RANGELEY — The Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum will offer a half-day adventure on the legendary Upper Richardson Lake Tuesday, Aug. 16.
Known as “the Jewel of the Rangeley,” the lake affords visitors an historical look back to the time when Captain Farrar’s steamboats transported visitors from South Arm to the landing at Upper Dam, rafts of logs were pulled from Upper Dam to Middle Dam as part of the historic log drives on the Androscoggin River, and the Native American Chief Metallak took up residence on a remote island that now bears his name.
Bill Pierce, executive director of the Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum and a registered Maine guide, will provide narration as we cruise the lake aboard the Gray Ghost.
Captained by Kevin Sinnett, also a registered Maine guide, the Gray Ghost will glide by historic sites and scenic vistas that can only be seen from the lake. Attendees will ride past the spectacular property of Beaver Island, Camp Bellevue, Upper Dam, private camps along “The Narrows,” and enjoy a distant view of Middle Dam, Lakewood Camps and, weather permitting, Mount Washington in New Hampshire.
Upper Richardson Lake is teaming with wildlife; sightings of common loons and bald eagles are almost a certainty and frequent appearances of moose, deer, blue heron, kingfisher, and other waterfowl can be expected. A comprehensive discussion of the loons, eagles and moose will be provided as part of the cruise. Attendees may want to bring binoculars and a camera.
An additional highlight of the field trip will include a stop on Pine Island, where attendees may picnic on a beautiful sandy beach. Time and weather permitting, attendees may even enjoy a dip in the lake.
Those attending may bring binoculars and camera, a picnic lunch and a towel.
Attendees will board the Gray Ghost at 10 a.m. at the state boat launch on Route 16 at Mill Brook. The cruise down Upper Richardson Lake into the Narrows and back to Pine Island will last approximately two hours. After an hour ashore on Pine Island, the group will depart for Mill Brook, between 2 to 2:30 p.m.
The guided, four-hour trip is $50 per person. A donation of $10 per person will be made to the Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum. Seating is limited to 18 guests and reservations are required.
FMI, RSVP: 207-670-8391, rangeleycruises@gmail.com, www.rangeleyoutdoormuseum.org.
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