HAPPY HOUR
2026-07-17 17:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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. The wait staff is very helpful and accommodating with our group.

Dance Party
2026-07-18 19:00 - 22:00
Dance to the 70’s, 80,& 90,s!
Bring your dancing shoes and let’s boogie!
BYOB
12 Discovery Way
Windham ME
1/2 a mile fron the Westbrook line on 302, on your left.

Mt Pisgah Peak and Ledges Trail, Kennebec Land Trust
2026-07-20 08:30 - 13:00
Join me for a morning hike to explore the trails and climb the fire tower in Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area held by Kennebec Land Trust. Trails are well maintained. Weather should be clearing after weekend rains, which I hope will wash out the smoke intruding on New England from Canadian and Minnesotan fires. The forecast includes more rain after Monday, so Friday could be the alternate date.

I propose the Tower Trail-Blueberry Trail loop, 2.4 miles with elevation gain of 329 feet. We could also extend by doing the Ledges Trail also, which may add about 1 mile more.

Meet at TH at 8:30 a.m. be back at the cars by 1:00 p.m. Email me your interest so we can coordinate driving and possibly weather delay.

Western Prom Walk & Sunset Concert
2026-07-22 18:00 - 20:30
Meet at 6:00pm at the Thomas Bracket Reed Memorial. Stroll the West End before enjoying a free 7pm concert by the Soggy Poor Boys and their New Orleans/Caribbean sounds. The walk will be around 2 miles on paved streets and sidewalks and will take a little less than an hour. Pack your chairs/blankets/picnic baskets or whatever you need to enjoy the evening. https://westernpromsunsetconcerts.org/. Text Maria at 319-229-2176 [note: in case of bad weather, the rain date is the follow Wednesday]

Bald Mountain & Little Concord Pond
2026-07-24 08:00 - 16:00
Friday’s weather forecast is ideal for a combination hike and mountain pond swim. Let’s go to Bald Mountain and Little Concord Pond near Peru and west Paris.
It’s a short, modest hike of 738 vertical. I propose hiking to the summit to enjoy the views, back down to the pond for a swim and lunch at the pond.
The trail passes the pond. I have never been there but I am told the pond is deep with a a rocky shore- no mucky Bottom.
Please email me at bradbury20@gmail.com if you plan to go. Car pooling from the marginal way Portland parking area at 8 am Friday 7/24.
Or meet us at the Bald Mountain Concord Pond Trail head at 9:45 .

From the east, heading south on Route 140, turn right on to Stetson Road 2.6 miles south of Canton center. After 2.8 miles turn right on to Fields Hill Road. Fields Hill Road turns in to Labrador Pond Road after 1.6 miles and stay straight for another 1.0 miles. Stay straight on to Greenwood Road for 0.2 miles before bearing left on to Black Mountain Road. After 0.8 miles turn left on to Redding Road. Stay straight (Redding Road turns into Shagg Pond Road) for 5.3 miles. The parking area will be to the left.
Trail information and driving directions here
https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/little-concord-pond-state-park

HAPPY HOUR
2026-07-24 17:30 - 20:00
Going to be a near perfect day on Friday – an ideal day to be out on the deck. HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at ON THE DECK at the STOCKHOUSE RESTAURANT AND SPORTS PUB located at 506 Main Street in Westbrook. Free parking, good food, full bar.

Hike Rumford Whitecap
2026-07-27 08:00 - 17:00
Hike Rumford Whitecap. @6 miles 1700′ elevation gain. Meet 8:00am at Gray Park n Ride exit 63 to carpool. OR 9:45am at trailhead on East Andover RD, Rumford, ME. Bring lunch to enjoy on summit with the views. Not a show n go. No dogs. let me know if you are coming. Dave 207-228-5518 dbenhamdc@gmail,com

Evening Sail, Casco Bay!
2026-07-31 17:00 - 20:30
Join us for a quickie Friday evening!!
Sail on the Emily Jane out of South Portland for a few hours after work on Friday night! Weather looks good! Text Dan@478…six8,35 for a spot!

HAPPY HOUR
2026-07-31 17:30 - 20:00
HAPPY HOUR this Friday will be at Grill 65 at the DUNEGRASS GOLF CLUB located at 65 WILD DUNES WAY in OLD ORCHARD BEACH. Entertainment, full bar, free parking. Something new and different for us.

