"Nannie, Get Your Gun"

No moose, but SO MUCH FUN!! Love just leaving the world behind! We missed Joel, but enjoyed being with Jeremy SO MUCH,too! Never a dull moment! Do we miss the house-wrecking, toe-breaking, "horseplay"? NOT SO MUCH!

My friends will never believe I was a "participant" at the shooting range - Thanks for all the adrenaline rushes watching man face the wild rapids. That was scary.

Tricia, thanks for EVERYTHING. We love you all a lot, and though we're grateful for this time together, we miss you all a lot!! Until next year, blessings.

Much, much love,

Mom & Dad
Patterson, NY
September 9, 2011

Baby Bear in the Road

Dear Tricia, Eric and Jeremy:

Thank you so much for a wonderful, loving, and exciting visit to your beautiful Camp! Turkey, beaver, fox, baby bear, Hurricane Irene, and quality time with dear friends. Who could want for more? I know Seth and Jim loved the long and competitive card games as much as I loved the "down time" to rest and "catch my breath", alongside all of you, as I read on the couch. Ahhhh, relaxation ...

So may new memories to cherish: roasting marshmallows down at the bonfire, climbing Mount Borestone, driving into town at sunset and seeing Moosehead Lake reflecting a deep raspberry gold sky! Seeing my first baby bear (and playing in the street, no less! Bad boy, where was your mama?) Even the lights going out due to the hurricane only added to the adventure!!

But, most of all I cherish the long chats and time to catch up on all of our mutual doings out in the real world (so glad we had no TV or internet to try to steal our attention).

Jeremy, I am so proud of you and the fine man you have become. Thank you so much for sharing your time so generously with our family :) xxxo

Much love,

Kate, Seth & Jim Nowack
Cape Cod, MA
August 30, 2011

P.S. - This part is for other guests visiting ... Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Guestbook, Volume III - The Adventure Continues ..

Welcome to Volume III of the Big Wilson Camp guest book, where we hope to compile the best resource of things-to-do in the Moosehead Lake region. Since 2004, we've shared this paradise with hundreds of guests. The reminiscences are a treasure to us and an inspiration for new visitors who hope to find adventures of their own. We post these entries to our online guestbook, usually by the end of each summer season. It seems to keep new folks discovering Big Wilson Camp and old friends coming back. If it also saves your recollections for posterity, so much the better!

If you've read the owners' previous postings, you know we're all about leisurely escapes from civilization, punctuated by new experiences out in the north woods. For us, this year was also a homecoming for our elder son, Jeremy, who has been stationed abroad at a military air base and unable to join us here for three years. Big Wilson Camp has a special place in Jeremy's heart, as he's been coming here since he was five years old, when there was nothing on the river-side but a clearing to pitch a tent. For Jeremy and his 'old man', the best treat other than each other's company was a pair of new whitewater kayaks to try out on Big Wilson Falls! To make the experience even more memorable, Hurricane Irene arrived just in time to raise the water levels and degree of difficulty for the two novice boaters. No worries! They had their share of mishaps on the water (including losing a paddle and running a section of class IV-V rapids they truly had no business attempting), but they absolutely had the time of their lives, and earned their meddle paddling the whitewater. Tubing the river down to Toby Falls in Willimantic simply will not satisfy these thrill-seekers anymore!

We had the good fortune of hosting our old friends, the Nowacks, for a few days. Aside from their fortuitous rescue of a runaway kayak on Little Wilson Stream, it was wonderful catching up with them, letting good times happen at the speed life was meant to be lived.

Eric, Tricia
& Jeremy Schult
Bettendorf, IA
& Klein-Brogel A.B., Belgium
August 30, 2011

'Haven't Relaxed Like This, Ever'

Four generations arrived at the cabin, our own little slice of heaven. Kids went right to the falls and were amazed at how warm the water was.

Sunday, we went to Greenville to eat at the Black Frog. Storm came in - great lightning show. Lost power - no meal. Came home and played games from the closet.

Monday, four of us hiked Wilson Falls. What a sight!

