April 2018
Introduction to Outdoor Culinary Arts
Good food can mean the difference between an amazing experience and a complete disaster. I am thrilled to be working with Beth Arnold and Gerry Saunders to offer this introduction to Outdoor Culinary Arts. Both are accomplished outdoor adventurers and educators. We will be using Dutch ovens, fry bakes, reflector ovens, fire, and stoves to create culinary delights. We will start the day by cooking breakfast; omelettes, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls are on the menu. After a break for brunch,…
Find out more »May 2018
SOLO Wilderness First Aid Afloat: Essex, Massachusetts
Wilderness First Aid Afloat is a scenario-based 16-hour course. The curriculum is Coast Guard approved and specifically designed to address emergencies that occur in a marine environment. Upon completion you will receive a 2-year certification from SOLO and the USCG. WFAA contains all the same information included in the SOLO Wilderness First Aid course (Response and Assessment, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Environmental Emergencies, Survival Skills, Soft Tissue Injuries, and Medical Emergencies). It also includes additional topics specifically designed for boaters including: sea sickness,…
Find out more »June 2018
Wilderness First Aid: On Water Medical Rescue Scenarios
This course is designed for folks who have completed their Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Aid Afloat (WFAA) Certification. Since I have been teaching WFAA the common theme is that folks wished they had more time to practice medical rescues on the water. North Star Adventures LLC and Castine Kayak Adventures are partnering to offer a 3 hour pilot program: On Water Rescue Scenarios. In this pilot we will practice how to manage trauma and medical emergencies while…
Find out more »Women’s Sea Kayaking: Port Clyde Maine
Port Clyde is the quintessential Maine town. Rocky cliffs, coastal islands, emerald green water and the “Forrest Gump” lighthouse are a few of the wonders you will encounter. It is one of my favorite places to paddle! We will meet at the town dock on Saturday morning at 9am for a day long exploration of the emerald green waters. Lunch and all gear is included, we'll wrap up by 4pm. On Sunday June 17th we will embark on an early…
Find out more »Exploration in Art: Summer Solstice Sunrise Hike and Pastel Drawing
Join North Star Adventures LLC and Sweet Maple Corner Arts for a Sunrise Hike on the Summer Solstice Our hiking destination will be Bald Rock Mountain located in Lincolnville, ME. The hike is approximately three miles round-trip. The first mile follows an old carriage road with a gentle incline. The last half mile takes you up the Bald Rock trail. You will be greeted with spectacular views of Penobscot Bay and islands that appear to float on the horizon waiting…
Find out more »Adventures in Art: Inn to Inn Sea Kayaking & Writing with Stephanie Wade
The Maine coast has been an inspiration for writers and for centuries. The craggy coastline, mist enshrouded lighthouses, seals, lobster boats and buoys will be your backdrop for this 3 night 4 day writing expedition.
Find out more »July 2018
Exploration in Art: Canoeing and woodworking with Jim MacDonald, Unity Pond
Learn woodworking skills both by watching and doing as we each create a beautiful and fully functional maple cutting board.
Find out more »Leave No Trace Ocean Paddling
During this two day course participants will learn and teach the principles of Leave No Trace. We will discuss the impact of human activity on the ocean and island environments. Each participant will be required to present a short (15-20 minute) class on one of the principles of Leave No Trace. We will camping on and exploring the Islands off the coast of Maine.
Find out more »August 2018
Adventures in Art: Lake Paddling, Hiking & Painting with Rachel Littlefield
Spend four unforgettable days in the Rangeley Lakes Region of Western Maine. Known for remote islands, and 4000’ mountains this is a perfect venue to challenge yourself physically, mentally and creatively.
