Camping in Maine and a 2 part video.. Yay!!!Narration is totally awesome. I enjoy how you tell the story of the places you visit.. you make everything so interesting.. thank you Slim for sharing.♥
Hi Slim, While you are on the Golden Rd, check out Ripogenus Dam and about a mile the other side of it is Frost Pond Camps. The sites are cheap and it's very quiet and beautiful there. You have to go online to reserve a site, as there is no electric or phone at all there. It is worth the trip though, as you will see if you go there. Happy camping!
When I climbed Katahdin with my Brother and Dad, we had an INSANE cloud veil shoot up like a rocket on one side of us while crossing the Knife Edge, and then looking down to Baxter Pond was totally blue sky and clear. SWEET!! My Brother and his wife got chased by a rabid deer once there, also!! haha!!
Think we might be as excited as you are to be back on the road .. YAY! Really appreciate how you take the time and effort to make great videos, even to the extent of retracing your steps over rugged terrain, in the rain, through bug infested areas, just to capture the best shot .. that's what we enjoy most. Go job, Slim!
I moved to midcoast Maine two years ago, but haven't been to that wilderness area of the state yet. It was nice to see your trip so far. Finally I know what people were always talking about (before I moved here) when they referred to Maine's "biting black flies." I don't have to contend with them where I am on the coast - but the mosquitos are vicious!
Slim thank you for another fantastic video. The content, narration, music, cinematography and editing are second to none. But I have to express my gratitude for how you close out the video. The closing frames or scene are always so exceptionally filmed. The camera perspective is so beautiful and peaceful. Thank you for sharing your adventures and your filming and editing gifts.
Big Edy campground further down golden road would have a better spot than those state wilderness camp sites - especially going up there for the first time. One thing I’ve learnt over the years from going down to Baxter is that May & June is not where you want to be if you don’t like bugs LOL.
Beautiful photography, Slim. It’s a shame about the black flies. Here in the mountains of AZ we have the “no-see-ums” that must be similar. Miserable little bugs! They even get through the screens on our camper trailer. They sure can ruin my time camping in the woods.
Slim, have you tried Old Time Woodsman Fly Dope? I've used it since the 70's. It's pricey, but it works for black flies. Sold online only now, I think. I spritz some under the brim of my Tilley, and the flies stay away from my face. We camped the coast of Maine the first two weeks of May this year and it worked well. Love your channel. Keep 'em coming!
I am currently listening to Braiding Sweetgrass on my Libby App from our public library. I love that it is read by the author herself. Really enjoying it! If you like that you may like The Overstory by Richard Powers. A novel, but has history and science about trees.
Myself I would have at least stayed one night just to say "I was there". Points to remember in the future: 1) Travel with small change 2) Install heavy duty shocks if you plan to off road.
Nice video but I want to tell you that there is a brake line or something hanging very low from your camper wheel making a perfect loop to catch a stick or rock on your driver side or port side of your camper . You can see it at the first part of your video on the rough road coming in about 1:40 - 1:51 . Looks like it could be a potential problem .
It's a fern and there is only a short time span that they have not curled open yet, so people harvest and cook them (usually sauteed). They kind of taste like string beans.
Black flies are sort of done by the 2nd week in July, but the mosquitoes won't quit for sure until frost. That said, I was in Baxter the last week of August a few weeks back and the mosquitoes seemed like they had taken the week off. You can get lucky if there is a breeze, your site isn't deep in the woods, or if the summer has been dry.
Slim did not mention the other car visible when he first opened his door at Omaha Beach (time stamp 4:07). It does seem like the park should have posted "tent camping only" long before someone made that tedious drive. And I agree that the $13.08 charge is goofy.
