What To Bring?
Quality 2 piece rain gear, (Gortex or similar), Sweat suit or micro fleece, 2 or 3 changes of clothes, Swimsuit, Leather boots or hiking shoes, sneakers, Tevas, flashlight, insect repellant, sleeping bag for appropriate temperature needed, toiletry kit, air mattress or Thermarest, waterproof bags, camera & film with waterproof container, 25' of thin line for clothes drying, Fleece or clothes for cold weather, cloth gloves if you have tender hands. Optional life preserver (you may have one you prefer), knife, maps of river, fishing equipment, fly rod or spinning rod.
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What is Provided?
All equipment necessary to enjoy the trip will be provided including tents, canoes, lifejackets, paddles,tarps, cooking and eating equipment, food, first aid, saws, and equipment boxes. Canoes are ABS plastics, which are believed to be the most durable available. Tents are Eureka Timberlines, which are a top quality tent and provide ease in assembly and protection from the elements. All clients are asked to use as much care as possible with this expensive equipment.
Can you change the dates or locations?
Variations of these trips can be made upon request. Trips can be scheduled from May through early October. Most trips will begin on a Saturday or Sunday and “Maine” trips will begin at my house with transportation provided, for up to 6 people. It is usually possible for the remaining people to “truck pool” with a discount to those who provide the vehicle.
Should I get travel Insurance?
yes
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What if I do not know how to canoe?
You will receive instructions in handling a canoe in all possible conditions. The proper way to load and unload a canoe, the most efficient ways to paddle and portage, and the way to read the water current will all be explained and developed.
What kind of wildlife and fish will we see?
Bear, deer, moose, loons, and ducks are likely to be seen and possibly studied. The “bird watcher” and naturalist will not be disappointed. To see ospreys and eagles fishing in the lakes makes the trip even better. The fishing can be excellent, but it’s not as fast later in the summer. On Canadian trips caribou, wolves, and bear are often seen.
What are possible Menus?
Cooking is done mostly over an open fire in Maine. Extensive use of the baker oven is used to produce muffins, baked ham, pies, cakes, baked fish and anything that can be cooked at home in your oven. After a hard day of paddling, meals such as steak, barbecued chicken, fish chowder, meat loaf and stir fry usually hit the spot. Every effort is made to provide healthy, tasty and nutritious meals. It is doubtful that you will be hungry for long. A Coleman stove and freeze dried meals are often necessary on some Canadian trips.
What about the insects?
Black flies and mosquitoes can be bothersome early in the season. Occasionally “hatches” occur all summer long, so a good supply of repellent is necessary.
Trivia
Many people inquire whether they should be in top physical condition. Sometimes a paddle into a headwind can be strenuous, as well as the several short portages (longest 1/8 mile at Allagash Falls). Being in reasonable shape is a help, but you don’t have to be an “Olympian”. Canadian trips are generally more challenging and may require prior canoeing experience. The Allagash and St. John region have much to offer people of all walks of life. The beauty and enjoyment are available for everyone.
Who Guides these trips?
Most trips in the North Woods are to be guided by myself, Blaine Miller. I try to offer you an experience that allows learning many camping and canoeing skills. I find a complete experience is achieved when you help in gathering wood, portaging, setting up camp and other normal trip duties. In short, I offer a trip with enjoyable experiences plus valuable camping skills. By using this approach, I am able to offer a reduced cost, and you go away with a greater sense of appreciation. Some Canadian trips are with Gerald LeBlanc, one of Canada’s most experienced canoe trip guides. Trips in Maine may be guided by my daughter and son-in-law, Christal and Sören Siren, both are licensed Maine guides. Christal is a physical therapist and Sören is a school P.E. educator. We all have years of experience on these rivers. On some Canadian trips you may be required to provide your own transportation to an agreed upon starting location. Maps and information about this will be provided according to the trip selected. “Car pooling” and caravans are the norm.
About Myself
I am a member of the Maine Professional Guides Association, and a Master Maine Guide. I am also a member of IAABO#20, as an active basketball official. I am a graduate of the University of Southern Maine.I have guided canoe trips in northern Maine since 1971 and have earned a reputation for having some of the best canoeists, satisfied fishermen, and best trips.
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