Aroostook State Park

Today's mission is exploring the Northernmost state park in the East. Aroostook State Park is located at the tip of Maine and touts the honor of being Maine's first state park (about 5 hours North of Portland). The sun settles behind a cloud-filled sky as we tighten up our Hyperlite Mountain Gear packs.  This last short-sleeve adventure of 2012 is one I'll surely look back upon with fondness while ice fishing in three months (as I freeze my cheeks off).

The unmatched beauty of Northern Maine is apparent throughout the park. Steep elevations greet you no matter the trail choice. From the tranquil lake shores to the remote campsites, we rest assured that this is God's Country. The summer crowd has vacated the park leaving only a handful of nature lovers.

Plopping onto the one bench atop the first peak, we enjoy summit views that reveal miles of panoramic potato fields in full blossom. Each field is met with a horizon line of tall pine trees. Field roads of dirt and rock cut through each plot of farmland surrounding this sleepy town of Presque Isle. Luckily as a kid I was able to call this place my home.

With sweaty brows and hungry stomachs, we later settle in at a wooded tent site and, as always, spark a fire. Our stomach grumblings are soon satisfied with a simple camp meal of beans, brown bread and hot dogs. As the evening air settles in, we are reminded that snow is in the not-so-distant future and like everything in life - we should make the best of this and enjoy each moment. Until next time...