There's lots going in our outdoor world in the next few weeks so don't be setting around boo-hooing that you've got nothing to do and no one to do it with. It just isn't so!

Saturday, September 16: Eastern Trail Alliance 8-Lighthouse Ride. Join the folks at ETA for their 3rd annual fundraising day of bikie riding on the Eastern Trail. Choose from 10, 40 or 100 mile rides and help raise much needed funds for the ETA. The Eastern Trail Alliance has more details.

Sunday, September 17th: MaineShare Hike & Bike. Take part in the annual Hike & Bike at beautiful Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal to help raise funds for MaineShare.

Saturday, September 23rd: Telluride Mountain Film Festival. Enjoy the Banff Mountain Film Festival every winter? Sure you do! Then you'll you the Telluride Film Fest. The first of eight bigtime adventure films begins at 7:30 PM at the Hannaford Theater, Abromson Community Center at USM in Portland. See Chestnut Mountain Productions for more info.

September 29 thru October 1: Annual Meeting - Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Get together with the fun folks of the Maine AMC for their annual meeting. There's a full slate of activities planned including hikes, bikes, paddles and educational workshops. Plenty of socializing and good eating to be had, too. And Jeff Neff, author of the new book Katahdin: An Historic Journey, will be guest speaker. Maine AMC has complete details.

October 13 - 15: 25th annual Gathering of Appalachian Trail Long Distance Hikers. This year's event is a ways away distance-wise (last year was Hanover, NH) at Concord University in Pipestem, West Virginia, but well worth the travel effort. A lengthy event listing includes a variety of slide programs, talks and workshops. You don't have to be a long distance hiker to come, you just gotta love hiking!!! And what a way to meet and learn from others! Contact ALDHA for specifics.

Saturday, October 21: Maine Mountain Conference. Interested in everything about Maine's mountains? Their history? Their future? Then you've got to go to only the 2nd ever Maine Mountain Conference up at the Base Lodge at beautiful Saddleback Mountain. A full day of interesting and informative panel discussions and workshops are on the docket. Contact the Maine Appalachian Land Trust for more info.

Ok then. Lots going on. Much to do.

Did I miss anything? Please let me know and I'll put out an update.

It's almost fall. Time to be outside!!!