Maine

Go across Chamberlain all the time.

 

I got to take a slight detour on my way to Fort Kent on Saturday. The roads were interesting on Blanchette Road off Realty. It was like pushing through wet cement.

 

You must of hit the roads after the thunder storms passed through. They were solid and dusty last week for me.

 

It was rainy. They were laying down material for grading. I think that had more to do with it than the weather.

 

Any of you other southern mainers running pizza cutters? I'm thinking of buying falken wild peaks 255/80/17. I'm running 265/65/17s now and am torn between the 285's and the 255's. From what I read the 255's are better in the snow, mud, and better on gas than wider tires. I love the look of the 285's but don't think I've ever seen the 255/80/17 in person. Anyone have some first hand experience?

 

you’re probably right! Thank you!

 

Currently running 265/70/17s.. when I get my lift planning to go up in height, not so much width-wise, just have finalized... lift probably wont be in until end of summer.. looking at radflo 2.5 with resi's, icon RXT Leafpacks, and radflo 2.5a in the rear with adjusters of course... costs a pretty penny, but I think itll be worth it. They're rebuildable, and with good servicing (by me) should last the lifetime of the truck.
Stock suspension:

 

I've seen a number of these rides organized by companies and individuals who are charging money to go trail riding on logging roads in Western Maine and in the North Maine Woods. I have tried to look into a couple to see if they are registered Maine Guides since they should have to be if they are charging a fee for recreational activity in Maine and doing primitive camping (in some cases). For those of you who have done them, was your trip leader a Maine Guide?

 

Our last trip was pay your own road use/camping fees, no fee to join the ride, partly why it was popular. no real signup... just show up and PAY CASH/CHECK for your NMW access.. albeit it was close to $80 for 2 nights camping, and 3 days driving. its $90 for a year round road fee (driver/vehicle only).

 

To my knowledge, the requirement of hiring a registered Maine guide to lead a wilderness trip hasn't existed since the 50's...

They still have to be a guide to charge for leading an whitewater trip, or a hunting/fishing/trapping trip, I believe.

 

They also list primitive campsites, which I don't know if they are using or not. You do have to be a guide for those items you listed and ATV trips.

 

A dirty little secret about the NMW, is that some of the cabin rentals make it cheaper than camping. There is a place I go with 10 people in total. The rental is $1000 and the gate fee when visiting an outfitter is $30 for up to 2 weeks. So that means $130pp. If you were camping, that would be $23pp/day so $161pp for the same duration. You obviously there are pros and cons to each, but I think it is funny.

 

the $90 year pass only covers the road fee, not camping, and each additional passenger has to pay the fees as well adds up quick..

 

The full year pass (with camping) is $250 this year

 

*$140

 

I thought about getting it this last trip, however funds were low.. so paid for the trip only would have been close to $300 with 4 of us in the truck anyways.. paid my $80 and was done with it... plan to go up a few more times when i get some long weekends off work (Sundays-Wednesdays), I'll post when I'm going if anyone wants to join, I'll be getting an inreach mini soon, so I will be reachable "out there".

 

I talked with a guy whose family has owned a camp down the road from my site at 9 mile bridge. He said I should go down the road another 1/2 mile to see the Nature Conservancy cabin. He said anyone can stay there for free, although you still have to pay for the NMW day/camping fees. It has a new roof on it. I could see a lot of light through the logs(hello creatures). Too bad 2 trees are on the roof near the wood stove chimney. Could be a one-nighter just to say you've stayed there.

 

Thats very cool

 

Figures that'd happen right after they reroofed it.

 

I'll check that out when I am up there again (I was up there on Saturday)