From Our Guestbook ...

We're really proud of the reaction we've gotten from our guests in the years since we opened our new cabin, in Maine's '100-Mile Wilderness', to vacation renters. We knew we had a location that couldn't be matched in all of the Moosehead Lake region, but it was important to us, too, that the accommodations we offered were every bit as much of a pleasant surprise. Judging from the following comments (reproduced from our guestbook), we like to think we got it right!

Eric & Tricia Schult
Big Wilson Camp

Tenth-Year Anniversary

No one in my family could believe it's been 10 years since we rolled out the welcome mat on our new riverfront cabin. We're well into the third hard copy guest book, which I'm finally getting around to transcribing for our online blog. Almost everyone who visits contributes an anecdote or two, and I really get a kick out of reading all of them, and sharing them here.

We were Big Wilson Camp's last visitors in October, 2013 and its first visitors in May, 2014, and got a ton of work accomplished, readying the cabin for another full season of guests:

• The interior was freshly painted in October.
• The exterior was re-coated with sealant in May.
• We tore off the roof and re-installed new sub-roof & shingles in May.
• We bought a new propane grill and a new Webber charcoal grill.

• We added a new slate/gravel trail to the water's edge and an easy-access fire pit/picnic area fronting on Big Wilson Falls, about 150 feet upstream from the cabin. The site directly overlooks the swimming hole and is our new favorite place on the property.
• Downstream and around a bend in the river, we put in a new gravel drive and installed a foundation, well and septic system for a second cabin. This new cabin site is not visible from Big Wilson Camp, and won't interfere with our guests' privacy in any way during the vacation rental season. Work is idle till our next off-season construction window. Within a few years, we hope to have a second cabin available for vacation rentals. It'll have a full-on view of Big Wilson Falls from below the falls. We're not sure which will be more popular, cabin 1 or cabin 2. Both sites are awesome. We're still pinching ourselves that we were lucky enough to find this spot (20 years ago!!), and had the vision and wherewithal to do something with it.

We're very excited to read what our Summer, 2014 guests think of the new improvements! Welcome, and have the time of your life!

Eric & Tricia Schult
Owners of Big Wilson Camp
Fayetteville, NC
May 15-25

Columbus Day Weekend

Thanks for the lovely long weekend in God's beautiful creation - the leaves held on long enough for us to enjoy!

Firepit was great, but path to the water's edge could be 'cut-out' a bit more (defined).

Great home, centrally located. Kids wish it was summer so they could have swam. Maybe another time.

Bless you for sharing and good luck with retirement.

The Rendalls
NYC
Columbus Day, 2013

'Who Knew the Kids Would Take to the Outdoors Like This?

We loved it here in the North Woods! It is so beautiful and relaxing and cool (temperature-wise).

The Borestone Mountain hike was strenuous at times, but breathtaking views. Saw three moose, including a calf, on our moose safari-canoe trip on Lucky Pond.

Big Wilson Camp is so cosy and inviting. Loved using the fire pit for s'mores & singing. Would've loved to spend more time here (maybe we'll return ...)!

Borestone Mountain is a great hike. Black Frog is pretty good food. Swimming hole was very fun. And the Moosehead Lake Region has tons of cool stuff to do. And Greenville has fun shops and restaurants. I recommend Northeast Guide Service for canoeing and moose watching. We saw two cows and a calf during the canoe trip. Overall, I couldn't have dreamed up a comfier place to stay, and who knew the kids would take to the outdoors like this? We enjoyed all the hiking and swimming and waterfall-sitting and canoeing (looking for moose), as well as playing games in the cabin in the evenings. We all felt right at home. Highly recommend a ride on the Katahdin on Moosehead Lake if you like old boats (almost as old as the Titanic!) and scenic views, and the captain will even let you steer the ship if you ask him.

I'm sorry we didn't have at least a week here, but maybe we'll be back some day. I'm ready to move to Maine!

