You’re invited: My presentation at Cabin Fever Reliever, Feb. 28

I’ll be giving a presentation about Maine hikes again this year at the annual Cabin Fever Reliever at the Brewer Auditorium, and for all of you who came to the presentation last year, this program will be entirely different. I’d love to see you again.

For those who couldn’t make it last year, I’d love to meet you and talk with you about Maine trails.

aceandoreo0215I’m scheduled to talk at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28, and I plan to make use of all 45 minutes. The presentation will include a slideshow with photos I’ve taken on various hikes, a handout that you can scribble notes on, and the debut of my most recent blooper/extras reel.

The Cabin Fever Reliever program calls my talk “100 hikes,” which was its name last year… but trust me, I’ve got new material for you. I’ve actually completed more than 150 Maine hikes in the three years I’ve been writing (and filming) my column for the BDN.

schoodichead8My plan is to talk about some lesser-known Maine hiking areas, places that have a bunch of great trails and beautiful landmarks but aren’t usually crowded with visitors. I’ve discovered a number of amazing hiking spots over the years, and many of them aren’t far from Bangor. My goal is to give you some new places to go on adventures. And at the end of the presentation, I’ll open it up to questions and comments; so if there’s anything you’d like to ask me or any advice you’d like to give me — please speak up!

Last year was my first time giving a presentation at the Cabin Fever Reliever, a two-day event organized by the Penobscot Fly Fishers. The event includes many outdoor-related exhibits set up by businesses, clubs, government bodies and organizations throughout Maine. This year, exhibitors include the BDN Outdoors, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Penobscot Indian Nation, University of Maine Wildlife Society, Maine Trappers Association, United Blood Trackers and many more.

Last year, I was a bit worried that no one would show up to my presentation. I have no idea how many people read my column, though I do have an idea of the number of people who at least click on my blog online.

ridgetoriver0114-28My mom came. She was the first person to sit down. Then came the crowd. I was blown away by the number of people who came. I probably had a big grin on my face for the full 45 minutes.

I’ve no idea what to expect this year, but if I see just one new face, I’ll be happy.

Lastly, if you have any suggestions for my talk, please leave them in the comment section below. If you’d like me to take some time to talk about a certain topic (for example, hiking safety, gear or Leave No Trace principles), I’d be happy to — if I agree that it’s something other people should learn about.

And if you can’t make it to the Cabin Fever Reliever, I’m also giving two talks at the Eastern Maine Sportsman’s Show, March 6-8.

 

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.