The recent edition of “Maine Invites You” just arrived, and this well-conceived, well-photographed 240-page “brochure” has me inspired.
Here are my wills and won’ts for this outdoor season, assuming that I can afford the gas to motor to my destination:

I will take a flight over the Maine wilderness (a nifty Moosehead-based plane is pictured here). I’ve wanted to do this for years, and now with the question of the future of the woods in play, I want to take a look.
I won’t go on a balloon flight over Lewiston. This avocation is great for photographers. But it is one activity that I have never been tempted to try.

Yes to Mount Battie in Camden, which provides one of the best ocean views in the state.
No to a trip to see the puffins in the Acadia region (near Bar Harbor, New Harbor etc.). It is my suspicion that the little rascals are too small and too well hidden in the craggy coastal outcropping to get a good view.

Yes to Kennebunkport, to have a drink at the Colony Hotel. This is old world charm that is not going to last forever.
No to the Samoset in Rockland. This is petty on my part but I miss the old hotel which burned down several Ice Ages ago. Plus, the eyes of the waiters always glaze over when I tell them I used to work there.

Yes to canoeing down the Sandy River in Franklin County, joyfully launching from the least expensive dock in the state (a huge tree fell into the river).
No to whitewater rafting. The photos are great and everyone seems to be having so much fun. But it’s like skiing black diamonds – I don’t need that much (potentially injurious) excitement.

Yes to Fortunes Rocks Beach in Biddeford. This relatively unknown area is fun for a drive. Actually, nearby Biddeford Pool is a better destination because at least you can park there.
No to Wells Beach. For some reason I have never enjoyed this crowded, commercialized beach area.

Yes to moose watching in the Rangeley region. I didn’t see any last year but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying.
No to moose watching at Moosehead. Every time I pull into Greenville, I expect to see construction crews ripping up the forest for the proposed 900-“home” development along the lake. It’s irrational but consider the reasoning skills of the source (Your Scribe).

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