Invite 140 // Sep 30

The sun set behind Borestone Mountain, reflecting pink off the cloud edge of an approaching nor'easter. My wife sat in her kayak, paddle across her lap, as I took a photo, then another, then another, in disbelief.

I’d like to say I planned for this moment, but of course I didn’t. Just an hour before, as the sky started to cloud over and the wind picked up, we debated whether strapping kayaks to the roof and driving down the bumpy road would be worth it at all.

Maybe it was instinct or compulsive restlessness, but we went anyway.

We embarked with modest expectations and returned in awe. The mountains were more dramatic, the lake was glassier, the pinks were pinker. Delight bloomed in the gap between what we expected and what we got.

Dream big, summit peaks, chase the perfect shot, sure. But if you find that isn't working, try the opposite: expect less, and go anyway.

✌️ Max

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Damariscotta River Clean-up

Thu, Oct 1 | Damariscotta | Free

Clean up the Damariscotta River shoreline with local oyster growers, with boat transport to different sections of the estuary and trash bags provided.

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Outdoor Film Night

Fri, Oct 2 | Portland | Donation Based

Watch short films under the stars at Deering Center Pocket Park with a bring-your-own chair or blanket setup and suggested donation entry.

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Hopkins Stream Fall Paddle

Sat, Oct 3 | Mount Vernon | Free

Paddle Hopkins Stream through fall foliage to a wildlife conservation area with habitat for ducks and wading birds, with limited kayaks available to reserve.

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Little Bigelow Mountain Hike

Sat, Oct 3 | null | Free

Hike 6.2 miles up Little Bigelow Mountain with trained guides for views of the Bigelow Range and Flagstaff Lake, free and open to the public.

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CELT Fall Cross Town Walk

Sat, Oct 3 | Cape Elizabeth | Paid

Walk 8.6 miles across Cape Elizabeth from Portland Head Light to Kettle Cove, passing through marsh, woods, and pond ecosystems with carpools arranged.

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Cider Press Stride + Ride

Sat, Oct 3 | Bethel | Paid

Run a 5K trail race or tackle an enduro mountain bike race through a community forest, with a cider press, scavenger hunt and bonfire on the side.

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Summit Sisters: Group Trail Run

Mon, Oct 5 | Denmark | Free

Run a technical 6-mile out-and-back up Pleasant Mountain's ridge with a supportive women-centered group that keeps everyone together and offers a halfway turnaround.

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North American Wife Carrying Championship

Sat, Oct 10 | Newry | Paid

Carry your partner through a 278-yard obstacle course of log hurdles, sand traps, and a water hazard in a quirky race rooted in Finnish legend, with beer and cash for winners.

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Maine Lobster Ride

Sat, Oct 10 | Rockland | Paid

Pedal 13, 30 or 50 miles of Midcoast roads and the St. George Peninsula, then celebrate at a finish-line festival with local food vendors.

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Presumpscot River Revival Race

Sat, Oct 17 | Windham | Paid

Race canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards 2.5 miles on the Presumpscot River during fall foliage, celebrating 30 years of river restoration with food trucks.

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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)

​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​

​Stars Over Katahdin | Sat, Oct 3 | Donation Based​

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

​Downeast Trail Festival | Sat, Oct 10 | Paid​

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Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!