Stars Over Katahdin: Oct 6th and 9th

Stars Over Katahdin 2018

Saturday, October 6th and Tuesday, October 9th
Presented by Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. and Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters

You’re invited you to join Elliotsville Plantation, Inc (EPI), Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters (Friends), Volunteers In Parks (VIP) astronomers, and star enthusiasts to celebrate the stunning night skies of the Katahdin Region!

Guide Hike through Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Saturday, Oct. 6th
10:30am to 4pm
Meet-up at Sandbank Stream Campsite

Saturday, VIP guides Eric and Elaine Hendrickson will be leading us on an easygoing 6-mile hike along the banks of Wassataquoik Stream north to Orin Falls. Along the way, our guides will share some of the geologic and historical aspects of the area, including stories of Teddy Roosevelt’s crossing of the Wassataquoik and Donn Fendler ’s being Lost on a Mountain in Maine. It’s fall in the north woods, so it’s a great time to watch for birds, leaves changing, and fall wildflowers along the way.

Be sure to pack sturdy hiking shoes, lunches, water, day packs, clothing layers and a camera. Hikers will meet at Sandbank Stream Campsite at 10:30am on Saturday, October 6th and then car pool to the Wassataquoik Gate. We will return to Sandbank by 4pm. To RSVP email Susan Adams, Recreation Manager for EPI, at lunksoos@gmail.com

Family Hike and Picnic
Saturday, Oct. 6th
2pm
Meet-up at Sandbank Stream Campsite

Hikers with small children or a part of a family are welcome to meet Katahdin Learning Project place-based educator Scarlet McAvoy for a guided hike at Sandbank Stream Campsite at 2pm with an optional picnic to follow (families provide their own food). Please RSVP to smcavoy@rsu89.org if you plan to attend the Family Hike and Picnic.

Star Viewing in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Saturday, Oct. 6th, 5pm to 10pm
Overlook at Mile 6.4 of the Loop Road

Join us for an evening of campfire chats, s’mores, and guided stargazing at one of the darkest areas east of the Mississippi. While enjoying s’mores provided by EPI, we’ll hear tall tales of the north woods in the shadow of Katahdin as we wait for the sun to set and the skies to darken. Following our campfire program, we will walk up to the Loop Road Overlook where our Astro VIPs will teach us what lies overhead through interpretation of stars, planets, and celestial objects seen with telescopes, binoculars, and the naked eye.

Be advised that we do ask attendees to walk up to the Overlook rather than drive. A car’s headlights – or even the dashboard lights – can decrease the eye’s ability to perceive light from the stars above. The walk to the Overlook is uphill for about 100 yards.

For Saturday evening event’s please pack warm layers, water, sturdy shoes, personal camp chair, and a flashlight (red lights are preferred).  We also suggest you consider packing a picnic supper, personal telescope or binoculars, and warm mat to lie on to better view the skies. We will provide the campfire, s’mores, red cellophane to shield flashlights and phones, telescope, guides, and drinking water.

A free passenger shuttle service can be reserved for a ride from Sandbank Stream Campsite to the Overlook. The shuttle departs at 5pm and returns around 10:30pm. To reserve your seat email Susan Adams at lunksoos@gmail.com. There will also be carpools leaving from Sandbank Stream Campsite around the same time.

If you are hoping to stay in the Monument during Stars Over Katahdin, please be aware it is likely that campsites in the Monument will be full. Camping should be available at the Pine Grove Campground. You can also explore other local accommodations here.

The night sky viewing and overnight camping will be canceled in the case of inclement weather. EPI will post on their Facebook page if the event is canceled within 8 hours of the event’s start time.

“Saving the Dark” Film Screening
Tuesday, Oct. 9th, 7pm
Millinocket Memorial Library

Join local astronomy enthusiast Nancy Hathaway at the Millinocket Memorial Library for an early screening of Sriram Murali’s new film about the treasure that is the night skies and the ill effects of growing light pollution. You can watch a trailer for “Saving the Dark” here.

For more information on Stars Over Katahdin 2018, please contact Susan Adams, Recreation Manager for Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. at lunksoos@gmail.com and follow along on the EPI facebook page.