I bought some new gear the other day. At Marden's, no less. Baaah-gan hunting at Maaah-den's I was.

My good friend John is a rather loyal Marden's disciple and browses the aisles religiously in search of cheap outdoor gear. And quite often he scores.

Me, I usually just let my tongue drop to the floor when he tells me of the latest deal on this and that for next to nothing.

"You shoulda seen the pile of them widgets!" he'll say. "Just what I was looking for. Bought 20 of 'em for 99 cents each! Wicked good deal. You shoulda been there."

Sigh.

"Course they're probably mostly gone now. Might be one or two if you dig around real hard there in Aisle 17, just up from the odd-sized lumber and fire-sale housewares."

And so it goes.

Do I run right up there and check it out? No. Do I make even a modest attempt to check in there on a halfway regular basis? Nada.

So... you might imagine my surprise when, driving the trusty Honda up outer Brighton Avenue, that the damn car veered right into the Marden's parking lot. Yep, I was gonna bargain shop, dammit, like it or not. Get me some cheap outdoor goods, mistah man.

And so I did.

But, as with so many times in life, I came away with an item of gear that I had no plans on buying when I went in: A new golf bag.

My new golf bag from Marden's in Portland.
Carey Kish photo

Whoa, yes, I understand fully that some of you hardcore outdoorsy types don't for a stinkin' minute consider golf an outdoor sport.

Maybe. Maybe not. We can debate that over a couple cold ones. Nonetheless, I've been playing golf for 40 years. And guess what?

I still suck.

Yes, I do. Break 100 maybe twice a summer. Might even appear some kinda decent. Rest of the time is just plain awful, wacking away with them clubs, following that ball around hither and yon.

Funny thing is, I just love it. Always have. I do question occasionally (well, most of the time) when I'm out on the course and my game is sucking s__t, I think to me-self, "Why in God's name am I not out hiking or paddling or biking or something even mildly productive?"

Dunno.

Anyway, back to Marden's and the new golf bag.

There was a whole slew of them nearly blocking the front entrance. Ranged in price from $9.99 to $29.99 to $39.99.

Cheap is fine, but the $10 bag probably was going to come unstitched before I got it out the car.

So I gots to looking seriously at the $30 and $40 bags. Mighty nice replacement for that shoulder-killer of a Ping bag I've been carting around for 20 years.

Both bags looked about the same, so I took to looking at the tags more closely to compare features (just like I was picking out a good backpack, it was a thing to watch I swear!).

If the bags had the same features I'd no doubt opt for the cheaper one.

But my detailed examination revealed a hidden feature of the $40 bag that sealed the deal: An insulated beverage pocket! Accessible from the outside and able to hold and cool several "beverages" at once.

The primary selling feature? An insulated beverage pocket! Can you imagine?!
Carey Kish photo

Now that's a handy, dandy feature I could certainly see coming in useful out there in the hot sun. I mean, with the ability to quickly hydrate like that I might even shave a few strokes off my game!

Ching, ching, and... Sold!

And this Saturday I'll be on the links of the Lucerne Country Club with my buds and the new bag, playing horrible, wondering why I'm not out hiking, and... having one helluva good time.

Fore!!!

You play golf? Should I play golf??

You shop at Marden's? Should I??

There's a big celebration going on this weekend. And you know I'm never one to miss a good paaaar-tee.

So, yep, we're headed up to the northern reaches of New Hampster for a big gathering of hiking bigwigs and various and sundry supporters to celebrate one of New England's great long distance trails - the Cohos Trail - which just so happens to turn 10 years old this year.

The Cohos Trail is a 162-mile trail route that extends from the Bemis Bridge over the Saco River just shy of Crawford Notch all the way (and it is a long way I can tells you, having hiked it through over 15 days last August) north to the Canadian border at the town of Pittsburg.

You want big mountain backcountry, days and days of solitude, plenty o' wildlife for company, a primitive walking experience far from the crowds and with few amenities except those you carry along with on your back? Well then, you got it on the Cohos Trail.

