Last Casco Bay Sail!
2025-09-27 09:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York)
‘looks like we have one last good weekend! We’re going to sail the Emily Jane sailboat out to dolphin Marina for lunch Saturday! Join us! Text Dan@four78-68three5

Bike ride Falmouth-Yarmouth rescheduled to THIS SUNDAY 9/28 @ 10A.M.-12:30P.M.
2025-09-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2025-09-28 10:00 - 12:30
Falmouth-Yarmouth and back. Approximately 15-mile ride of moderate difficulty. In Falmouth, from Lunt Rd., then north on Middle Rd., left on Greeley Rd., and then into Yarmouth via Hillside Rd. We’ll stop for a break at Rosemont Bakery on Main St. From Main St. we connect with Route 88 via Pleasant St. to ride through Cumberland and Falmouth foresides. Back in Falmouth we make a right onto Depot Rd. and ride back to cars. Meet at 10 a.m. (please note change) at Flagship Premium Cinema parking lot (between Walmart and Hat Trick Drive) in Falmouth. Please contact me if you are coming.

Camp day in Gray
2025-09-28 13:00 - 18:00
Can you believe another 80+ degree day? Use ’em or lose ’em! Along with the great weather, the trees are turning for a beautiful view. Come at 1:00 for a BBQ lunch and then relax, play games and/or paddle. I have a few boats and SUPs with gear, or bring your own. It MIGHT even be warm enough to swim for the more hearty (or is that hardy?) among us.
If you join for lunch, bring your own beverages and a personal protein/sandwich and a dish to share. If you don’t want to join the BBQ, just come a bit later. I’ll be there at 1:00 until about 6 ish.
Show and go, but it’s nice to know who’s coming (and to give notice in case the weather changes). Camp is on the upper west side of Little Sebago Lake in Gray. If you need the address, or have questions, let me know. text 207.807.2729 or email lmitchell75@aol.com

Trail Fest for Three Land Trusts
2025-09-28 15:00 - 19:00
Trail Fest @ Wander at Longwoods Preserve
https://falmouthlandtrust.org/events/trail-fest?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0BMABhZGlkAasskg1zpZcBHo6t7v4TA7PLWzh0hcrLWafEfM76FgpnRasV7kbzSSHSRUCfKYNldDEppPgr_aem_3v9YYYVnkE3VB7SD1W1VLA&utm_medium=paid&utm_source=fb&utm_id=120238820751370311&utm_content=120238820751580311&utm_term=120238820751560311&utm_campaign=120238820751370311

Monthly Meeting: Maine by Foot
2025-10-01 18:30 - 20:30
Rebecca Goldfine, creator of the “Maine by Foot” website will talk with us about hiking and conservation. She’ll explain why she started her quixotic quest to hike every public trail in Maine and what she’s learned along the way. She’ll also offer trail recommendations!
Rebecca is a Maine native who grew up in Cape Elizabeth. She graduated from Williams College with an anthropology degree and from Columbia University with a journalism degree. After reporting for small newspapers in Maine and New Hampshire for a few years, she began working for Bowdoin’s communications department in 2012, the same year she launched Maine by Foot as an online guide to Maine’s trails.

6:30PM Social; 7:00PM Program Start
A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland

Orchard Ridge Farm
2025-10-03 17:30 - 19:00 | Orchard Ridge Farm, Rt. 237, Gorham, Me., United States
Maine Coon Cats. Come out to the last Musical Event of the Summer. Food and drinks for sale in the Farm Store.

HAPPY HOUR
2025-10-03 17:30 - 20:00
Friday looks to be another sunny day in the low 70’s. HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at THE STOCKHOUSE Restaurant and Sports Pub located at 506 Main Street in Westbrook. We’ll be on their deck. Good food, full bar with reasonable prices, free parking in their lot.

Walk the trails along the in-town side of the Presumpscot River
2025-10-04 10:00 - 12:30
Another hidden gem in Westbrook along the Presumpscot River. Park on Dana Street (across from China Villa on Main Street in Westbrook.) We will walk up the river on a series of mowed paths, visit the Wabanaki Chief Polin mounment and sacred space, say hello to the goats at Conant Farm and return via a different configuration of trails to our starting point. Optional lunch in Westbrook. I suggest Veranda Thai across from Riverfront Park on Main Street. Come explore and reflect on the history of the river and the protection that Chief Polin (pronounced Acadia/Quebecois-style Poulin) demanded for the protection of the food supply of fish in the river, and the effort for restoration and protection later taken on by the Friends of the Presumpscot River decades ago. Total walking time two hours or so. Wear supportive sneakers or trail shoes. Show n’ Go, no need to contact anyone ahead of time.

Hike Ocean Overlook via Carriage trailhead
2025-10-04 10:00 - 14:00
Join us for a beautiful hike to the Ocean Overlook. We will hike up the Carriage Trail which offers a scenic hike with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, ponds, Penobscot Bay, Camden, and islands off the coast. The trail is well-maintained and provides a rewarding experience with its elevation gain of 971 ft. • The trail is dog-friendly • AllTrails lists the hike as approximately 2–2.5 hours to complete • Moderate difficulty level Begin from the Carriage Trail head (across from 190 Mountain Street, Camden, ME).

Camp day in Gray
2025-10-04 13:30 - 18:30
Supposed to be another beautiful, sunny day on the lake. Join me for games, lounging or playing in or on the water. The water was still nice for swimming last weekend – not for me personally, but we had a few hardy folks out there last week. 🙂 I’ll be there by 1:30 and plan a meal around 5:00 for those that want to stay for food and maybe a fire when it cools off. BYO food and drinks.
I have kayaks and SUPs and floaty things, or bring your own. Show and go, but it’s nice to know who’s coming – last minute is fine. Let me know if you need the address. 207.eight oh seven .2729 or lmitchell75 at aol.com
I’m also considering doing a (almost) full moon paddle for those that want to stick around – or come just for that. There will be a separate post for it, so please read that if you’re interested.

Full Moon paddle in Gray
2025-10-04 19:00 - 21:00
I’m considering extending the “camp day” and going out on the water to view the almost full moon. I’m not sure of the exact time the moon will be high enough to see over the trees, probably not before 7:30 or 8:00. But I’m thinking maybe get on the water at 7:30. I’ve asked some neighbors who are currently on the lake at night about timing. If I hear back with a more precise time frame for moon visibility, I’ll update here.
I expect it to be chilly, so dress appropriately. I may have some hot chocolate in my thermos…. I have scuba booties for my feet, but in the past some have worn high rainboots to be sure their feet stay warm and dry. Plan on an hour or so of paddling, one and a half at most.
You MUST have a LIGHT to go on the water after dark. I recommend something like a glow stick illumination vs something really bright when on the water and maybe a headlamp for dealing with the boats before and after. A thin necklace type glow stick won’t be enough, but they make larger ones. I also have a spotlight that lights up the yard pretty well for when setting up and putting away the boats. I have extra boats and gear – but NOT sure about lights. Though I’m going to see what I can find.
Please RSVP if you’re interested in this by noon on Saturday. I won’t go out alone and want some time to plan ahead if others want to join me.