Find out more »Sea Kayaking with Friends of Sears Island
Join North Star Adventures and Friends of Sears Island for an introduction to Sea Kayaking on August 4th. We will spend two hours learning paddling technique as we explore Sears Island from the water. You may want to bring binoculars for watching sea birds and scouting for seals. If you have always wanted to sea kayak but don't own a boat or are nervous about paddling in the bay now is the time to learn how to safely paddle and…
Find out more »Adventures in Art: Documentary Photography with Sarah Rice
Join us for this extraordinary opportunity to create, through film, a story of the Moosehead Lake region. Photographer Sarah Rice will guide you through the process of creating the story of this spectacular area of the Maine highlands. We will explore by tandem sea kayak, steamship, and foot. Conditions permitting, we may have the opportunity to do some snorkeling to see what treasures lie within the shallows of Moosehead Lake. Sarah rice is a documentary and editorial photographer based in…
Find out more »Half & Full Day Paddle Adventures: Available every day from June 25th – August 17th
Half and Full day Paddle Adventures: Are you looking to experience the beauty of inland Maine? North Star Adventures will take you on either a full or half day paddle experience. Are you staying Down East, central, southern, or in western Maine? We can put together a plan and meet at an inland lake or waterway near you. If you’d rather paddle on the ocean we can arrange that as well. We will take you to the quiet corners of…
Find out more »September 2018
Exploration in Art: Sea Kayaking & Nature Journaling with Cloe Chunn
Explore Penobscot Bay and the Holbrook Island area with North Star Adventures and Cloe Chunn. Cloe is a co-founder of the Maine Master Naturalist Program. Spend the day in the company of Harbor seals, osprey, guillemots, eiders, loons, and cormorants. Launching from Brooksville, Maine we will spend the day observing and recording the tranquility of Maine islands and critters that make them their home. Nature journaling allows you to gain a deeper respect and awareness for the beauty and fragility of…
Find out more »Women’s Backpacking: Cutler Coast
Join North Star Adventures for an incredible backpacking experience to the Cutler Coast. Part of the Bold Coast, a spectacular region in Downeast Maine that goes from Cutler to Lubec, the Cutler Coast Public Lands Reserve has 4.5 miles of coastline that overlooks the Bay of Fundy. Tent sites overlook the dramatic cliffs and pocket coves the encompass the region. It is a 4.5 mile hike, most of which follows the coastline, to our campsite. While not a lot of…
Find out more »October 2018
Adventures in Art: Hiking & Writing with Stephanie Wade
Experience the Grand Canyon of the East as we explore the Gulf Hagas region of Maine. We will camp on the Pleasant River. After an evening around a bonfire and stargazing you will be rocked to sleep by the gentle rhythm of the river.
Find out more »Adventures in the Arts: Hiking, Movement & Meditation with Mid Maine Yoga
Spending time in nature on retreat is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in practice, just one weekend away can help you begin cultivating a deeper sense of awareness, increase motivation to practice at home, and reconnect with yourself. Integrating movement and mindfulness Nancy and Caitlin will guide participants on a weekend journey in the 100 Mile Wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail. This is an open and non-judgmental environment to freely explore creative self-expression; self-care rituals, and a peaceful…
Find out more »January 2019
Winter Adventures! Half, Full day and Multi-Day!
North Star Adventures will be offering Winter Adventures from January 2nd - March 31st , 2019. Are you looking to experience the beauty of winter in Maine? North Star Adventures will take you on a half, full or multi-day winter wonderland adventure. Adventures may include snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Overnight options include staying in bunkhouses, cabins or Inns. They can be as rustic or comfortable as you would like. We offer something for all fitness and experience levels. Winter…
Find out more »Favorite Places to Ski in Maine
Winter is my favorite time of year. I love the snow crystals as they sparkle in the sun, I love patterns and colors of the ice as the winter freeze takes hold of our lakes, waterways and forests and I love the silent beauty after a storm when the world is sleeping. You can learn to love winter. It's about learning to embrace the beauty of the season. The hustle and bustle of summer has ended and the holiday extravagance…
Find out more »February 2019
Camden Hills Snowshoe Adventure
