I was very happily surprised to be found by Maine Woods Discovery last week.  They have coordinated a spectacular event to rekindle our spirit to connect with the woods of Maine. In 16 days, 7 canoes, and 14 paddlers retraced the 325-mile route taken during the 1857 trip made by Henry David Thoreau and Penobscot Guide, Joe Polis. The event was designed for the dual purposes of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the publication of “The Maine Woods” and to draw attention to the outstanding opportunities for quality, nature-based recreation, vacation, and travel experiences available in the “uninterrupted” landscape that makes up the The Maine Woods. 

I was contacted by a behind-the-scenes logistics man, Matthew Kovacevich, who wanted to know if they could use my linocut image of Thoreau with a “slight change” for printing onto shirts for the participants when they reached final destination on June 1st.  Of course I said yes, to be a part of this great event.

They blogged daily during the 16-day trip, posted progress, photos, weather reports, and basically relayed the feel of the adventure to the thousands of us at home watch via internet.  They asked me to write a blog posting which I will share with you here.  You can see that Henry and I go way back.  Read my blog here.  (Yes, that is a blog within a blog, but worthwhile, I think.)  And if you like this kind of thing, follow Maine Woods Discovery on Facebook…read previous posting to get a look at posted photos-really good photos!

Check out their web site to get a taste for the event. Click here to learn more about 150 Thoreau.  The crew of CBS Sunday Morning was filming where possible along the trek…and they filmed at the take out point.

Added on 8/13/14:  here is the link to the video of the Thoreau-Wabanaki Trek:  Click here to see 5 min. video.

Thanks for reading….Feel free to comment.

Melinda