Lately on the Coast

Summer seems to be shifting its weight and Spring is losing ground. Weather is warming and more fishermen are taking to the waters. Busyness is felt as you cruise down the coastal roads – there even seems to be more seagulls, but I suppose that comes with the increased fishing activity. T-shirt temperatures and blue skies are key elements to any good outing. The past few days have started to qualify. Here’s to a great Maine summer… and for your information – the tent and sleeping bags are packed and I’m looking to hit the road.

The brilliant colors of the Portland docks always capture my eye. The bright greens and reds of the boats bounce off the glassy water like a mirror reflection. The varied sizes, shapes and colors of lobster pots stand in the background. A tranquil afternoon. 

Larger fishing vessels lie in waiting on the outskirts of town. Cleaned up, stocked, and ready for a successful haul. The crew hustles back and forth, making last minute preparations. Beacons of local lighthouses continue their work as well. As with the lobster pots standing down town, these towers stand strong and steady, for if a storm moves in – their light will be needed. 

My Inner Boy

Times are busy. Putting in an offer on our first home, planning a summer marriage, starting a new career, and buying a new Harley seem to take precedence and replace time wearing Plaid in the Backwoods. No fear. You can't keep a good man down, and I would say, in relation, can't keep a country boy from the woods. Trips are planned; campsites are booked. A cold, windy, wet Spring leaves Mainers anxiously awaiting Summer.  Namely, the sole reason we rented a small cabin recently rather than springing for a 2-man tent on a damp forest floor.

A quiet dirt road, far from anything you'd call "the edge of town", brought us to our weekend home. Upon arriving at camp, one matter of business always comes foremost - unloading  pre-split camp wood next to the fire pit. Followed promptly afterward by the first campfire. My inner boy seems to escape about this time. While I chop kindling, collect twigs, arrange my "tee-pee" style tinder bundle and spark what will become an all-night fire - other duties escape me (such as helping to unload the remainder of our weekend belongings and essentials). At least that's my excuse - she doesn't read my blog.

Afternoons are spent enjoying a local waterfall seemingly placed here for our sole enjoyment. Rushing water has the tendency, for me, to erase all earthly stresses and cares. The early sounds of spring fall into unison as the birds join in song and the wind rustles amongst the branches. Responsibilities are merely a drive back home; all the more reason to stay.

Career Change

Two years ago this month I started a little blog titled 'Backwoods Plaid' to reunite myself with the outdoors while living in Boston. City life was missing something; this Mainer didn't permanently belong. In all honesty, it worked. The blog reminded me where I truly belong - Maine.  The Pine Tree State offers unimaginable outdoor destinations and country-relaxation that puts a soul at ease. Those of you who've followed for any length of time know that I love L.L. Bean products. Today, and tens of thousands of viewers later, I feel like I've accomplished something. I've met some great folks, provided hundreds of recommendations to viewers, worked with famous outdoor brands I couldn't have dreamed about 24 months ago, and as of today, accepted a new career offer with L.L. Bean.

I've officially earned a copywriting position in the Creative department for my dream employer. I look forward to honing my passion of writing, working with outdoor products, and learning the century old brand that is L.L. Bean. Backwoods Plaid will refocus on outdoor adventure, photography, and story-telling. I thank you all for the support, emails, tweets, and most of all, weekly page views. Here's to carrying on our love of the outdoors for another two years...

Cheers,

Rhon

Carhartt S/S 2013

Carhartt symbolizes ruggedness and hard work. Most folks in Maine are well-versed in the strength of the clothing and the brand. The Dearborn, Michigan company sent out a few pieces from their 2013 Spring/Summer line to test. With the warmth of summer slowly encompassing Maine, we took a day off, hopped on our Harley's and hit the back country roads for an afternoon. Here are some shots of the products we tested.

Force Cotton Tee's wicks away the moisture from a warm day. What the wind on a wide open road doesn't take care of, Carhartt will, wash after wash. Whether in the gym or at work, this tee is ideal. 

6" Carhartt Work Boot - what I'll be stomping around in this summer. The boots look good and are functional for any job, whether that's a backyard chore or the construction site. From first wear - the fit is good and snug and the leather is perfectly comfortable. Most important for me, they allow my feet to breathe all day. These will last years and only better with age.

Men's Rugged Cargo Shorts fall to the knee and are fit with cargo pockets large enough to carry most essentials. The design is roomy enough for comfortability on a long bike ride, and that alone speaks volumes.

The Essential Plaid Shirt keeps up with the style of fans of Backwoods Plaid. For a soft, comfortable finish, with 8 colors to choose from at $30, you might as well pick up a couple.

Woolrich S/S 2013

Woolrich is helping outdoorsmen gear up for Spring/Summer adventures in 2013 with a great new line-up. As temperatures approach 70 across the country (if not already), I'm searching closets for my favorite short sleeve shirts from last summer. I'll be adding the Tectonic Plaid Shirt, Canvas Trekking Cargo's, and Windwood Shirt to my personal collection of "go-to" warm-weather clothing. Here's a quick highlight:
Tectonic Plaid Shirt
A crinkle weave of polyester/nylon proves lightweight, cool and breathable. Colors pop for Summer from trail to backyard. Wrinkle-resistant - so when you cram it into your hiking pack at noon, you'll still look great hitting the town at night. Simple snap buttons add to the ease. A great cut allow for movement on-the-go.


Canvas Trekking Cargo's
An all-around ideal pair of shorts. Classic styling that falls above the knee, with just enough room to chase the dog around the backyard or feel comfortable in the office chair. Square trek pockets are clean cut with button snaps. I'll be picking up another pair as one simply won't suffice. Folks will begin noticing I'm wearing the same shorts everyday.

Windwood Shirt
Long-sleeve, yes. Too warm, no. The 100% ripstop nylon with a mesh back yoke is a ventilation machine. Convertible sleeves are one of my favorite features on Woolrich shirts. With a few minutes of work, most light-weight shirt sleeves come undone.The button-up sleeves hold secure all day, whether your paddling your favorite river or splitting camp wood. Add this to your seasonal wardrobe.



(Editor's note: The kind folks at Woolrich provided these items for review)

Filson Guest Post: 6 Spring Essentials

Filson asked for my take on items that would enhance a Spring trip outdoors. 

Click the image below to see my recommendations on Filson Life.  As always, thanks to my friends at Filson for the opportunity.