Cancelled: Hike Sugarloaf and Spaulding mountains
2025-10-05 09:00 - 15:00
Cancelling, I have another event that day. Will try to reschedule
Hike Sugarloaf and Spaulding
This is not a hike for beginners! Ideally you will have had experience hiking other 4000 foot peaks. I will be shooting to hike at a pace of 35 minutes per mile. I know there are people in this group who can manage that pace, as I have hiked with you when Anne was still leading MOAC hikes. If you cannot maintain that pace, you will be left behind the lead group. Please email me with your hiking experience, not a show-and-go trip.
This should be a 9.5 mile trip. 4000 feet elevation gain. Following this route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/spaulding-mountain-via-sugarloaf-ski-resort-and-appalachian-trail
9:00 boots on trail

Carey Kish: The Camino de Santiago
2025-10-07 09:30 - 11:30
Carey will be a speaker in the SAGE lecture series of the Osher Life-long Learning Institute. He will talk about his 550 mile “pilgrimage” on the Camino de Santiago, from France to Portugal. Click here to see the flyer.
Carey is a long-time MOAC member. He is the author of Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast and Beer Hiking New England, and has been an editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. He earned hiking’s “Triple Crown” by completing the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
Location: 133 Wishcamper Center, USM

Sail Croatia!
2025-10-10 08:00 - 2025-10-22 17:00
I’m putting together a sailing trip to Croatia. Looks like October 10th or so for 10 days. Cost of the boat looks like it’s going to be about $300 each and airfares are running 500 so you have to add food to that and various little fees. This is a shoulder season and ought to be fun. Text Dan@four78…68three5 if you have interest in joining us!

Cancelled: Hike Sugarloaf and Spaulding mountains
2025-10-10 08:30 - 15:00
Have to cancel, something has come up.
Hike Sugarloaf and Spaulding
This is not a hike for beginners! Ideally you will have had experience hiking other 4000 foot peaks. I will be shooting to hike at a pace of 35 minutes per mile. I know there are people in this group who can manage that pace, as I have hiked with you when Anne was still leading MOAC hikes. If you cannot maintain that pace, you will be left behind the lead group. Please email me with your hiking experience, not a show-and-go trip.
This should be a 9.5 mile trip. 4000 feet elevation gain. Following this route: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/spaulding-mountain-via-sugarloaf-ski-resort-and-appalachian-trail
8:30 boots on trail

Bradbury Mtn in Freeport
2025-10-10 13:00 - 17:00
Let’s hike Bradbury Mtn to see the remnants of foliage before the rain. We meet in the parking lot of the State Park at 1:00. It’s show and go!
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/bradbury-mountain-park-boundary-trail?sh=oqvjn8&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

HAPPY HOUR
2025-10-10 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at THREE DOLLAR DEWEY’S located at 241 Commercial Street in the Old Port. Generally a $3.oo craft beer, good food, and free popcorn. Free parking at all meters come 6:00PM and also down the street in the vicinity of Becky’s.

Hike the Holt Pond Preserve-Music at Gary’s Tavern
2025-10-11 15:30 - 18:30
https://mainebyfoot.com/holt-pond-preserve-bridgton/
4.5 miles of trails in the woods and on boardwalks to see the marshes in fall colors. The swampy terrain will be highlighted with color due to the water table in such areas. See carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and venus fly trap. Parking and other helpful information in the link above. Carpooling is recommended due to the small trailhead parking area. For that matter carpool from wherever you live to cut down on our carbon footprint. If you want to meet near the trailhead to carpool, please contact me at 207-749-0211 by phone or text. 2.5 hours of walking and viewing. You will be able to “get away” after the walk with your own wheels. Bring some food for a picnic dinner or eat at Gary’s Tavern. See below for musical entertainment.
The Band: Continental Shakedown

10/11/2025 @ 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Gary’s Old Town Tavern
678 Roosevelt Trail
Naples, ME 04055-0548
Contact: (207) 693-6806

Lions Lobsta Bake
2025-10-11 17:00 - 19:30
Lions clubhouse
1 Wheeler Rd Cape Eliz
Saturday Oct 11. 5-7:30
Single/Double. $25/40
W/ Baked Potato, Corn on Cob, Deserts and Soda. BYOB

After Work Commercial St. Wharves walk
2025-10-15 17:10 - 18:15
Let’s explore Portland’s working waterfront on the Commercial St Wharves. Meet at 5:10 PM at the granite obelisk (Cleeves Memorial ) at the intersection of Congress Street and the Eastern Promenade. We’ll walk along the Eastern Prom, down to Commercial St and out on a couple of wharves. Bring your phone/camera as the working waterfront awaits.
Show and go.

Backcountry Ski & Ride Expo-Fire on the Mountain
2025-10-16 19:00 - 21:00
Join the Granite Backcountry Alliance for their Ski & Ride Expo at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Dover, NH, for gear, raffles, beer and good times. This year’s theme is “Fire on the Mountain.” To carpool from the Saco Exit or from South Portland, contact Meg McLeod (So Po) 207-653-4578 or Eileen Whynot 207-749-0211 (Saco). We both plan to alpine tour this winter and spring. The Granite Backcountry Alliance pulls together enthusiasts for AT areas in western Maine as well as in New Hampshire. As always, Meg and Eileen are looking for buddies for all kinds of skiing adventures!

MH&T’s Flagstaff Hut - We have openings
2025-10-17 13:00 - 2025-10-19 12:00
SIGNUPS ARE NOW OPEN. PLEASE REGISTER AT:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdScmbD7dSU4brpSL2P8XYrUXrLyhGtKfPX_PXMFC4jm6h5CA/viewform?usp=header
The cost is $155 per person for the weekend.
Pay with Venmo at: @Peter-Mullen-12 (If asked for a code, 6701)
Or, mail a check to:
Peter Mullen
38 Lawrence Rd.
Gray, Maine 04039
We will answer any questions you have at any time.
Link to more details about the weekend: https://docs.google.com/document/d/127U-JGs13hf6obzho7g3dklZqcaPsjw056ZQWiGNeR4/edit?usp=sharing
Join us for the 12th annual Maine Huts & Trails weekend. MH&T’s operates four “ecolodges” along their network of trails in the Bigelows and Flagstaff Lake. 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. 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. You must walk in. From the parking lot, it is 1.5 miles on a service road or two miles on actual hiking trails. 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), sleeping bag, 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. We are thinking about a “Friendsgiving Feast” this year. 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.

HAPPY HOUR
2025-10-17 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at the new Allagash Pub located at 10 Market Street in the exciting Town Center development in SCARBOROUGH. More than a microbrewery. Food too. Free parking of course and very easy to get to – just off the I95 Scarborough exit. Thanks to John Shipman for this suggestion.

Fun Paddling Celebration and Race – Presumpscot River
2025-10-18 08:00 - 11:30
The Presumpscot River Revival Race returns for the first time since 1995! The Friends of the Presumpscot River is reviving an historic paddle race to celebrate over 30 years of river restoration. Once the most dammed river in the US, the Presumpscot is now flowing freer and cleaner thanks to decades of community advocacy.

This event is about more than friendly competition on the water. It’s a celebration of the river‘s resilience, the people who have fought for its revival, and the communities it continues to sustain. With paddling food, foliage and family-friendly fun, this race is both a tribute to the past and a rallying point for the future work to restore this beloved river.

