Height of the Land, Coos Canyon, and Angel Falls

Yesterday Josh and I had a rare day off together to get out and explore. We decided to take the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway which starts in Madrid, goes through Oquossic, and heads towards Byron.

8.13 Height of the Land Scenic Overlook

Our first stop was at Height of the Land, located just off Rt. 17. It is a scenic overlook that offers panoramic views of Mooselookmeguntic and Cupsuptic Lakes, as well as a few smaller bodies of water. Also, the Appalachian Trail crosses Rt. 17 here and so it's a great spot to day hike from.

Even though it was a hazy day, the landscape was gorgeous. The lakes are spotted with heavily forest islands and occasionally you'll see a perfectly secluded sandy beach. One cannot help contemplating how beautiful this region is. The overlook certainly lives up to its name.

8.13 Coos Canyon

Once we were on the road again, we began our search for the Bemis Road, which takes you to the Angel Falls Trailhead. Of course we missed it. We had been so busy chatting that we were nearly to Coos Canyon when our mistake was realized. So, naturally we had to go see Coos Canyon.

The Swift River cuts through the town of Byron through the gorge known as Coos Canyon. The water worn stones walls are stunning. Sometimes smooth and rolling then sharp and severe elsewhere. The water is the perfect for swimming and there are swimming holes for everyone.

8.13 Coos Canyon

We scrambled along the rocks and then soaked our feet for a little while. Wu had to swim. He also got to feel a real current, which didn't seem to slow him down. We were a little disappointed by the amount of litter. There were shoes, clothing, bottles, even a backpack strewn about.

After taking our fair share of photos and wishing we had brought our swimsuits, we were back on the road. Trying to find the Bemis Road was easier when traveling back towards Height of the Land. We were able to find it easily (i.e.- we only turned around once!).

8.13 Angel Falls Trail

We had heard the Bemis Road was in rough shape. It is. Though the trailhead to Angel Falls is only 3.6 miles off of Rt. 17, it took us at least 20 minutes. I didn't notice a sign, but we knew we were in the right place because we suddenly came across 4-5 cars parked in three pull-offs along the road.

8.13 Angel Falls Trail

The trail is 0.8 mile long and begins as an old two-track that curves slowly down to a large open area. There is a giant rock, spray painted from previous visitors. At this point there are two roads that continue on. The trail to Angel Falls is marked with red swaths and is on the left.

8.13 Angel Falls Trail

It didn't take us long to realize what a beautiful area we were in. As we made our way towards the falls, there were several stream crossings. The trail changed from wide and easy to narrow and demanded greater attention. We were enchanted. The moss was so brilliantly colored it seems as though we were in a tropical rainforest at times.

Near the falls we began to catch glimpses of our destination. We heard the brook running. At the top the trail opens up and you can really take the waterfall in. The water, Mountain Brook, drops 90 feet over the horsetail falls making Angel Falls one of the tallest waterfalls in Maine. The way the water moves diagonally across the rocks was awesome. Water rushed over fallen pieces of the rock face. It was a really peaceful place.

8.13 Angel Fall

We rested, photographed and explored just a bit before hiting the trail back. We would have stayed longer but it was a popular spot and there were several other parties trying to enjoy it as well. The hike back down was pure serenity. Without other visitors in earshot we were able to relax and go at our own pace.

As it often does the hike back seemed to be more difficult. I'm not sure if it was that the footing was trickier or that I knew our day was coming to a close. Either way, it didn't slow the planning of our next adventure... coming back soon with our little one in tow.

Daggett Rock, Phillips ME

Daggett Rock is one of those cool places that you occasionally hear about but never seem to be able to get yourself to. It's located on the Wheeler Hill Road in Phillips and now that we live in this neck of the woods, it seemed that we should check it out.

8.13 Looking through a split

On Friday Eli, Memere, and I made the trek over. It wasn't a surprise that the tar and dirt road leading to the trailhead isn't well maintained but thankfully it's passable and the trailhead is only 2.3 miles in. On the left side there is a faded wooden sign marking the old two track that leads to Daggett Rock. On the right is a gravel parking area that easily holds three cars.