Camden Hills is the gem of Mid-Coast Maine. Spectacular hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, paddling, mountain biking and climbing make this a fantastic multi-sport destination. On Saturday February 9th join North Star Adventures for a Camden Hills Snowshoe Adventure. We will begin our journey from Maiden Cliff Trail head at 9:00am for a full-day adventure along the ridge trail to Ocean Lookout. Enjoy the ice formations, wildlife tracks and the forest as we experience winter on foot. Views of Penobscot Bay will…
Find out more »March 2019
Northwoods Winter Weekend
Experience the North Maine Woods with a Maine Guide. Stay in a rustic cabin, enjoy meals made from locally sourced ingredients, cross-country ski with Mt. Kineo as your backdrop, and enjoy a cozy night by the fire gazing at the winter sky. This weekend will truly be a winter wonderland. Bring your friends, family and neighbors for a true Maine winter experience. March is the perfect winter month! Daylight has started to return, the temperatures are reasonable and we have…
Find out more »May 2019
Wings & Water
North Star Adventures, Sebasticook Regional Land Trust & James Macdonald Art Guitars bring you Wings & Water. Known for its unique and diverse farming community, rolling hills, trail system, and waterways Unity Maine is a hidden gem, just a short drive from the coastal village of Belfast. Spend the morning exploring the wetlands of Unity Pond with ecologist Gerry Saunders. Explore the narrow passageways and listen to the sounds of spring as life returns to central Maine. The majority of…
Find out more »Emergency Medicine in the Backcountry
Discover the beauty of the Bigelow Preserve in this 3 night 4 day backpacking expedition. If you have experience in the Bigelows this will allow you to look at it from a rescuer perspective. If you have not been to the Preserve you are in for a treat! It was created in 1976 to stop development of a ski resort directly across from Sugarloaf. You will learn and practice field-based wilderness medical skills, with an emphasis on group management, scene…
Find out more »June 2019
Outdoor Cooking: Lightweight & Tasty Backpacking Food
The key to any backcountry adventure lies a thoughtful and tasty meal plan. In this day long workshop you will have the opportunity to learn food planning techniques as well as some basic nutritional information that will help you create backcountry culinary delights. We will plan our menu, pack our backpacks, and do a short hike where we will cook using a variety of stoves and techniques. You will be creating meals for breakfast and dinner. A typical field lunch…
Find out more »Staying Upright: Canoe Skills & Techniques
Are you ready to expand your canoeing skills? Are you a beginner who wants to dip your paddle deeper into the water or an intermediate who is ready for a longer expedition? Then this workshop is for you. Join us for a fun and educational day on the water. Our day will start with instruction in gear selection, boat design, navigation and paddle technique. On the water we will have the opportunity to put that knowledge into practice. One of…
Find out more »Food on the Water: Canoe Cooking
After a full day of paddling do you look forward to to a mouth watering meal of freeze dried mush? Does fresh baked trail pizza, calzone, vegetarian lazagna, beef stroganoff with brownies, apple crisp or peach cobbler for dessert sound more enticing? This workshop will develop your canoe cooking skills including meal planning, food preparation, cooking using stoves, camp fires, and dutch ovens. We will employ LNT practices that apply to canoeing. Be prepared to pack the gear and paddle…
Find out more »July 2019
Sunset Paddle for Two
This private event, designed for you and your significant other, is an evening to remember. We will begin your special night with a lakeside dinner made from local organic ingredients and a small fire to warm your souls and spirit. Paddling into the sunset, sparkling water, and stargazing will cap off your perfect evening. Swim among the stars, experience the sunlight as it dances off the water, and connect on a visceral level to the energies of the dark. Let…
Find out more »Maine Lakes: Wilderness Paddling Adventure
If you like remote lakes, 4000’ mountains, sand beaches, and clear refreshing water then this trip is for you! We will be travelling by tandem and single kayak from island to island stopping at sand beaches along the way for swimming and lunch. At night we may camp on our own private island or on a remote mainland site. Food will be made from fresh local ingredients. We will be cooking over fires, baking in dutch ovens and cooking on…
Find out more »Tunk Mountain: Hike & Swim
Tunk Mountain, elevation 1,157', is located near Cherryfield Maine. It is a beautiful, moderate, 1.8 mile (one way) hike. It does steepen near the top and had two metal rungs to assist you over a boulder. The hike is gorgeous. There are views of the surrounding peaks, lakes, and the ocean. Join us for this amazing hike not to far from Acadia National Park. We have the option to add on an extra mile and loop around Salmon Pond making…
