There's some cool things happening real soon out there in outdoor-land that you might want to know about (and I want to get this junk off my desk!), so here goes:

* Eastern Mountain Sports stores in Portland and Augusta are having their semi-annual 20% off everything in the store sale this weekend, April 28-30. Come and get it, and save! And if you happen to belong to an outdoor club, drop by on Thursday, April 27th for Club Day (bring your club member ID) and grab some gear savings before the crowds hit on the weekend.

* The Happy Trails Big Bash and Silent Auction to benefit Portland Trails is happening this Friday night at the Pavilion in Portland from 5:30-8PM. Get in on the silent auction for cool stuff, dance to the Jerks of Grass, chow down on yummy food, grab a beer and have fun! And help PT raise much needed funds!

* Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal is looking for volunteers to do trail maintenance on their single-track mountain biking trails this Sunday morning, April 30th at 8AM. And of course you'll want to stay and ride afterward. Contact BMSP for more info.

* The ASC All-for-One Season Pass offer expires next Tuesday, May 2nd. No skier should be without one. So don't miss out. Take the hit on your credit card now, but then rest easy all summer knowing you'll be ready to roll next winter (a real one we hope!) with some cheap skiing. My choice: The Bronze Pass for $365.

* The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce will be hosting it's monthly Eggs & Issues breakfast forum on Wednesday, May 3 from 7-9AM. The topic: Plum Creek's Moosehead Plan. Plum Creek officials will discuss their revised plan and its economic impact. That should be of big interest to all of us outdoorsy types. Cost is $15 and includes a tasty full breakfast. To register contact the Chamber at 772-1196 x228 (deadline is noon on April 28th).

* The Great Maine Bike Swap, presented by the BCM, will be held on Sunday, May 7th, from 10-2PM at 58 Fore St. in Portland. Sell an old bike, shop for a used bike. get bike safety tips, test ride a recumbent bike and have lots of fun! Contact Fred at 865-6978 for more info.

Dat's all I gotz for now...