Moosehead trip chilly, rewarding

Last Sunday, while snowshoeing across Moosehead Lake under blue skies and gale-force winds, I let my mind drift along with the blowing snow and thought briefly about camping, warmer weather, and the upcoming camper and recreational vehicle show in Bangor (but more of that in a minute).

A group of us had converged on The Birches just north of Rockwood to continue the monthlong birthday celebration of our friend, Karen Francoeur of Orono. In order to involve as many people as possible in as many different locations in Maine as possible, it takes a month (and sometimes more) to get this task accomplished. And if you’ve been on board for the past three years, you’ll note a trend here.

Our intrepid band this year included Meg and Wes Haskell and their son, Lucas; Julie and Steve Monroe and their two daughters, Emily and Aime; Robert Causey, Francoeur, and her son Ryan.

The Birches owner, John Willard, is an accomplice in this celebration and a common friend. He has provided toys and a place for us to play for the past few years. He owns a township, 10,000-plus acres, laced with 25 miles of cross country ski trails, and The Birches sits on the western shore of Moosehead Lake just north of Rockwood with a spectacular view of Mount Kineo.

Our intrepid band originally had planned to ski or snowshoe a mile into Baker Pond on Saturday, have a picnic, and do some exploring, but the wind and cold changed those plans. Most opted for shorter, closer-to-the-cabins ski and snowshoe loops. Having a wood-fired hot tub right out front of the cabins on the frozen lake surface didn’t do much to encourage the adventuresome spirit, either. Those who didn’t soak until pink and wrinkled felt it their duty to keep the home fires burning or to help keep the woodbox filled.

At about sunset several of us took a short hike up the lake for some exercise, fresh air, and a great view of the panorama of mountains to the east and south in their purple majesty. There’s nothing like some mild exercise to work up an appetite for cocktails and dinner, right? An after-dinner game of “Pictionary” followed by team “Scrabble” about tuckered everyone out.

Sunday dawned clear, colder, and windier than Saturday, but I was intent on walking halfway to Mount Kineo for a good dose of fresh air. I assure you there was no lack of it. I’d say 30-plus mph gusts provided more than enough. Despite the frigid temperature, I remained comfortable in a wind suit, a fleece insulating layer and long underwear. A balaclava and wind-proof cap kept my head warm, and my hands were toasty inside fleece mittens and shells. Gaiters over insulated boots completed the refrigerator ensemble. Goggles might have been nice, but they were home in Bangor.

The ice on Moosehead, by the way, measured 12 inches under a layer of dry snow. Snowmobile Route 66, which crosses to Mount Kineo, was abuzz all weekend. I saw only half a dozen folks ice fishing.

As I mentioned at the top, my lake-top jaunt gave me a chance to think about the upcoming Downeast Camping and Recreational Vehicle Show at Bangor Auditorium Jan. 31-Feb.2. It’s one of those annual events that provides a milestone in the long march of winter. Others include the boat show and the Sportsman’s Show in March and then the Paddle Smart from the Start safety symposium May 9 at the YMCA in Bangor. Voila, winter’s gone, summer’s coming!

So help yourself out and come on down. Check out what’s new in the recreational vehicle market and what campgrounds have in store for warmer weather. Skip Chappelle, who runs around a lot roping exhibitors into Bangor Auditorium for this event, told me there’ll be something for every budget – from luxury motor homes to popup tent trailers and even some tents.

Local exhibitors will include J&M Camper Sales, Augusta; D&M Trailer Sales, Medway; McKay’s RV Center, Holden; Webb’s RV Center, Bangor; and Holden Family RV, Holden. Also: Papoose Pond Resort & Campground, Waterford; Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park; Pushaw Lake Camp Ground; South Arm Camp Ground, Andover; Old Orchard Beach Campground; the New Hampshire Camp Ground Owners Association; the Good Sam Club, and the Maine Camp Ground Owners Association. Others are pending.

(Someone who won’t be there is former Gov. Angus King who has just completed his first week of a 51/2-month perimeter tour of the U.S. in his own Dutch Star motor home. You can keep track of him on his Web site wheresmolly.com.)

With economic uncertainty, international unrest and rising gasoline prices occupying so much news space these days, it’s natural to wonder about the future of recreational vehicle sales. Apparently there’s nothing to worry about.

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association said the industry pumped out 20 percent more units last year than in 2001, and deliveries to dealers in 2003 are expected to reach their highest levels in 25 years – 323,000. That tops the 321,000 units shipped in 1999, the most recent peak. And the industry projects baby boomers will fuel a 15 percent rise in RV sales by 2010.

Carolyn Manson, executive director of Maine Campground Owners Association, told me she hears positive reports from members who say demand for reservations is strong, particularly instate and close to Maine. The State’s Office of Tourism has targeted Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania, and Manson reports positive response from these areas. One campground owner, she said, reported reservations to date have been for longer periods of time and from Maine residents, who make up to 80 percent of some campgrounds’ customers.

Manson reminded me that folks attending this year’s show will be helping to support the MCOA scholarship fund. Each year, for nine years, the organization has given a $500 scholarship to a Maine student who has completed at least one year of study in a program of outdoor recreation with a cumulative point average of at least 2.5 at any accredited college or trade school. This year the Bangor show will contribute $500 to that scholarship fund.

Aside from catching up on what’s new in the world of RVs, don’t forget to pick up your free 2003 edition of the Maine Camping Guide that lists all the MCOA members in the state divided by regions. It’s a handy reference if you’re planning a camping trip.

This just in: My friends at Washington County Technical College tell me the response for this coming Friday’s 1 p.m. Polar Dip to benefit the Ronald McDonald House has been so great they have had to change the location from Gleason’s Cove to the beach near the fish pier at Pleasant Point on Route 190 going toward Eastport. It will be much better as far as access and parking, they say. This will be the third annual event.

Jeff Strout can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordailynews.net.