Hello friends and neighbors!

I am continually amazed by the incredible opportunities we Mainers have to enjoy the great outdoors. If you have never visited Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) in Jefferson, I highly recommend it. This past weekend, we attended the sixth annual Live Edge Music Festival, which is a fun-filled day of live music and great local food and beer all happening at the Barn in the woods of HVNC. This year’s line-up included the diverse music and entertainment of the Oshima Brothers, the Gawler Family, Primo Cubano, the Boneheads, and a special performance by the Sirumem belly dance troupe. Great food was available from the Alna General Store and Harvest Moon Wood Fired Pizza, and featured beers included Allagash, Liberal Cup and Oxbow varieties. Between acts, visitors were invited to explore the many miles of trails at HVNC, and fat-tired bikes were available to ride for free. With brilliant sunshine and a cool breeze blowing, the day was just about perfect!

A few years ago we discovered the traditional harmonies and infectious fun of the Gawler Family Band, and we have been fans ever since. The band consists of John and Ellen Gawler, their three adult children Molly, Edith and Elsie, and the newest addition guitarist Bennett Konesni, who is Edith’s husband. With fiddles, banjo, guitar, a cello, harmonica, washboard, and other acoustic instruments, the Gawler Family shares the folk tunes of the land, sea, New England, and Appalachia, as well as the dance tunes of Scotland, Ireland and French Canada. Music is foundational to the Gawlers, as they have been harmonizing together their entire lives. But what makes their performance so special is the obvious love and joy they both give and get through their music. Their beaming smiles and genuine personas are a real treat for the audience. If you ever have a chance to experience the Gawler Family, you will be glad you did.

HVNC, a one thousand acre land parcel that recently merged with several other land trusts to become part of the Midcoast Conservancy, is worth a visit any time of the year. HVNC has a goal of inspiring sound stewardship of natural resources by providing a unique community outdoor center. At HVNC one can hike, ski, mountain bike, canoe and camp with more than six thousand feet of pristine water frontage and twenty-five miles of multi-use trails. In the winter, trails are rolled and groomed for skiing and snowshoeing. Trails intersect to give visitors access to an ecologically diverse and relatively undeveloped tract of forestland. The bog trail with its observation ramp gives a rare opportunity to get a close look at an intriguing ecosystem.

In addition, there are courses offered in timber framing and safe chainsaw usage, always with an eye toward sustainable forestry. Skills classes are available in cross country skiing and winter camping. Each year over forty programs are held at HVNC, including everything from guided nature walks to a half-marathon and winter biathlon. Visitors can learn to identify flora and fauna, or go on a full moon paddle on the pond or prowl for night owls. There are events specifically targeted for children, families and a multitude of volunteer opportunities.

Staying overnight at a hut or campsite is also a great way to experience the land more closely. Currently HiddenValley has two remote campsites on Little Dyer Pond, three huts, one insulated cabin, and a yurt available for rent. Three of these buildings are direct results of timber frame classes. Some are more remote than others, but all have woodstoves for heat. More details about any of these wonderful spots in the woods can be found under HVNC at www.midcoastconservancy.org.

Finally, I have wanted to try one of those fat-tired bikes for a while now, so Sunday was a good chance to do so. I have a beat up mountain bike that works fine on gravel roads, but these fat tires are like riding on beach balls! With incredibly low gearing, fat tired bikes move over rocks, roots, and ruts with ease. I definitely need more practice to master the inclines, and I never quite felt like the seat was adjusted properly. Nevertheless I would try the fat tires again, maybe next time on a snowy surface! Thanks to HVNC for letting me get my feet wet for free.

The Live Edge Music Festival: What a great way to spend an August afternoon! Put it on your calendar for 2018.

How are you spending the waning days of summer? Contact your newshound pat-dick@midcoast.com or call 231-4049.