Happy Summer Everyone!
We've made it through the black flies and multiple mud seasons and summer has arrived in full. The first clutches of wild turkeys have fledged and are now flying awkwardly through the woods, and we're enjoying all the plant people in bloom. We still have space for a few more folks on each of our trips. We look forward to being in the woods and on the water with you this summer!
Spring Highlights
Patrick had a great trip on the Wolastoq / St. John River, guiding with Kevin Slater and Mahoosuc Guide Service this spring. It's always so amazing when Patrick comes home from guiding to hear the stories of the wonderful people he meets and the way bonds are formed between guests and guides alike, creating a community that feels like family. Connections made on the river seem to last in our hearts in a space that grows vibrant and connected with accumulated experiences in the woods and on the waterways. We're looking forward to another journey on the beautiful river this fall if the water levels allow. In the meantime, enjoy this video story our new friend Ryan Kelley made of this spring's journey on the Wolastoq.
At home our family has been enjoying the calm rainy weather the last few weeks, along with the plants in the garden and the thirsty water table after a few dry summers. Quietly celebrating the rain with us, our local mycelial family has been blossoming into full joyful expression with a beautiful abundance of fresh nutritious food on the rotting poplar/aspen trees - oyster mushrooms! Our children helped us harvest two crops of the delicious gifts from the forest in the last few weeks. Oysters and black trumpets are among the most abundant mushrooms in our woods that we feel confident identifying. We generally sauté them in butter and/or olive oil, and have been putting the extra away in the freezer. We're contemplating trying out dehydrating them, and have heard of wonderful mushroom jerky recipes for some varieties. We'd love to hear from you any recipes you enjoy making with the abundant mushroom gifts from the woods during the rainy harvest times!
Summer Offerings for 2024
Canoe Poling Skills Weekend 6/29 & 30
Plants and People at Poland Pond 7/28-8/2
Allagash River 9/5-9/12
St. John River 9/24-10/1
Reach out to create a custom guided trip or skills class for your party of 4+
June 29 & 30, 2024
We invite you into the ancient relationship between canoe, river, and riverbed. Join us for 2 days of introduction, practice and instruction that will open up new possibilities for travelling on streams and rivers.
Class size limited to 5 participants. Register by 6/22/24
I had a wonderful weekend! My expectations were high and the clinic totally exceeded them. I appreciated the clear pre-trip communication and packing list. Pat and Ray’s instruction on the water was clear, logical and positive. They made poling fun, safe and non-threatening. The skill building on Saturday followed by the river trip Sunday was perfect. I made more progress in 2 days than I have the past 3 years on my own. I think about the canoe, pole and water differently now and feel I’ve acquired tools to help me continue to progress confidently on my own. - 2023 participant
Submit an inquiry by 6/22 to register for the Canoe Poling Skills Weekend:
July 28 - Aug 2, 2024
Medical Herbalist Mary Bove, ND, joins Earthways again this year for an immersive, collaborative plant study week at one of our favorite places: Poland Pond.
This trip is a unique opportunity to be immersed in place-based knowledge cultivated through decades of Ray's connection with these lands and waters, layered with the rich plant-based wisdom Mary has cultivated through decades of relationship with and study of plants and people, all while being guided and served delicious meals by Patrick and Andrea Dole.
Mary is an amazing teacher, and so much fun to spend time with. Being so well taken care of, and in the presence of elders, opened me to the elder wisdom of the plants, nature, and myself. ~ 2023 participant
Submit an inquiry to reserve your spot on this year's Plants and People trip:
September 5-12, 2024
Join us on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, one of Maine's most iconic natural and historic routes.
Immerse yourself in the varied terrain of Northern Maine and learn the peaceful and exciting art of traditional canoe travel while living gently on the land.
I loved this trip! Ray and Pat bring a gentle grounded spirit, and helped me really connect to the place. I learned to slow down, even in the rapids! Trying out canoe poling was a revelation!
~ 2022 participant
Submit an inquiry to reserve your spot on this year's Allagash trip:
St. John River Trip
September 24 - October 1, 2024
Come join us for week long adventure on Maine's largest river, the St. John. Called the Wolastoq, “the beautiful river” by the Maliseet people, it certainly lives up to its name. Adding to the allure of this wild place, it is less frequently travelled due to its remoteness and the variability of its water levels.
Home of the eagles, bear, moose, otter, osprey and coyote to name a few, it is a wonderful journey into the remote northern woodlands. The river gives great opportunity to hone whitewater skills as the rapids become progressively more challenging as the days progress.
Submit an inquiry to reserve your spot on this year's St. John River trip:
We look forward to connecting with you soon! |