Slim, you are humanity’s hero! Instead of shaming us, you always point out how we can do better by offering up suggestions (ie only take what you need, and give back, etc). I am SO glad you have THE BEST channel on RU-vid, because I’ve learned so much from you! Oh, and did I mention that I especially enjoy your gentle nature and how lightly you go into the forests never disturbing a thing! Thank you!!♥️🙏🏼♥️
Can we all just appreciate the effort it must take on a bumpy road when you just want to reach the end, to keep stopping, setting up the camera, driving past it, collecting the camera and carrying on! Not once but multiple times. As ever, a nice video. Thx
I cringed when you turned onto Omaha Beach Rd, I remember the place as a party spot filled with drunken campers. Fall is the best time to enjoy the outdoors up here in Maine as the biting insects have usually subsided by then.
Yeah, you never know what a campsite will be like. I've been to campsites that were "super party's" with generators and even a movie projector running (in the most wild and beautiful area) and the next week it's all respectful people.
The $13.08 fee reminded me of a place I camped at that charged $13.50 / night. I paid with 2 fives and 3.50 in dimes, nickels and pennies. I think they charge the odd cents to get people to pay upwards to the next whole dollar. Or more.
Hello from United Kingdom I really enjoy all your vids slim and I'm a long time subscriber I rember the A fame camper and the very fist video you made and good morning
Good morning Slim! That was a shame about the Omaha beach camping that was tents only. I am a few hundred miles from that area and have to say that the black flies are voracious this year I really think that they could eat a person alive! I love the stream where you were at in that last camp site, looking forward to tomorrows video! Thumbs UP to you!
Omaha beach was a great drive to camping spot years ago. No one has maintained that road for at least a decade. Last time I was there we went by canoe from an area upstream.
The power of Social Media is now alerting everyone to such difficulties. But you also have to know which media to watch, and that can require an awful lot of searching the Internet. Some sort of _"aggregating application"_ will eventually be launched I guess, by some enthusiastic Digital Nomad which will allow folk to search across a wide range of categories so they can have the ideal camping 🏕 experience, by being warned ahead of time that the only place you can park your camper is right next to the smelly drop toilet 🚻 😉.
That road was so rough that I counted 2 times that there was daylight beneath the campers tires. Black flies and mosquitoes can be so maddening it is difficult to appreciate that they are an integral part of the food chain. That wouldn't keep me from cursing their existence though. Baxter is so big and we look forward to part 2.
You couldn't pay me to sleep in a tent. I'd rather sleep in my car. Neat park but a rip off. We have a local county park here that jacked their rates a few years back..yet they offer almost nothing--its just a money grab at this point. Pretty sad. Those bugs are horrible, but what you get in the humid east part of the country.
@@SlimPotatohead I should have clarified, I was referring to the Omaha Beach location.. The strange odd amount for "Self Registration" really makes me wonder what they're thinking. We've seen strange amounts like $12.45 or $17.50...cash only. iMO, they realize you probably won't have change so you'll just over pay. It just occurred to me, maybe this is owned by the state but maintained by a private entity. They turn in the correct amount for camp sites and just pocket the overage. OK, gotta go get my tin foil hat and head out to the big foot convention. LOL
@Dan Dial.. LMAO!! I would say you are 98% CORRECT!!! I thought so right off the bat!! Ideal scam-scheme! I know! I used to live in Maine, hence part of the reason for my handle...live in Iowa now, and what sucks is there is hardly any camping areas that are not too pricey, or too crowded and noisy, or more free wild space get aways! People really need these places to reboot the mental and Spiritual Hard Drives..! Plus the low percentage of refreshing water features here dissappoints , imho...( naturally I feel that way after being born and raised in upper New England Tri-State area.. Miss it much..but not Black Fly Season YIKES!! Poor animals! Take Care! 😉🙋🏻♀️🌲🌲🌲
Myself and a few friends camped at South Branch Pond about 6 years in a row starting on the 2nd week in June for 5 days each outing. I lived in Maine for 35 years and the black flies, deer flies, horse flies, mosquitoes, and every other type of biting insect are just a part of enjoying such a wonderful place from mid spring to early fall. Head nets, deet, and campfires all help. At South Branch we always tried to rent the pond side leantos since there was almost always a good breeze to help with the bugs. The 6 months of winter was another story.
