Misadventures in Maine

     On Friday, September 30th, we left Cobscook State Park and went to the town of Eastport.  Mark wanted to see the "Old Sow" he had read about.  The "Old Sow" is a rare and unusual "tidal whirlpool" caused by the extreme tides in this area in addition to being where two bodies of water, the Cobscook Bay and Passamaquoddy Bay turbulently collide. We walked to the end of town where we were told we might be able to see the "Old Sow" from Water Street, but no such luck.  We were later informed that you can usually only see it by boat two hours before high tide.  We also chatted with a friendly Eastport shopkeeper who grew up in East Tawas, Michigan, but has spent the last 30 years in Maine.  

Eastport

       Next we drove the eight mile "Million Dollar View Scenic Byway" from Danforth to Orient on Hwy 1.  Mark's research indicated that these eight miles showcase some of the most beautiful views in Eastern Maine. There were two overlooks along this stretch with nice views, but we think "million dollar" is a bit of an exaggeration:)  

Million Dollar View

       We spent the night with several motor homes at the Houlton Walmart, and on Saturday (October 1st) our much anticipated destination was Baxter State Park.  On the way we found the Walton Settlement Bridge (1911) which is the oldest surviving example of a Howe truss system used in a Maine covered bridge.

Walton Covered Bridge

 

 

        We then stopped near an Amish settlement in Smyrna Mills and bought veggies at the Akin Bak Farmstead road stand and also baked goods at an Amish general store.  

 

Veggie Stand ~ Akin Bak Farmstead

 

       We drove through pretty forested countryside with the leaves starting to show some color.  In Shin Pond we stopped to get gas and saw a dead Bull Moose that was thrown into the back of a pick up truck.  I couldn't bear to take a picture.  It just seemed too sad.

   

Wind turbines in the distance

       Just outside of the north entrance into Baxter State Park we stopped at Mattagamon Wilderness General Store on the Penobscot River and had really good homemade pizza for lunch.  If you're ever in the area, I highly recommend a stop at this interesting place.  It is decorated like a hunting lodge with real (stuffed) animals including four black bears.  

Penobscot River

 

One of our lunch companions

       After eating, we drove the short distance to the entrance of the park, but we were TURNED AWAY because our rig is too tall! They have several requirements to enter the park which are strictly enforced (see sign below).  The ranger was kind enough to go over Mark's map with him, but discouraged his planned route outside the park because it included some primitive logging roads that would likely damage a tire.    

 

The building is the ranger station at Baxter State Park. 

       In response to the park ranger's suggestions, we backtracked to Patten and took the Scenic Byway down Hwy 11 between Patten and Sherman.  We were enjoying some beautiful scenery and had just been told of a great place up ahead that had wonderful views of Katahdin Mountain, when the truck informed us that the left rear tire was losing air pressure.    

 

 

 

 

Looking for closer views of Katahdin Mountain

 

This is where the truck told us there was a tire pressure problem.

     Sure enough, the tire was punctured and we were quickly losing air.  We were able to make it to a paved lot near a gas station to undertake changing the tire (remember we are carrying 3,000 lbs of camper).  After cranking down the four camper jacks to stabilize it, and jacking up the truck, Mark got the lugnuts removed but the tire refused to budge.  He tried with all his strength to get it off, but it was stuck fast.  He finally resorted to kicking it vigorously over and over without success.  Just when he was feeling discouraged and out of options, a good samaritan appeared with a crowbar, laid under the truck, and pried the tire free.  He even plugged the hole in the tire before continuing on his way.  Mark tried to pay him, but he refused.  We made sure to let him know he was an answer to prayer!  By the time Mark put on the spare and finished the job it was getting late, so we drove to Millinocket for the night.  

Our Good Samaritan

 

       If you ever want to hunt moose, bear, or deer in Maine, please go to www.shepardhuntingcompany.com.  Our good samaritan is part of the Shepard Hunting Company.