After visiting busier sections of Maine, we decided to take it a bit easier. We arrived at the town of Millinocket, but needed to continue to be more out of town. We were staying close to the Golden Road, a 98-mile logging road. When we saw the trading post sign we knew we were really on the edge of civilization with the last gas and WiFi for miles.
We were to stay at Big Moose Cabins. Our cabin was called the Boathouse which we jokingly nicknamed the castle. Also, our little castle was short a bathroom so we had to walk to the bathhouse which had quarter showers. (Editor's/Michael's note: Vicky was genuinely excited to see quarter showers. Me not so much).
The only thing we were close to was Baxter State Park which is famous for Mount Katahdin. Mount Katahdin is the highest mountain in Maine at 5,269 feet and is also the north terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Now Michael and I had enough hiking already on this trip. I opted for a different way to view the impressive Mount Katahdin, canoeing on Lake Millinocket.
I’ve gone canoeing many times in the past, either at a river in Missouri or on the Boundary waters of Minnesota. I normally do the steering in the back with my mom. However, I haven’t canoed with Michael. So, this was going to be a different experience for the both of us. We packed up our lunch, snacks, and drinks. Then prepared to board our canoe.
We kept along the edge until the wind picked up greatly. The lake started coming choppier and I was very worried that we would tip the canoe as we started crossing the lake in the middle. I was very scared and wanted to get us out of the middle of the windy lake as soon as possible. Luckily there are many little islands scattered around the lake that we were able to get off and explore the edge and take a break. These breaks let us relax and view the mountain at various angles. It took us a long time to get back to our starting location with the multiple breaks and navigating around the rocks. Eventually we arrived back, which Michael was very pleased to be done with using his arms.
As we went to tell our hosts that we were done with the canoe, we overheard them talking about a Moose Cruise happening in a little while. We packed up a small dinner and took it easy for bit before going back onto the water.
The Moose Cruise was on a pontoon boat that toes to different areas around Lake Millinocket to look for moose. We also learned how to appropriately pronounce “Katahdin” which sounds like the board game called Catan. We learned about the area and about the lake. We saw a few loons and a beaver. Our little group was out for a few hours looking around the water and trees for any signs of moose. As we made our way back out of the narrow section we were in, one of the members spotted something large swimming in the water. It was a moose! Sadly, I was looking in the wrong direction so didn’t spot it in time. Michael was able to see the top of its head. Our captain tried to navigate to where it seemed to be heading, but we were never able to spot it again.
We made our way back to our “castle” and got to enjoy the sunset over the lake on our last night in Maine. To end the adventurous day we ate pizza, had wine, and used the last of our Maine wood for a fire!
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