For those who are free to spend the new years eve enjoying nature, I have reserved the Megunticook Ski Shelter in Camden State Park. It is fully enclosed and in the very spacious structure are bunks for six, a stone fireplace and floor, three picnic tables, two chairs, a cast iron woodstove and beautiful pine walls. Lots of windows make the interior light and cheery. Outside there’s two more picnic tables, an outhouse and a woodshed chock full. Next to the Spring Brook. I am not charging, but bunks are limited, first come first served. There should be plenty of floor space for sleeping bags. The bunks are solid wood so sleeping bags are a good idea anyway. We will need kerosene, propane or LED lamps. There is no cell service there. Dogs allowed. We can meet at the Camden State Park entrance and enjoy a day of hiking. The park offers a network of breathtaking trails, from easy to moderate. Some may prefer to drop off their sleeping bags, food, etc.. at the shelter before we start hiking. Just be aware that the shelter is open to the public during the day. Towards the evening, those who have items in their car can pick those up and  from there take the Ski Shelter Trail, walk 2 miles to the shelter and plan on settling in. Depending on how much you are carrying, you may want to bring a light, plastic sled. If we have a clear, star studded night some may be interested in an evening hike. Things to bring: sleeping bags, a nice lunch to enjoy together during our outdoor venture, beverage of choice (hot chocolate would be nice), kerosene lamps, utensils, toilet paper, water (2L for the day and 2L for night) and anything else you think you might need that I forgot to mention.. For your safety, bring snowshoes/microspikes! Dress in waterproof, moisture wicking layers.  In the shelter there is a nice cast iron woodstove that can be used to heat food stovetop. To celebrate the New Years bring whatever celebratory beverage you'd like to consume or share: champagne, beer, etc...and some snacks that we can all enjoy together. Let's welcome the new year with upmost comradery!   

Unique state park cabin in Camden a ‘posh’ experience, campers say

Directions: Rt 1 north to Camden, go through the town and continue on Rt 1/S.High St, it will become Rt 1/Belfast Rd. You will travel about 1.8 miles. The sign for Camden Hills State Park will be on the left. I will be wearing a red-orangy jacket and grayish pants, my car a red Toyota Corolla. Will aim to get there earlier