Looking ahead....

As with many businesses, one must always be looking forward. Doing so often comes with apprehension and even fear. Will it succeed, and at what expense. One never knows what the future holds or what the roll of the dice may produce. Here in the Katahdin region there is much despair among the people. The largest local employer, being the paper mills have ceased operations and laid off it's workers. The Millinocket mill was closed due to operating expenses beyond its profit in 2008, and in April of this year, the current owner shut down operations in the East Millincoket mill, laying off over 400 men/women. Over the years so many businesses have closed their doors leaving empty buildings and storefronts, and of course eliminating even more jobs. As they say, the trickle down effect can be devastating. The towns that paper made; the towns that made paper. It is our heritage and our history. Too many wish for another industrial father so to speak to come, reopen the mills and save the towns. I however do not believe that will happen and I feel very sorry for those who continue to mourn that loss. However as with all losses in life, one must go on....Be strong!!!

There is life after loss and I truly believe this region will once again thrive, but in a new way. We need to take in our surroundings and realize Mother Nature gave us all the greatest gift and that gift will bring a thriving community back to life!! Here in the Katahdin region we have beauty and it abounds all around us. Baxter State Park is the center of this jewel with the majestic Mount Katahdin always visible on the horizon. We have lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. There are gorgeous vistas that create a feeling within that is hard to explain. A few years ago now, I set out to climb the mighty Katahdin. I chose the Chimney Pond trail and when I reached a point on the trail known as Blueberry Hill I stopped for a moment. When I turned around to look out over my path, I experienced a feeling of total awe. As I said, it is hard to explain, but it is a feeling that I wish everyone to experience. That moment when you realize how lucky you are to be alive and the privilege of being able to gaze out over the land is breath taking. I have always heard the saying that life is not the breath you take, but the moments that take your breath away and that was truly one of those moments, and yet I was only just beginning. We are so blessed to live in a place that can take your breath away around every corner, and with each experience may it be that early morning misty ride in a kayak on the serene Penobscot River, or white water rafting down the rapids of the West Branch. It can be watching a baby deer, still in it's spotted pajamas bouncing happily behind Momma, or laughing at the comical gate of a moose trotting down the Golden Road. It may be catching a native brookie on a fly rod or jigging a massive togue. Maybe it will be sitting in a treestand and seeing the phantom of the woods suddenly appear in total silence. Or maybe it is just watching the sunset blaze its pallet of colors beyond Katahdin to then leave a starry sky that may dance with the ghostly images of the northern lights. This is my Katahdin and it is only a very small piece of what one can experience for themselves. This is the gift we have been given and it is the life breath of what will be when it is all said and done.

We are venturing into a new era for ourselves here at Ktaadn Guide Service, Outfitter and Camps. We are in the process of taking the next step to bigger and better and brighter things to come. We are in the very early process of designing our new lodge on the new lot that I have mentioned before and taken so many pictures of the mountain range from. It is overwhelming and even sometimes scary as is many steps one takes in their lives. A leap of faith!!! I will have my new kitchen and dining area! We will have a big room for our guests to sit in front of a fireplace, look at the bears, moose, deer and other critters, but best of all, to look out and watch the sunsets of Katahdin. The new lot is located directly on an ATV trail that we will also link to the ITS snowmobile trail systems to be a full service all season destination. Whether one wants to come for hunting, fishing, trapping, kayaking, canoeing, ATV riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, mountain climbing or just simply enjoying the peace and quiet, we will be here at the end of each day to enjoy a delicious meal and just simply relax in our little piece of Heaven among friends. It is an exciting adventure this thing called life!