Articles by Jeff Strout
JEFF STROUT
Pick a spot, take a paddle, enjoy
As much fun as paddling a kayak can be, there are times I have to twist my own arm to go. Last Sunday was one of those days — hot and humid. But I’d already made plans to go, and the redeeming factor was that it would be cooler at ...
GEAR BOX
FITS Performance Trail sock
It’s hard to get excited about socks, right? Sure, you feign excitement, maybe oooh or ahhh when you open that Christmas present and there’s that three-pack of no-name-brand department store beauties. There’s the obligatory wearing, the inevitable ill fit and eventually the hole in the heel. Well, here’s a pair ...
VIDEO
Before you launch that kayak
Paddling a kayak on the ocean is a risky activity. It’s fun, to be sure. But lurking in the shadows — ever present — is the fact, simply said, that you can die doing this activity. If that turns you off or makes you think twice about venturing out on ...
Sea kayaker’s checklist
This information is on a brochure put together by the Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors. Use it as a quick reference if you’re thinking of heading out on the ocean to paddle. Paddle Smart from the Start! Wear your life jacket at all times; choose an appropriate ...
Common yellowthroat
Old Town photographer Dave Small has been exploring the neighborhoods near his home by bicycle lately and has seen myriad natural wonders. This week’s photographic offering is a common yellowthroat. For more of Small’s pictures check out the Bangor Daily News Outdoors section on the website at www.bangordailynews.com.
GEAR BOX
Soto Pocket Torch XT
A short while back I got my hands on the Soto Pocket Torch by Shinfuji Burner Co. Ltd., a marvelous little tool that turns an ordinary disposable butane lighter into a powerful burner capable of a multitude of tasks for the outdoors person. Backpacker Magazine liked this little wonder so ...
SLIDE SHOW
More July flowers
Bangor Daily News Amateur Naturalist Dana Wilde passed along some more pictures of wildflowers and weeds that decorate our landscapes during the summer months. Don’t forget to take a few moments to enjoy, and when you get a chance, stop and smell the flowers.
Wait For It …
Photographer Dave Small of Old Town recently went gigging frogs with his camera at a small pond on Gilman Falls Avenue near the airport road. He was rewarded with this image of a bullfrog just getting ready to let out a loud croak.
Big buck known as The Marsh Island Monarch
By Kathy Pollard on July 06, 2011, at 12:15 p.m.
’Tis the birthing season for white-tailed deer. I was reminded of this when driving up the Witter Farm road at the University of Maine the other day. A doe chased her yearling twins across the road, then turned heel and retreated toward a small copse of trees, bleating to her ...
Consignment corner at Epic Sports a bargain hunter’s heaven
If you’re like most outdoor types, you have one or two of nearly everything — and often three or more. A true gear head can never get along with only one stove, one cook kit, one canoe, one kayak or one tent. No-siree, the more the merrier. He who dies with ...
Deciding whether to paddle? What’s the weather?
Through the minor aches and pains and stiffness of growing older the joy of paddling continues to conquer. There’s hardly a day that passes I don’t have at least a passing thought of getting out on the water, although I’ll admit the rain of late has dampened some of my enthusiasm. ...
Singing like crazy
Photographer Dave Small of Old Town captured this image of a chestnut-sided warbler over Memorial Day weekend. The bird was so intent on singing that Small was able to get within five feet of it.
Kayaking rituals and experiments
As I unloaded my kayak from the roof of the van, pulled safety gear from its bags and life jacket and spray skirt from their hangers, I couldn’t help but think how ritualistic going for a paddle is. Over the years I’ve developed a routine to get ready to go ...
Loading a kayak onto your vehicle
One of the joys of kayaking or canoeing is being able to get on the water just about anywhere — have boat, will travel. For some, therein lies the rub. Getting a kayak on the roof of a vehicle is a downright daunting exercise. Securing it there is almost as bad. ...
Feathered visitors
Photographer Dave Small’s camera earned its salt lately, from a ruby-throated hummingbird that perched on his garden fence, to short-billed dowitchers, sandpipers and kinglet he snapped while canoeing the Penobscot River in the Old Town area.
(blog)
Looking for a trail in Maine?
on May 31, 2011, at 11:22 a.m.
Maine Trail Finder is a free online resource for people-powered trails in the state. Search a growing database of four-season trails to find the right trail for your next adventure. Browse interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, pictures, and trip reports.
JEFF STROUT
Escaping a hectic home life to an evening concert on the lake
While concertgoers Thursday evening were being entertained by Ray LaMontagne at the Bangor Waterfront Concert Series, a couple of friends and I were serenaded by the lilting yodel of a loon pair just off the beach at Gould Landing at Pushaw Lake. Sorry Ray, but I think we got the ...
Gear Box: Stormproof Matches
If you venture into the wilds much, sooner or later you’ll find yourself in need of fire — to cook, dry out, keep warm or all of the above. And often when the need hits, it will be rainy, foggy, damp and dismal, and your odds of getting that welcome flame ...
JEFF STROUT
It’s only routine if you let it be
Even what seems to be a routine outing often turns out to be out of the ordinary — if you pay attention to your surroundings. Every day there’s something subtly different, something new. I’ve resumed a paddling routine of late, and while I’ve been to the same lake three times ...
Five spring boating safety tips that work all year long
ANNAPOLIS, Md.,— With spring’s arrival comes National Safe Boating Week May 21-27, a time for boaters, sailors and anglers time to reflect on and improve their own safety on the water. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety has these five spring boat tips — but they can easily help you stay ...
LePage tells legislative leaders he’s moving out of State House because of ‘censorship’
Nichole Cable’s friends, family attend accused killer’s emotionally charged court appearance
Lincoln’s Coffee Pot Cafe shuts its doors
Maine Sports Hall of Fame member, DJ Dana Wilson convicted of child pornography possession
Community members rally in memory of Nichole Cable; events, fundraisers planned
Rep. Diane Russell’s fool’s errand
The scramble to fill the 2nd District seat if Mike Michaud runs for governor
How the omnibus energy bill will benefit Maine
Governor Veto
Goodwin steps down as Brewer High School boys basketball coach
Tommy Lawrence pitches UMaine baseball to victory in first America East tournament game
Garcia sorry after ‘stupid’ Woods fried chicken jibe
Live Updates: UMaine baseball vs. Binghamton in America East championship
Live updates: UMaine baseball vs. Stony Brook at America East Championship
Maine School of Science and Mathematics alumni drawn to give back to magnet school
Federal agencies eye return to restored historic Custom House in Portland
It’s hard to keep secrets from a friend who is clairvoyant
New York City rumble showcases Maine’s lobster roll dominance