The Donahues/Larson
Washington, D.C.
August 17-22, 2013

Big Wilson Camp is definitely the place to stay. There is nothing better than hearing a waterfall right in your back yard all the time. We checked out the swimming hole and it was a blast for swimming or even just sitting in the waterfall. We found a spot where you could sit "inside" the waterfall. Give it a try! We hiked to Little Wilson Lower Falls and found it was a nice spot for sitting and taking in the scenery. There was also a swimming hole with a rope swing, but we did not try it. We Loved Toby Falls. If you are looking for a real hike, go to Borestone. The sleeping loft was great for all the kids and we loved sitting at the fire pit listening to the wildlife and the water. We found something to do everyday and still didn't run out of things to try. Thanks for sharing your home and would love to come back.

Christina Larson
Virginia
August 17-22, 2013

'If You Do Only One Hike ... This is the One!'

Great Place if you like to hike.

• Sunday - Improvised hike from the cabin up to the AT, then finishing on Borestone Mountain. 13.1 mi.
• Monday - Little Wilson Falls from the cabin - up the trail on the east side of the stream, returning on the west side. 5 mi.
• Tuesday - Big Moose Mountain Great views, strenuous climb. 6 mi.
• Wednesday - Borestone Mountain - if you do only one hike while you are here, this is the one. 5 mi.
• Thursday - Gulf Hagas - Nice hike but the drive there is on terrible logging roads. 8.7 mi.
• Friday - Rain and beers at the Stress-Free Moose Pub. 0.0 mi.

Anderson/Kolkus
August 10, 2013

'Best Water Park Around'

Lessons learned in Maine:

• Moose do not follow our schedule (zero sightings).
• Mother Nature does not follow our schedule (rain & wind).
• Most dirt roads quickly turn into ATV trails (oops!).
• Blag Frog is a good place to hang out.
• Northwoods Outfitters is run by good people.
• Lake Onawa & Wilson Pond provide good canoeing.
• Borestone Mountain is a GREAT hike.
• Climbing falls & swimming in the creek is the best water park around.
• Kennebec River Brewery is a fun party hour with good BEER! and food (worth the trip).
• Great week with family & friends.

The Wymans & Kurilovitches
August 9, 2013

17-Hour Drive - 'Perfect Location'

The Grime (pronounced "grim") family arrived late evening on Saturday after a two-day, 17-hour drive from the northwest corner of Ohio. We were ready for outdoor adventures and immediately fell in love with our cabin in the woods. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect location!

On Sunday we headed up the road to hike Borestone. It was a tough hike, but we loved the very rustic trail and the beautiful vistas. We all had the same "Wow!" reaction when we finally broke through the trees and could get our first views of the surrounding hills. It was definitely one of our favorite hikes. Our least favorite was the very next day up Burnt Jacket. We were promised spectacular views of Moosehead Lake, but the view is completely blocked by pine trees. So don't bother. We then went to Lily Bay State Park for a picnic and short swim. Saw a deer; no moose. Tuesday was our rain day. We played games and then went on a drive. We hoped to see moose - no luck. Saw some turkeys and a chipmunk. It did dry up enough that we could enjoy a fire.

Wednesday was our river day. We donned our water shoes and hiked (well, waded) downstream far enough to see around the bend. So pretty. After a picnic lunch by the falls (perfect) we drove to the Lower Wilson Falls and hiked to the Upper. We loved the hike, and met some hikers on the Appalachian Trail who had been hiking since March and started in Georgia! The Upper Falls are beautiful, and totally worth the hike. Be sure to go upstream just a bit - the calm stream is a complete paradox to the raging water just 40 feet away! When we got back we grabbed our tubes to enjoy the swimming hole. It was freezing! (It was also about 65 degrees out ...) We found a great "tube shoot" out of the swimming hole down a rapid - just be sure to stop before the next part of the falls!

Thursday we left earlier and drove to Gulf Hagas. A six-hour hike yielded beautiful views and the deep gorge and thundering waterfalls, a picnic lunch near Buttermilk Falls, sore legs from climbing, and lots of memories. It was both treacherous (don't get too close to the edge!) and breathtaking. Gulf Hagas definitely ranks as one of our favorite hikes!

Sadly, it is Friday morning and we have to leave. We are going to see the coast before heading west. We hoped to see a moose - no luck (even at the DOT) - but we loved our visit and wish we could stay longer. Thanks for the great stay, Big Wilson!