Tuesday packed up the clan and went in search of moose. Saw none. :(

Wednesday set out on another moose safari of our own. Went up Lily Pond Road, stopped at the B52 crash site, then north to Kokadjo and beyond Bingo we saw two moose, a bunch of wild turkeys and a fox. :)

Thursday, rain again. Off to Greenville. Had a great meal at the Black Frog. Shopped the Indian Hill Trading Post. Great store to visit. The whole town is nice.

Friday, Greenville again to ride the Katahdin. Very interesting. Saw a bald eagle and many loons.

What a great stay, rain and all. Haven't relaxed like this, ever. No phones, no TV, no worries.

Grammy Nancy, Priscilla & George, Ryan & Alana
Stephen, Samantha & Madison
Leominster, MA
August 20-27, 2011

Sitting Behind the Waterfalls

First of all, when we first arrived at the cabin, we were taken aback at the beauty and remoteness of the place. The house and surroundings were more beautiful than imagined.

Our first full day here we ventured out into our back yard river. The neighbor's grandson told us about how one can sit behind one of the waterfalls - see if you can find it. That was awesome! We all did it (even our four-year-old).

The next couple of days were very rainy; second day we drove to Bar Harbor by way of Stephen King's house in Bangor. Had lobster at Steuman's there.

Finally, the next day we had a beautiful, clear, sunny day - perfect for tackling Borestone Mountain. Our little ones stayed behind for that one. I would say that that was the highlight of our trip. The climb was invigorating and the view breathtaking. We didn't want to climb down. I climbed with three teenagers and they all loved it and thought it was one of the most awesome things they'd ever done.

We traveled to Little Wilson Falls - the cataract area was cool for jumping, but freezing! Went to Greenville and ate at the Black Frog - very good food and big portions. The kids' meals were large enough for an adult.

Our last full day here we hiked to Little Wilson Falls - pretty long hike with a 19-month-old in a backpack. Also, a bit dangerous for little ones (and even bigger ones apparently - we saw a cross marking an accident last year). Be very careful (path close to edge at times).

Then we took turns at our camp sitting behind the falls and then jumping off the "cliff". So much fun!

We hate to leave. It has truly been a relaxing, peaceful, rejuvenating time.

The Londoffs
Barry, Kathryn, Rebekah (17), Shenna (15), Davin (13),
Artemis (4), Apollo (19 months)
Chicago, IL
August 13-20


P.S. Some advice: Buy water shoes; Remy's is a great store; Regarding the backyard "cliff" - put goggles on and scope out the bottom first. There are some logs near the cliff. Be sure to jump far out. The water is not that deep, so you have to make sure to bend knees upon hitting the water.

Three Generations and Fun For All

We arrived Saturday night and were pleased by the sight of the nice cabin. We had a great time staying here. It was very comfortable. Sometimes, we ate on the deck, and we also enjoyed eating hamburgers, hot dogs and s'mores around the firepit. Our kids have always loved to camp and this was a great vacation for them.

Some highlights were swimming in the swimming hole and hiking Borestone Mountain. Jay and the kids (Josh, Katie & Josh's fiance, Steph) enjoyed whitewater rafting while the rest of us (Jay's wife, Emily, and her parents, Eli & Emma) relaxed in the cabin and watched movies. Grandpa Eberly, Jay & Katie enjoyed flying over Moosehead Lake in a pontoon plane. We also enjoyed taking a cruise on the Katahdin. We had a great time and there was something to do for everyone. It was a great time to get away from the busyness of life in Lancaster County, PA, and spend valuable time with family. Many great memories were made throughout the week. Thanks for the use of the cabin. :)

The Flecks and Eberlys
Lancaster County, PA
July 30 - August 6

Rafting the Kennebec

We hiked Borestone, Mount Kineo and Wilson Falls. Also went whitewater rafting on the Kennebec. That was the highlight of our trip. A little disappointed we didn't see any moose. We saw a couple deer and a fox.

The place was very nice and relaxing! We enjoyed the Dairy Bar & the Black Frog.

Had a great time.

The Bruynells: Dave, Michele, Kristen (21) & Alex (18)
Glassboro, NJ
July 23-29, 2011

The First 'Human Flotation Device Waterslide'

We had an absolutely wonderful time here in Big Wilson Camp! The house is beautiful, and we actually found that our favorite thing to do was lounge around the house, the deck, and the river. We spent a lot of time tubing, and attempted the first human flotation device water slide, during which two members of our group attached life vests to their arms, legs, stomach, and head and attempted to slide down the rocky falls. As you can well imagine, it was not very successful, but entertaining, to say the least.