Dry River Falls just off the Cohos Trail in the Presidential Range-Dry River Wilderness of the White Mountain National Forest.
Carey Kish photo

Waiting out the weather in the snug comfort of Baldhead Lean-to on the Cohos Trail.
Carey Kish photo

Crossing Cohos Trail high country at Bulldozer Flats.
Carey Kish photo

Sunset on the Cohos Trail from the lonely Panorama Lean-to.
Carey Kish photo

The Cohos Trail traverses the length of the grand, the wild Nash Stream Forest.
Carey Kish photo

It's a trail, a place, a dream worth celebrating, for sure. From Kim Nilsen's original dream of such a trail extending the length of Coos County on down, there are countless people responsible for bringing the Cohos Trail to life, building it mile by mile, making sure it survives and prospers as corridor of opportunity for those folks like you and me who want to get away for a few hours or a few days and just walk and exist and maybe camp amid the quiet beauty of the mountains.

Kudos to you all! Congrats for all your hard work! A big Woo-Hoo to the members of The Cohos Trail Association! Cheers to the Cohos Trail at 10!

Cohos Trail founder Kim Nilsen of Spofford NH at the tiny source of the Connecticut River, near the end of the Cohos Trail on the US-Canada border.
Carey Kish photo

Anyway, this weekend... big gathering, lots of good people, fun outdoorsy and indoorsy stuff to do. Here's the poop, direct from the guy who started it all, Kim Nilsen:

The Cohos Trail Association - 10th Anniversary Summer Celebration

WHEN: June 20 - 21 - 22, 2008

WHERE:
Sportsman's Lodge & Cabins on Big Diamond Pond
1355 Diamond Pond Road
Stewartstown, New Hampshire 03576
603-237-5211

The Sportman's Lodge is a very comfy wayside on the Cohos Trail in Stewartstown NH.
Carey Kish photo

WHAT:
a. Guided Hikes
b. BBQ
c. Saturday Evening Entertainment by 'The Folk Tree'
d. Slideshow Presentation
e. 'Windows To The Wild' Presentation
f. Fishing
g. Horseshoes
h. Volleyball
i. Kayaking
j. Canoeing
k. Boating
l. Singalong with Kim Nilsen on guitar
m. Pancake Breakfast
n. Plus a whole lot more!...

WHO'S INVITED?
Hikers, moose and loon lovers, peak baggers, outdoors buffs, singles,
couples, families, and just about anyone who loves the wilds of Coos County,
New Hampshire's Great Unknown.

COST FOR THE EVENTS?
None.

WHERE TO STAY?
The Sportsman's Lodge & Cabins have been long-time supporters of The
Cohos Trail and have agreed to let us hold our annual meeting and
get-together at their awesome place on Big Diamond Pond. The lake boasts
some of the largest cusk and lake trout in the State of New Hampshire for
those who are dyed in the wool anglers.

The Sportsman's Lodge & Cabins is offering attendee's discounted rates
for this fun weekend:
* $35.00 per person - rooms with shared bath across the hall
* $45.00 per person - rooms with private baths
* $15.00 per campsite (Showers available. Bring your linens and towels)

Please call ahead for reservations at 603-237-5211. Sportsman's does offer beer and wine.

If you'd like to set up camp at Coleman State Park nearby, please call
early to make reservations by calling: 603-237-5382. Coleman State Park has
30 primitive tent sites, restrooms and a dump station that can accommodate
self-contained RV's (no hook-ups).

AGENDA FOR THE WEEKEND

FRIDAY - JUNE 20: - Arrival - Check-In & Set-up - Free Time

SATURDAY - JUNE 21:

* 9 a.m.: Guided Hikes with Kim Nilsen & Peter Castine
(Note: Bring a daypack, water, snack & bug dope!)