Dave & Linda,
Brett & Jen, & Molly Micah
July 20-27, 2013

New Satellite Internet

May weather is always unpredictable in the north woods, so we shouldn't have been surprised by six straight days of rain. This was a working visit, though, to get the camp ready for summer vacation rentals and get other improvements done, so we made good use of the time anyway.

One new improvement that some of our guests have asked for is high-speed wireless internet. We've resisted bringing civilization with us to our remote hidey-hole in the woods, till now. The satellite dish out on the driveway delivers it for those who can't completely disconnect from the world. Enjoy, but don't let it distract you from the real reason you're here!!

We're also close to adding a second cabin on our 25-acre tract. Not to worry! The cabins will not be visible from each other, so the privacy people so enjoy about this place will not be diminished. A new driveway, just south of the existing cabin, runs 600 feet down to the bend in the river, and the second cabin will be tucked into a grove of white pines down there, with a view of the falls from below. Please don't disturb the flags and stakes marking the building site.

The water is way up. Higher than it was even for Hurricane Irene, but not as high as Superstorm Sandy. I'm relieved my son, Jeremy, wasn't with us this time, because he would've been goading me to get out on the water with our whitewater kayaks, and I'm just not the young, reckless fellow I used to be.

Eric & Tricia Schult
Owners of Big Wilson Camp
May 18-26, 2013

The Colors of Fall

We had a one night stay with our parents/grandparents. Such a beautiful time of year. Colors of fall. Overnight we had a one-inch snowfall and our little girl (three years old) enjoyed making several small snowmen. We enjoyed several short walks to the water and back and discovered one night was too short to enjoy and do all that this area has to offer. We loved the cabin and hope to follow in your steps one day and have cabins of our own to rent out to those who would like to visit our area - Aroostook County.

The Haley Family:
George & Roberta, Anna & Bonnie
Perham, ME
October 14, 2012

We had a beautiful time; the area and place are wonderful. We had our youngest son and his wife and two girls for the weekend and as you see they came themselves for one night. We brought the two small granddaughters and our oldest granddaughter (15, 3 & 1 year olds). We hiked to Wilson Falls. We also had our oldest son who is mentally & physically handicapped. We pushed him in his wheelchair up to eht falls. What a beautiful day Saturday was. We all enjoyed the camp, the outdoors, the games, the eating, the hiking, just being together. After the all left on Sunday, we still enjoyed more of the area and went up to Moosehead Lake and rode around there and visted some other places. What an area! We did see some turkeys and one partridge. No moose - we do see plenty of these where we come from - Aroostook County. We also went down to Dover-Foxcroft area for some sights and things to do.

The camp, the waterfalls, the stream - especially out front here - is so beautiful. We just marveled at how powerful the Lord really is when you look all around you at what He has made and given to us to enjoy. We thank Him daily for all we have and for all we can do. Thank you for opening your cabin to others to enjoy. The children all want to come back and so do we. There is so much more to see and enjoy. We did get some reading and plain-old relaxing in, too. Thank you again.

The Haley Family:
Milton, Pamela, Jamison & Kirsten
Perham, ME
October 12-17, 2012

(Owners' note: We've recently (May, 2014) added a more easy-access gravel trail down to a bonfire area & picnic site on the water's edge. We wouldn't call it handicapped accessible, exactly, but it is a LOT easier for folks with mobility challenges to enjoy the river.)

Perfect 30th Anniversary Trip

Sitting on the deck listening to the roar of Big Wilson one more time as I write this. What an awesome property! Thank you so much for allowing us the time to spend our 30th wedding anniversary in such a perfect setting.

Spent a lot of time moose watching. Best chance to see one is between Greenville and Kokadjo. We saw two bulls and three cows in that stretch. The road back to Casey's camp is prime.

Best place to eat is Black Frog. Try their fish dinner. It was great. They also serve a wicked Bloody Mary.

Make sure to hike back to Little Wilson Falls. Well worth it.