Registration by QR code or here: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/presumpscot-river-revival…

#PresumpscotRevival #PaddleReconnectProtect

MOAC Trail Maintenance Day
2025-10-19 09:00 - 15:00 | Bald Peak Trail on Pleasant Mountain, Mountain Road, Bridgton, M, 04015, United States
Join the MOAC trail maintenance crew for the last work trip of the year. We will be working on our adopted trails on Pleasant Mountain – the Bald Peak trail and the Sue’s Way trail. This time of year, we will be focused on raking the leaves from the trail to better define the path. Besides, who wants to hike on wet slippery leaves?! Of course we’ll clear the waterbars, and remove fallen limbs and debris from the trails. We start our day by meeting at the Bald Peak trailhead parking lot at 9am. It’s on Mountain Road, Bridgton, Maine, about a mile past the ski area. We usually call it a day around 3pm. If, no, when, you sign up, please be sure to wear sturdy footwear, bring work gloves, water, lunch, and a day pack. Watch the weather and bring appropriate outerwear. Please let me know if you want to volunteer for the day, and I’ll add you to my list. Also, please note that this is a Sunday, not the usual Saturday worktrip. I’ve had to work around all the other fun stuff happening in October!
I’ll keep my fingers crossedd for good weather and hope to see you there !!
Dana-ah the Maintain-ah !
trails@moac.org
207-650-5197

Phil Poirier Art Show Opening-Portland
2025-10-19 16:00 - 18:00
Join artist and founding member of MOAC at Coffee by Design for the opening of a collection of his artwork. https://philpoirier.weebly.com/ His show will be at the Coffee by Design location in the East Bayside/Back Cove area of Portland. Stop by and give Phil a hug or meet this kind and gentle soul who was an important person in the development of the club. Phil lives in Farmington now, so we rarely have the opportunity to visit with him, who by the way, started the in-home jam sessions that carry on today. Phil will forever be in the hearts of all the members who got the chance to hike or play music with him or buy a piece of his wonderful art work, capturing in amazing detail the views from camping spots and hiking trails. I could go on and on…Photo of the painting in this event listing is of Moxie Bald, a peak on the Appalachian Trail in Maine.

HAPPY HOUR
2025-10-24 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at RIVALRIES SPORTS PUB AND RESTAURANT located at 2 Hat Trick Drive in FALMOUTH. Conveniently located off I295 and situated behind the Walmart on Route 1. Free parking and full bar. We take one of the big tables and add to it if necessary as more folks arrive.

Presumpscot River Preserve
2025-10-28 10:00 - 12:00
Join me for a hike along the Presumpscot River. Distance is around 4 miles. Meet at the end of Overset Street in Portland.

Girl Winter Movie Shorts-Watch women
2025-10-30 18:00 - 21:00
Here’s the website for the films: https://girlwinterfilmtour.com/2025-films
Dreaming of skiing or riding? Can’t wait to see the snow flakes fly? Strap up for inspiration!
I have personally followed Julie McGuire and she is not only beautiful, she is an alpine touring champ who follows her feats in the Adirondacks with a different choice beer each time.
Film Line-Up at O’Maine Studios, 54 Danforth St., Portland, Maine. Free parking after 6:00 ~ Tixs are $25. Do you realize how expensive it is to pull this all together? For the inspiration and admiration, a bargin. Hey guys, check out these women! Show & Go.
Movie trailers here: https://girlwinterfilmtour.com/2025-films

Mimic – Feat. Piper Kunst

Trails Still Blazing – Feat. Megan McJames

Queen of the Catskills – Feat. Julie McGuire
*This film includes sensitive themes such as domestic violence, mention of suicide, and brief adult language. We invite you to take care of yourself while watching.

Dear Superhero – Feat. Janina Kuzma with Leanne Pelosi and Evelina Nilsson

Let My People Go Skiing – Feat. Ellen Bradley

That One Friend – Feat. – Sierra Schlag and Waverly Chin

Take Pride in Acadia Day, 2025 - Rescheduled to 11/9
2025-10-31 08:00 - 2025-11-02 13:00
Due to the government shutdown, TPIAD has been moved to Sunday, November 9. If the government is still shutdown on November 3rd, the event will be cancelled.
Tammy and I cannot attend on the 9th, so there will be no official MOAC group this year. If you would like to participate as an individual, please sign up here:
Take Pride in Acadia Day

You will be assigned to random groups.
I have left the original information from the event below.
————————
For 34 years, volunteers have gathered on the first Saturday of November to help ready the famous carriage roads for winter. Sponsored by Friends of Acadia, teams are assigned troublesome sections of carriage roads where erosion can cause damage over the winter. The task? Rake the leaves and debris off the shoulders and into the woods. MOAC has had members at this event for many years. We have a team that will work together.
Most who sign up make it a weekend, but that is not required. The actual commitment to the park is from roughly 8:30 am to noon on Saturday. If you choose to make it a weekend, the rest of the time is yours.
There is no cost to the event itself. If you choose to stay over, you will need to find your own lodging. Tam and I are staying at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, right in downtown and that has been the hotel of choice for the most part for a few years now. But, you can do as you wish in this regard. The Grand offers a free breakfast. Local restaurants for the rest.
Except for the provided lunch after the work Saturday. After our work commitment is done, we can head over to the Hulls Cove Visitors Center for a “CCC” lunch. Chili, cornbread, and cider. Aside from the ingredients, it’s named to honor the Civilian Conservation Corp, who did a lot of work in Acadia.

HAPPY HOUR
2025-10-31 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at BELLEFLOWER BREWING COMPANY located at 66 COVE STREET in PORTLAND. Upscale microbrewery with inside and outside seating. Free parking. Food truck schedule indicates that Sook Thai Kitchen will be on site.

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
2025-11-02 09:00 - 14:00
The Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, or Cadillac South Ridge Trail, is a gradual climb that does not meet Cadillac
Summit Road until the very end. The trail briefly descends to a small pond called The Featherbed, where there is a wooden bench for taking a break and enjoying the pond. On the return, descend back down the Cadillac South Ridge Trail.

Dogs welcome!

Alewive Woods Preserve in Kennebunk
2025-11-02 13:00 - 15:00
Join me on for a walk on about 2.5 miles of fairly flat trails at Alewive Woods Preserve located on Cole Rd in Kennebunk.
The preserve has over 625 acres of land with a 45 acre pond at its center.
Check out the Maine Trail Finder link here for more info including directions (there is not an exact address):
https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/alewife-woods-preserve
Meet at 1, walk for about 1.5 hours. Hunting season is here and although it is Sunday, wearing something orange is always advisable.
It also looks like a small parking lot so plan accordingly.
Text me at 650-7417 if you plan to join me or have questions.

MOAC Holiday Party 2025 – Tickets on Sale
2025-11-05 - 2025-12-03
2025 Holiday Party Tickets NOW on Sale through Eventbrite
November 5, 2025 – December 3, 2025
Get your tickets at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moac-holiday-party-2025-members-only-tickets-1962507020327?aff=oddtdtcreator
$17.00 plus fees for prepurchase through Eventbrite (member pays for Eventbrite fee)
Online sales available only through December 3rd. $17 cash or check at the monthly meeting. Price at the door is $20.00.
Another MOAC Party not to be missed. December 6, 2025 from 5:30 to 10:30.
Once again we will party at the Robert W Boyd, AMVETS Post 2, 48 North Road, Yarmouth, ME.

Bug Light to Willard Beach – Newcomers Welcome!
2025-11-05 10:00 - 12:00
Join me on a 3.5 mile coastal walk from Bug Light to Willard Beach and back. This is a MOAC favorite and includes beautiful views of 3 lighthouses. Show and go.

