Invite 139 // Sep 23

Is there a better blue than a clear autumn sky?

I could argue for the flickering blue of Casco Bay in July or the crystal blue of Rattlesnake Pool in the Western Mountains. But when I look out the window by my desk today, every competitor in the best blue bracket looks amateur.

At a time of year when the world winds down and prepares for the big dark, the daytime sky seems to do the opposite.

It's electric. Deep, limitless, perfectly blue.

With a potential nor'easter tracking up the coast this weekend and a few gray days ahead, do yourself a favor: close this tab, step outside, and savor that special blue.

This week's events will be here when you get back. Happy first day of fall, Outsiders.

✌️ Max

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Guided Hike of Smelt Brook Preserve

Fri, Sep 25 | York | Free

Walk along the York River and its wetlands with a Maine Master Naturalist to learn about the decade-long effort to designate it as a Wild and Scenic River.

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Back Cove Cleanup

Fri, Sep 25 | Portland | Free

Clean up shoreline areas to reduce pollution flowing into Casco Bay, with gloves and trash grabbers provided.

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Kites & Ice Cream

Sat, Sep 26 | Rockport | Free

Hike three-quarters of a mile to Beech Hill's historic stone hut for kite flying and ice cream, with free kites and treats for kids.

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Full Moon Hike

Sat, Sep 26 | North Berwick | Donation Based

Hike Bauneg Beg Mountain under the full Harvest Moon and solve a geological mystery with a geologist on hand to explain unusual rock markings along the trail.

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Harvest Party

Sat, Sep 26 | Cape Elizabeth | Free

Gather at Turkey Hill Farm for food, live music, a farmer's market, bonfire, and guided night hikes through the woods with Cape Elizabeth Land Trust.

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Rooted in Nature Yoga at Viles

Sat, Sep 26 | Augusta | Paid

Stretch through an outdoor yoga class at Viles Arboretum, open to all experience levels, with mats provided by participants.

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Clifford Park 5K Trail Race

Sat, Sep 26 | Biddeford | Paid

Tackle roughly 450 feet of climbing over 3.1 miles of technical single track billed as the hardest 5K in southern Maine, with a food truck ticket waiting at the finish.

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September Full Moon Dip

Sun, Sep 27 | South Portland | Free

Plunge into the ocean at Willard Beach during the next full moon dip with a welcoming group of open water swimmers embracing the cold together.

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Stars Over Katahdin

Sat, Oct 3 | Stacyville | Donation Based

Gather under some of the darkest skies in the east for a free evening of campfire chats, live music, and guided stargazing through professional telescopes.

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Downeast Trail Festival

Sat, Oct 10 | Sullivan | Paid

Lace up for this trail festival in Sullivan with four race distances across Frenchman Bay Conservancy preserves, featuring forested singletrack and views toward Acadia.

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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​

​Nature Walk: Woods in Autumn | Wed, Sep 23 | Free​

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

​Harvest at the Huts | Sat, Sep 26 | Paid​

​Farm to Farm Ultra | Sun, Sep 27 | Paid​

​Pleasant Mountain Race | Sun, Sep 27 | Paid​

​Trail Fest | Sun, Sep 27 | Paid​

​Spud Spin Gravel Ride | Sun, Sep 27 | Donation Based​

​10th Annual Bad Little Trail Run | Sun, Sep 27 | Paid​

​Ride the Region | Fri, Oct 2 - Sun, Oct 4 | Paid​

​Teens to Trails Outdoor Leadership Conference | Fri, Oct 2 | Paid​

​Adventure Ready: Outdoor Skills Trainings for High Schoolers | Sat, Oct 3 | Paid​

​Queerly Camp | Fri, Oct 9 - Sun, Oct 11 | 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!