MOAC - Maine Outdoor Adventure Club

Wolfe's Neck Center annual Spring Cleanup
2026-04-17 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
This is not a MOAC-led event.
MOAC has a long history with Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport. We’ve had multiple Winterfests there, done trail maintenance, and had camping events there as well.
Join other volunteers for their annual clean up day to ready the farm/campground for another season. Options can include cleaning up the campground, or doing work on the farm itself.
A BBQ lunch will be provided.
Click HERE to sign up.

Join MOACer Jean Armstrong at Mayo Street Arts Gallery Opening
2026-05-01 17:00 - 20:00
Join MOACer Jean Armstrong at Mayo Street Arts Gallery Opening Friday, 5/1/26 for 1st Friday Artwalk. Mayo St. Arts, at 10 Mayo St., 2 streets parallel to Franklin Arterial toward Munjoy Hill, is hosting the Miniature Show with over 125 miniature works of art in many media types. Most items are for sale and profits benefit Mayo Street Arts. Jean joins dozens of artists that were selected to be in this show. The miniature show is a yearly tradition, one that is particularly needed this year where the city took away Mayo Street’s non profit status so they are now facing financial challenges with city taxes. The show is free and will be up for a couple of months but come say hi to the artists at the opening Friday or check out the art on the walls when you attend one of the many Mayo Street Arts shows soon.

Portland Community Chorus Spring Concert
2026-05-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-02 14:00 - 16:00 | South Portland High School, 637 Highland Ave, South Portland, 04106, United States
This Land in Your Land
Join us for a concert that explores America as a shared home—rooted in land, shaped by voices, tested by conscience, and sustained by our willingness to care for one
another. Compositions by Copland, Bernstein, and Dylan.
This is a leaderless event as I will be on stage as part of the chorus!

Friday May 1, 7:00 p.m
Saturday May 2. 2:00 p.m.
South Portland High School Auditorium

Suggested donation $15.00 at the door
or through our website
https://www.portlandcommunitychorus.org/

Sailing Ships Maine: Sailing and Rowing Opportunities
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave, Portland, 04103, United States
Presentation: Sailing and Rowing with Sailing Ships Maine
Join us for a presentation by Sailing Ships Maine, a Casco Bay-based nonprofit that uses traditional sailing vessels to deliver transformative, technology-free voyages.
Also featured will be Row Casco, a community rowing initiative using 32-foot Cornish gigs out of East End Beach in Portland. Row Casco opens the ocean to people of all ages through team-based rowing, with a focus on inclusivity, community, and maritime heritage — a natural extension of Sailing Ships Maine’s on-the-water mission.
Captain Natasha Salvo will share how Sailing Ships Maine students live and work as active crew members — learning navigation, seamanship, and environmental awareness — while building leadership, teamwork, and self-reliance through direct experience at sea.
The presentation will also cover Sailing Ships Maine’s expanding adult and community programs, including Women-to-Women and family overnight sailing experiences designed to build skills, confidence, and connection on the water.

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Presenter’s Bio:
Captain Natasha Salvo is the founder of the Sailing Ships Maine women-to-women sailing program and former program coordinator. Having passed the baton, she recently purchased an Island Packet 27 sailboat from the organization and is looking forward to her own sailing adventures in Penobscot Bay this summer. A lifelong sailor, former live aboard, blogger, and author of several sailing articles, she is deeply curious and committed to learning all there is to know about sailing as a metaphor for life.
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When: Weds, May 6, 6:30pm social; Presentation Start: 7:00pm

Where: A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland
Who: Free and open to the public.

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Memorial Day Weekend Camping in Bar Harbor - UPDATE!!
2026-05-22 13:00 - 2026-05-25 12:00
As of 3/25/26, Hadley’s lists 9 tent sites available and “plenty” of RV sites (water/electric/some with sewer). If you are interested in this trip, please don’t wait too long. You also do NOT need to stay at Hadley’s. You are welcome to outdoor adventure with us and hang out for the evening/whenever festivities.
Let’s keep a long-standing MOAC tradition alive by welcoming summer with a group campout on Mt. Desert Island.
We camped at Hadley’s Point CG last year and had a great time. Hadley’s Point is just off Route 3 as you head to Bar Harbor. It is 2.5 miles before Bar Harbor Campground. Holiday weekend prices appear to be:

