Invite 108 // Nov 26

It's Thanksgiving week, so gratitude lists are everywhere. I'll play along. Here's what I'm thankful for through an outdoor lens:

• The way a simple turkey sandwich tastes at the summit of a hike
• ​Trail builders, coordinators, and volunteers who show up to make outdoor spaces better for us all
• Free or low-maintenance, like XC skiing on a frozen lake or going for a full moon walk
• Organizations pushing for sustainability through gear rental and repair​
• Chipmunks who make that hilarious helium-pitched machine-gun-chirping-taunt-sound when you pass them on a trail
• Groups that provide invites, opportunities, and onramps for communities who might not otherwise get outside
• A freshwater swim that resets your outlook on life
• People who push the boundaries and inspire new ways to get outside​
• The undeniable satisfaction of setting up camp and building a fire
• ​Tiny places that provide big escapes

I could go on, but I'll stop here. What are you grateful for?

✌️ Max

Skip cyber week. Shop Maine instead. Maine Outdoor Brands recently launched an online shop bringing together outdoor gear, cozy layers, and one-of-a-kind gifts from Maine-based brands—all in one place. When you buy here, your holiday dollars stay in Maine and support the businesses that get us outside. Shop here 👉 https://maineoutdoorbrands.shop/​

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Gardens Aglow

Wed, Nov 26 - Sat, Jan 3 | Boothbay Harbor | Paid

Gardens Aglow is open for the season! Get your tickets and go for a stroll through Boothbay's Botanical Garden as it's decked out in holiday lights.

​Learn more​

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Turkey Burner

Fri, Nov 28 | Portland | Free

Burn off your Thanksgiving feast with two group rides around the Portland Trails network, followed by a BBQ at CycleMania.

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Six Rivers NEMBA Fall Trail Cleanup

Sun, Nov 30 | Bath | Free

Help prepare local trails for winter by picking your favorite spot for a trail cleanup with Six Rivers NEMBA, and enjoy some pizza afterward.

​Learn more​

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Baxter Race League Meetup

Tue, Dec 2 | Auburn | Free

The Baxter Race League is a 21+ downhill ski race series that meets on Thursday nights at Lost Valley throughout the season. Join this meetup to learn about the league and sign up for a team.

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Full Moon Guided Hike

Thu, Dec 4 | York | Free

Get out for the next full moon on a gentle hike through Near Point Preserve with the York Land Trust, highlighting local ecology and astronomy as you stroll toward a river overlook.

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Winter Migratory Bird Walk

Thu, Dec 4 | Georgetown | Free

Explore winter birdwatching at Reid State Park with KELT and Maine Master Naturalists, focusing on identifying migratory species during this unique season.

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Owl Prowl

Fri, Dec 5 | Old Town | Paid

Experience the nocturnal world of owls at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge with a guided hike, discussions about their habits, and s'mores by the fire.

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Scarborough Marsh Full Moon Walk

Fri, Dec 5 | Scarborough | Free

Embrace the darkest days of winter with a guided full moon walk along the Eastern Trail in Scarborough Marsh with the Eastern Trail Alliance.

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Ugly Sweater 5K & Merry Mile

Sat, Dec 6 | Falmouth | Paid

Sport your ugliest sweater and hit the pavement for a 5K or a festive mile walk with proceeds supporting the Falmouth Memorial Library.

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Full Moon Dip

Sun, Dec 7 | South Portland | Free

Only the real ones keep dipping once December hits. It's not easy or intuitive to step into the ocean this time of year, but joining a great crew of welcoming, inclusive people makes it easier.

​Learn more​

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Millinocket Marathon & Half | Sat, Dec 6 | Donation Based​

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Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

📝 Fireside Stargazing - Thu, Nov 13​

📝 Gilsland Farm Bird Walk - Thu, Nov 13​

📝 Turkey Ride - Sat, Nov 15​

📝 November Trail Tamers - Sun, Nov 16​

📝 Winter Goat Yoga - Sat, Nov 22​

📝 Maine Track Club Turkey Trot 5K - Sun, Nov 23​

Your responses help us decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!

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