I'm feeling good today, and I wanted to make a post about life in winter. I have been on a kick for a few years, trying to enjoy this season that we all tend to dread, hibernate during, and desperately try to ignore as we wait for spring.
Greenville, Maine is one of my go to spots. I've been there many times and at all times of the year. In June of 2020, my husband and I went there to get away, because there are so few people. This is the place that shows like Northern Exposure were made about. The people are down to Earth, and a little quirky. You always make a new friend when you're in the area. No one takes themselves too seriously in the outback part of the lower 48. They have a hospital, school system, nursing home, and a ton of hotels, lodges and other accommodations. What they don't have is McDonald's, a mall, a movie theater, traffic, crime, or stress. They even have a restaurant called The Stress Free Moose. Good food, just saying.
Greenville is one of those places that always makes me smile. Everywhere you go, there is something to smile about. Even breakfast at Auntie M's and the rainbow that it sits under is something to smile about. But, come winter, it's a one of a kind wonderland around Moosehead Lake. It's something that most people never even dream of.
Moose are the key draw to the area. This is a place for the outdoorsman, and especially those with a sense of humor. The tag line for Moosehead Lake is that they have more moose than people. In a lot of places that is true. Everything is based on the moose everywhere you go. This is the north woods, and moose are king.
One of the great things about Greenville and Moosehead Lake is the never wavering happiness of the people who live there. We came into town during what in my neck of the woods would be called a hell of a snowstorm. We had to go to the Save a Lot to get some supplies. We chatted with the check out girl about the festivities for the weekend and the things that we bought and how much we loved to come up there. No one ever mentioned the weather. It was like no one even noticed it. The irony was that it was easier to get around with the snow there, because it was just snow. It was cold and snowy, but there was no ice and it wasn't slippery. It was way easier than being in a slightly warmer climate.
Having a four wheel drive in the area is cute, but not necessary. Most people just take their snow machines in the winter. You frankly see more snowmobiles on the road than cars and trucks combined. It's an area that is known for its outdoor activities all year round, and winter is no exception. Greenville has several outdoor companies, that handle activities, have guides so you won't get lost, and sell equipment for all of it. Big Squaw Mountain is the place to Alpine Ski in the winter time. In the summer it's four wheelers and ATV's. It's boats and kayaks, backpacks and fishing gear. And, all year round they fly. Moosehead Lake is famous for its sea planes. In the fall, they have an international sea plane fly in that is famous around the world.
Winter is just another season in the wilds of Northern Maine. The weather doesn't phase them a bit. And, winter brings some unique events. In January, they hold the memorial snowmobile ride to the site of the crashed B-52 Bomber on Elephant Mountain. It happened back in the 1960's and at the time there were no roads to the area. They had to take snowmobiles up the mountain in the rescue effort. Every year the ride is held to remember those who survived and those who died in that tragedy.
By the time February rolls around in this neck of the woods, the local folks are looking for something to do. This has become a great tourist season in the area. The moose are hiding, except for the ones you can buy, and the hiking is difficult in the deep snow, but skiing and other activities take off.
It's called West Cove Ice Racing. This happens on either Saturdays or Sundays throughout February every single year. Amateur racing is big in the far northeastern states, and during the dead of winter, Mainers take it to the lake. West Cove in Greenville Junction becomes the home of Ice Racing. Right on the lake. It's a popular local event, and really something to see. I couldn't believe it when I heard about it, but now I've seen it. It was on my bucket list for years. It was a lot of fun and of course, we met a lot of fun people there. In addition to the car racing, the day we were there, they were also drag racing snow machines. It's quite something to see.
While we were in town, we went to the annual chocolate festival to support the schools. Most seasons bring local events in Greenville, whether it be an outdoor festival, pancake breakfast, school event or whatever. It's another way to get to know the locals, and a lot of fun.
And of course, one of the biggest reasons that I go to the North Woods of Maine is for the view. So, come and enjoy some great food at some unusual restaurants, shop in a trading post. Come and ski or just watch the races. Meet some great people and go to a community event. It's a place like no other on Earth, I can promise you that. But, in the dead of winter, when most people are depressed and drinking through the dark times, this area comes alive to celebrate the darkness of winter with its short days and snowy weather. I never would have believed that I would go on vacation to the frozen north and have an amazingly good time, but I did. I would recommend it for anyone. Come to Greenville and Moosehead Lake at any time year round, but in winter, come and see the special that only they can offer. Enjoy!
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