Meal Planning

When it comes to meal planning, you can really keep things as simple as you like.  As long as you have enough protein, carbs, and fat, you will be fine for three days.  Some people might prefer not to bother with anything that requires cooking, and that is totally doable.  My choices tend to be in the middle: some level of convenience, but with tastiness as a high priority! One of my favorite parts of going camping is the food.  With all the exercise we will be getting, there is really nothing like a thoughtfully made sandwich at the top of a mountain, or endless s'mores to cap off the night.  As I mentioned before, we will all be visiting the Hannaford grocery store in Millinocket on Friday afternoon/evening for the all-important stock up. So I thought I would share some meal planning ideas to help you knock your grocery list out of the park.


Friday night: eat in town! We will most likely go to our favorite restaurant, Angelo's Pizza.

Saturday morning: continental breakfast at Baxter Park Inn.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday {snacks}: fresh fruit (eat softer fruits or berries on first day, save apples for later), bulk foods (dried fruits, granola, nuts and seeds), energy bars, crackers.

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday {three lunches}: Uncle Sumner is kindly bringing a bounty of his famous homemade bread to share.  There may well be enough that no one needs to buy bread at all, but we can re-evaluate on Friday afternoon before shopping.  Here is a tip for buying deli meat and cheese: instead of ordering by weight, think about it this way-
   meat: (3 slices(Ned) x 2 sandwiches + 2 slices(me) x 1 sandwich) x 3 days =  order 24 slices of meat
  cheese: (2 slices x 2 sandwiches + 1 slice x 1 sandwich) x 3 days = order 15 slices of cheese
Also for your sandwiches: tomatoes, lettuce (pre-washed), onions, peppers, deli salad (i.e. slaw) - ask them to put it in a baggie rather than a hard box in order to consume less space.
Condiments (team up with people so we don't all buy every condiment!)

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday {three dinners}:
Saturday night we will grill, so bring what you want: hot dogs, bratwurst, burgers (pre-made patties!), buns, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peppers, sauerkraut, condiments. Side dishes: baked beans, chips, deli salads (potato, macaroni), etc. If we all just bring one side dish per person or small group, we should have more than enough.
My dinner ideas for Sunday & Monday nights are: rice/other grain (bulk foods) & canned black beans, sauce or seasoning, veggies, sausage, grated cheese, etc (basically a one-pot meal that can all be boiled together with the rice or other grain)....and a pasta for the third meal. Boxed mac & cheese goes well with canned tuna and maybe a green vegetable for good measure. For both of these one-pot dinner ideas, I would recommend adding any sauce or cheese you will use directly to your bowl or plate of food, in order to simplify the dishwashing process. A large pot full of red sauce and stuck-on cheese would be kind of a nightmare.  Another option that some people like when camping is a "tin foil dinner," where you wrap up your food in tin foil and cook it over the fire for a bit. No dishes required!

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday {three breakfasts}:
eggs (can be boiled to keep things simple), oatmeal with raisins & nuts(pour hot water directly into your bowl of oatmeal to simplify dishwashing), and your desired toast toppings.

Drinks: Water (one gallon per day per person), instant coffee, canned milk or half & half (individual servings swiped from hotel or McDonald's), tea, honey, hot chocolate, lemonade, juice. Alcoholic beverages are allowed at our campsite, but we are NOT allowed to walk around the park with them.

Dessert: S'mores and S'mores!

Miscellaneous:  Ice (for cooler), paper towels, Ziploc bags (sandwich and gallon), other plastic bags to use for trash, tin foil.


When you get back to your hotel room after shopping, a really helpful thing you can do is to take everything out of its packaging and transfer it into Ziploc bags. Take all the Ziploc bags out of their box and place them into one gallon-size bag.  Then take all granola bars, crackers, tea, pasta, etc out of their boxes and put into bags.  You will be shocked at how much garbage you will be able to leave in your hotel room and be freed from carrying around the park all weekend!  This is also a good time to wash all your fruit and veggies as needed.