Monthly Meeting – Indigenous Ruins of the Western US
2025-11-05 18:30 - 20:30
Sue will be presenting a video slideshow of pictures. Her presentation will show van life briefly but mainly focus on 3 destinations (Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon and Hovenweep National Monument) of the 78 she visited on her last 7 month trip (March to September) this year around the country. Sue has been working on the list of National Parks. She has 11 left out of 63 now… this last trip was filling in on ones she needed. From maps and apps of the route she picked out other things like Nationals Monuments to visit. Sue says she has always been fascinated by ruins. This is what these 3 places have in common. Getting up close and personal with structures people built long ago is fascinating. Sue says she tries to inspire people with her adventures, break down barriers for especially older women like herself.
Chaco Canyon
Mesa Verde
Hovenweep
Long time MOAC member Sue McCarthy is a 62-year-old van life enthusiast from New Hampshire who travels the country in her converted Ford Transit Connect which she converted into a micro camper in 2024 after retiring from her 25 plus year career in psychotherapy. Her journey represents the growing community of solo female travelers embracing the nomadic lifestyle while documenting their experiences through social media. Sue’s love for adventures includes participating in many ‘Dan Kidd trips’ over the years and the completion of the New England sixty seven 4000 foot peaks, and now long distance van life tours. She has been a world ranked Masters Track and Field sprinter. Her friends say, she … “never does anything half way…” She has driven cross country 5 times. Through her YouTube channel and social media presence, she shares both the practical aspects of van living and the joy of discovering America’s natural landscapes while maintaining ties to her New Hampshire roots. Follow Sue on YouTube @SprintSprite-jj2db.
6:30PM Social; 7:00PM Program Start
A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Ave., Portland

CORRECTION Nov MOAC presentation-3 Indigenous Ruins in the West
2025-11-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave, Portland, 04103, United States
Corrected content for WEDS 11/5/25. Long time MOAC member Sue McCarthy will be presenting a video slideshow focusing on 3 destinations featuring indigenous ruins(Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon and Hovenweep National Monument) of the 78 she visited on her last 7 month trip (March to September) this year around the country. Sue has been working on the list of National Parks. She has 11 left out of 63 now. this last trip was filling in on ones she needed. From maps and apps of the route she picked out other things like Nationals Monuments to visit, Sue is fascinated with getting up close and personal with structures people built long ago. Sue says she tries to inspire people with her adventures, break down barriers especially for older women like herself.

Sue converted her Ford Transit Connect which she converted into a micro camper in 2024 after retiring from her 25 plus year career in psychotherapy. Her journey represents the growing community of solo female travelers embracing the nomadic lifestyle while documenting their experiences through social media. Sue’s love for adventures includes participating in many ‘Dan Kidd trips’ over the years and the completion of the New England sixty seven 4000 foot peaks, and now long distance van life tours. She has been a world ranked Masters Track and Field sprinter. Her friends say, she … “never does anything half way…” She has driven cross country 5 times. Through her YouTube channel and social media presence, she shares both the practical aspects of van living and the joy of discovering America’s natural landscapes while maintaining ties to her New Hampshire roots. Follow Sue on YouTube @SprintSprite-jj2db

Portland Museum of Art -Free Friday Evening Admission
2025-11-07 17:30 - 19:00
Let’s enjoy the Museum’s collection Friday night when admission is free. Meet inside in the main lobby at 5:30. The museum’s three floors will provide a modest workout as we train for the start of ski season. Show and go.

HAPPY HOUR
2025-11-07 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at the SIDECAR PUB located at 7 Railroad Avenue (4th floor) in GORHAM. Good food, full bar, nice views, and free parking.

Music Jam!
2025-11-09 18:00 - 20:30
My place, Sunday at 6!
Protest songs welcome!
Trxt Dan@four78…6835 for details!!

HAPPY HOUR
2025-11-14 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at PORTLAND PIE located at 240 US Route 1 in FALMOUTH (just beyond the Walmart in the small plaza at the junction of Depot Road). Great pizza, full bar, free parking. Our regulars report that the wait staff was very helpful and accommodating with our group.

Wolfe's Neck State Park, Freeport
2025-11-15 10:00 - 12:30
Join me for a hike at Wolfe’s Neck State Park in Freeport. I plan to do two loops, so there is the option to do one or both. Total distance is probably between 3 1/2 and 4 miles. Be sure to wear some type of orange. Address is 426 Wolfe’s Neck Road, Freeport.

Rumford Whitecap Hike
2025-11-15 10:30 - 15:00
Join in for a 5.3 loop moderate hike. At 2198′ this hike offers stunning 360 degree views at the top from a baldface ridge! Weather is slated to be in the upper 30’s with plenty of sun. Bring a lunch, water and wear layers. Count on about 4 hours of hiking. We’ll meet at the Iles Trailhead on the E. Andover Road in Rumford at 10:30. Let’s connect for carpooling. Email: kathiemcjoy@gmail.com OR phone: 207-272-4364 Directions in the link below. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU PLAN TO COME!!
https://www.mahoosuc.org/whitecap-preserve

Winter Giveaway Drawings – tickets to Saddleback, Sugarloaf, BrettonWoods; lodging at MH&T, LAAX Switzerland - and More
2025-11-16
Best of Snowbound Expo: Winter Drawing Giveaways!
Below is a curated list of some of the top drawing prizes and adventure giveaways straight from the exhibition floor of Snowbound Expo that I attended. Enter for a chance to win lift tickets, lodging, and combination of both lift and lodging.
Have a look! Act today (Sunday) as some of these drawings may close today 11/16, the last day of Snowbound Expo in Boston.
The links to each of the drawing listed below will bring you to the MOAC Bulleting Board where the QR codes to enter each drawing has been posted. So, either follow the individual links below, or hop directly onto the MOAC Bulletin Board and choose from there.

Enter These Snowbound Expo Drawings:
Saddleback — Free Lift Tickets👉 Link to Saddleback Drawing Entry QR code posting on the Bulletin Board
Sugarloaf — Free Lift Tickets👉 Link to Sugarloaf Drawing Entry QR code posting on the Bulletin Board
Mont-Sainte-Anne (Québec) — Complimentary Ski and Lodging Package👉 Link to Mt Sainte-Anne Drawing Entry QR code on the Bulletin Board
BrettonWoods drawing for Ski&Stay OR Season Pass👉 Link to BrettonWoods Drawing for Ski&Stay OR Season Pass
Maine Huts & Trails — Adventure Overnight Stay👉 Link to Maine Huts and Trails Drawing
LAAX, Switzerland — Alpine Lodging Package 👉 Drawing for Five days of lodging at LAAX Ski Resorts in Switzerland

Discounts:
👉 Sunday River Lift and Lodging discounts deals – valid thu Monday 11/17

Hedgehog Mt, Freeport – Newcomers Welcome!
2025-11-18 10:30 - 12:30 | Hedgehog Mt Road
Join me for a hike up Hedgehog Mt in Freeport. The main trail is 2.8 miles and 295′ elevation gain, but we can add more if the group wants to. There will be lots of leaves on the ground, so hiking poles might be a good idea for stability. Blaze orange is required. The trailhead is located on Hedgehog Mt Road off of Pownal Rd. A gravel parking area is on the left just before the recycling center gate. Show and go.

November Portland Greendrinks
2025-11-18 17:30 - 20:00
​​Where: Think Tank Coworking, 533 Congress St., Portland
– Tickets for November 18th Greendrinks ($12). Or at the door ($15)
– Gate proceeds benefit Camp Susan Curtis
– 21+ Event
– Bring Your ID
– Please bring your own cup, vessel, or drinking apparatus (Forget your cup? Cups are available for $5 at the door)
November Beverage Partners:​​​​

Sacred Profane Brewery
Tributary Brewing
Orono Brewing Co.
SoMe Brewing Co,
York Beach Beer Co.
Mast Landing Brewing Co.
Belleflower Brewing Co.
N / A options

​Food partners:

Hungry Gains

HAPPY HOUR
2025-11-21 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be the COWBELL RESTAURANT & SPORTS BAR located at 90 Rock Row in WESTBROOK. Nice turnout last time we were here. Full bar, good food, free parking, and easy to get to.