Field tent sites are $37.00 per night
Wooded tent sites are $39.00 per night
Sites with water/electric are $54.00 per night
They even have cabins if you want to check those out

There appears to be a $3.25 campground fee, plus tax of course.
https://www.hadleyspoint.com/
Tammy and I will reserve site C-37 (water and electric) and it is near to a pod of tent sites (13-20, 30-36, 40-42). We will also reserve C-36 to use as a home base for the group. We will ask attendees to help pay for this community site. If we get 25 people, that will mean about $5 per person for the weekend.
If you choose to go, please drop us a line at pcm25me@gmail.com so we know who to expect and what site you are in. You can also stay anywhere you like and come visit as well.
You do have to make your own reservations. Deposit amounts vary. For 1-2 nights, it is the full balance. For 3 or more it is $100. Unfortunately, they state there are no refunds for a holiday weekend.
It might be best to grab a site as soon as you can if you are interested.
We will continue the traditional experience of group happy hours and pot luck dinners in the evenings. Restaurants are also on the table. Activities during the day will be up to the group. Hiking, biking, paddling, etc.

Annual MOAC BBQ and Volunteer Recognition & Gear Swap
2026-06-03 17:30 - 20:00 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave, Portland, 04103, United States
June 3, 2026 @ 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Rain or Shine! If it rains, we’ll be in the church.
It’s time for the traditional MOAC pot luck and BBQ. Bring a dish and something for the grill. It’s also time to recognize volunteers and board members who have helped MOAC during the year. We will set up starting at 5:30 (we always need help) and then start grilling and eating at 6.

Please bring something to grill for yourself.
Please bring something to share (appetizers, salads, deserts, etc).
Bring camp chairs if desired.
Please do not bring alcohol as we are at a church.

Also, please clean out your closets/attics/garages and contribute to our gear swap.

Street Jam at First Friday: Join me for random acts of Violins, Violas, Guitars, other things to make lots of noise!
2026-06-05 18:00 - 20:00
I’m thinking we meet somewhere on Congress by MECA and start playing. I’ve participated in many jams with MOAC members and we’ve played popular folk, Americana, country, rock tunes. But it really doesn’t matter what we play and with what. Bring any skill level and any instrument. Hide in the middle of the group if you are afraid (safety in numbers). This could be great or a complete mess, but I’m sure it will be fun! I’ve been thinking about this and watching the weather which finally looks better so I figured I needed to post this now! Details to follow once I hear from interested parties. Ate Ate 9- Ate 5 1 Ate, which is a cell phone number written in Kiddspeak.

Portland Greendrinks Live at Madrids
2026-06-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Live at Madrid’s, 144 Fore Street, Portland, 04104, United States
June benefit: Maine Brewers’ Guild.
June 9th from 5:30-8pm at Portland’s newest independent music venue and bar, Live at Madrids.
Live music from Swamp Road Riders
Beverage Partners:

Allagash Brewing
Batson River Brewing & Distilling
Belleflower Brewing
Cushnoc Brewing
Maine Beer Co
Nonesuch River Brewing
Orono Brewing
Peak Organic
Non-alcoholic beer and seltzer

Food Partners:

PB&ME

Other things to know (or remember) about our events:

21+ Event
Bring your ID
Please bring your own cup, vessel, or drinking apparatus (Forget your cup? Compostable cups are available for $5 at the door)
Be kind, respectful, and make sure to say hi to someone you may not know 🙂
Refunds available until the day of the event

Evening Beach Hangout
2026-06-23 17:30 - 20:30 | Ferry Beach, Ferry Road, Scarborough, ME, 04074, United States
Gather on Ferry Beach in Scarborough off Black Point Road for some socializing, swimming and walking as the sun goes down. Bring a beach chair, your dinner, whatever beverages you may desire and maybe a layer or two. Join me for an ocean dip if the spirit moves you. The weather right now says cloudy and 70 degrees–just right for an evening hang.
The fee collection booth closes at 5:30 so the entrance to the beach is free after that. NOTICE: This is NOT Ferry Beach State Park in Saco–it’s a small beach just past Scarborough Beach on the right, off Black Point Road. Leave dogs at home as there are strict rules about where dogs can be due to plover and tern nesting sites. Text me at 450-1144 with questions.