Presumpscot River Preserve
2026-08-02 09:30 - 12:00
Join me for a hike along the Presumpscot River. Distance is approximately 4 miles in total. Wear appropriate footwear for hiking and bring water or a snack. Meet at the end of Overset Street in Portland for a 9:30 departure. Show N Go.

Sunday afternoon Live Music 🎶
2026-08-02 17:30 - 21:00
Join me Sunday afternoon after your hike, paddle or other outdoor adventure for live music at Portland Lobster 🦞 Company with Eric Bettencourt and friends, a summer tradition!
Meet up under the umbrellas 5:30-?
Nancy D
MOACer since 2000

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.
—————
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.

Bug Light ride to GAP ribbon cutting
2026-08-06 09:15 - 11:00
Meet at Bug Light at 09:15 and ride to the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Continue on from there at your leisure after the the trail opening.
Meet in the eastern parking lot that faces out over the outer harbor.
This is a show and go event. Please call me if you have any questions.

Jim Rochette
207-841-7482

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.

Rangeley, ME
2026-08-07 - 2026-08-09
Fellow MOAC’ers!!
It was a long winter and the arrival of spring was most welcome. It is hard to believe we are sliding in to June! Given that Dave and I are hosting Rangeley it is time to post some trip details.

A massive THANK YOU to the moac members whos staffed the phone to secure a reservation. Rangeley State Park group camp site, west side and water front – sweet!

The weekend begins the evening of Friday August 7th and carries into Sunday morning the 9th. The weekend is open to 15 to 20 campers and outdoor adventurers. The cost is $25 per person for both nights, firewood is included. Apologies in advance, there are no refunds and no pro-rating.

The last time we hosted we stayed on the east end and we were well attended – so much so that on Saturday evening tents were in the walkways. While we’ve never stayed on the west end, we did check it and it is super sweet. The sites are spacious and can easily accommodate double occupancy of single tents. We are not allowed to camp on the beach. The sites are 150+ paces in from the parking so don’t forget your buggies to make lugging gear easier. Privies are on site and appropriately set a short distance from where we camp. A short walk or drive to the campground area and you’ll find flush toilets and hot showers.

Alright… so you’ve decided to join… Here are the goods… Fun is the order of the day. We’ll need trip oriented leaders for hikes, bikes, walks and the like.

On Saturday I will lead a hike from route 17, height of land, to route 4 along the AT. Highlights include Bates Ledge, Sabbath Day Pond and Little Swift River Pond. This is 13.2 miles of moderate to strenuous foot stomping joy. It is moderate for elevation and strenuous for distance. To ensure we complete the day on time we will need to spot a car on Friday evening. Interested parties for this trekking endeavor should email me under separate cover to express interest and commit to car spotting (rlaverdure2016@gmail.com). To successfully complete this hike and be back at camp in time for the potluck we need to be at the trailhead 8am sharp so the day will start early. In the event we have no takers, Dave and I may ask someone for a ride to spot a car and start our hike. You can learn a little more about the intended hike here: https://www.rangeley-maine.com/attractions/rangeley-hiking-trails/appalachian-trail/#google_vignette

Biking, Hiking, Swimming, Paddling are all treasured activities in the greater Rangeley arena. Feel free to express your chosen endeavor and recruit participants. There is a quaint town center for shopping if one desires and relaxing on the beach is just as much an adventure.

Hosting is not new for us but your good humor, flexibility and a willingness to pitch in makes the weekend a success. David and I failed at serving morning coffee last time so you will be on your own for breakfast. We will host a potluck dinner on Saturday and we will provide the proteins – turkey burgers and seasoned sausages. Fresh greens, pasta salad and fresh cut vegetables will round out the meal. We’ll need folks to supplement with the side dishes and desert. I will circulate a food sign up list to avoid over duplication of items. I will email all attendees prior to our trip with final bits of information. It is BYO-Beverages and all things in moderation keeps us sane, happy and safe. While Rangeley is very safe and reports little to no issues with wildlife it is critter country. Secure all food coolers and food containers properly. We will leave no open trash after the daily meals. All trash can be disposed of in a bear safe dumpster by taking a short drive to the start of the campsites. Group campfires Friday and Saturday. Other than Saturday’s potluck – all meals and beverages are individual responsibility.

Checks can be made payable and mailed to: Robert Laverdure, 93 Dead River Road, Bowdoin, ME 04287. Deadline for trip commitment is July 31st. We’ve heard of this thing called Venmo but sadly, we only accept checks.