* 12.30 p.m.: Spaghetti feed. (no cost)

* 2 p.m.: Slideshow presentation with Kim Nilsen

* 5:30 p.m.: Barbeque on the lawn (no cost)

* 7 p.m.: Entertainment by the band 'The Folk Tree'

All Day: 'Windows On The Wild' television show presentation

Whenever the spirit moves him: a singalong with Kim Nilsen on guitar

Spectacular Table Rock, on the Cohos Trail high above Dixville Notch, is the site of one of Saturday's guided hikes.
Carey Kish photo

SUNDAY - JUNE 22:

* 7 a.m. Pancake Breakfast (small fee)

* Free time: Explore the many trails around Sportsman's Lodge. Go
kayaking. Play horseshoes and volleyball. Go fishing (rent a 12 ft. aluminum
boat with trolling motor, a 14 ft. aluminum boat with trolling motor, 2
kayaks & 2 canoes).

DIRECTIONS TO SPORTSMAN'S LODGE AND CABINS

FROM BOSTON, MA:
Take I-93 through Franconia Notch to Exit 35 onto Route 3 North to Twin
Mountain. Continue on Route 3 to Colebrook Center - Take a right onto
Route 26 East. Go 7 miles to Diamond Pond Rd (on left)... Follow for 7
miles (watch for Sportsman's Signs)...1 mile past Coleman State Park

FROM HARTFORD, CT:
Take I-91 North to St. Johnbury, VT. Take 2 East to Lancaster, NH. Turn
onto Route 3 North to Colebrook Center. Take a right onto Route 26
East...Go 7 miles to the Diamond Pond Road (on left) - Follow for 7
miles (watch for signs)...1 mile past Coleman State Park

FROM PORTLAND, ME:
Take I-95 North to Exit 11 at Gray, Me...Take Route 26 West through
Grafton Notch into Errol, NH...Stay on Route 26 through Dixville Notch
and 5 miles past the Balsams Grand Resort, turn right onto Diamond Pond
Road (on right)...Follow for 7 miles (watching for signs)...1 mile past
Coleman State Park.

If you can't make it up for some or all of this weekend, not to worry. The Cohos Trail and all its beauty isn't going anywhere. Same for all the great places to hike and stay along its length. Check out the great new Cohos Trail website for complete information on everything to plan a Cohos Trail visit!

Come on up to hike the Cohos Trail this summer or fall. It's a good bet you'll be back again and again. It's a wild and beautiful trail! And some of the friendliest people on the planet live along it and support it! Maybe you'll want to join TCTA and help out out too!

Last year's big international celebration at the terminus of the Cohos Trail on the US-Canada border.
Carey Kish photo

Have you hiked on the Cohos Trail yet? What was your experience like?

Some of the best hiking in the mid-coast area of Maine is very likely some of the least known.

The Georges Highland Path is a gem of a trail system offering some 35 miles of tramping through a variety of coastal landscapes, from woods to bogs to craggy mountaintops.

I've made a number of trips up that way and hardly ever see another soul on the trail. Just a few miles from the busy Route 1 corridor and carloads of summer traffic and nada, no people, or few people anyway.

I like the what's called the "Bald-Ragged Section" best. It's an 11-mile stretch of trail connecting six mountain peaks, from Bald Mountain west to Ragged Mountain and on to Pleasant Mountain.

Map of the Bald-Ragged Section of the Georges Highland Path.
Carey Kish photo

For a good day's walk try the 5-mile section up and over Ragged Mountain. That's what Fran and I and our dog Winnie hiked last Sunday, a most beautiful, albeit quite warm day in the outdoors.

We started from the Thorndike Brook trailhead, on Hope St. a half-mile off of route 17 in Rockport, and looped over the mountain, returning on busy 17 to the car (be careful) for a 6.5-mile walk total.

The going is easy at the start, through old fields, young woods, past stone walls and on and off old woods roads. Beyond, you climb, yes, but it's never real steep. And the next thing you know you're at a pretty overlook above Grassy Pond.

Hungry already we stopped to enjoy the view and grab a quick bite.

View of Grassy Pond from the Georges Highland Path.
Carey Kish photo

The trail switchbacks above, then slabs across the mountainside to a junction with the trail to Bald Mountain.

