be especially diligent about these small issues where a long flight is at issue, where something as small as a set of headphones could be the difference between an enjoyable flight and a long, boring one.
Keep in mind that most flights will also allow you to use your own laptop or personal DVD player, and some may even offer you the luxury of power ports. Where those are not available, be sure to bring along an extra battery so you do not suddenly find yourself in the middle of the cliffhanger part of the show with a dead battery! Also, keep in mind that you are only one of many, and even when using your own equipment, be considerate and bring along headphones so you are not disturbing those seated around you whose form of entertainment leans more to reading the paper or a magazine, or studying the backside of their eyelids! They are paying just as much for their seat as you did yours, and they are just as entitled to an enjoyable flight as you are.
If you are in any doubt about whether a service is included in the price of your ticket, call up the airline you are flying with and ask a customer service representative. If you are already at the airport, go to the service counter of your particular airline and inquire there. To be prepared for those small circumstances that you never thought of, always fly with at least a few dollars in your pocket.
Monday, April 03, 2006
Moose Watching in Maine
Moose are the majestic yet lumbering creatures that inhabit the northern forests of the United States and Canada. Tourists and vacationers often plan their vacations around the possibility of glimpsing one of these unusual large-antlered creatures in their natural habitat, but with the north woods being so thick, moose can be very prolific, yet hard to find. While moose are found all over the northern United States, one of the most popular states for spotting a moose is in Maine, and two of the best times of the year to see the moose in large numbers is in the early spring, and even more so, in the early summer.
In the early spring, Maine moose seem to come out of hiding. Although moose do not hibernate, per se, they are not often seen during the winter months in Maine. This may not be because the moose are not there, but more likely because the moose-watchers are not out looking for them. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers often encounter moose on their recreational trails, simply walking along, minding their own business, occasionally behaving in a distracted, yet grumpy manner. The spring rains and warm weather, however, seem to bring moose out onto the sides of the roadways, as if they know that we humans want to see them. Often moose can be seen munching new grass or nibbling something off the side of a tree; usually bark, as most trees do not bloom in Maine until mid-to-late spring.
In the early summer, usually around the end of June or the beginning of July, Maine experiences one of the few miserable things about the otherwise beautiful and pristine state: black flies. Black flies are hideous little creatures about one fourth the size of a regular house fly. They fly rather slowly and move about much like a large knat, but they bite humans and animals, leaving a painful, hard bump that itches terribly. Moose flies are another annoying pest found in the summer forests; these are huge, aggressive flies with a painful bite. As the Maine moose move through the beautiful woods during the summer, these nasty little pests will drive them made, swarming their faces and biting mercilessly. Often the moose will retreat to open meadows, ponds, or roadways, looking for a breeze to ease the swarms of pests.
While living in Maine, we took to the roads one early June day a few years ago and headed up to the Greenville area of Maine, near the popular Moosehead Lake. We did not really have a destination in mind; rather, we simply wanted to drive around and see if we could spot a moose or two. We found a back road that led from Greenville to Millinocket, by-passing the famous Mount Katahdin. The road was bumpy and rarely used, but passable, even in our rickety Volkswagen Golf. We passed only a few other brave souls on the remote road, but we found a magical land of moose.
The pine and birch trees were stunning against a perfect blue sky, and we rounded the first bend to find a young, adolescent moose standing in the middle of the road, looking at our approaching car with boredom. He sauntered away into the woods and we drove on. Soon we encountered a large female standing at the roadside, nibbling some grass and looking annoyed. She whipped her head around and ran into the woods, seemingly perturbed at being disturbed.
By the end of the day, we had seen a grand total of nine moose, one of which was a large, wide-antlered male, standing serenely in the middle of a large lake. It was a postcard moment with the underwater grasses and weeds hanging haphazardly from his majestic antlers. We also saw many more young moose than we would have expected, all seemingly alone, without their mothers, though they were most likely watching from behind a tree.
The next time you are in Maine in the spring or summer, be adventuresome and check out the road between Greenville and Millinocket. The views are some of the best in the state, with amazing sights of Mount Katahdin; and the moose are there. Keep driving, keep your eyes open, and have your camera on and ready. Moose don't usually move very quickly, other than when they are having their picture taken!
In the early spring, Maine moose seem to come out of hiding. Although moose do not hibernate, per se, they are not often seen during the winter months in Maine. This may not be because the moose are not there, but more likely because the moose-watchers are not out looking for them. Snowmobilers and cross-country skiers often encounter moose on their recreational trails, simply walking along, minding their own business, occasionally behaving in a distracted, yet grumpy manner. The spring rains and warm weather, however, seem to bring moose out onto the sides of the roadways, as if they know that we humans want to see them. Often moose can be seen munching new grass or nibbling something off the side of a tree; usually bark, as most trees do not bloom in Maine until mid-to-late spring.
In the early summer, usually around the end of June or the beginning of July, Maine experiences one of the few miserable things about the otherwise beautiful and pristine state: black flies. Black flies are hideous little creatures about one fourth the size of a regular house fly. They fly rather slowly and move about much like a large knat, but they bite humans and animals, leaving a painful, hard bump that itches terribly. Moose flies are another annoying pest found in the summer forests; these are huge, aggressive flies with a painful bite. As the Maine moose move through the beautiful woods during the summer, these nasty little pests will drive them made, swarming their faces and biting mercilessly. Often the moose will retreat to open meadows, ponds, or roadways, looking for a breeze to ease the swarms of pests.
While living in Maine, we took to the roads one early June day a few years ago and headed up to the Greenville area of Maine, near the popular Moosehead Lake. We did not really have a destination in mind; rather, we simply wanted to drive around and see if we could spot a moose or two. We found a back road that led from Greenville to Millinocket, by-passing the famous Mount Katahdin. The road was bumpy and rarely used, but passable, even in our rickety Volkswagen Golf. We passed only a few other brave souls on the remote road, but we found a magical land of moose.
The pine and birch trees were stunning against a perfect blue sky, and we rounded the first bend to find a young, adolescent moose standing in the middle of the road, looking at our approaching car with boredom. He sauntered away into the woods and we drove on. Soon we encountered a large female standing at the roadside, nibbling some grass and looking annoyed. She whipped her head around and ran into the woods, seemingly perturbed at being disturbed.
By the end of the day, we had seen a grand total of nine moose, one of which was a large, wide-antlered male, standing serenely in the middle of a large lake. It was a postcard moment with the underwater grasses and weeds hanging haphazardly from his majestic antlers. We also saw many more young moose than we would have expected, all seemingly alone, without their mothers, though they were most likely watching from behind a tree.
The next time you are in Maine in the spring or summer, be adventuresome and check out the road between Greenville and Millinocket. The views are some of the best in the state, with amazing sights of Mount Katahdin; and the moose are there. Keep driving, keep your eyes open, and have your camera on and ready. Moose don't usually move very quickly, other than when they are having their picture taken!
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