Cheers,
Dave and Rob

Canoe Montana!
2026-08-18 08:00 - 2026-08-28 17:00
Join us with Lewis and Clark as we explore Montana by canoe! Upper Missouri River! – 100 miles of History through Western wild scenery! Easy canoeing. Warm temperatures but not too warm! Ride wild buffalos! This is dinosaur country so you’ll be right at home! Cheapo easy nice trip! Contact Dan@ four78…68twee5!

Save the Date: Aug 29th SummerFest
2026-08-29 11:00 - 18:00
Annual SummerFest Celebration, Picnic Shelter, Range Pond State Park just steps from the beach and biking/walking trails. MOAC buys the meat and veggie burgers, hot dogs, condiments and buns. Members bring salads, sides, desserts and your own beverages. Drinking water available on site. Rain or Shine. The shelter is spacious and rain proof. Flush toilets, hot water and deep sink for clean up. Volunteer to help out by contacting acornell@maine.rr.com.
26 State Park Rd.
Poland, Maine

Light Backpack in the Berkshires
2026-08-31 08:00 - 2026-09-04 17:00
Catch the cooler temps and the beautiful area of the Berkshires! Features on the list include: Ice Glen walk, summit Mt Everett, hike into Upper Goose Pond and camp, returning after day trips. Paddle the Goose ponds with canoe on site or BYO kayak or canoe. Hike portions of the AT> N> or >S. Swim, visit art galleries, go to a live show with the Tedescki Trucks band on Sept 2nd at Tanglewood. Members with a yoga practice may want to sign up for workshops or classes at Kripalu in Lenox.

Dark Skies Seniors Getaway at AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins
2026-09-08 15:00 - 2026-09-11 10:00
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.

Moosehead Lake Lily Bay State Park Camping Trip
2026-09-13 15:00 - 2026-09-16 11:00 | Lily Bay State Park, 13 Myrles Way, Greenville, 04441, United States
The group site at Lily Bay State Park is called Mud Brook. It is also called the most sought-after group site in the Maine State Park system. Mud Brook is located on the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake (the largest lake in Maine), approximately eight miles out of Greenville. And MOAC has it for three nights: September 13– 16. It is a three hour drive from Portland.
Thank you to our amazing phone beasts that secured this and the other State Park reservations for the summer.
Please RSVP to jim.rochette1000@gmail.com if you are interested in joining us.
The group tent site has water on three sides and can host 30+ tents. There is an Adirondack Shelter, and an outhouse at the site. We also have access to the main campground’s flush toilets and free hot showers and it is a 2-mile drive to those facilities.
If you would like to use your RV, please contact the State Park for reservations at the main campground.
Activities include hiking, camping, wildlife watching, photography, canoeing, and kayaking (bring your own boats). Let’s not forget reading, contemplating one’s naval, and deep conversation. We will be looking for people to volunteer to lead the activities.
The cost is $30 per person whether you stay the whole weekend or not.
We will provide breakfast on Tuesday morning.
The menu for Sunday morning is bagels, bacon, sausage and blueberry pancakes.
The rest of the time you are on your own for food. Contributions to share will always be accepted for our other meals.
We will have gas grills available for our use.
Payment through Venmo (James-Rochette-1) or by check will secure your spot.
The last 4 digits of my phone number are 7482 for the Venmo payment.
This is non-refundable but you are welcome to transfer your space to a MOAC friend.
NOTE – My email address for the EMAIL-ORGANIZR button for this event is wrong. Please do not use it. Send me an email to my correct email address instead.
Please send your check to :
James Rochette
363 Maine St
Brunswick Maine 04011

ARC Wilderness & Remote First Aid
2026-09-26 - 2026-09-27 | Southern Maine Fish & Game, 30 Martin Rd, Kittery, 03904, United States
Wilderness & Remote First Aid (WRFA) is a two-day American Red Cross certification course designed for anyone who spends time in the backcountry, leads outdoor programs, or works in remote environments where emergency medical services may be hours — or days — away. You’ll learn to assess and manage medical emergencies using the resources you have on hand, make smart evacuation decisions, and provide sustained care until professional help arrives. This course meets American Red Cross and BSA standards for wilderness first aid certification.
ARC WRFA is a two-day course and has a prerequisite of CPR certification.

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.
