I am often asked why I do what I do and why I chose the mid-coast of Maine to set up shop. I
own a kayak business because I absolutely love sharing the art of kayaking with people. There is
no better way to recharge and relax than to re-connect with nature in a fun and interesting way.
As for why the mid-coast? I actually specifically chose the Pemaquid Peninsula because it offers
some amazing paddling opportunities and is just the right environment for folks wanting to
explore what the Maine coast has to offer. Situated half-way between the popular town of
Freeport and the coastal gem of Rockland, the Pemaquid Peninsula separates the outlet of the
Pemaquid and Johns Rivers to the west and the outlet of the Medomak River to the east to
provide the best of what the Maine coast is famous for - quiet pocket sand beaches; rocky,
craggy shorelines; uninhabited forested islands; and working waterfronts lined with quaint
cottages and moored lobster boats.
Muscongus Bay to the east at the outlet of the Medomak River is amazing in its simplistic
beauty, with little development consisting of the quaintest fishing villages and ancient summer
cottages, and several uninhabited, untouched islands of the Maine Island Trail. Because of its
expanse, the greater exposure on this side of the peninsula and the dozen or so islands available
for public use, I focus my full-day and island camping overnight trips here. Seals sunning on the
rocky ledges are a daily occurrence and it never gets old to see the wonder of these animals
through the eyes of someone new.
John’s Bay to the west offers less expansive reaches but a more sheltered paddling environment,
perfect for shorter trips like our half-day. This Bay has really cool history like Colonial
Pemaquid, a settlement that they believe pre-dates Jamestown and the former Fort William
Henry that stands guard over the entrance to the harbor. It's proximity to Boothbay Harbor offers
some great seaside inns that provide perfect respite for a long day of paddling. And for
adventurers that want a multi-day experience with a hot shower and soft bed, an Inn-to-Inn trip
over here can't be beat. Overall, John's Bay offers a decidedly different and yet equally amazing
paddling environment.
For landlubbers, this mid-coast location offers just the right mix of interesting shops, great
restaurants, and quaint Inns, without completely overwhelming the area. Being one of Maine’s
best kept secrets, crowds are minimal and the two bays quiet and virtually empty, save for the
occasional lobster boat. If you are looking for a trip to get some fresh air, enjoy a serene paddle,
and commune with nature, I highly recommend the Pemaquid Peninsula. If you come visit, keep
these things in mind: 1) be experienced or go with experience, the ocean is beautiful and fickle;
2) be conscientious of your surroundings, nature will reward your discretion; and 3) the ultimate
end to a great paddling day is a lobster roll and a pint of Pemaquid Ale.
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