Camden Hills & Lobster Festival

On a beautiful, warm, hazy and muggy morning we headed up the rather steep Maiden Cliff Trail.  At the top of the cliff a large cross was erected at the edge of the cliff where, in 1864, an 11 yr. old girl fell to her death chasing her hat in the wind.  Great views here of Megunticook Lake with its scattered islands.  To the SW Bold  and  Ragged Mts. were visible.  Ragged Mt. is a great moderate hike up a partially rocky trail.  Then we moved on to Mt.  Megunticook via the Ridge Trail that became quite steep and rocky as we approached the mountaintop lookout.  Panaramic view of Mt. Battie to the south, Camden Harbor, the ocean and nearby islands.  Here we rested and had snacks and liquids.  We descended the granite top lookout area and picked up the shady Tableland Trail which was easier walking/hiking back to the trailhead.  Then we went down to the harbor and viewed the "cheap" yachts moored at the docks.  Since lobstah was on the minds of the nearly starved fellow hikers, we ventured to Rockland to the Lobster Festival to find the "Food Tent"!  First thing we observed  was a tray of steamin hot lobstahs!!  By now Len & Ron were droolin'  all over their red shirts! Great meal for $26.00 - 1 1/4 lb pounder, steamed muscles, and corn on-the-cob. Even the fingerlings were sucked on to obtain every morsel of flesh.  Their posted comments indicate the event was worth planning.  As a first time event leader I learned that there are still some memers who sign up for 2 events on the same date and don't give an event leader the courtesy that they won't be attending your event.  Glad we didn't waste time waiting at beg. of hike as the member showed up on his other choice. Event leader learned the importance of having plenty of fluid available. Photos will be posted when my aging brain can figure how to do it. Thanks to Ron & Len for making it a fun day.

Enjoy a 7.5 mi. hike on  the trails in the Camden Hills, starting on the Maiden Cliff Trail; then the Ridge Trail over to Mt. Megunticook; then a short loop to the best viewing area of the vast Camden Harbor; then return to the pkg. area via the Jack Wms., Ridge, and Cliff Trails. El. gain +/- 1150'.  Take a refreshing swim in Megunticook lake across from pkg. area; then walk the harbor in downtown Camden; and finally, take the short drive to Rockland for a lobstah feed at the annual Lobster Festival.  Have beds available for 7 (more if partners)  for anyone who would like to stay Fri. and/or Sat. nite(s). Sorry, no dogs. Optional activity on Sunday for those that stay over:  Ride the 8 mi. hot-topped bike way that follows the Kennebec River from Augusta To Gardiner.