MOAC Meeting: Canoe the Rio Grande Lower Canyons!
2026-07-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave, Portland, 04103, United States
Join Dan Kidd to hear about one of the best canoe trips ever through the deep desert canyons in one of the most remote areas between Texas and Mexico. Heat stroke, rapids, wrapped and abandoned canoes, no water, saving cattle in quick sand, dodging bullets and more! Tips on what not to do! Hear what happens first hand when you call rescue 911 and how to call for help with InReach! Save yourself!
Dan Kidd is one of the very early members of MOAC and has served as president more times than he can count. He has led a great number of trips throughout the world. Among his most favorite is the Rio Grande Lower Canyon canoe trip being featured this month! He has led canoe trips, besides a great number here in our own home state of Maine, in Montana, Utah, New York Adirondacks, Canada’s Labrador, Northwest Territory, Yukon, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Hudson Bay, the Amazon and some we can’t mention. At this point, his expertise lies primarily in what not to do, and in situations to avoid in group settings. If you are considering leading an expedition, this discussion might well serve as a bible, enough said.
Meeting begins at 7:00. Come at 6:30 or so to socialize with your friends and meet new people.

cancelled - 4th of July annual gathering
2026-07-04 11:00 - 17:00
CANCELLED – my apologies for canceling, but it can’t be helped.
Hello! Join me upta camp for the 4th! I’ll be there by 11:00am for a day at the lake. We’ll fire up the grill around 12:30 to 1:00 for a pot luck BBQ lunch and then boat or swim or lounge until folks go off to see fireworks around 5:00. I have several kayaks and SUPs you can borrow, along with various inner tubes and other floaties – or you can bring your own. There won’t be a scheduled paddle, but folks can go out when they want to.
BYO drinks and protein for the grill and a dish to share. Please label for allergy information. I’ll have condiments (catsup, mustard and relish). You’re welcome to bring your own reusable plates and utensils, but I’ll have disposables on hand.
Please RSVP and I’ll send you the exact address. The camp is in Gray on the upper bay of Little Sebago Lake, about 10 minutes from Gray Center. Text 207.807.2729 or lmitchell75@aol.com.
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY ON WESTWOOD ROAD AND WATCH FOR TURTLES. Carpooling is recommended if you can since parking is limited.

MOAC Meeting: Sailing to Newfoundland and Labrador.
2026-08-05 18:30 - 20:30 | A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland, 04101
Join us for a sail to Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2019, 2022, and 2025 Jonathan Fulford sailed a BCC 28 sailboat from Maine to Newfoundland and northern Labrador. Forty people have joined him on some portion of these expeditions (up to five at a time onboard). These trips have been filled with icebergs, whales, arctic char, cod, lots of bears (both polar and black), fiords, remote fishing villages, and warm friendships.
The crews also witnessed the environmental and climatic changes affecting these subarctic and boreal lands and waters which directly impact the Gulf of Maine. They learned some of the region’s history of exploitation and ecological collapse, as well as seen the continued resilience of these communities and ecosystems.
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Jonathan Fulford is a sailor and environmental activist from Waldo County. He has worn many hats – father, grandfather, carpenter/builder, farmer, whitewater kayaker, pilot gig racer, wilderness canoer, Captain, political candidate, public power advocate, and non-profit organizer. He is currently a founder and the board president of both Waldo County Bounty and Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper.
Meeting begins at 7:00. Come at 6:30 or so to socialize with your friends and meet new people.

MOAC Meeting Reminder - Sailing to Newfoundland and Labrador
2026-08-05 18:30 - 20:30 | A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland, 04101

Eastern Trail "Gap" Ribbon Cutting/Opening
2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:00
https://www.easterntrail.org/news/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-and-grand-opening-of-the-eastern-trails-gap-section/
It’s finally here!!! The “Gap” on the Eastern Trail between Wainwright Sports Complex and the Scarborough Marsh section has been closed. Bicyclists will no longer have to navigate Highland Ave and Black Point Rd as they travel the Eastern Trail.
The ribbon cutting is set for Thursday, August 6, at 10 am, at the Wainwright Sports Complex and the trail will open for public use at its conclusion. Be one of the first to officially bike/walk this section. There are also two free Welcome Walks scheduled. See the details for those from the link above.