Those who live within driving distance will thank themselves if they bring items like:
condiments/non-perishables
salt & pepper
portable cook stove
portable grill
water boiling kettle
pot & pan
cooler
plate
bowl
mug
can opener
fork/spoon/butter knife/paring knife/spatula/serving spoon/tongs
water containers (already full if you like)
Tupperware containers and Ziploc bags of various sizes
tin foil
other plastic bags to use as trash bags
small dish towels or rags

Although you can always use disposable dishes, I think it's easiest for each person to have ONE of each type of dish to use and keep track of, and just wipe it "clean" after each use.


Do you have a tip or meal idea of your own to share? Please do so in the comments!

Packing Checklist

Here are some ideas of what to pack, in a perfect world.  Not everyone needs to bring everything. I understand that those traveling from afar will not be able to bring certain items, so we are planning to bring extras of whatever we can so that everyone is covered.  If you're nervous about something or need help, get in touch with me and I will make sure we have what you need. On the flip side, if you have any extra of something that you are willing to share (tarps or coolers for example), it wouldn't hurt to bring them just in case.


Camping Gear:
tent
tarp
sleeping bag
sleeping pad (or blowup mattress + inflator if you like)
blankets
pillow
table light/headlamp/flashlight + batteries
cook stove/fuel/portable grill (fuel may be purchased at Katahdin General Store in Millinocket)
rope
folding chairs

Clothing/Accessories:
   >>We can expect a range of weather, so be smart with layers!
sporty clothes
sporty shoes/socks
sun hat/sunglasses
sleepwear
swimsuit
towel
water shoes
sandals
sweater
sweatpants/leggings
woolen hat
woolen socks
gloves (or extra woolen socks for hands)
rain gear
street clothes? if you'd like, only one outfit needed for Friday in town

Other:
Baxter Park map: this will help you visualize the itinerary. (I have a good detailed one I can share, but at least pick up a free Park newsletter that has a basic map in it, available at HQ in town or at the gate. I will probably grab a few extras for anyone who arrives after HQ is closed on Friday.)
compass
backpack (comfortable size for carrying essentials during the day)
Moleskin/Band Aids (in case of blisters) + other First Aid
water filter (if you're using one)
Camelback/water bottles (if you bring big ones to fill up, you won't have to buy or filter as much)
walkie-talkies (if anyone has them!)
nominal amount of cash (for canoe rentals and firewood)
camera
car charger
hobbies (books, your knitting, musical instrument, football, playing cards, etc)
binoculars
matches/lighter
cooler
bug spray, if you like (bugs aren't too bad by the end of August)
dental care/other hygiene (no soap, and avoid strong scents)
sunscreen
variety of plastic bags (food storage, trash, dirty clothes...)
tin foil
dishes/cups/silverware
napkins/dish rags (easiest way to do dishes: just wipe them down after use)


Did I forget something? Leave a comment below!

a few reminders

Thank you again for your RSVPs!  There are a few people I still need confirmation from, and need to know if you're planning to stay all three nights in the Park (27th, 28th, and 29th) or will have to leave early.  No rush if you're still figuring this out, but I do need to let the Park know on Friday, August 26 (the day we arrive in Millinocket), exactly how many people we have each night camping. If you still need to reserve your room for Friday night, please refer back to the previous post.

Some of us are really looking forward to hiking Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine. Please understand that this is not something you should commit to doing if you are physically unprepared.  For those who are interested, it is a strenuous hike with an incredible reward at the top.  I encourage you to start training if you haven't already!

Please familiarize yourself with the Baxter State Park rules and regulations.  Here are some highlights: No soap of any kind within 200 feet of a water source, no pets, and no outside firewood. Carry out all trash.  Generally, "Leave No Trace."  I, for one, will definitely plan to take a nice long shower on Friday night at the hotel, and then will braid my hair for the weekend.  We can go swimming after our hikes in lieu of a shower!