Trail junction on the Georges Highland Path.
Carey Kish photo

We continued to meander along the ridgeline, climbing gradually. Soon enough we emerged onto ledges with sweeping views to the east. The trail remains out in the open for a fair distance before swinging back into a ravine.

Came upon a 22-inch diameter red spruce along the way. Wow! Not too many of those left.
Carey Kish photo

Around the corner you are once again out into the open with fabulous walking over ledges. Mirror Lake is revealed below. Across the way the cones of East Peak, Spruce Peak and Pleasant Mountain can be seen (the trail traverses them, but that's for another day).

Outrageously beautiful hiking on the GHP on the cliffs of Ragged Mountain.
Carey Kish photo

View of Mirror Lake from the GHP.
Carey Kish photo

The trail nearly climbs to the summit of Ragged, but with the communications towers on top, I'm glad it veers off into the woods. The towers really don't seem to intrude on the experience, so no matter.

You pop out once again and get great views of the ocean, the Camden Hills, and Camden village. It's outstanding!

The path next takes you slowly down a long ridge of nearly pure red oak. It picks up an old carriage road for a half-mile of easy going. The descent continues above Mirror Lake (it's tantalizing, but you never get there - the lake a public water supply, so the trail avoids it).

You're down now, but not out. It's a good long walk beneath the front face of the mountain before the trail crosses a small brook and heads for the road.

The path emerges from the woods at Route 17. It was an easy walk back to the car, but 17 is very busy and I don't know that I'd do it again. Wish there was a complete loop. You may want to do a car spot.

GHP trailhead on Route 17 in Rockport.
Carey Kish photo

We were going to head for Lake St. George State Park for a swim, but I opened my yap and said "Hey, how 'bout Moody's for some chow?"

That's all it took to sway Fran. Moody's Dinah it was. The clams was awesome, by the way. So too the turkey dinner with all the fixin's. Yum.

Good day. You try it and see. The Georges Highland Path... you'll love it!

Get more information and trail maps from the nice folks at the Georges River Land Trust.

Ragged Mountain from Route 17.
Carey Kish photo

Have you hiked the trails of the Georges Highland Path system? What did you think?

After my "grilling and driving don't mix" piece a couple weeks ago I received a surprise package in the mail from the folks at Water-Jel Technologies... a bottle of Burn Jel Plus, a newly enhanced product used to treat burns.

Looks like a pretty good item to have around the campfire or backyard grill, where all kinds of bad things can happen, expecially if there be any alcohol involved.

Burn Jel Plus is just the thing for treating a nasty burn.
Carey Kish photo

Given my love of product testing, of course, I immediately went out back and fired up the gas grill. Got it nice and hot, I did.

Then I stuck my hand right on it and gave me-self one heckuva a good searing. You know, the kind that you like on a good steak, with the black lines from the grill scored into the meat and all.

Oh yeah. Then I reached for a swig of my brewskie. And then grabbed my new bottle of Burn Jel Plus and slathered it on. In no time flat, the intense pain in my hand was relieved!

Really, you say? Nah, jez pullin' yer leg.

But I did have the grill on, I was cooking up some steaks, I did have a brew going, and I did have my Burn Jel Plus handy. But I decided to pass on the self-inflicted burn test for now.

I suspect that well before the summer is out I'll have plenty of opportunities to try out my Burn Jel Plus. Burns, scalds, sunburns; that's just the way things go.

Burn Jel Plus comes in a 4 oz. bottle for home and camp use, or a handy 2 oz. bottle for the rucksack, canoe or kayak, bike pannier, whatever. The big bottle sells for about $9 at just about any local drugstore.

By the way, Water-Jel has some great safety tips for backyard grilling and camping. I especially enjoyed this one: "Flaming marshmallows could ignite hair or clothing."

Hmmm. Gives me an idea for around the campfire on the next river trip perhaps. I can just see it now. Oh, the humanity...

Beer has food value, but food has no beer value. Can't quite remember who to credit for that one, but I love it. And use it often. Thanks to whomever.

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. How true! Thanks to the great beer-swilling Ben Franklin for that fine quote.

