Summer months in Maine for our family means day trips, overnight trips and summer camp for some. Maine is home to some of the most special outdoor places. These places are kept up and run by staff and volunteers who are stewards of these special places and teach visitors important lifelong outdoor skills.

I am thankful to all those who put in many hours and long days to support our outdoor recreation adventures. I also do not forget and I am grateful for the many small businesses that are, at the start or end of a trail, close to a park or are open early on the way to a paddle. All of these folks start and end their day before the open/closed sign is flipped. These businesses provide a warm coffee when you need it, fuel, last-minute supplies, food and important local knowledge when needed.

Let’s all enjoy the outdoors in the coming months and thank those people who make the experience better for all of us.

Jeff McCabe

Skowhegan