Here Back East

Thinking of Maine

I received my winter newsletter from the Woodie Wheaton Land Trust this week. “A Special Place” headlined the report on last summer’s doings and goings on at East Grand Lake and surroundings. I checked the weather in Danforth – 33 degrees—and sent a text to Katie to check on her and Greg. Next, I perused this week’s edition of the Houlton Pioneer Times for any news out of Danforth. Nothing to report. I texted Ted about the two of us going north to shoot grouse. My appetite for camp life never wanes, even as Christmas approaches. Katie responded to say the camps are now closed for the season. Snow and icy winds from the northeast are forecast. All the toys are in storage. No hunting trip now as there is no place to hang out—too late in the season without planning. The sun is not out much this time of year with cloud cover over the lake as far as the eye can see. The water level has dropped a couple of inches due to the releases downstream into the ocean. In Portland and Kennebunk, they are gearing up for the holiday crowds, but it is quiet and calm in our part of Maine now --except for the big game hunters out in the woods for deer and bear. It is a good time to stay off those logger trails. The trout season is long over. The fantasy of a walk in the woods on Thanksgiving Day is just that.

The Wheaton newsletter had photos of summer scenes from Baskehegan Lake and Monument Brook, and one of Dale Wheaton, smiling, with his ever-present cigar in hand. I look forward to my May visit to Wheaton Lodge in Forest City to see my friends, Sandy and Pat, who run the place. “Book early!” they called out to me in a brief email. I will.