It was colder than my trail companion and I would have liked to admit today, but we still decided that we would head back to the animal den. The air was cold and I made a mental note to pick up a pair of mittens as my hands were much warmer in my pockets than they were in the gloves that I was using. The temperature must have been too low even for the wildlife as there were no new impressions in the snow. Reaching the halfway point, we took a detour to explore a section of woods that held the foundation of an old farmhouse as well as an abandoned vehicle– I don’t know who drove the bus in, but it seems to be making a nice home for a local critter.
Arriving at the den, I took a couple of new photographs as the snow had since melted and gave it an entirely new look. Seeing that the spot was still in use, we were both excited to view what was on the camera memory card; now knowing what lives there, I think the porcupine was probably not too concerned with us. My trail companion and I only stayed to look for tracks a small time longer before leaving the woods to warm up, as the water we had packed was turning to ice.
Bradford Angier compiled an abundance of information covering fire making, wild edibles, navigation and more to help campers survive in the woods.
John Ford, retired Maine game warden, comically shares many of his fortunes and misfortunes while working in the field.
Annette Jackson tells us of her experiences living in the north Maine woods as a game warden's wife in the 1930s.
Michelle Souliere covers strange Maine tales and mysteries ranging from witches to the Loup-Garou.
With hunting season in full swing, Delorme's Atlas and Gazetteer will help you plan a trip, or get from here to there.
Gil Gilpatrick outlines basic outdoor skills for anyone looking to increase their knowledge in planning and packing for a wilderness canoe trip.
Joyce Butler writes of the historical Maine fire that raged in 1947 , burning 200,000 acres including many coastal homes and communities.
Paul Fournier shares stories of being a guide and bush pilot, as well as assisting in the failed reintroduction of caribou in Maine.
Donn Fendler shares his story about being lost on Katahdin, Maine's largest mountain, when he was 12 years of age.
February 2012
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
You got to the point on this one
Steve- Thankfully we had no dog with us.
A fine trail reflection here. Reminds me of checking out a 50 year-old forest vehicle recently. An inquisitive ermine popped out of the ripped-up cushions.
Walt- Thank you.
It is always an interesting experience when finding an old forest vehicle. It must have been fun to watch that ermine!
Picky picky!
Amazing what you’ll find in the middle of the woods, eh Peter? Nice shot of the spiny critter.
It can certainly surprise you sometimes Mike.
Thank you.
Some nice stuff there, Peter.
Like the pictire with the rocks and the pines to the right. Has a great atmosphere about it.
So, it was a porcupine… I would have guessed some sort of rodent, but then again I am not familiar with those prickly fellows.
The bus looks in a pretty good state, giving the location and probable time it’s been there. Try that with a modern vehicle…..
Ron- Thank you, I liked that picture a lot as well.
I would never want to get too familiar with them- I have seen the dogs that have!
Cool shot of the porcupine, I wasn’t thinking that’s what would have turned up. It’s also nice to see someone else come across old vehicles too.
I was hoping for some daytime photographs, but the night ones still came out nice.
And don’t worry OE, I checked the bus and there was no driver.
LOL! let’s hope that’s how they all are. When I was younger my dad had a friend that had redone an old school bus into a hunters paradise camper. It was very cool.
That sounds like it must have been quite the sight!