Raymond Community Forest
2025-11-23 09:30 - 13:00
Join me to hike the trails at the Raymond Community Forest. The preserve is part of Loon Echo Land Trust. We will be hiking 2 loops. The first one will be Pismire Bluff Trail and the Highland Loop. Distance is 2.1 miles and 580 feet of elevation gain. We will return to the parking lot and hike the Spiller Homestead Loop and Grape Expectations. Distance is 1.9 miles and is mostly flat. Trail descriptions are on All Trails. Meet at the Gray Park N Ride (Exit 63) on Route 26A for carpooling and a 9:30 departure. Trailhead meeting time is 9:50. If meeting at the trailhead, be aware that some GPS directions will direct you to Hemlock Road. Stay on Conesca Road as the trailhead is just ahead. Bring water and snacks/lunch. Call 838-0437 with any questions.

Thanksgiving Dinner!
2025-11-27 13:00 - 16:00
Tired of the same old relatives, same old stories, and issues? Cousin is on the wrong side of Trump? Air travel got you grounded or cancelled again? Come join us for a Thanksgiving Dinner. ‘Simple, turkey and such….South Portland text Dan@fourseven8…6835 for your seat at the table today!

HAPPY HOUR
2025-11-28 17:30 - 20:00
Happy Thanksgiving!
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at THREE DOLLAR DEWEY’S located at 241 Commercial Street in the Old Port. Always a $3.00 craft brew pint, good food, and free popcorn. Parking free at all meters come 6:00PM and also down by Becky’s. Come into town and check out the holiday lights.

Turkey Strut-Wear Orange -
2025-11-29 14:00 - 16:00
Meet at the trailhead on the corner of Methodist Road and Route 302 in Westbrook to walk in the Millbrook Preserve. We’ll walk about three miles or more. Wear trail shoes or hiking boots for a fast-paced walk. Burn those Thanksgiving calories and ease your guilt, if you have any.

Monthly Meeting - Cashes Ledge - The Yellowstone of the North Atlantic
2025-12-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave, Portland, 04103, United States
After diving on Cashes Ledge at Ammen Rock, a peak that sits just 27 feet below the surface at low tide, globally famous marine researcher Sylvia Earle, said it was the “The Yellowstone of the North Atlantic.” University of Maine marine scientist Dr. Robert Steneck, who spent years studying the ledge’s benthic habitat describes it as, “The Lost World”. Ocean researchers have long considered this 32-mile-long underwater mountain range, in the central Gulf of Maine, a biological hotspot and an oceanic gem.
In July 2024, Conservation Law Foundation submitted nomination papers to NOAA to create a Cashes Ledge National Marine Sanctuary. The proposed sanctuary is 766 square miles in size with 194 miles being completed protected. It would encompass the underwater mountain range, ledges, ridges, and surrounding deep water basins. This massive range of ledges creates upwellings of cold nutrient-rich water that fuel an explosion of plankton, that feed herring, squid, and mackerel, who in turn are prey for tuna, sharks, seabirds, and a high diversity of marine mammals. Cashes holds the deepest and densest kelp forest on the Eastern Seaboard and an environment abounding in fish including a red-colored cod and exceptional benthic life.
Join whale watch naturalist and marine conservationist Zack Klyver, who has visited Cashes numerous times and led several day trips to Cashes Ledge through his company FLUKES. In 2011, he saw a dozen North Atlantic Right Whales there. On his 2023 tour over 100 guests saw eight species of marine mammals, 51 species of birds, along with Basking sharks and ocean sunfish. At the ledge they found two finback whales feeding, an exuberant pod of nearly 100 Common Bottlenose dolphins, and a great diversity of oceanic seabirds. In August 2025, they spotted a large Leatherback Sea Turtle.
Zack Klyver Bio: Zash has participated in marine mammal eco-tourism and conservation from the Arctic to Antarctica, including guiding over 3,000 whale watching tours on the Gulf of Maine. In 2011, he founded FLUKES: International Whale Tours, to take the public to see whales in the best places in the world. Zack co-founded and served as Science Director for a Maine based business in 2019, that worked on the conservation of the North Atlantic Right Whale for four years by testing ropeless lobster fishing gear and pioneered the use of ropeless fishing in gillnet fisheries. In 2020, he co-founded and currently co-chairs the North Atlantic Whale Watch Naturalist Association. Today, Zack is a marine mammal advisor to the Blue Green Future, developing natural capital markets including the economic value of whales based on their ecosystem services. His parents went to Africa to teach school, and he was born in Nairobi, Kenya. He grew up in a commercial fishing family in Eastport, Maine and is a graduate of the College of the Atlantic with a B.A. in Human Ecology.
Photo Credits:
Brian Skerry Kelp growth on Cashes Ledge

HAPPY HOUR
2025-12-05 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at the NORTH DEERING TAVERN located at 1349 Washington Street in PORTLAND. It’s a new spot for us but some will recall that this is the former Parkers Restaurant which closed during the pandemic. Full bar, full menu, free parking.

Portland Community Chorus Holiday Concert
2025-12-05 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for one of our 2 Portland Community Chorus 2025 Holiday Concerts!
Mark your calendars, make a plan with friends and family, and don’t miss this year’s PCC concert! We’ll be singing on the theme of “Our Maine”. A fantastic program is planned, with material celebrating the landscape, rich heritage and spirit of our beloved State of Maine. We will also have some holiday favorites to help get you in the holiday spirit. And…we have some exciting guests!

Thomas Charles Clukey, a singer songwriter who writes about the rugged charm and serene beauty of Maine, joins us Friday evening.
Julia Gagnon, a recent finalist on American Idol, joins us Saturday afternoon.
Doug Kolmar, Maine singer-songwriter and PCC member, along with the lively bluegrass quartet, Borderline 207 will join us for both concerts.

I’d love to see your bright, MOAC faces in the audience. Support your local artists and share the love of music this holiday season! Invite a friend or two and come on out to one of 2 shows:
Friday, December 5, at 7:00 pm, Guest: Thomas Clukey
Saturday, December 6, at 2:00 pm, Guest: Julia Gagnon
WHERE: South Portland High School auditorium, 637 Highland Ave.
ASL interpretation will be provided on Saturday. Handicapped accessible parking is available in the upper lot.
Give what you can. Suggested donation of $15.00 is accepted at the door by cash or check. Or donate in advance via Venmo or PayPal at: https://www.portlandcommunitychorus.org/donate.html
This is a “leaderless” event, since I’ll be on the risers singing with dozens of my chorus friends.

Portland Community Chorus Holiday Concert
2025-12-06 14:00 - 15:30 | South Porland High School, 637 Highland Ave., South Portland, ME, 04106, United States

36th Annual Holiday Bash-Dinner & Dance
2025-12-06 17:30 - 22:30
Join other MOACers at this dress-up event of the year! Held at the AmVets Post in Yarmouth at 148 North Road, this annual event is a celebration of our active and social community. This year, we will have a traditional turkey dinner (MOAC supplies three turkeys and a cake for dessert). Members bring appetizers and the fixings for a turkey dinner, salads and side dishes. Last year we ran out of the main meal, so please bring a serving for the main meal for at least 10 people. (Please do not bring store-bought desserts.) MOAC will supply a cake for dessert. Homemade cookies, pies and other desserts are welcome but the emphasis for the potluck is on the main meal, please.
Volunteers are needed to decorate the hall, staff the door and welcome members, arrange and label the food, clean up, take down the decorations and pack up. Volunteers get in for FREE and will be first in the food line. You MUST sign up and show up for these benefits.
Contact Dan Kidd to volunteer: President@moac.org.
As in past years, MOAC will run a 50/50 raffle to benefit an outdoor-related non-profit TBD by the Board at their Nov meeting. If you’d like to nominate an organization to benefit from the raffle, please email board@moac.org
This year MOAC has hired a DJ for dance music and Chris Stack, a highly accomplished pianist, will play while we dine. We can also expect composer Bill Shouse to play guitar and sing the MOAC theme song.

