March has been a dry month, which reminds me that I have to get a well drilled this spring.

Actually, the operative term might be discovered - not drilled - because I do not want to pay for an expensive project.

For the initial two years, my camp has not had a source of water.

The river would be a logical source, but it is 500 yards away.

The local farm store is nearby but the largest receptacle that one can carry off comfortably is one of about five gallons.

I should say that the farm store has been a wonderful source, though it appears that it is obligated to keep its spigot open to the public.

According to an aging sign on the side of the store, local engineers in the mid-’30s were blasting on the location that now hosts the store.

There was an unexpected detonation, however, and the excavation collapsed.
It filled with water - clear, cool drinking water.

Over the years this natural resource was captured via the spigot, and many residents, farm hands, Sugarloaf-bound tourists and others take freely from the tap.

As do I.

But as spring approaches, Your Scribe feels the need of a pump on his own land.

One would think water can be found without a major excavation.

The river is nearby.

And the land is located in the Belgrade Lakes region, a part of the state that by definition possesses great amounts of the wet stuff.

Yet I want it at a reasonable price.

Last year I got an estimate from a professional well-drilling company for $7,000.
That is too much.

Plus, I am not looking for winter water.

I just want a supply for cooking, bathing, fire prevention etc. during the spring, summer and fall.

Several good ‘ol boys who loiter about the farm store say that a dowser can help me find water for small money.

I plan to look into that in coming weeks . . . though I always will be a loyal supporter of that faucet at the farm store.

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