Invite 129 // Jul 8

In the business world, it's common to set and track KPIs (key performance indicators): revenue, growth, and retention. Having started a new job recently, I've been thinking about this more than I'd like.

Outside of work, though, I don't track much. No Strava, no sleep tracker, no activity log. Nothing against it, just not for me.

One thing I do track, however, is my number of annual moose sightings. Half-jokingly, this is one of my life KPIs.

Moose are elusive and stealthy. They move quietly in the shadows, often emerging only for a few hours a day, usually at dusk, in marshy places reachable only by paddling or hiking.

In short, seeing one takes patience, effort, and a willingness to put yourself in wild places. These are hard things to come by in modern life.

This past weekend, I paddled to the far northern end of Northwest Pond near Brownville at sunset. Beavers swam across the marshy water while I waited. As the light receded, a moose emerged from the woods, then another. They munched on lake grass and trudged through the mud for ten or fifteen minutes before disappearing like ghosts back into the trees.

Revenue is an indicator of a healthy business. Moose sightings are an indicator of my happy life.

✌️ Max

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After Work Dirt: Trail Race

Thu, Jul 9 | Cape Elizabeth | Paid

Hit the trails at Gull Crest Preserve for the second race in a weeknight series, with courses ranging from 5K to 6.5 miles, capped at 75 runners.

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Arts on the Hill: Jenn Schott

Thu, Jul 9 | Rockport | Free

Pack a picnic and listen to Nashville-based singer-songwriter Jenn Schott perform on a Midcoast hilltop at sunset, free and open to all ages.

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Sunset Yoga

Thu, Jul 9 | Harpswell | Free

Practice gentle yoga and breathing exercises seaside at Stover's Point Preserve with instructor Kara Douglas, a free 45-minute class suitable for all levels.

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Nature for Kids

Fri, Jul 10 | Boothbay Harbor | Free

Explore animal homes, identify trees, and search for birds on easy trails at Oak Point Farm's free weekly program for school-age kids and caregivers.

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Moth Party

Fri, Jul 10 | Yarmouth | Free

Observe moths by a lighted sheet and bonfire while enjoying s'mores at Cousins River Fields & Marsh Preserve in Yarmouth.

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Rubbish Project at Lighthouse Bikes

Sat, Jul 11 | South Portland | Free

Pick up trash with the Rubbish Project around South Portland's neighborhood streets while connecting with locals over coffee and raffle prizes, with all gear provided.

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Dip After Dark: Extreme High Tides

Mon, Jul 13 | South Portland | Free

Team up with the Two Maine Mermaids and Gulf of Maine Research Institute scientists to track an extreme high tide after dark before an optional coldwater plunge.

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Paddle to Bobolinks on Nequasset Lake

Thu, Jul 16 | Woolwich | Free

Paddle across Nequasset Lake to a grassland bird habitat where you'll spot bobolinks, loons, and eagles, then walk the field with a birding expert.

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Women at Sea: Expedition on Casco Bay

Tue, Aug 18 - Thu, Aug 20 | Portland | Paid

Mark your calendar for a women-led, three-day island-hopping kayak expedition across Casco Bay this summer with camping and gear included.

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Maine Summer Hiking Series | Wed, May 13 - Sat, Sep 26 | Donation Based​

​Teens to Trails: Choose Outside Challenge | Mon, Jun 15 - Fri, Aug 14 | Free​

​Sunset Concert | Wed, Jul 8 | Free​

​Queer Bikepacking: Adventure Day | Sat, Jul 11 | Paid​

​2026 Speedy KAT | Sat, Jul 11 | Paid​

​Norway Triathlon | Sat, Jul 11 | Paid​

​Women at Sea Weekend Sea Kayaking Workshop | Sat, Jul 18 - Sun, Jul 19 | Paid​

​Island Ripple Run | Sun, Jul 19 | Paid​

​Maine Outdoor Film Festival | Tue, Jul 21 - Sun, Jul 26 | Paid​

​Golden Hour Photo Walk | Tue, Jul 21 | Paid​

​Tough Mountain Challenge | Sat, Jul 25 | Paid​

​Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest | Sat, Aug 1 | Paid​

​SEEK: Coastal Science & Kayaking Program | Mon, Aug 3 - Fri, Aug 7 | Free​

​Fireweed: Women's Mountain Bike Retreat | Fri, Aug 28 - Sun, Aug 30 | Paid​

​Maine Woods Rambler | Sat, Sep 26 | Paid​

​Lake Ecology Paddle | Sun, Jun 27 | Paid​

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!