Cross Country Skiing at Riverside Golf Course in Portland
2025-12-07 10:00 - 11:30
The cross country skiing trails at the Riverside Golf Course have been groomed. I skied them Thursday and the coverage is good. Let’s grab some good early-season skiing Sunday Morning.

A Charlie Brown Christmas at One Longfellow Square
2025-12-07 19:00 - 21:00 | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St, Portland, M, 04101, United States
Join me for a nostalgic and jazzy holiday musical event with the Heather Pierson Jazz Trio at One Longfellow Square! Enjoy standards from the 1960’s holiday special like O Tannenbaum and of course Vince Guaraldi’s incomparable Linus and Lucy theme. It’s musical journey that’s sure to transport you back to magical childhood Christmas seasons of years past. Tickets are selling fast (the 4:00pm show is already sold out), so if you’re interested, buy your ticket(s) now and think later! As the event draws closer and depending on the weather we can talk about a pre concert walk to take in the holiday lights or even a post concert nightcap at Top of East at Portland’s Westin Hotel. So if you buy tickets, let me know so we can coordinate as a group! 181 State Street, Portland Maine 04101

Portland Holiday Lights Stroll
2025-12-09 17:00 - 18:30 | Intersection of Commercial and India
Join me on this annual walk through downtown Portland to see the holiday lights. We’ll start at Commercial and India and work our way through the Old Port, then to Congress Square, to Longfellow Square and then back along Commercial Street. It should take us about 1 1/2 hours. Dress warmly and we might go out for drinks/dinner after. Make sure to leave enough time to find parking.

TetonGravity Film Night + Lawrencian Lodge Overnight + Ski Bretton Woods
2025-12-10 17:00 - 2025-12-12 17:00
Teton Gravity Research Film Night + Lawrencian Lodge Overnight + Ski Bretton Woods. Locations: Barlett, Carrol in Mount Washington Valley of NH
Dates: Wednesday – Thursday, December 10–11, 2025Organizer: David DancauseDifficulty: Social / ModerateCategory: Film • Lodging • SkiLimit: Lodging limit is ≈ 10. As of December 3rd, there are just 2 openingsRSVP: dave.dancause@gmail.com or 207-415-6258
WEDNESDAY – TGR Film: Pressure Drop (in Glen, NH)
Join fellow MOAC and Lawrencian members for a fun mid-week mountain getaway!We’ll start the evening at Pro Tune Ski & Bike Service in Glen NH for a screening of the new Teton Gravity Research film Pressure Drop, featuring incredible ski and snowboard segments filmed around the globe.
Details:

Venue: Pro Tune Ski & Bike Service, 78 Rt 302, Glen NH

Doors open 5:00 PM | Film starts 6:00 PM

Expect beers, snacks, raffle prizes and intimate vibes

Advance tickets required – seating space is limited at ProTune (Tickets: $25): Purchase here

Film info: TGR – Pressure Drop

Host info: Pro Tune Ski & Bike Service

WEDNESDAY NIGHT – Stay at Lawrencian Ski & Sports Club (Bartlett NH)
After the film, we’ll overnight at the Lawrencian Ski & Sports Club lodge, just a few minutes away in Bartlett.The club is one of EICSL’s founding lodges, offering cozy shared accommodations and a fun social atmosphere.

Lodging Fee: $40 per person per night

Bring sleeping bag or bedding/duvet, pillow, towel, and personal items

Lodge Location: US Route 302, Bartlett NH, across from Post Office

Photos & club info: Lawrencian Facebook Group

We’ll have light snacks or late-night refreshments after the show and relax before ski day.

THURSDAY – Ski Day at Bretton Woods
Get up and on the snow early! Bretton Woods offers one of the region’s best groomed mountains and a scenic Presidential Range view.

Bretton Woods Ski Area, 99 Ski Area Rd, Bretton Woods NH

Senior Rate: $40 lift ticket (ages 65-79, Mon–Thu non-holiday) Adult tix is ~79

Purchase in advance on brettonwoods.com

Breakfast at the lodge or en route, then carpool to the mountain (17 mi. / 25 min drive)

Ski until mid-afternoon then return home or extend your stay

Cost Estimate

Item
Cost

TGR Film Ticket
$25 (approx.)

Lawrencian Lodging
$40

Bretton Woods Senior Lift Ticket
$40

Meals / Travel / Refreshments
On your own

Approx. Total: ~$100 plus meals/gas

What to Bring

Ski gear / helmet / lift ticket confirmation

Warm clothing and overnight items

Pillow / sleeping bag or blanket / toiletries

Snacks and beverages for the lodge

Optional Activities

Après ski social at opulent Mt Washington Hotel which will be festively decorated

Daylight in December is short. Can overnight a 2nd night to avoid driving at night and if we enjoy apres ski

Ciclismo Classico Bike Travel Film Festival
2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:30 | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St, Portland, M, 04101, United States
16th Annual Bike Travel Film Festival at One Longfellow Square, 181 State St Portland ME. Doors open at 6pm for pre-film social hour, films start at 7pm. 9 inspiring films featuring bikepacking and adventures from around the world. Advance tickets $20 plus fees, door tickets $25. For more information and to purchase tickets go to onelongfellowsquare.com/event/16th-ciclismo

Center Point Preserve Bowdoinham Winter Walk
2025-12-12 11:00 - 12:30 | Center Point Preserve, 181 Center Point Rd, BOWDOINHAM, ME, 04008, United States
Join me on this woodland walk on an old camp road out to the Merrymeeting Bay. 3.2 miles round trip. May need snowshoes or traction(micro spikes or Yak Tracs). I’m new to MOAC and Ann Hitzrot will be co leader. We’ll meet at Center Point Preserve Parking area ( on google maps). It’s about 40 min from Portland. After our walk we can go to our local 3 Robbers Pub.

HAPPY HOUR
2025-12-12 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at RIVALRIES RESTAURANT & SPORTS PUB located at 2 Hat Trick Drive in FALMOUTH (behind the Walmart off Route 1). Always a good turnout here. Free parking, full bar, good food and lots of TV’s for sports enthusiasts.

Portland Harbor Christmas Parade of Lights
2025-12-13 16:15 - 17:30 | Cleeves and Tucker Memorial, 13 Congress St, Portland, 04101, United States
This is the time of year when even the boats are dressing up for the holidays. Join a short walk to see the parade of lights in Casco Bay from on high! We’ll walk along the Eastern Promenade and hope for the best views, then descend to Commercial Street (either by the road down to the East End trail or by Fore Street, depending on where the boats are) and turn around at the DiMillo’s pier. This is a city walk after sunset, so wear reflective gear if you have it. Meet at the Cleeves & Tucker Memorial on the Eastern Promenade.

5th Annual Portland Backcountry Skiing Night
2025-12-14 18:00 - 21:30 | Portland Club, 156 State Street, Portland, Maine, 04101
Interested in backcountry? Learn from the experts, see inspiring presentations, win big in the raffle, enjoy live music & free drinks! Presenters will be Inclusive Ski Touring, Ski the Whites and other iconic names and companies that represent backcountry skiing. Don’t delay on getting tickets – this event sells out. #PortlandBackcountryNight – Sunday, Dec 14th, 2025.