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing - Crawford Notch
2026-08-12 14:00 - 2026-08-13 12:00
Lucky Us – The peak of the Perseid meteor showers, a moonless new moon and clear skies are in alignment Wednesday evening.
Fit in a short 52 WAV hike – either Willard or Sugarloaf
Dinner at The Highland Center ~$25-30
View the Meteor Shower from behind Mt Washington Hotel
Return to Lawrencian for overnight lodging $40
Call Dave Dancause for details 2 Oh 7 4 one five – six 258

SummerFest update and reminder
2026-08-29 11:00 - 18:30
We are not done with summer yet! Plan to attend SummerFest at Range Pond State Park in Poland, Maine for grilling, chilling and messing around in boats. Visit with your friends and meet new members! Feel free to bring guests. Scott Shea, kayaking and SUP guide and owner of SeaSpray Boats in the mid-coast area will be our special instructor and fun guy starting after lunch. Bring your own boat or borrow one of Scott’s Kayaks or stand-up paddle boards. MOAC has reserved the covered picnic area, beach and the boat launch.
MOAC supplies food for the grill along with condiments. Bring beverages, an appetizer, side dish, salad or dessert to share. Contact Art at acornell@maine.rr.com or 207-332-2276 with any questions. Let’s make it a great time!
Range Pond State Park
26 State Park Rd., off the Empire Rd. in Poland, Maine
There is a $6.00 entrance fee. Kids 5 to 11 cost $1, kids under 5 are free as are age 65+

Monthly Meeting - LIGHTEN UP! A Guide to New Gear to Keep You Going Longer
2026-09-02 18:30 - 20:30 | A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland, 04101
Many outdoor enthusiasts focus on functionality and durability when they buy gear, hoping to get many years of service from their goods. But as we get older our rugged gear seems to get heavier, and soon we find that we’re not enjoying – or even attempting – trips because our 35-lb pack and sturdy 5-pound leather boots make our time on the trail uncomfortable and our bodies too tired at the end of the day. So maybe we think we should not do such trips anymore? That we should take up golf instead??
This presentation will focus on the new gear and approaches to camping that can help extend – or launch – your hiking and paddling life. We’ll discuss lightweight stoves, tents, backpacks, footwear, and the array of techniques available to make your time on the trail or water not only possible but enjoyable. And we’ll talk about where and why that Whisperlite is still a good choice, so you can keep the old stuff in use. This information is relevant to both new and experienced outdoors-folk.

Janet Robinson has been an active hiker, backpacker, long-distance cyclist, canoeist and sea kayaker for over 30 years. A retired environmental consultant, she is a registered Maine guide working professionally for Portland Paddle and other companies both teaching and leading sea kayak tours and multi-day island camping trips. Along with a friend, she recently completed her second full traverse of the Maine coast by sea kayak, a 16-day island camping trip of over 280 statute miles. After years of annual backpacking trips, she significantly upgraded her backpacking kit to near-ultralight status last summer when she joined her friend Diedre St. Louis as Diedre finished the last 100 miles of her section hike of the AT. To afford the latest cool stuff, Janet works at REI in Westbrook during the off-season.
Deidre St. Louis is an avid backpacker, long-distance cyclist, and sea kayaker who has been hiking and backpacking since 1981 at sites throughout the US and Alaska. She has hiked both the John Muir Trail (2017) and the AT (2025), which she finished as a section hiker after 3.5 years. She spent her career in the US Forest Service, working primarily in the field of recreation management in major national forests in Colorado, Oregon, Arizona, and Alaska. When not in the outdoors, Deidre works as a disaster volunteer with the Red Cross and just returned from providing emergency shelter services in Washington State.

Meeting begins at 7:00. Come at 6:30 or so to socialize, meet new people, and find out about MOAC.

