I have spent my life in outdoor Maine, most of it as a professional outdoorsman. For 24 years I was an instructor of Outdoor Resources in the Skowhegan school system. Because my job there left me free during the summer months, and because of a life-long love affair with canoes, I started guiding parties on Maine's waterways. I am licensed to guide by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and am registered as an Allagash Waterway guide with the Bureau of Parks and Recreation. I am also recognized as a guide and outfitter by North Maine Woods, an organization of landowners that controls access to much of our northern wilderness.
Now retired from teaching, I devote my time to guiding, managing my
woodlands and writing. I have authored several books
on outdoor subjects. I write a regular column for the Northwoods Sporting
Journal and also do free-lance work from time to time. Most important of all
for you, I have a love and respect for the Maine woods and waters and I take a
great pride and enjoyment in showing them to others. I will be glad to furnish
references upon request.
Your Safety -- My First Priority: I am well acquainted with the rangers and wardens along the way and where they are located. Through them it is possible to make emergency radio contact in order to obtain medical aid or evacuation by plane. I always carry an outboard motor as an added safety precaution. My first consideration in making any decision during the trip is that of safety. I have had First Aid and CPR training, and carry adequate medical supplies. Please advise me of any health problems ahead of time.
My Equipment: The equipment I use has all withstood the test of time and hard use on Maine's wilderness rivers. The canoes are 17 1/2 feet to 20 feet in length for your safety and comfort. The tents are the best available for this type of camping. They are roomy (two people per four-person tent) and are equipped large flys to keep you dry in wet weather. They are insect proof to insure a good night's sleep. Many items of my equipment were designed and built by me especially for this type of work.
Food:I use regular food. Or, to put it another way, no tasteless or like-tasting freeze-dried meals! With the help of my wife, Dot, I have put together a menu that will provide wholesome, enjoyable meals while keeping fat and so-called empty calories to a minimum. Fresh meat, eggs, fruit, etc. are taken on ice. Biscuits and bread are baked fresh daily in a reflector oven by an open fire. I prepare all meals, but as with other chores, you are welcome to assist if you wish. Please advise in advance of any special dietary needs.
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Fresh biscuits are baked for most morning and evening meals. In addition a fresh loaf of bread is baked each day for the mid-day meal. |
To keep your costs as low as possible, and because people often have
different needs in this regard, I have designed my service so you can use your
own car for transportation. There are several commonly used possibilities; the
first is the most economical and the one most often used by my guests.
I will be glad to discuss any of the transport possibilities with you and make any necessary arrangements. The cost of transport is the only cost that is not included in the trip cost quoted by me for the current year.
Normally guests meet at or near my home and we travel to the put-in point together, but other arrangements can be made.
There are opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime photos of wildlife and
scenery, as well as a chance for a photo record of your trip. If you enjoy
photography, I strongly urge you to take along your camera. Most of the time a
plastic bag will provide sufficient protection from splashing water. However, a
surplus army ammunition box or commercially available waterproof devices will
give complete protection, not only from water, but from hard knocks, too. Take
plenty of film. Sure there is always an outside chance of ruining a camera, but
without it you will have no photos.
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Maine Wilderness Canoe Vacations
Planning your trip