There will be great presentations, raffle prizes, expert brand reps with hands-on demo gear, music and tasty FREE beverages!
TICKET & RAFFLE PROCEEDS ALL BENEFIT (Inclusive Ski Touring) and #POW (Protect Our Winters).
The goals of this event are: to expose new (and existing) backcountry participants to the knowledge and gear they will need to safely explore avalanche terrain; to learn about upcoming events, on-snow demo opportunities and accessible touring zones in New England; to make local connections and meet new potential backcountry partners; to touch, feel and test the industry’s best equipment, with experts on hand to answer your questions; to raise important funds for IST & POW; to foster broad inclusivity and diversity in the outdoor space; and to get FIRED UP for winter!
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/intro-to-backcountry-ski-and-snowboard-night-portlandbackcountrynight-tickets-1969937816037

Westbrook Holiday Lights Walk
2025-12-15 17:00 - 18:30
Westbrook goes all out for the holidays. Join me for a stroll to check out the lights. We will wander by the river and walk up Main Street to the park to see the various displays. Meet in the parking lot between TD Bank and Bank of America. There is also free parking on nearby Church Street. Dress warmly!!

Add to calendar

Hike Smith Preserve
2025-12-16 11:30 - 14:00
Hike the Edwin L. Smith Preserve at 76 Guinea Road in Kennebunkport. It should be a chilly but beautiful day. Bring warm boots (traction suggested). The main trail is about 3 miles out & back with a number of side trails for a longer hike. This is a late entry for Tuesday, but I hope ya can make it. Show & Go.

Western Prom Christmas Lights Walk About
2025-12-17 18:00 - 19:30
Lets stroll around the Western Promenade and enjoy the Christmas lights
Maybe amble down to Monument Square if we are up for it
Bring your mittens and hat please
The loop is about 2.5 miles
Meet in front of King Middle School on Deering Ave. at 6:00 PM and off we go

NOTE — My Reply to email address is not correct.
Please DO NOT hit the “Email Organizer” button on the Event Page.
Email me directly at jim.rochette1000@gmail.com instead

HAPPY HOUR
2025-12-19 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at the RUN OF THE MILL RESTAURANT located at 100 Main Street in SACO. It’s situated on the north side of the Saco River in one of those renovated old mills featuring lots of 19th century wood beams. There’s free parking, a full bar, and good food in a cozy setting.

HAPPY HOUR
2025-12-26 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR for this Friday after Christmas will be at the STOCKHOUSE RESTAURANT & SPORTS PUB located at 506 Main Street in WESTBROOK. The parking is free, the food is good, and there’s a full bar. It’s an easy place to get together as a group because there’s always room for us and we can sit together at a large table.

Pineland nordic skate ski
2025-12-28 09:00 - 12:00
The snow is great, let’s hit it!
I’m going to try for a 3 hour skate ski session. If you want to ski less, that is fine.
I’ll be skate skiing. Classic skiers are welcome to come as well, though the skate crew will be well ahead of you.
Possible lunch at the marketplace after the ski.
Meet at the Oaks parking lot, which is on Freeport Road, just a bit before you get to the main area with the market
This is a show-and-go.

Christmas Jam!
2025-12-29 18:00 - 20:30
Low class Music Jam!
My place at 6 pm. Help get the season off your mind! Low expectations. TextDan@4seven8…6835 for secret directions!

New Year’s Day Downhill Skiing – Pleasant Mountain
2026-01-01 08:00 - 14:00 | Pleasant Mountain Ski Area, 119 Mountain Road Bridgton, ME 04009, Bridgton, 04009, United States
Why not kick off the new year with a day on the slopes! Join me for some New Year’s Day turns at Pleasant Mountain. A great way to kick off 2026!
Details:

Meeting Time: 8:00 AM in the Main Lodge. Please reach out if you’re interested in carpooling from the Portland/Cape area or if you’d like to coordinate a meeting spot.

Lifts Spin: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM (I’ll likely head out early in the afternoon).

Pleasant Mountain on Facebook

Contact: Dave Dancause (207) 415-6258

HAPPY HOUR
2026-01-02 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR for the first Friday in the new year will be at the SIDECAR PUB located at 7 Railroad Avenue (fourth floor) in GORHAM. Well liked by our group and it should be festive on this first Friday after New Year’s. Free parking, good food, full bar. Take the elevator up to the fourth floor and check out the loft above.

New Hampshire Mountain hike- Stinson Mountain Trail
2026-01-04 10:00 - 14:00
Contemplating on a mountain hike up Stinson Mountain. It is a 3.8 mile moderate loop trail with a 1371 foot elevation gain and has an average hike time of 2 hours and 32 minutes. It is on the 52 with a view list so it should be really pretty.
Anyone interested? It will be very cold. Dress warm in layers.
Must have experience with winter hiking and have microspikes and snowshoes. Some trail reports say that it’s well packed and snow shoes aren’t necessary. I’m brining mine.
I will cancel this hike it I don’t get a response by 11 pm on Saturday.
Please text or call me at Maine area code- 219-ninty-six 22.
I may bring my hiking dog- a friendly labradoodle that is great off leash and will not jump on you. If you don’t like dogs I can leave Coco at home.

Lowell Preserve Hike
2026-01-04 12:00 - 14:00
Let’s get outdoors for a cold weather hike at Lowell Preserve in Windham. It will be a show and go hike. We’re meeting at noon in the parking lot.
Please wear warm clothes and layers. It will be about 21 degrees at noon.
Also, bring microspikes because it will probably be icy.
I’m contemplating bringing my friendly labradoodle who is a good hiking dog and won’t jump on you. If you dislike dogs and want to hike, text me and I’ll leave her at home.
Maine area code , 219 ninety- six 22.

Dean McCrillis Artist Talk - Cove Street Gallery 6 PM Thursday & Rising Tide Aftah
2026-01-07 08:00 - 17:00
The artist of a current Cove Street exhibit speak Thursday at 6 pm. Rising Tide tour pours until 8 PM. Meet inside the gallery at 5:45.
Artist Statement of his current exhibit at the Cove Street Gallery in Portland. When you see his work, you can tell his “gets” western Maine.
The woods and waters of Western Maine serve as a backdrop for this group of pictures, as it holds the deepest love and connection of any area I have known. However, with the passing of time, and an ever-growing distance between my present station in life and the tributaries of my youth, I feel a sense of yearning for this place that shaped me.
I connect to these foundational spaces through my process, paying homage to a way of life lived slightly closer to the earth, and to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of a geographic region of personal and ancestral significance. Through the act of painting, real memories and imagined spaces can coalesce. Earth tones and fluorescent paint can entwine, holding space for one another at the same time.
Invoked throughout is an acknowledgment of Jim Harrison’s poetic insights on how we spend our lives immersed in the richness and immediacy of living, barely aware of the passage of time and the constant state of flux in which we and everything around us exist. These works lean into the paradox of how our memories and sense of self are eternally bound to, though continuously flung further from, an ever-expanding chain of ephemeral experiences.
~ Dean McCrillis

MOAC monthly meeting: Stevenson Trail in France: MOACers in the Cévennes with Donkeys!
2026-01-07 18:30 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave, Portland, 04103, United States
On the Stevenson Trail in France: MOACers in the Cévennes with Donkeys! Monthly moac meeting Allen Ave. UU Church, Portland, ME

The Stevenson Trail is named after the author of Treasure Island who also wrote Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes about his 1878 journey along this route. The trail, also called the GR70, runs 169 miles through the beautiful and varied landscape of France’s Massif Central mountain region, passing through tiny villages, cultivated forests, rocky hills, river valleys, and even ski slopes. Travelers can link days of hiking with stays at campsites or in hotels or lodges. Never close to a city, but never far from human habitation, the Stevenson Trail offers both quiet enjoyment of nature and the chance to meet other hikers each day.

And of course, there are the donkeys! Stevenson traveled with his little donkey, Modestine, and several outfitters now offer pack donkeys who will carry your gear and keep you company. Our MOAC group took three donkeys on our adventure where we learned a lot about trekking with these wonderful animals. We’ll share what we learned about hiking in France, exploring one of France’s great trails with the aid of the Stevenson Trail Association, and making friends with a donkey.