Find out more »Women’s Sea Kayaking: Island Overnight
Pond Island, in Penobscot Bay, is an incredibly beautiful island. It has a big sand beach, a pond in the middle (hence, the name) and a beautiful wooded tent site with amazing views of the bay. I am thrilled to be offering this trip as a women's overnight paddling adventure. We will depart from Buck's Harbor, Maine on Monday July 15th. We will explore the harbors and inlets as we make our way to our campsite on Pond Island. Expect…
Find out more »Hiking & Paddling: Camden Sampler
Join North Star Adventures for an exploration of Camden Hills State Park. We will start our day hiking the Maiden Cliff trail to the Ridge trail. Enjoy beautiful views of Lake Megunticook and Ragged Mountain. After a rest and re-hydrate we will descend to the the boat landing and paddle to Fernalds Neck Preserve. There we will have a picnic made from local organic ingredients and have time for a well deserved swim. Across the lake we will have a…
Find out more »August 2019
Adventures in the Arts: Paddling & Pottery
North Star Adventures is thrilled to partner with Squidge Liljeblad Davis from Starflower Farm Studio. Squidge is a well-known and respected clay artist who has maintained a studio, shown her work and taught as a visiting artist throughout New England since 1972. In her teaching, she combines the principles of TaiChi/QiGong (which she has also studied and taught for decades) with the direct experience of place, spirit and art. In this wilderness experience, we will learn the 5 element qiGong and the basic skills of…
Find out more »Fall Foliage Tours
Let North Star Adventures plan your perfect fall foliage tour. Known for vibrant colors Maine offers a variety of options for viewing this spectacular event. You can travel by boat to explore the lakes, rivers, or coastline. You can travel by foot and see rolling hills, mountains, lakes, and ponds. Your trip can be self-contained (you carry your gear on your back or in a boat), or it can be supported (we transport your gear from Inn to Inn or…
Find out more »September 2019
Adventures in the Arts: Sea Kayaking and Nature Journaling
Sea Kayaking and Nature Journaling on Penobscot Bay! Last year we offered nature journaling as a full day program. It was so much fun that everyone decided that we needed to make it an overnight. Spend the day in the company of Harbor seals, osprey, guillemots, eiders, loons, and cormorants. Launching from Castine Maine we will spend the day observing and recording the tranquility of Maine islands and critters that make them their home. By night we can enjoy the…
Find out more »MaineSong: Songwriting + Paddling
Songs can delight, awaken empathy, celebrate our sense of place, express our individual and collective stories, spark transformation, and offer healing. They are also fun… and a little magic! Join North Star Adventures staff and guest instructor, Sara Trunzo, for a weekend immersion (September 13-15, 2019) into song, nature, community, and our personal journeys on the shores of beautiful Lake Winnecook. Participants will craft, refine, and share their music and lyrics through a variety of solo, collaborative, and group exercises.…
Find out more »February 2020
Winter Snowshoeing Series: Introduction to Snowshoeing, Fernald’s Neck Preserve
Introduction to Snowshoeing, Fernald's Neck Preserve Loop, Beginner. Fernald's Neck covers most of a peninsula that extends into the north end of Lake Megunticook . This easy hike is a great introduction to snowshoeing. There are many trail options, we can do as many as four miles or as little as two. The trail wanders through the pine and hardwood forests, and skirts the shore line of the lake with beautiful views of Maiden Cliff and the Camden Hills. It…
Find out more »Winter Snowshoeing Series
Embrace the winter with North Star Adventures! Our winter snowshoeing series starts in February 2020. Book individually or book all four and save! While Maine winters can be long, the season provides us with a beautiful landscape! Winter is the most peaceful of all seasons. The hustle and bustle of summer is gone and we are left with the stark beauty of the winter wonderland. Wildlife is hibernating, trails are less crowded...experience the silence of winter. Snowflakes and ice crystals…
Find out more »Winter Snowshoeing Series: Bald Rock, Camden Hills State Park
Bald Rock, Camden Maine, Intermediate. A moderate 3.4 mile hike. One of my favorite local hikes. This is a relatively short, easy, "bang for your buck" hike. It is a good introduction to snowshoeing on steeper inclines. The trail rises slowly for the first mile as we follow an old carriage road. From there it is .5 to the summit. There are several short steep sections but nothing long and sustained. At the summit you will be greeted with fantastic…
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