Invite 94 // Jul 23

Photo Caption: After an hour on the potholed and washboarded Golden Road from Millinocket, we pulled into the parking lot on the banks of the Penobscot at Lobster Stream. We unloaded our kayaks and prepared for the several-mile paddle into Lobster Lake.

Once on the stream, we passed through marshy flatlands and cruised by a cow moose with her calf feeding at the shore. Eventually, the stream opened up into Lobster Lake, a gem of the North Maine woods accessible only by boat.

Crossing the northern bay, we checked the first designated camping spot. Full. We rounded a point to the second spot. Full. Campsites 3, 4, and 5 on the western shore—also full.

We kept paddling with tired arms and fading sunlight, aiming for the final spots at the lake's far end. Nearly five miles in, we approached a point where the last designated campsite nestled in a protected cove.

We crossed our fingers and hoped the spot would be free, but when we rounded the corner, we discovered not only was it occupied, but the entire cove was full of seaplanes.

The disappointment hit hard. My dream of a remote backcountry weekend had turned into camping at an aquatic airport.

The campers on shore must have read our faces. They waved us in, offered to share the space, and explained they'd be leaving the next day. They were visiting as part of the International Seaplane Fly-in happening that weekend in nearby Greenville.

As we watched the pilots gather their gear and fire up their planes for a dinner run to Greenville, one pilot paused before stepping onto his plane's float. He looked at us, grimy and exhausted from our long paddle, and asked with a grin, "You want us to bring you back a pizza?"

✌️ Max

Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out.

The Maine Outsider is sponsored by Amble Therapy, offering walk & talk mental health counseling at nature preserves around Portland and telecounseling statewide.

Note: My views of this sponsor are in no way influenced by the fact she's my wife, I deeply respect her work, and I've benefited from a few great walks myself.

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Island Soundscape Project

Wed, Jul 23 - Fri, Aug 8 | Sedgwick | Free

Breaking my own rule and featuring an indoor event this week 🤷‍♂️. The Island Soundscapes project is an immersive listening experience that features outdoor recordings from various island preserves along the coast. Step inside any time over the next month to hear the sounds of the outside.

​Learn more​

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Paddle the Presumpscot

Sat, Jul 26 | Westbrook | Free

Experience the Presumpscot River on a guided nighttime paddle that combines relaxation with storytelling about the river’s history and ecology, with all equipment provided. I paddled this section last month and it was glorious.

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Harpswell Lobster Boat Races

Sun, Jul 27 | Harpswell | Free

The annual Harpswell Lobster Boat races are coming up soon. Watch for free from the shore or grab a seat on the Pamela B for a cruise out of Freeport to watch the events. There is a free shuttle from the Freeport Amtrak station for my car-free friends.

​Learn more​

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Monday Music: The Hot Suppers

Mon, Jul 28 | Hancock | Free

Enjoy an evening of music at Tidal Falls Preserve with live performances, food trucks, and scenic views of the reversing falls, hosted by the Frenchman Bay Conservancy.

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Wild Rye Women’s Ride Series

Wed, Jul 30 | Portland | Free

Connect with fellow cyclists for a monthly women’s ride starting from Allspeed, followed by a cookout and refreshments to unwind after the ride, hosted by Wild Rye.

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Clam Day at Reid State Park

Fri, Aug 1 | Georgetown | Free

Explore the clam flats at Reid State Park with KELT and Georgetown's Shellfish Warden, digging for softshell clams while learning about local marine life and conservation.

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Summer Gravel Weekend

Fri, Aug 1 - Sun, Aug 3 | Greenville | Paid

Register today for 3 days of gravel bike rides through Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness with options ranging from 10 to 40 miles. Activities include bike maintenance workshops, live music performances, and stargazing sessions at Medawisla Lodge.

​Learn more​

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Bike MS: Great Maine Getaway

Sat, Aug 2 - Sun, Aug 3 | Biddeford | Donation Based

Pedal along Maine's coastline for a two-day cycling adventure that supports multiple sclerosis research, featuring routes of various lengths and a lobster bake to cap off the first day.

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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)

​MITA Daysail & Island Stewardship | Thu, Jul 24 | Donation Based​

​Peaks to Portland Swim | Sat, Jul 26 | Paid​

​MilliKAT 5K Trail Race | Sat, Jul 26 | Paid​

​Crooked River 5k | Sun, Jul 27 | Paid​

​Teen Sailing Trip: Casco Bay | Sun, Jul 27 - Wed, Jul 30 | Paid​

​Island Ripple Run | Sun, Jul 27 | Paid​

​Maine Lobster Festival: Road Race | Sun, Aug 3 | Paid​

​2025 Farm to Fork Weekend Getaway | Fri, Aug 8 - Sun, Aug 10 | Paid​

​West Forks Riverfest | Sat, Aug 9 - Sun, Aug 10 | Free​

​Casco Bay Swim Run | Sun, Aug 10 | Paid​

​Gravel Grand Slam: The Ploye Pedaler | Sat, Aug 16 | Donation Based​

​Firebird Trail Races | Sat, Aug 23 | Donation Based​

​Pemaquid Beach Triathlon | Sun, Aug 24 | Paid​

​Maine Lighthouse Ride | Sat, Sep 13 | Paid​

​Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge | Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Donation Based​

​Harvest at the Huts | Sat, Sep 27 - Sun, Sep 28 | Paid​

​Run MDI: Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay | Sun, Oct 19 | Paid​

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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.

📝 Nomad Trail Race Series: July - Thu, Jul 17​

📝 Summer Paddle Series on Fields Pond: Look Out for Loons! - Thu, Jul 17​

📝 Forest & Forage - Sat, Jul 19 - Sun, Jul 20​

📝 Hills and Thrills 2025 - Sat, Jul 19​

📝 Sunrise Paddle at Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Sat, Jul 19​

📝 Guided Walk @ Tidewater Farm - Sun, Jul 20​

📝 Saltwater Shindig - Sun, Jul 20​

📝 Monday Music: The Sugarsnaps - Mon, Jul 21​

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

The Maine Outsider is your invitation to get outside. Our mission is to connect you with outdoor organizations offering impactful events and experiences around the state.

We monitor 300+ organizations 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 us know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!

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