Bio:
Maria Snyder and Tom Walker moved to Maine from the Midwest four years ago. One of the first things they did was join MOAC. They are frequent travelers. In particular they have visited a number of different regions in France, which led them to hiking the Stevenson trail in the Cévennes.

Program is ON for tonight
2026-01-07 18:30 - 20:30
Hike along on a recent MOAC trip on the Stevenson Trail in France. Led by Maria and Tom.

Winterfest update (Saturday February 28th)
2026-01-08 08:00 - 08:30
There are 2 bunks not yet taken for Winterfest at the AMC Highland Center Crawford Notch for Saturday night Sunday morning. These spots include dinner and breakfast. This is shaping up to be a great trip. There are 90 kilometers of Nordic trails and downhill skiing is at Bretton woods just 3 miles down route 302.
Once these 2 bunks are taken I will open up reservations for Friday for those who desire it. You could do both nights or just Friday. They currently have: (4) 2 bunk rooms, (2) 4 bunk rooms and (3) 6 bunk rooms available for Friday Feb 27.
Please email Art Cornell at acornell@maine.rr.com to reserve a bunk. The price is $120
Note: You can easily make this a day trip, it is a 2 hour drive from Portland.

Cove Street Gallery Artist talk followed by optional Rising Tide Brewery Visit
2026-01-08 17:45 - 19:00
Dean McCrillis, the artist of a current Cove Street Gallery exhibit, speaks Thursday, January 8, at 6 pm. Rising Tide tour pours until 8 PM. Meet inside the gallery at 5:45. Here is the Artist Statement of his exhibit:
The woods and waters of Western Maine serve as a backdrop for this group of pictures, as it holds the deepest love and connection of any area I have known. However, with the passing of time, and an ever-growing distance between my present station in life and the tributaries of my youth, I feel a sense of yearning for this place that shaped me. I connect to these foundational spaces through my process, paying homage to a way of life lived slightly closer to the earth, and to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of a geographic region of personal and ancestral significance. Through the act of painting, real memories and imagined spaces can coalesce. Earth tones and fluorescent paint can entwine, holding space for one another at the same time. Invoked throughout is an acknowledgment of Jim Harrison’s poetic insights on how we spend our lives immersed in the richness and immediacy of living, barely aware of the passage of time and the constant state of flux in which we and everything around us exist. These works lean into the paradox of how our memories and sense of self are eternally bound to, though continuously flung further from, an ever-expanding chain of ephemeral experiences.
~ Dean McCrillis

HAPPY HOUR
2026-01-09 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at the COWBELL RESTAURANT located at 185 US Route 1 in SCARBOROUGH. Set back in off Route 1 it’s easy to get to via I295 and the Scarborough spur (I701). The parking is free and the food is surprisingly good. Full bar.

HAPPY HOUR
2026-01-16 17:00 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at FOUNDATIONS BREWING AND PIZZA located at 1 Industrial Way in PORTLAND. Comfortable interior setting offering craft beer and wine along with award winning pizza. Easy to get to off I95 and the parking is free.
PLEASE NOTE: We’ve adjusted the start time to 5:00PM to take advantage of a popular feature: Craft pint and slice for $10.00.

Postponed! Winter Walk at Lowell Preserve
2026-01-17 13:00 - 15:00
It’s super cold tonight and I don’t see it warming up enough tomorrow to make a difference in icy conditions. So….due to high chances of slippery, icy and treacherous conditions tomorrow I’ve decided to postpone this walk. I will repost when it’s safer bet.
https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/lowell-preserve

Night skiing at Mount Pleasant
2026-01-19 15:30 - 21:00
Night skiing at Mount Pleasant . The $24 Monday Madness price is valid on MLK Day.

Contact Melanie for more information.
Email – melanieslawlor@smccme.edu
Maine area code 219-ninety-six twenty-two.

HAPPY HOUR
2026-01-23 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at the STOCKHOUSE RESTAURANT & SPORTS PUB located at 506 Main Street in WESTBROOK. Free parking, good food, full bar, brew specials before 6PM.

Canceled:Acadia NP Jordan Pond
2026-01-24 09:00 - 17:00
Too cold. brrr. Ruth Mazzeo is inviting you to join her on a hike around Jordan Pond or some such. Jordan Pond is a popular, glacially-carved lake in Acadia National Park, Maine, known for its clear water, scenic views of the “Bubbles” mountains, and the historic Jordan Pond House. It’s a hub for activities like hiking the 3.3-mile loop trail.
Offers iconic views of Penobscot and Pemetic Mountains, and the two rounded peaks known as “The Bubbles”.
We can be in touch about carpooling and ensuring everyone’s know where to park! Also, what equipment to use.
Food optionally after hike.
EMAIL to ruthmazzeo@yahoo.com for further details, including start time and meet up spot.

Sugarloaf & Saddleback Ski & Stay Safari – Updated Room Availability
2026-01-25 08:00 - 17:00
MOAC is returning to the mountains of Rangeley and the Carrabassett Valley for a long-running winter favorite – a classic MOAC winter ski safari. We’ll enjoy the #1 and #2 ranked alpine resorts in the East (SKI Magazine Top 20 of the East, 2026), located alongside two of New England’s premier Nordic trail systems, with the freedom to choose your own activity each day.
Dates: Friday, January 30 through Wednesday, February 4
UPDATE: Several Rooms available on Mon & Tue, Feb 2 and 3. 1 Room available Fri, Jan 30.
Lodging:
Our home base once again will be The Maine Roadhouse in Stratton—an MOAC favorite for years and the perfect hub for Sugarloaf and Saddleback adventures. In 2026, the Roadhouse is under the management of owner Lisa Rigas and her son, Crigas, preserving everything MOAC came to enjoy under prior managers Jen & Jen.
We have access to the full kitchen and the large communal gathering room for shared meals, games, and fireside après-ski fun. New this year, an additional suite is available—the former Jen & Jen quarters now named room “Moose”
Lodging Costs:$45/night for semi-private bunks up to $99/night for a queen suite (formerly Jen & Jen’s quarters). Full lodging room options are listed within the registration form, linked in item 1, below.
Organizer: Dave Dancause (dave.dancause@gmail.com | 207-415-6258)
How to attend:

Fill out registration: [Sugarloaf and Saddleback Safari Registration]; or contact Dave D directly: (207) 415-6258
Contact The Maine Roadhouse after January 5th. The Maine Roadhouse will have the registration form information you have completed to ease the reservations process.
Lodging payment is due 7 days before your arrival Call The Maine Roadhouse for lodging payment. Note: Payment before arrival is new this year.

Why this registration form? Ease for Lisa and Crigas to accept reservations – They will see your reservation request information once you fill out this form. The Maine Roadhouse is no longer a MOAC secret – using Airbnb and other marketing platforms has made the Roadhouse a more popular lodging option. The Maine Roadhouse will have this form data (your registration info) on hand when you call to make your reservation.
Let’s do this!

Summer Group Camping Planning
2026-01-26 18:30 - 19:30
Zoom meeting to plan dates, locations, trip leaders, and calling the state parks February 2.
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/74891371706?pwd=[REDACTED]
The state parks start taking reservations for the group site February 2, 9 AM. Each individual state park must be contacted.
Let’s plan some trips and dates. I volunteer to lead the July 4 trip to Lamoine. Who else?
If you want to lead a trip, MOAC can help front the money for the reservation, provided you keep track of participants and reimburse MOAC.
Please, step up and make fun for the summer.
Can’t make the meeting but plan to help? Get in touch with me, Marty at marty@donnellpond.com or text to (207) 801-1488. Call if you have questions.
By the way, this is my personal zoom link, just an FYI. Meeting will last 40 minutes or I have to restart.