The walk in is about 15 minutes and is a slight incline for most of the way. It is easy walking. We strolled up it without any problems, even with Eli on my back. (It would be possible to bring a jogging stroller, if that helps to gauge the difficulty!)

8.13 Memere trying some bouldering

Daggett Rock sits in a small opening that is surrounded by thick trees. It seems that the trees are cut back occasionally and briars are kept at bay by the visitors. The rock itself is 80 feet long, 30 feet wide and 25 feet tall. I read accounts that it could weigh over 8000 tons and that it traveled all the way from Saddleback Mt. in Dallas Plantation.

The granite rock is split into three pieces and there is enough space to walk in-between. Someone built a makeshift ladder so that you can climb atop one of the pieces. 

We took it all in as we rested, snacked, and hydrated in the shadow of the rock. It was a perfect day to be exploring. After snapping a few photos we headed back down the hill to the car.

Daggett Rock is a seriously big rock. It's an unsual, quirky find and if that's your thing, than it's worth seeing. It is also a great spot to do some bouldering and geocaching! If you like to learn about the local lore behind Daggett Rock, check out the Maine Geological Survey.

The Maiden Voyage of the Davis Family

This adventure began nearly two years ago in 2011. That Christmas Josh brought home a canoe. It was a perfect present for our impending family. We had a baby on the way and were determined to keep getting outside as a family.

We made plans to get it out on the water last summer. Our intentions were good. We were naive. Between our newborn and jobs our hands were full.

Fall came and went. Winter dragged. Spring was here and we were packing to move to Maine.

Finally summer was here and it seemed as though another season would pass us by. Then the other day we kicked it into overdrive. We bought straps and reliable rope. We practiced lifting the canoe and tying it down. We decided where to try it out. We packed and loaded. It was awesome.

The next day we headed out to Toothaker Pond. We were there, unloaded, and in the canoe in 25 minutes. In the stern was Josh, while Eli and I sat in the bow. We cruised along the shoreline. Though the water was smooth we still wanted to be cautious.

We had hoped to find a place to go ashore and picnic but it didn't work out. We snacked a bit in the canoe and took it all in: the shoreline covered in dense trees, a few camps spot the shoreline, a small lighthouse jutting into the pond and the blue heron feeding in reeds.

8.13 Looking across Toothaker Pond

As we were relaxing the wind began to pick up. We followed the shoreline around the entire pond and made our way back to the put-in. We pulled out, thought to take a photo, and packed it up. Though were hadn't been out for long, we had enjoyed our time on the water. It was a successful attempt to get our whole family on the water and it has inspired us to get out again. 

Hopefully that will happen before next summer!

Center Hill Trail at Mt. Blue State Park

The Center Hill Trail at Mt. Blue State Park is a great place to escape to if you have a few hours or an afternoon. It is located in Weld, a few miles from the town center on Center Hill Road. The parking area is up a short tarred road that is marked with the classic brown and white signs.

7.30 Center Hill

We parked and were immediately struck by the view. The nature trail is about 0.5 mile long and is easy hiking. At the trailhead were self-guided tour guides that gave details about different locations on the trail. The entries were brief, interesting, and added an unexpected aspect to our adventure. 

7.30 Center Hill

One of the stops was atop a granite boulder that overlooked Webb Lake. Then the trail brought along side a bog. It seemed unusual to see a bog on top of a mountain. We walked through a mature spruce forest, learned about lichen, and how to identify a red oak.

It was a simple, relaxing walk. It took us about 45 minutes to complete the loop. It had been the perfect way to spend an afternoon. We'll be back- maybe with a pair of snowshoes!

The Sandy River & Rangeley Lake Railroad

On one of our recent explorations we came across the Rangeley Lakes Railroad. We were short on time so it was added to our "To Explore" list and hoped to visit soon.

7.13 RL & SR Railroad

We made it back on the 20th, arriving a few minutes before the train was scheduled to leave. Josh bought us tickets while Eli and I checked out the platform. The tickets ($6 per adult) were punched as we boarded.

