Since 1992
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By Alyssa Andrews
Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust
RANGELEY — The ability to easily access the outdoors is one benefit of living in Maine that can be taken for granted. In the Rangeley region, the fact that there are miles and miles of trails that can be reached within a short drive brings people from all over.
With that said, easy access can bring spur-of-the-moment ideas that often sound great, but still take planning to pull off. It’s important to be prepared to have a successful adventure.
Even on a simple walk around Hatchery Brook, the walker should have sturdy shoes and water. Longer trips, such as camping, backpacking or canoeing to Forest Legacy, take even more planning.
There are many ways that a person can learn about how to plan an adventure. No matter what your adventure might be, the first step is to understand what exactly it entails. If you are hiking, use a trail map to plant the route. If camping, make a list of gear needed for the duration of the trip, and then consider the logistics. For instance, if all you have is cast-iron cookware, think about camping someplace you can drive to. If you want to camp in a more remote site, think about the practicality of transporting your gear there. Will you be able to carry all of the utensils, shelter, and food necessary for your stay? If the answer is no, then find another way to enjoy Maine’s outdoors.
Another consideration to be aware of is the possibility of poor weather. That means thinking about all of the possibilities of spending time outside, including rain, heat, cold or wind. Some of the best times spent outdoors can be when the weather is less than ideal, but only if one is ready for it. Snowshoeing on a cold wintery day can be enjoyable if one is clothed to stay warm.
Once the adventure has begun, one of the most important aspects of enjoying the outdoors is remembering that the actions that you take will affect not only your experience, but also the experience of others. Rember to “leave no trace,” which is crucial to preserving the experience for others and yourself.
Once in the woods, it’s important to focus on your surroundings and be aware of your limitations. Turn back early, or take more breaks if necessary. There are many adventures and experiences abound in the Maine woods, but those adventures always run the possibility of being less than fun, if there isn’t proper planning
For more information visit lnt.org/learn/7-principles. For more information about Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust, visit rlht.org.