Dark Skies Seniors Getaway at AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins
2026-09-08 15:00 - 2026-09-11 10:00
At this time, there are only a few bunk spots still available.
As MOAC members, we are inviting you to join us for a 3 nights getaway in the middle of Maine at AMC’s Medawisla Lodge and Cabins in the Maine Woods Initiative area geared to seniors but open to all. We have timed our stay to take advantage of dark skies to enjoy a sky full of stars without having to stay up late. Bring a lawn chair and sit by the lake for a full view of the sky. Whether you enjoy easier trails in the woods, climbing mountains, off road biking or paddling, you can find something to do here. However, you can just enjoy sitting on the porch at the lodge or down at the lake. Bring your own kayak, paddle board or canoe or use one available there. There are also 2 other ponds to enjoy by canoe down the road. There is off road and trail biking available. Hiking opportunities vary from mostly flat to mountains. Please be sure to bring your equipment and carry the essentials. There is no phone service on most trails in the area.
You must use the link below to register for this getaway.
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000014TsT2AU/act00019975
More info on the AMC website (link above). More details will be emailed once you register via the AMC website. First come, first served for bookings. Deadline 8/20/26

September Greendrinks at WEX HQ Rooftop
2026-09-08 17:30 - 20:00 | WEX HQ, 100 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
September Greendrinks at WEX HQ Rooftop. This WILL Sell Out – Get your ticket(s) early!

September Greendrinks for the benefit of Marine Mammals of Maine

Location: WEX HQ Rooftop overlooking Ocean Gateway Cruise Ship Terminal and Portland Harbor
100 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101

Beverage Partners:

Maine Beer Co.
More to be announced shortly
Non-alcoholic beer and seltzer

Food Partner:

Brickyard Hollow Brewing and Craft Pizza

Other things to know (or remember) about our events:

Bring your ID
Please bring your own cup (Forget your cup? Compostable cups are available for $5 at the door).
Refunds available until the day of the event

Find MOACers at a table along the ocean-facing railing
Dave 2 oh 7 -4one5-6two58

Fun in the Berkshires
2026-09-16 08:00 - 2026-09-20 17:00
Join us for a few days of fun in the Berkshires! Looking for 6-7 people to join us. Accommodations at a local Airbnb would be around $200-250/pp for the four nights. Pre-payment required. Trip may include visiting museums, hiking, kayaking, going to live music venues and enjoying the beauty of the area. Contact me today! kathiemcjoy@gmail.com

MH&T’s Flagstaff Hut Weekend
2026-10-23 13:00 - 2026-10-25 17:00
Since we will not be around for August and a good part of September, we are posting this now so you can save the date. Registrations will open about a month before the event. Check out the website below to learn more about Maine Huts and Trails and their huts. Price for the weekend is still to be determined. It was $155 last year.
We will answer any questions at any time.
Join us for the 13th annual Maine Huts & Trails weekend. MH&T’s operates four “ecolodges” along their network of trails in the Bigelows, Flagstaff Lake, and the Dead River. For this weekend, Flagstaff Hut, on the eastern shore of the lake is all ours.
It’s far more than a “hut”. A full commercial kitchen, hot water, showers, electricity, composting toilets, etc. Sleeping is bunk room style (earplugs). This “hut” has a capacity of 48. We hope to limit it to 40 or so.
Activities can include hiking, mountain biking, paddling (boats and gear provided), swimming, or doing nothing. It will be late October.
You must walk in. From the parking lot, it is 1.5 miles on a service road or two miles on actual hiking trails (for the full experience). Gear shuttle provided if you can get there by a certain time on Friday and possibly later. This would mean leaving your gear in a building at the parking lot and it will be delivered in (and out) so you only have to walk.
You only need to bring clothes (slippers or something for inside the hut), sleeping bag/bedding, pillow case, personal items, earplugs, and food as described below. You DO NOT need to bring anything to cook with or to eat on. Refrigeration is available but limited. You will have access to the kitchen.
The way the food works, you provide your own food for Friday, Saturday morning and noon. You will be asked to bring a “slice” of Saturday night’s dinner which all the “slices” will be combined for a fantastic feed. This year’s Saturday evening menu is still undecided. In the past we’ve done a pizza bar, pasta bar, taco bar, friendsgiving dinner. There will also be Happy Hours you can contribute to.
On Sunday morning a portion of your payment for the weekend will provide a full spread breakfast. Pancakes, frittata, bacon, sausage, fruit, granola, yogurt, etc. Vegetarian? Vegan? We have options for everyone. Coffee and tea and hot chocolate provided at least in the morning. Potable water available anytime. You will need to bring any other beverages you desire. BYOB for alcohol.