@@RobertSmith-km6gi, I agree about SBP Campground. The first row of leantos get more sun and less bugs than the sites further back. 'Definitely a big plus.
I use to live in Maine. Beautiful place if you can hack the long winters. Might want to check out Mount Dessert Island/Bar Harbor. Camden and Rockport are extremely photogenic.
I used to do backwoods hiking while getting my degree in geology. While on several field trips to Virginia, most of my fellow geologists offered real money for the insect repellent I brought - Bens. Kept away the mosquitoes, flies, and especially the ticks. Love your videos! THanks!
I can relate to the black flies and skeeters. Personally I think you should take up smoking big black cigars, they keep the bugs away. They might take 10 years off of your life but hey, the bugs won't bother you. Keep the good stuff coming.
Researching camping can be daunting. I've found that ranger offices, national forest offices, BLM offices etc.almost never answer their phone. I can understand because they have a small staff & have important issues to address daily. They do respond to emails with up to a week delay. This means you have to plan your visit at least a week ahead. This presents another challenge. Most areas that are affected by mountain climates or coastal climates have very unpredictable weather. The 2-3 day forecast is unreliable and can't be used for planning. The 24 hour forecast is the only accurate one which is too small a window to receive responses from rangers etc. I suppose I'm just ranting so I'll stop now..
Baxter has a great visitor center located outside the park, but on the way in to the main (south) gate that has lots of maps, books, and staff to provide information.
I would add front straps to the kayak, to the bumper and rear straps to the rear bumper. This will be safer if your straps break and if it’s windy while driving, the kayak won’t move.
It's a requirement in my state. I use a strong nylon cord for both ends and two three inch canvas straps across that are ratchetted tight to my roof rack.
That is my kind of Park - quiet; peaceful with only the occasional buzz of a mosquito taking aim. :) “Braiding Sweetgrass” is such a wonderful book. It’s a fascinating read and Dr. Kimmerer’s storytelling skills and knowledge of indigenous culture, interwoven with botany and modern day science affirm that there are indeed other ways to heal. Another excellent book that is also a part of my personal library is “The Everglades: River of Grass” by Marjory Stoneman Douglas. So many people mistakenly think that the Everglades is just a giant swamp, but in reality it’s a moving river that flows from the North to South In Florida, fed by all the millions of gallons of spring water. Thanks for sharing Slim. Stay well and enjoy your travels.
Hi Slim. Great to see you on the road and camping. The Baxter are looks wonderful and definitely rustic and wilderness-like. Too bad about your run ins with Maine’s state bird - the black fly!
Slim...go to the Acadia National Park near Bar Habor Maine. Also go to Blue Hill Maine....gorgeous little town on the ocean. Be sure to eat the blueberry pie in Maine. If you go to the park they have the world's best Popovers at the cool park restaurant. It's a must to go there. Sits on a lake with a trail around it. The rocky shore of Acadia and a trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain at the park are memories you'll never forget. Have fun!!!
Welcome to Maine, Slim! My husband and I have been to Baxter many, many times. Camping during black fly season is horrible so we try to stay home until later in the season, but then there are mosquitos. Black flies can really drive you crazy. It is nice to have a camper to escape into. Looking forward to part 2 of you adventure.
You and me, I shouldn't be in Maine, period, but that wasn't my mistake, that was Dad's mistake bringing us up here to take over the family farm. I was waiting for the blackfly report They leave on Father's Day, my son won't visit Maine until they leave!
Love that book ! And I want to plant some sweet grass. I had some land near Baxter State Park and remembered how bad the black flies were but still love the state of Maine , so beautiful!! And thanks to the foresight of Mr. Baxter we have natural places like this!!
You've made real progress on expanding your diet. I'd bet if you would again ask, your fans would be generous in giving you new ideas, like fired spinach, grilled zucchini, and steamed yellow squash.
One of my best friends grew up in Maine. Based on experience with him and stories and experiences from his life, I think I would expect things in Maine to not always make much sense.
