Every Maine summer brings the anticipation of escaping "up north" to relax with family and friends at my camp near Moosehead Lake. While there, we often load up our kayaks to explore one of the many lakes, rivers, or ponds in the area.

One day, a friend and I drove to a remote pond found in my trusty Maine Gazetteer.  A flock of Canadian geese and several loons greeted us.  It was a perfect day for paddling with puffy white clouds, a warm breeze, and a slight chop on sparkling water.  As we rounded the first bend, we wondered what might lie ahead.  Just then a brown hump in the water moved!  A moose slowly raised her head, munching weeds.  She stood erect, staring at us, only slightly wary of our presence.  We viewed her from a respectful distance until she nonchalantly loped off into the tangle of forest.

Spurred by this sighting, we continued on, inspecting the shoreline’s bony, white driftwood and towering pines.  We picnicked on an island’s massive stone outcropping while the familiar peaks of Big Spencer, Whitecap, Big Moose and Katahdin watched us from above.  What better companions for lunch?

As we paddled into a cove, my friend directed my attention to a rustling noise.  Stealthily, I approached and spied, perched upon a fallen timber, two juvenile eagles. With mottled brown feathers, sharp beaks and beady eyes, they sat contentedly surveying the pond.  We watched in awe as they flew off with wingspans that must have stretched five feet!

Giddily, we headed back.  We reveled in the joy of an afternoon that brought us moose, loons, geese, and even a couple of juvenile eagles hanging out on the shore of a pristine pond.  Summer in Maine once again worked its magic!