Train and ferry ride! Count me in!

It would be cool if Amtrak went to Bangor and a seasonal branch line connected to Bar Harbor. It wouldn’t be PRoFitAble but it would improve traffic, carbon emissions, and be cool because trains are cool damnit!

Seems like a cool job! They’re the only state agencies with a helicopter I believe (other than national guard).

While I think it could be great for the Millinocket economy, it would be bad for the resource. More vehicles, paved roads, and increased visitation to Baxter could be detrimental. While I wish everyone could experience the Maine wilderness, I think the National Park status would attract too many people and lead to more development to accommodate them.

Baxter already limits access to Katahdin. The park doesn’t advertise and prioritizes wilderness over recreation. Imagine next door to the park a big paved road with caravans of huge RVs and an upscale restaurant/hotel in the middle of the woods. While there’s nothing wrong with those things it wouldn’t be the North Maine Woods anymore.

I recently visited Death Valley NP and it’s an amazing place. However, in the middle of this extreme environment there’s a resort and golf course. It just seemed like a testament to human arrogance. “Hottest, driest place on earth, let’s build a golf course cause we can!”

Apparently, this NP is not likely to happen so I can rest easy. Maybe a national forest could be a good alternative. Many national forests still allow logging and hunting but could prevent further development. It would still be handing control to Washington and I’m not sure that would be a good move.

Welcome to Harold Alfond Colbyville™ ! Jokes aside, Waterville is very fortunate that the colleges exist. Generally, the closer to the Kennebec the more rundown it is. The Hathaway creative center apartments are the exception but good luck getting in. Waterville’s selling point (to me at least) is that it’s centrally located. You’re about hour drive from the coast, mountains, airports, and less than an hour to lakes. It’s less busy in the summer (college students are away). Has most anything you need in town. Messalonskee stream is a great place to canoe/kayak. Of course, there’s a former Mayor turned former Governor who’s name will not be mentioned. But I’m told he’s moved down south to be with more like minded people. Still, Waterville is pretty good at picking some real stinkers for mayor (see Nick Isgro). In closing, there will be days where you will sound like George Bailey yearning to leave this crumby little one horse town. But upon returning from trips to Disgusta (those Sam’s Club bulk buys am I right!), you’ll be grateful you live in Waterville.