As I mentioned earlier, I will be emailing out a rough and optional itinerary for certain activities that you can print ahead of time since we won't have cell service to get in touch with each other.
I also have two more blog posts planned for the week before we go: a packing checklist and a meal planning tips & ideas post.  If you have any ideas or suggestions to share for these, let me know and I will be happy to include them.  If you're intimidated by the idea of meal planning or packing for this trip, do not worry because these posts will have you covered!

Hotel Booking Information

Happy Summer, Dear Family and Friends!

     Time is flying and August is approaching quicker than we think!  Thank you to everyone who took the time to check your schedule and RSVP with us.  As you may know, Ned and I are experiencing some big changes right now, including moving out of our home in Brunswick recently.   Ned has started an exciting new job based in Ashland, which is not too far from the North end of Baxter State Park.  It remains to be seen whether we will end up staying in that region for long, but being near the Park would certainly be a major bonus.

     Based on the RSVPs we received, we have made the following arrangements.  Friday night, August 26, we will all stay at the Baxter Park Inn in Millinocket.  Please call to reserve your room at (207)723-9777.  Mention the Brown-Telling Reception to get $10 off the price of your room. They have a generous cancelation policy, so there is no need to wait to book even if you are still unsure. We have reserved group camping sites for August 27, 28, and 29.  Saturday the 27th, we will be staying at Nesowadnehunk Field group sites (located in the middle of the park, near where the background photo in this blog was taken).  Sunday and Monday, August 28 and 29, we will stay at the Bear Brook group sites (closer to the Togue Pond gate - closer to Millinocket).

     At least a few people expressed interest in staying in town for the duration of the weekend, rather than just Friday night.  You are welcome to do so; if you extend your stay at the Baxter Park Inn, they will offer the group rate for the other night(s) as well.  There is another option that may be even more luxurious, and closer to the gate entrance too: Big Moose Inn Cabins.  This is located about halfway between the town of Millinocket and the entrance to the park. While this is a nice option to be closer to the gate entrance, please understand that locations are widely spread out and take time to reach; the Park speed limit is 20mph.  We do plan to give everyone a (totally optional) schedule of some planned group events, so despite the lack of cell phone and internet service, we will all have the option to gather at different times throughout the weekend, whether for a hike, a nature walk, a swim, or a meal.

     Please be in touch with any questions or concerns you may have.  We are so excited to share this weekend with you!

Join Us!

Happy Spring! We trust that 2016 is treating you well so far. Ned and I are certainly enjoying our first year of marriage. As you know, we decided to elope on August 29, 2015 at our favorite place on Earth, Baxter State Park. That was totally "for us" and we wouldn't have had it any other way. Now we want to do something for you, our beloved family and friends! Starting today, this website will be the central location where we will share information about our plans and keep you up to date. We look forward to ringing in our first anniversary with a relaxing long weekend together, enjoying all that our favorite Park has to offer.


  When you finish reading this, please get in touch to let us know if this weekend is something you may want to be a part of.  We are looking for soft RSVPs by April 25.  We don't necessarily need a firm commitment right now, but we do want to get a general idea of the maximum size of our group as we prepare to book our reservation.  To RSVP, send a text to Meghan at (480)330-4946 or email meghan.c.brown@asu.edu, saying "keep me on the list!" and providing your best email address so I can email you the link whenever I post an update here. If we don't hear from you, we will assume that you decline the invitation.


     There are some things that you should understand before you decide whether this trip is for you.  Baxter State Park is a very peaceful and beautiful place, but in order to keep it that way, they have certain ways of operating that may be different from what you are accustomed to.  Most importantly, the Park Authority expects all visitors to abide by the principles of Leave No Trace.  For example, there is a strict "carry-in/carry-out" policy which includes all forms of waste short of toilet paper (including diapers and feminine hygiene products). There are rules for how you must clean your dishes, etc. There is no electricity nor phone/internet service. There are also rules about how the Park handles larger groups.  Since we will be considered a large group, we are restricted to staying in a Group Area.  We have chosen a location called Bear Brook for two reasons: because it has the largest capacity for groups, and because it is closest to the Togue Pond Gate (meaning it has the most convenient access to the town of Millinocket).  We know that some of our guests will have special needs (babies, anyone?) and may need to go into town at one point or another during the long weekend.

