North to Canada and a Cold Front Too.

I am giddy with glee this morning. Last night a cold front moved through whipping up little white caps on our pond and causing the temperature to plummet. For the first time since we left Florida I am cold. I dug my heavy sweatshirt out of the suitcase and I am happily sitting here this morning all bundled up in my warmest clothes, sipping a hot cup of coffee and watching the sunrise. Oh the glory of it all.

On Tuesday we went exploring, north on route 201 all the way to the end of the road. We followed the Kennebec River, Main’s logging route, as it meandered through the hills. At times rushing over rapids in it’s bid to get to the sea, at other times slowing down and widening into calm quiet pools.

The river valley is dotted with small weather beaten communities. There is no fast food, no McDonalds, no Walmarts, only small diners that cater to hikers, rafters, and loggers. I don’t think life is easy in the north woods, but the scenery is spectacular.

I just can't get enough of these beautiful stands of birch.

Unfortunately big business has invaded the solitude of northern Maine in the form of the logging industry. Prior to our trip I read that northern Maine is like a Hollywood movie set, get behind the thick stands of pine and hardwoods that line the highways and you will find a barren landscape: acres and acres that have been stripped of their bounty. Sadly it’s true. I thought we had learned from past mistakes, apparently the road is still long.

The above photo is looking north into Canada and the Kennebec River watershed. If you can believe the informational signs at the rest stop these mountains and the direction the water flows either north to Canada or south through Maine also determines the U.S. and Canada's border.

We wound our way home along Moosehead Lake, one of the largest lakes in the state. I am continuing my quest to spot a moose.

Unfortunately Bullwinkle continues to evade.