Where am I going with all this you ask? Well, right now, to the fridge for another cold brew. Excuse me...

Ahhh. Back to work with a cold one at hand. How nice.

You see, what I'm's getting at is this: You hikers, bikers, boaters, skiers - recreationalists of all stripes - you know darn well the importance of beer, the nector of the gods.

What do you crave after a long hike in the woods? A beer.

After a grueling pedal over the single-track? A beer.

What's your first stop when you get down off the slopes at the Loaf? The Bag for a... yes, yes, you know it now... a beer!

Mmmm... beer!
Image courtesy www.ilovemainebeer.com

OK, so now that you're with me, and we're all in the same six-pack if you will, let's talk.

Tuesday, June 10th is voting day. Now there's plenty o'stuff on the ballot, for sure. But there's one item that just might sneak by you if you ain't careful.

That's the effort to repeal the new taxes enacted to prop up the sagging Dirigo health program. And part of the scam to help pay for this failure is to raise taxes on beer and wine by more than double.

That's already happened. And I noticed - you too, I trust - that beer prices at the cooler immediately jumped a buck anyway.

Great, eh?

More taxes for less. Ain't government wonderful?!

Sorry, but Dirigo and the forced healthcare monopoly should be put out of its misery. Bring back market competiton and reduce the onerous regulations and we might just get more affordable health care.

But I digress.

Back to the beer.

I plan to vote to repeal the beer tax. Maybe you will, too.

I mean c'mon, what's more important? Cheap beer or a health care program that ain't all it's cracked up to be?

Less expensive beer, of course.

Besides, folks, beer is already way over-taxed. Yep, it is. It's estimated that 40% of the cost of every beer sold is due to taxes. 40%! $5.2 billion a year outta you's and my's pockets.

Good God!

And guess who was majorly responsible for the luxury tax bill that got pushed through Congress in 1990 that raised taxes on beer and a whole host of "luxury" items... our own George Mitchell!

And have these taxes ever gone down, or been done away with? Hah!

Worse, since when did beer become a luxury? It's a gosh darn necessity! And why in heck are we allowing our leaders (choke!) to heavily tax another of life's necessities?

So please my dear friends - fellow outdoor enthusiasts and beer drinkers - please take this opportunity to turn back the stupid beer tax.

Voat to repeel!

And beer me please!!

“Trails do not just appear for our enjoyment; it takes many hours of planning, labor and negotiating to develop them." So says the American Hiking Society.

How true. How very true!

"National Trails Day… brings awareness to trails and thanks many people and partners for their support and hard work, including volunteers, land agencies and outdoor businesses.”

National Trails Day 2008 is here: Saturday, June 7th. And there’s a lot going on in Maine again this year to mark the day – 30 events at last count. Hikes, bird walks, paddles, trail work, cleanups, biking, dedications and festivals are scheduled, all in the spirit of celebrating the trails we use and enjoy for recreation, exercise and escape.

I can hardly believe that this will be the 16th year running for the big nationwide event to celebrate trails. There certainly have been many trail miles walked, water bars cleaned, bog bridges built, blazes painted, signs erected, and fun and laughter had in those many years, that’s for sure.

Find about what’s going on for National Trails Day here, then get packed for a full day of fun outdoors! See you out there on the trail, for sure!

Where will you be on National Trails Day?
Carey Kish photo

Outside on the trail helping out of course!
Carey Kish photo

Image courtesy American Hiking Society

WHAT: Get outdoors and onto our trails for the 16th annual National Trails Day!

WHEN: Saturday, June 7th. Important note: National Trails Day is officially only one day. That's bull. I hereby declare that every day is National Trails Day!

WHERE: There are 30 events happening all over Maine. Check out the list, pick one, and GO have some good fun! Our trails NEED you!

WHY: Duh. That's easy. There are several thousand miles of recreation trails in Maine. How do you think they got there. And how do you think they stay open? You got it... Nice people just like you who volunteer their time and energy to help out.

