This talk is a comprehensive introduction to Hiking Basics but includes tidbits for all levels of hikers. Hike Smart, Hike Safe. Participants will be introduced to essential hiking knowledge and skills required to hike safely. Topics include gear selection: footwear, clothing and equipment; navigation tools; planning for various weather conditions; safety and basic first aid supplies; and what to include in a survival kit. A list of resources will be provided, a collection of hiking books will be available for perusal, and gear will be available for hands-on review. The evening will conclude with a slide show of hiking and backpacking trips. The slides showcase breathtaking images capturing the essence of hiking and backpacking adventures across various U.S. national parks, the beautiful state of Maine and the stunning landscapes of the French Alps. It takes viewers on a visual journey through iconic trails, showcasing diverse terrains, from the Grand Canyon's majestic vistas to the red sandstone of Canyonlands, to Knife Edge and Baxter State Park. The narration highlights key experiences, including search and rescue in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, emphasizing the thrill of exploration, encounters with wildlife, and the visual richness and natural beauty of each location. The information presented and narrative of unforgettable outdoor experiences is intended to inspire you to hike! Compasses and whistles will be available at the class for a fee.

Jenny Cusick is an avid outdoors person. Her passions include running, hiking, backpacking, bicycling touring/bikepacking, and kayaking. Jenny spent ~10 years volunteering with the Pemigewasset Search and Rescue Team in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In 2023 she spent 66 days bikepacking 2700 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelop Wells, New Mexico.

Bikepacking is the fusion of biking and minimalist camping, an adventure-rich experience. This class takes a thorough trip into the essence of bikepacking: Self-sufficiency, exploration, and connecting with nature are part of the transformative experience of traversing the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail and showcasing its challenges and rewards. This “how to” presentation will use Jen’s adventure on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Trail (Stretching from Canada to Mexico, a 2,700-mile journey through diverse terrains), as the basis for covering the following technical topics: Lightweight and versatile gear: Tents, sleeping bags, stoves, navigation tools, and bike repair kits. Route Planning and Navigation: GDMBT's intricate route - Navigating through varied landscapes, terrains, and altitudes. The significance of thorough route planning, including understanding terrain challenges, water/food availability and wildfire hazards. Physical and Mental Preparation for both endurance and fitness - Preparing the body for long rides and varying terrains. Mental resilience: Coping with isolation, unexpected situations, and the demands of long-distance biking. Leave No Trace Principles & Environmental responsibility: Minimizing impact and preserving the natural beauty of the trail. Proper waste disposal, campsite ethics, and respect for wildlife. Safety Measures: Importance of safety gear: Helmets, first aid kits, and communication devices. Understanding potential hazards: Wildlife encounters, weather changes, and remote locations. Compasses and whistles will be available at the class for a fee.

Jenny Cusick is an avid outdoors person. Her passions include running, hiking, backpacking, bicycling touring/bikepacking, and kayaking. Jenny spent ~10 years volunteering with the Pemigewasset Search and Rescue Team in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. In 2023 she spent 66 days bikepacking 2700 miles from Banff, Canada to Antelop Wells, New Mexico.

Pre-requisite: Previous Zentangle Intro class and/or familiarity with the Zentangle Method basics. Everything has a place, and a place for everything! Organize your collection of tangles, alphabetically, using Bijou 2x2 tiles to create monotangles of your favorites. Using a slide filing system, all your inspiration will be neatly in one place! A Materials Kit, included in class price, will be available for pickup at the Damariscotta CLC-AE Office prior to class start date. Materials Kit includes Bijou tiles, one archival binder, and 1 package of 25 clear plastic tile inserts.

As a Certified Zentangle Teacher (CZT), Martha Brooks finds great joy in sharing Zentangle with others! She is a retired Speech Pathologist who loves when people gather, the beauty found in the natural world around us, and rescuing greyhounds. She has found great contentment as she settles into life on the midcoast of Maine!

The table saw is the most important tool in the shop. It does more than just cut wood to exact dimensions; it also does joinery, molding, and with a few simple jigs that you can make, it will also do specialty cuts. Learn how to get the most from your saw, how to use it safely, and what to look for when purchasing a saw. The course will be taught using the amazing new SawStop, the saw with the built-in brake system that prevents injury from a spinning blade. No materials needed.

Instructor Rick Gallion has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has taught many students the craft of woodworking. His shop is designed as a teaching facility.

Join us for a unique and hands-on crafting experience where you'll have the opportunity to create your very own gourd basket. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift or something to keep for yourself, this workshop is sure to satisfy your crafting desires. Our gourds come pre-cut, so all you need to do is roll up your sleeves and let your creativity flow. Students will delve into the process of cleaning, sanding, and drilling holes in the gourds, before meticulously sewing white pine needles to the rim. To add a personal touch, a selection of stains will be provided, allowing you to choose the perfect finish for your one-of-a-kind creation. Alongside the gourd basket making, this class will also cover the basics of crafting pine needle baskets, giving you the opportunity to learn yet another timeless skill. Rest assured, the course covers all the materials and tools needed, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout. Expand your skillset and embark on a journey of artistic expression with our gourd basket making class - a truly valuable skill for life.

Jessica Steele has a passion for the wilderness and for teaching. She has worked in the field of Adventure and Environmental Education for more than 30 years. This leg of her journey is about connecting more with herself, others, and the wilderness.

Always wondered how to create mobiles that spin and dance in the slightest breeze? Join Chris Toy and learn the secrets of how to connect and balance recycled driftwood and wire to make beautiful hanging mobiles and tabletop stabiles. Tools and materials will be provided but feel free to bring needle nose pliers, wire cutters, spare wire clothes hangers, and coin (quarter, half dollar, dollar) sized pieces of weathered driftwood.

Chris Toy is a retired Maine educator, cooking instructor, author and Registered Maine Guide. He enjoys beach combing, where he finds his craft supplies. He creates rustic upcycled crafts by combing the coastline for driftwood, beachstone, and recycled wire from political signs. His work can be viewed on Facebook at Acadian Driftwood Arts.

Come to Boston’s Dragon Boat Festival and experience the food, art, culture, marital arts, music, and dragon boat races of China with your guide Chris Toy. We’ll take the Downeaster out of Brunswick to Boston’s North Station, take the subway to the festival spend the day on both shores of the Charles River near Harvard Square. We’ll end the day by heading to Chinatown for a Dim Sum feast, or you can explore the many Asian restaurants, bakeries, and shops on your own. Wear sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothing for the weather.

Train departs Brunswick Station at 7:10 am and returns from Boston’s North End Station 5:20 pm. We will get back to Brunswick around 8:40 PM. No refunds. Cost does not include meals or entry fees, but does include transportation via Amtrak, a Charlie Card worth three subway trips, and your tour guide Chris Toy