What we see on our Maine road-less-traveled walks

Apr. 282020

In the midst of rapidly changing directives surrounding the cononavirus response, more people are taking walks around the roads less traveled — or even the roads well traveled. Avoiding frost heaves and the occasional pothole, there are bound to be views one doesn’t see or note while driving or even biking. Here are a few from a recent stroll.

The view at top shows a carved bear hiding out on the backside of a barn; he’s all alone, but who is he? How old is he? Where does he come from? Who created him? Can any of our readers fill in the blanks?

Readers, do you know where these photos were taken?
[Answer is at the bottom].

This location features recreational activities and is a work-in-progress. It does offer a wide, well-groomed walking trail and is snowmobile friendly, connecting with other trails in the area. The walk back to the beginning is comfortably and gradually uphill.
This section of rock wall is typical of cleared farmland from a century ago.
This map shows a view of the area from more than a century ago. The long arrow points to the terminus of the original Spring Road; today, Spring Road runs along the western shore of Lake Auburn, which supplies drinking water for Lewiston as well. According to this map, the path from West Auburn Farm down to Spring Road was actually the original Spring Road, long discontinued. The map is located at the “You are here” notation.

ANSWER: According to the organization’s website, the Lake Auburn Community Center at 115 North Auburn Road was part of the historic West Auburn Farm, now offering six acres for recreational development, serving “as the gateway to Auburn’s community forest, surrounding lake Auburn, for the neighboring community and local clubs and organizations.”

When covered with snow, the trails are groomed by the Perkins Ridge Sno-Travelers. Area Cub Scouts have explored the property. “Additional future uses include a tree nursery (already in progress) and a 200 year-old barn (34×36) restoration project designed to bring meeting rooms and storage opportunities for clubs and organizations,” notes the web site. The property is owned by the Lake Auburn Watershed Neighborhood Association. For more information, visit www.lakeauburn.org.

(Linda Galway photos)

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