While you were outside

How was your weekend? I spent most of mine helping a 12-year-old with a school project. Not that I'm complaining. I had mentally given up on the weekend when I saw a weather report proclaiming clouds and rain. Too bad I didn't ask for a second opinion.

Those of you who took advantage of the unscheduled sunshine missed some reading.

First, Carey Kish encourages us to hit Acadia in the spring. I second that. The past few springs have found Elaine and me staying at Blackwoods and biking the carriage roads.

Carey has a couple good suggestions. His six-mountain hike may sound like a bit much but it's worth it. You don't have to go very high to get impressive views. It's a treat to see the mountains and ocean at once.

And I second his caution about the snow. It's been a good winter, and it's receding slowly. Trails and carriage roads are going to be icy and/or soggy for a long time.

Carey contends this is the time to go to Acadia because the crowds won't come until summer. But if you have to wait, stay as much as possible in the southwest corner of the island. Avoid Bar Harbor and the Park Loop Road. Most tourists don't seem to make it past the Jordan Pond House. We have stayed on MDI during summer holiday weekends without feeling crowded. There is plenty of fun off the beaten path - so to speak.

Second, I endorse Jeff Strout's tips for finding a kayak. It's a quick read with good advice. I would emphasize trying before you buy. You need to know if you fit in it. I have some strong opinions on boat selection but will spare you today.

If you're not sure what kind of paddling you will be doing, look at who you will be your paddling buddies. You really shouldn't be on the water alone. It's more fun with friends, and it's safer. What kind of kayaks do they have? That's the kind of paddling you will be doing.

Also, even though you're sure you will a calm-water paddler, consider the sea kayaks. There's a really good chance you will want to try the ocean sooner or later. If so, you're not going to want to invest in a second boat.

And finally, something I don't have any experience doing. Deirdre Fleming has a great story about people sledding down Mount Washington. Well, not the whole mountain. But enough of it to qualify. And enough of it to have me looking for sled.

This just in

Co-worker Shannon Bryan knows how to schedule her weekend at Sugarloaf. Now I'm jealous.

Today's news watch

Acadia
It's that time of year that Acadia National Park closes some of the carriage roads. They're really wet and vulnerable to even just moderate use. Be patient. They will be open in plenty of time for spring trips.

Hiking
Usually, I'm just passing through Belfast on my way to Acadia or Deer Isle. But here's a reason to stop and stretch my legs:

Today's coverage of the outdoors

Deer prudence

Cool photo

Kennebec Journal photo by Andy Molloy

A Hooded Merganser emerges from Maranacook Lake. A pair of the small ducks were feeding on fish beneath a shelf of ice.