It was easy to find the seats we wanted since we were the only people there. We opted for the caboose for the first length of our journey. It was a perfect ride. One of the volunteers shared details of the original rail line.

7.13 Enjoying the scenary

The tour brings visitors down the track to the original roundhouse, then stops and allows for some exploration. The original engine turnabout still works and there are engines and cars to see. We were able to go throughout the roundhouse and inside a couple cars that are being renovated. 

7.13 Restored Cars

Soon we were heading back down the tracks to the station. We opted for an open air car for the scenery. The whistle blew and the train hummed its way back.

Even though it was a quick escape, we all enjoyed riding the train. We are hoping to visit again in the fall as the leaves are changing and enjoy it in the crisp mountain air of Maine! If you would like to visit, please check out the Operating Schedule. 

Tis the Season: How to Remove a Tick Safely

Living and playing in the Northeast one needs to be particularly aware of how to avoid ticks and also how to safely remove them.

I cannot possibly count the number of ticks I've removed over the years. The thought makes me cringe. The first few I ripped off in a moment of panic. Then as awareness on Lyme Disease and other tick borne diseases spread I learned how to do it right.

Anytime you, your children, or pets have been outside it's important to check for ticks. Even if you were only in the yard. Ticks often lay in wait on the tips of leaves or blades of grass and can be picked up by simply brushing against the plants.

You'll want to check along hairlines, behind ears, armpits, behind knees, waist lines and between legs. Ticks will take advantage of the harder to reach areas and are often difficult to see.

Taken from the CDC.gov Tick Removal Page

If you need to remove a tick:

• Grab a pair of tweezers. The finer the point the better.
• Tweeze the tick as close to the skin as possible. Try to keep the tweezers parallel to the skin.
• Pull upward, away from the skin, with even pressure.
• Go slow. You are trying to remove it as one piece.
• If the tick breaks apart, use the tweezers to remove the head and mouth parts.
• Afterward clean area with alcohol or soap and water.

Keep an eye on it for awhile. If anything unusual occurs talk to a doctor! You know your body better than anyone! If you would like to read more I recommend the exploring the CDC.gov tick information page.

July 4th Weekend Cascade Gorge Hike.

This weekend we celebrated the 4th of July by checking out a hiking trail we've been hearing about. The Cascade Stream Gorge Trail is located just south of Rangeley off of Rt. 4 off a side street that's just across from South Shore Drive. Since we had to be in Rangeley that morning we figured it'd be a good time to do it.

We loaded up the car with Eli's mountain of gear, our gear, and Wu's gear. About mid-morning we hopped in and took off. I drove while Amanda navigated and told me about the area. Eli played most of the time with his teddy bear and Wu sat in the back, the crazy waiting to be unleashed.

When we arrived it took us a bit to figure out how to park. I guess everyone else had the same thought as us. We unloaded and chatted with some folks who were heading back to their cars. They were nice people and were impressed with how Amanda was going to hike up the hill with Eli on her back. I have the best family.

The falls are located all along the trail. It's name is dead on. It is a cascade. We followed a beautiful trail along the water going uphill the whole way. The vegetation is a lot different than what I'm used to. Back in the Black Hills the hills are covered in pines and aspen with little undergrowth. Out here, the trail was covered in mossy rocks and heavy undergrowth with woven root systems protruding out of the ground as we walked up.

There were mats of moss that felt like it was going to let your foot sink down into a wet muddy trap, but the moss always held. So much so, that we stopped on our way down and had a break and let Eli get out of his pack and feel the ground. He loved it.

There were so many amazing views and we even saw a fly fisherman on the water. Wu did a great job after he calmed down. He's still not quite accustomed to a leash. He barely pulled and listened very well. He did so well that we let him go swim... kind of. The only place we felt comfortable letting him get in was a small pool behind a boulder. It only went up to his chest but he seemed to enjoy it.

Once again, Team Davis has succeeded. We had a blast and watching my son grow up outdoors is one of the best parts of being a dad. He is always happy and can't wait to get outside again. That's our boy. I am lucky to have such a great family and I'm glad we live our lives the way we do- outdoors and loving it!