Thank you for the book review. I absolutely love learning about what there is around me that is not only edible, but heals. Looked like you were at my cabin there showing my plants and flowers. No black flies here. The dairy farms nearby keep them busy. I take pics of plants and use Google Lens to teach myself the names. Transplanting some to a special garden. Every week new ones show up. I'm picking up a fiberglass slide in shell for my truck today (free) about the size of your camper. Looking forward to seeing if I can downsize from my 32 ft class A until this gas madness is over. Have fun out there. I enjoy going along with you while doing the PEX on my cabin. Safe travels!
This is definitely the type of camping where you are truly roughing it or close to it. Not for everyone, but everyone should experience this at least once in their life so they know what it is like. Good to know the picaridin helped against the blackflies. And, sometimes when things don’t start out that well, one sometimes gets to experience something different and awesome in its own way. Looking forward to part 2. Thank you, Slim!
I ordered that book through your description. Hopefully you get your 2 cents. I read 1491 based on your review and enjoyed that. I saw part 1 and 2 with my folks. They think you are great. It's amazing how some trips start rough and end with some of the best memories. I'm impressed at how far you hauled the kayak. 🍻
Ooooooh my home state, ok home sick now, I’m one of them Penobscot native Indians from up there, I’ve been watching your videos for a long time, love your channel, lots to see up there, find you some fiddleheads to eat, and some Maine blueberries 🥰 👍🏼
I lived in Maine for 5 years. After a long winter, you are anxious for spring and it starts with ticks, then black flys, and then on to mosquitoes and throw in some biting horseflys. Fall comes and quiets the mosquitoes but before you know it you are back into winter. It chased me back west. October is great though!
Slim I knew I was watching a National Geographic program excellent video and videos you are talented and I enjoy all the content you create. You keep it real and that is what makes this very enjoyable! Thanks a million!!!!!
Great video Slim. I look forward to each and every one. Your narratives are as good as the video itself. Hey, why don’t you get a skate for your kayak? I used to live in Mexico and kayaked in the ocean. They are great for the long schlep to the water.
As a tech guy I'm surprised you don't have online books on a tablet. 100's of books on a single book sized device. I tecently started using mine and I have 200 books. If you look around there's tons of free books to be found by popular authors and many different genres. Anyway, braid us a creation and show it off to your fans.
But I'm not a tech guy! I love the feel of a book, and how the pages glow in the evening light. Finding an old book at a thrift shop is priceless! The bent pages and crib notes bring life back to someone who has long past. SP
Most rural campsites in Maine are tent camping. They are not like a KOA. the logging roads you were on are not state maintained they are only maintained by the paper companies.. Ben’s 100 is the only thing that helps with black flies. If you don’t like black flies best to stay out of Maine in May & June
Its backcountry camping...A little online check of the "reviews" on Google Maps, would be a good idea so no surprises happen even the most primitive spots normally have reviews of some kind. I saw once baby oil, helps but I can't say Ive tried it. Always good to get out there.
I lived in Buxton as a kid. The black flies are the DEVIL. I would play outside as a kid and they would bite me behind my ears and draw blood. I’d come in later with dried blood behind both ears all down my neck from those evil things. My dad cut grass in long pants,shirt and a bug hat with gloves and taped shut. 😫. They are horrible.
Omaha Beach is not for everyone. The road driving in is more like a dried up riverbed. Washing machine analogy spot on. Have had bears wander through the campsite area. You can't beat the views of Katahdin though!
The price at Omaha Beach may have started out as an even amount but was raised by an allowed percentage, over a few years, and so wound up at that odd amount. Seems like they'd round it off but the accounting is probably strict within a state agency.
Oh jeeze, you really, really had my mouth watering with those fiddleheads. And yes, Maine is totally beautiful. I lived downsouth I Old Orchard then Biddeford got 4yrs. It got to where I couldn't afford it any more and moved back to TN. I sure do miss Maine tho.
Slim.....no one goes to NY State, Vermont, New Hampshire or Maine in May. Black Fly Season!! We skipped the lake from April to mid June. Miserable with bugs all over and when they bite....welts!