     Our plan is to have everyone arrive in Millinocket on Friday, August 26.  We will negotiate a group rate at the Baxter Park Inn for that night.  We can all stock up on groceries and supplies for the weekend while in town that night.  The next day, we will move into the group sites at Bear Brook campground within the Park.  We will book the group sites for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday nights (August 27, 28, and 29). Alternatively, you could extend your stay at the Inn and come into the park for day use only, instead of camping.  We understand that not everyone may be able to stay all four nights, but please consider joining us even if it's only for part of the weekend. Although our anniversary falls on that Monday, we don't forsee having that night be "THE NIGHT." This is simply a casual long weekend that is whatever you want to make of it!

     What kind of experience would you make of it, you wonder? Check out some highlights from our Honeymoon in the post below for some ideas.  There is something for every age and fitness level. We will likely organize at least a few group activities, such as hiking Mount Katahdin (the highest peak in Maine), canoeing Kidney Pond, or a nature walk around Daicey Pond. As we said before, our wedding was for us.  This weekend is the gift we want to give you, to share our special place with our favorite people. You are welcome to bring your family or guest(s) of your choice.  If you are uncomfortable staying in the group sites, you are welcome to book your own separate reservation for a private cabin or lean-to at nearby Roaring Brook campground (let me know if this is your plan so I can give you more information).

We truly hope you will consider joining us for this gathering. If there is anything we can do to help make this possible (rides from the airport, a place to stay before or after, etc), please don't hesitate to ask. We look forward to seeing you in August!

Love,

Ned & Meghan


   

Our Honeymoon

Starting with our wedding night, we spent five nights in the Park for a short but beautiful Honeymoon.  Here are some highlights!

(Hint: here is the part where we entice you to join us for a similar experience this August!)

Our first night was spent at Camp OJI (aka the Bridal Suite),
on the opposite side of the pond from the rest of Kidney Pond campground.

The "parking space" for the Bridal Suite!

So much fun paddling around Kidney Pond - a perfect start to our first full day as Mr. & Mrs!

For the next few nights, we moved to this cozy lean-to at Nesowadnehunk campground.
Nesowadnehunk Field is also where we took the photo in the background of this blog!

View from the first summit to the second summit of Doubletop Mountain

Another view of Nesowadnehunk Field at dusk, where we were hoping for a moose sighting!

For the final two nights, we moved up to the quiet North end of the Park, to South Branch Pond campground.

Another stunning view from one of our hikes, this time out of the South Branch Pond site.

Post-hike paddling around and swimming in South Branch Pond on a hot afternoon.

Nothing more relaxing than watching the loons and ducks swim around South Branch Pond at dusk
with an Octoberfest in hand!

Our Quiet Wedding

After we became engaged on Christmas Eve 2014, we decided it would make perfect sense to tie the knot on the fifth anniversary of our first date, and to go back to where it all began.  Here are a few of our favorite photos from our wedding day: August 29, 2015!

The bride waits...

Something Old: my grandmother's brooch
Something New: my handknit linen wedding dress
Something Borrowed: Kara's great-grandmother's handkerchief (her "something old" from her 2012 wedding)
Something Blue: toenail polish!

...the first look...

The knitted dress was a surprise for Ned!

Our marriage ceremony at Abol Pond, a short walk from our one-time home at Abol Cabin

Diana Campbell (Millinocket town clerk) performed the ceremony; Paul Sannicandro (our trail crew leader) provided pre-ceremony support for the groom, and read a Robert Frost poem during the ceremony; Chelsea Cyr (Cyr Photography) provided pre-ceremony support for the bride and took all the photos!

Just married!

After the ceremony, Chelsea followed us to Kidney Pond, where we were to spend our first night, for a few more photos!

After all the fuss of the marriage ceremony (yes, even planning an elopement is stressful!), then came the fun part: the Honeymoon!