Canoe Poling 101

A hands-on water workshop where you will learn a Maine Guide tradition. Learn what boat makes a “good poling boat” and what makes for a “good pole”. By the time this class ends you will feel very comfortable standing in a canoe. You will also learn how to turn, sideslip and maneuver, stop without going sideways, and do a powerful forward pole plant. Poling works best in rapids so we will also cover “poling tricks” to get you out of trouble in a rapid. If time permits we will cover back ferrying.

(Lisa DeHart)

First Aid for Guides

Back country first aid is not on our minds very often. We seldom need these skills, seldom use these skills, but when they are needed they are really needed! This workshop will visit some life threatening topics and include some hands on scenarios. We will focus on assessment skills and interventions with critical patients.

(Bill Bentley)

Guiding with a Natural History Perspective

As guides we often get wrapped up in reaching goals and forget to enjoy the natural wonder that surrounds us. When we set a pace that excludes the side trip to see a rare plant, or fail to pause and listen to the trill of a winter wren, our clients may lose an opportunity to connect with nature. Join naturalists Gary Roberts and George Libby on a journey of spiritual reconnection and renewal with the magic of nature. Remember, It’s not the getting there that counts…It’s what you discover along the way. Treasure the journey.

(Gary Roberts and George Libby)

Birds of Prey

(presentation with live birds by Lynne Flaccus of the Chewonki Foundation)

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“No Cooler” River Salads

A small hands-on cooking class on how to make great fresh-tasting salads using ingredients that require no refrigeration or cooler. Made from hearty pack basket travelers like carrots, peppers, apples, cabbage, avocados, string beans and more. You won’t find any lettuce in these salads and you won’t miss it. Come ready to slice and dice, much and crunch; we will be tasting and eating most of it.

(Lisa DeHart)

Outdoor Photography

As wilderness guides and outdoor enthusiasts, seize your insider view of the wilderness. Whether you shoot film or digital, learn the skills to create the image that represents your experience and vision. Please bring your camera equipment and share successes and failures. I will share my tool bag and images to illustrate outdoor skills. Key skills include keeping it simple, making the most of your lenses, finding subjects to suit the prevailing light, focal point / center of interest, depth of field / choice of aperture, exposure for impact and more. 90% of photography is being there with a camera, so bring your camera and be part of the most popular art medium for personal enjoyment or as another tool to engage your customers. If time allots, I will show marketing materials available for use with your photographs to promote the experiences you offer.

(Mildred Kennedy Stirling)

Knots and ropes

How to Knot & How NOT to Knot. Basic hands-on practice of knots, bends, and hitches and their specific uses in the outdoors.

(George Libby)

A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife. The focus of this workshop will be on sharpening plain edge knives with traditional bench stones.

(Bryan Courtois)

Bring your favorite easy recipes to share. Breakfast, lunch, supper, snacks, or hors d'oeuvres. A roundtable discussion on foods that keep well, tricks to packing, exchanging of recipes and ideas, different ways of baking, etc.

(Jane Barron)