Thanks again,

Gordie & Marilyn Lambert
Brighton, MI
September 26, 2012

Body-Surfing Ducks

We came over Labor Day weekend for my brother's bachelor party. We camped two nights in Bigelow Preserve at the base of Fire Warden's Trail. Our campsite overlooked Sugerloaf's ski slopes. We arrived on a Friday at Big Wilson. We saw one salmon, but the fish generally weren't biting anywhere over the weekend. We caught 20 trout between seven of us in four or five days. Nevertheless, this has been awesome - the landscape is gorgeous, the waterfalls and remote atmosphere have been relaxing. The cabin is much more developed than we initially expected. We plan to come back in a few years during the height of the salmon fishing season.

One day we saw the ducks take turns body surfing down the waterfalls. They displayed a sense of community and the ability to have fun. Awesome.

Mark A.
September 3, 2012

Practice Kayaking

Water levels were a little low in August for the kind of fun my son & I like to have on the river - whitewater kayaking.

But he got a little practice in on the stepped falls in front of Big Wilson Camp, and later in the week, we made it over to the Kennebec (controlled by scheduled dam releases, 10 am - 1 pm daily) for a harrowing class III/IV ride through an incredible canyon.

Whitewater kayaking may be a bit too extreme for some, but I highly recommend whitewater rafting the Kennebec with one of the tour companies in Greenville or The Forks.

Eric Schult
Fayetteville, NC
Augest 28, 2012

Quiet Advice

Shhhhhhhh.

Go quietly and enjoy.

R. Pate & C. Packard
Biddeford, ME
August 4, 2012

Up From Yarmouth

This place was absolutely amazing! We did loads of stuff while we were here: canoeing, hiking, swimming, sightseeing, and eating BBQ! The hikes were awesome and the views were beautiful! We hope to come around here again.

The Zimmerman/Werb family
Yarmouth, ME
July 21-28, 2012

A 'Fluke' Discovery Googling 'Waterfront Cabin'

What a great week! We loved the cabin the falls and everything about the place. Greenville is such a great little place - lots of fun stores to find treasures in.

• Took a day trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
• Hiked to the lower falls.
• Kids enjoyed jumping off the rock at the bridge.
• Canoed & Kayaked on Prong Pond - beautiful.
• Hiked up Borestone Mountain - the overlook was great too! Some of us only made it to the Nature Center, but it was beautiful.
• Whitewater rafting on Kennebec River - awesome with Northeast Guide. Great lunch, great guides, great price!

Just a fluke that we found this place - googling for a waterfront cabin. This area was absolutely gorgeous. We couldn't have had better weather - no rain, high-70's to mid-80's all seven days! Awesome week - thanks so much.

We enjoyed the Black Frog, eating on the docks & Jamo's Pizza was great!

The Shillings
Schnecksville, PA (Allentown)
July 7-14, 2012

'Great Camp in an Even Greater Setting'

What a great camp in an even greater setting. Although we were bombarded with rain, we did have the opportunity to create some long-lasting memories.

Hightlights ...

• Whitewater rafting with Crab Apple in the Forks. Highly recommended!! We loved our guides!
• Hike to Borestone Mountain. Unbelievable views. Words & photos just don't do it justice ... you need to experience it.
• Fishing with Chris Young from Young's Guide Service.
• The campfire.
• Dinner at the Black Frog & Stress Free Moose.
• Seeing five moose, fox, turkeys, deer.

Thanks for everything!

CJ, Jen, Hunter (16) & Jaret (13) Kelly
Harborcreek, PA
June 29, 2012

More Friends of the Owners

First time in Maine and words cannot describe the natural beauty of the area and the amazing time we shared with Eric and Tricia! We met Eric and Tricia a few moths ago at Tricia's MeetUp.com group, and soon discovered we were kindred spirits and like-minded adventurers with a love of hiking and kayaking. So ... when they generously invited us to spend a few days with them at their cabin, we eagerly accepted. We saw a lot of waterfalls, since Tricia is a waterfall freak, and went on hikes to Little and Big Wilson Falls, the B-52 site, and climbed to the summit of Borestone Mountain, which is something I never thought I could/would do - LOVE ROCKS! Want to take a boulder home ...

Thank you Eric and Tricia for your amazing and generous hospitality. Loved our card games and geocaching adventures. Look forward to coming back soon and seeing some moose! Amazing. Just amazing. Loved every minute.

Love you guys!

Gloria & Dan
Bluegrass, IA
Early Summer, 2012

"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