One of Your Scribe's in-laws is a salesman of log cabins, and he says this is a bad time for sellers. Which suggests it's a good time for buyers.

Indeed, it does appear from the classifieds that prices are coming down as a result of the poor housing market. (An aside: I check the Maine Sportsman frequently to see what's available. The properties in Down East magazine are more glorious and for that reason much more expensive. But I love Down East because I see coves, inlets and islands that I didn't know existed.)

Here are some listings in central Maine that look interesting. Whether they are "affordable" would depend on the buyer.

Athens. Camp on 23 acres, Lemon Brook "just feet away." Cabin has inviting front porch. $55,900. 695-3731.

Brownville (Milo area). Cottage on 2.87 acres, with footage on East Branch River. $75,000. 943-5225.

Emben. Four room camp with 900-foot frontage on two streams. Furnished. Outbuldings. "Great hunting." $79,000.

Guilford: 95 acres of land and an old '50s hunting camp (very small). Reportedly is situated near several trout streams. $125,000. 683-2963.

Temple: 2 acres on Drury Poond, with 500 feet on the water. It includes a three-season cabin, with kitchen, three bedrooms and a wood-burning stove. Near Farmington. $175,000. 778-4374.

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