Acadia

I just came back from a short trip on Route 1 South of Belfast and I was amazed at how easy it was to drive this route. For those of you planning a visit to Downeast/Acadia you may want to consider taking the coastal route. I would suggest starting in the Brunswick area not the Kittery area. However, if you have plenty of time then do start in Kittery and enjoy the ride. Plan a couple days to go from Kittery to Mount Desert Island or maybe even several days.

It appears the impact of the fuel prices has reduced the traffic considerably and as a result you might even consider traveling without reservations - stop and secure a lodging around 3 pm and enjoy a quiet evening and a great meal without rushing.

RVers will not find many Wal-Mart parking lots but there are plenty of other places for boondocking - Shaws and Hanniford grocery stores etc. And, there are several very nice campgrounds along the way as well.

I couldn’t say it any better so I suggest you go read the following blog

The present Maine Turnpike Exit numbering system has been in effect for several years now so most people who travel in Maine know it. However, I feel it is worthwhile to let folks know that the Exits are numbered based on the number of miles the exit is from the southern entrance to of the pike. The exits used to be sequentially numbered and it is possible some advertising materials may still have the old numbers. Visit the Maine Turnpike Web Site for the latest information - select Travelers Services for exit info.

Not for everyone, sporting camps, or wilderness camping in Maine provide a great way to really get away from ones “normal” routine. In places like these you don’t run out for a loaf of bread or quart of ice cream. Trips to town take the better part of the day and you had best have a complete shopping list!

One of the oldest and most respected wilderness camping locations is north of Oxbow Maine. The Oxbow checkpoint, where the pavement ends, is your point of departure for the Libby Camps. Oxbow checkpoint is one of ten checkpoints operated by the North Maine Woods - Multiple Ownership - Multiple Use Management Area organization. The private forest landowners and state governmental agencies cooperating in this program are dedicated to helping visitors have a safe and pleasant trip in the area, plus provide valuable information on forest resource management and recreational use.

Once passing Oxbow checkpoint it is a 25 mile trek over logging roads to Libby Camps. Libby’s is on the shores of Millinocket Lake north of Baxter State Park. Libby Camps is a multi-generation operation that has catered to hunters, fisherman, naturalists and families for well over 100 years.

If you want a unique and memorable Maine experience then I highly recommend it - its not for everyone but it just may be for you - go for it.