Hi all:

When plans are cancelled it’s sometimes possible to move into a place of extreme presence, especially for an over-planner (read back to last week’s email to see who that might be). Changed up plans offer a gift of time, a stretch of freedom, and no expectations. Months and months ago, Kate, Ann, and I planned a two-night overnight kayak trip in Muscongus Bay, but there were bumps in the road and very sadly, Ann was pulled elsewhere (for an important reason). Katie stepped in with great enthusiasm as our third adventurer, but we ultimately abandoned our island plans – not wanting to practice best practices (squatting for hours over a backpack on a sleeping pad during a lighting storm) – and substituted a weekend in my little cottage with day adventures. Yesterday Kate and I walked the dogs in the magnificent LaVerna Preserve and then floated in my most favorite pond to wash away the sweat of the humid hiking day. And last night we ate dinner by candlelight, drank rosé, and indulged in ice cream and blueberry compote. A night of camping on an island is incomparable, but we were so happy to be in a house, not soaked, and eating and enjoying a hot meal. Being open to shifts in expectations is hard, but ultimately quite rewarding. The three of us have been very present with each other, open to conversation, and grateful for this connection. I’m thankful for wonderful women, the loosening of what should be and the openness to what might be.

Come to what might be fabulous on August 10th – an adventure on Peaks Island. We’ll take the 4:30 p.m. Casco Bay Lines ferry to Peaks Island, walk the island, and then we’ll order pizza at Il Leone (delicious wood-fired pizzas). There’s a return ferry at 7:45 p.m. and another at 8:45 p.m.

Upcoming Community (not all LAC) Adventures – These are not LAC adventures (except for the ones that say, “LAC”). These are adventures we’re sharing that are put-on by other orgs. If you have ideas for the calendar or want to organize an LAC community adventure, please send me a note.

Maine
☀️ August 4-6: Maine Huts & Trails Summer Ride Weekend
☀️ August 4-6: Tall Ashley Women’s Outdoor Retreat
☀️ August 5: MATLT Community Hike @ Mount Abraham
☀️ August 5: Guided Paddle with Falmouth Land Trust
☀️ August 5: Overnight Hike to Mahoosuc Notch
☀️ August 10: LAC Adventure to Peaks Island
☀️ August 19: MATLT Goose Eye Community Hike
☀️ August 24/25: Bike Maine Weekend
☀️ September 2-4: Outdoor Recreation Weekend at Pierce Pond
☀️ September 9: Northwoods Gravel Grind
☀️ September 9: MATLT Community Hike @ Cranberry Peak
☀️ September 10: Maine Lighthouse Ride
☀️ October 14: Hike for Hospice

New Hampshire:
☀️ Thursdays in July & August: Naturalist Led Hikes in Jackson

Happy adventuring,