We made s'mores, sandwiches, and hot dogs over the fire a couple nights. It's safe to say that everyone's favorite day probably was the hike up Borestone Mountain. We had eight people, so it took us awhile, but to say that it was worth it is an understatement. The view from the two summits were breathtaking.

We spent a day at Moosehead Lake and in the town of Greenville, where we ate at the Black Frog, which was GREAT. (Personal suggestions - the lobster roll and the pot roast sandwich.) We went to the Dairy Bar in town where we recommend the coffee milkshake. Everyone we met was so friendly, and there were plenty of places to get everything we needed. (With a family of eight, a lot of grocery store trips were needed.)

We saw two moose, a couple beavers in our swimming hole, a few adorable, very not shy foxes, a few deer in the clearing next to the house, and plenty of vultures and hawks at Borestone.

Corey (12) built a tee-pee down by the water that's still there, so you should build one as well!

Don't forget to look at the stars at night when it's clear. They're beautiful here! Overall, we loved our stay here and took probably a thousand pictures. Enjoy! :)

The Quaste family
Perkasie, PA
July 15-23, 2011

Great 'Home Base'

Great time here at Big Wilson Camp. Loved swimming & playing in the waterfall & its sound at night. Hiked to Little Wilson Falls & the AT (a bit) beyond, Borestone Mountain. Paddled on Lake Onawa & Spencer Pond, which we came upon while trying to get to Little Kineo to hike but found the road under water. Also did a moose safari (0) and white water rafting trip with Northwoods Outfitters - recommend them highly. Had dinner in Greenville at the Black Frog - very good!

Overall, we saw moose, deer, baby foxes (down the road - adorable!), loons, eagles - including parents & juveniles.

This house provided a great "home base" for our adventures here, and the rental company was very helpful when the coffee pot broke and needed to be replaced. I only wish we had more time.

Thank you for sharing your home with us.

Jim, Judi, Liam, Brian & Jess
Long Island, NY
June 24 - July 2, 2011


Hey, my name's Liam. I'm 11 and I had a GREAT time at Big Wilson Camp. Right out the door & a tiny walk across the bridge is a big Swimming hole with Waterfalls (Fun to sit on). So one day we went on a moose Safari. We saw 1 moose on the road then the next day we went white water rafting with Moxie. So much fun, you can get out of the raft to swim in swimmers rapic (EPIC). Then we climbed Borestone. Hard but worth everything though. Then the next day we went to Little Kineo, but the road was flooded, so we went to Spencer Pond (in front of Little Spencer Mt.) and paddled around it in our canoe. Saw a total of six bald eagles. (I found a feather.) And depressingly, one moose carcass. Kinda cool but mostly disgusting. Then, ummm yea that was the week

Seee ya.

Liam
Long Island, NY
June 24 - July 2, 2011

Auctioned Vacation

First, I'd like to thank the Schults for donating their cabin to Junior Achievement's Charity Golf Tournament. My husband won the bid for this great spot.

We pulled the kids from their last three days of school to come up here and kick off the start of summer.

Day one we hiked up Borestone Mountain. All three kids loved it. The youngest (8 years old) was nervous towards the top, so I hung back with her while the rest went to the summit.

Day two, we hiked to Big Wilson Falls. Easy hike, maybe an hour? Swam in a swimming hole after. Another great hike.

Day three, took the shuttle to Mount Kineo and walked the mile to Pebble Beach. My favorite! Last time I was at Pebble Beach was 20 years ago with my dad. At the time, the old resort and surrounding homes were abandoned. We peeked in all the windows. Our own little 'ghost town'.

Also, enjoyed the swimming hole across the river from camp. The kids enjoyed jumping off the rocks into the water.

The Hurlburts
Alfred, Maine
June 18-23, 2011

Translation, Please?

Nate Laplantes' bachelor Party -

'Veni

   Vedi

      Vici'
Unsigned
June 3-6, 2011