HOW: Pack a day pack with clothes, lunch and water. Be sure to pack gloves and bug dope too. Then go on and get down and dirty in the dirt with a happy group of other like-minded trail crazies.

BONUS: Join up with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC), the Maine Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), your local land trust, park, trails group. They ALL need your help, on National Trails Day and throughout the year. Do it!

Trail work is good fun...
Carey Kish photo

... just ask this smiley, happy (and thirsty!) trail crew!
Carey Kish photo

Bigfoot had better be on the lookout, 'cause there be a bounty on his (or her) head.

Yep, you heard it.

Bushnell (the binocular people) and Field & Stream magazine "have teamed up to offer $1 million to anyone who can provide an unaltered photograph/video, verified and substantiated by a panel of scientific experts [including a zoologist and biologist], the evidence required to prove a Sasquatch/Bigfoot/Yeti exists."

Why, I'm gonna get out there in the Maine woods too-ma-ree and start a-looking round. That dang Bigfoot has goots to be poking around here somewhere, I jez know it.

This old photo of Bigfoot is all I've got to go on when I set out to find him tomorrow and capture the $1 million bounty!
AP photo

I could sure use me that $1 million clams. Been playing the Maine State Lottery for years and never won nothing more than $20 bucks. How the hell am I gonna retire like that? Eh??

Bag me a Bigfoot, right here in the woods of Maine. Hell, maybe even right out here in the wilds of Bowdoin.

I be wicked rich then. Be able to afford some good living, like beer outta a bottle and some of that retaurant-type pizza. Mebbe even take the little woman to a movee.

OK, 'nuff said fer now. Gots to git some good sleep. Up early onto the hunt for Bigfoot and that there prize money...

You gonna be out there looking too? Keep yer distance, you hear. There's room for all of us to a-Bigfoot huntin.

I'm always on the lookout for a new hiking hat. Sometimes I just don't know it.

Take today, for example.

I stopped into the Freeport General Store this afternoon on my way home from city to country. Needed a road soda to quench the thirst, don't you know. I stuff the change in my pocket, grab the bag and turn for the door. And there it is.

A rack full of baseball hats embroidered with "Life is Crap."

I break out into a belly laugh and damn near pee myself. The guy behind the counter gives me a big smile and laughs along with me.

"Ain't they great," he says.

Absolutely!

There's one with a dog peeing on a guy's leg instead of a fire hydrant. Another with a guy throwing his golf clubs into a pond.

I go for the one with an empty keg, a pile of red cups strewn around it, and a sign on it "Out of Beer."

$9.99. Hey, what's money?!

Carey Kish photo

Life is crap, indeed. Especially when you're out of beer.

Yeah, I'm sick, I know. You too, you say. Good deal. At least we understand each other.

Can't wait to hit the trail with my new hat...

Whaddaya say? You likes me new lid?

Every now and again, if you're a gear head like me (I know you are, you can admit it!), you come across a a useful product that makes you say, "Hey, I could really use that!"

So it is with the LED Micro Lantern from the folks at Coghlan's, long-time suppliers of good quality camping and outdoor stuff.

The Coghlan's LED Micro Lantern weighs under an ounce, perfect for backpacking!
Carey Kish photo

For years now I've been looking for an extra light source for the tent or lean-to, something other than a candle and in addition to my headlamp. And something that doesn't weigh much.

Turns out the Micro Lantern is just the thing. It weighs in at less than one ounce (0.83 oz. for you fanatical ounce-counters), is pretty tiny (1" x 1" x 2" in size), and runs on regular Lithium batteries (included).

For it's small size and weight, however, the Micro Lantern packs a pretty bright punch, perfect for us readers and journal writers who enjoy late evenings on the trail. And it'll provide 25 hours of light on one set of batteries, good enough for a number of good novels for sure. Maybe even a game of cribbage or two. Who knows?!

The Coghlan's Micro Lantern really throws out plenty of light for the tent or lean-to.
Carey Kish photo

I like that! All good.

The Coghlan's Micro Lantern is cheap, too. Just $7.99. You can find it at just about any place that sells camping gear.