August 13 – 19, 2021Vol. 23, No. 10

A view of Great Pond, looking north from Hatch Cove, on a blustery, early August afternoon. Photo by Gregor Smith.


On the Cover

Thanks To Seasonal Businesses!

They make vacations possible, more enjoyable, more memorable, more fun, less housework-y. They provide the unseen magic behind the scenes and supply the visible welcome smiles on the front lines. They are the many area businesses, some open only during the summer, others that are open year-round but that ramp up their work and their work forces during the popular, packed summer months. More

Call of the Loon

Bathing Antics

There was a loon out in front of our dock that looked like it was in its death throes or maybe he was wrapped up in fishing line and was trying to get undone. What should I do with him? He seemed to calm down after a while but I didn't know who to call. More

Dams Report

Time To Lower the Lake Levels

We were so spoiled by the drought-inspired, past five years of beautiful weather that it was so easy to take it for granted. This has been such an unusually cold and wet summer so far. Don't you think that we deserve a little bit better? More

Barkley On Books

Books From Maine: A Raising Readers Collection

Books From Maine: A Raising Readers Collection is five books in one. It comprises five classic Maine children's stories: Camping Day by Patricia Lakin, Dino Pets by Lynn Plourde, Little Beaver and The Echo by Amy Mac Donald, Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey, and Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney Porter. More

On the Lakes

Saturday Water Olympics 2021

Yes, Tokyo television coverage was exciting, but out my window on Great Pond it began soon after 9 a.m. with John in the mailboat. Then along our shoreline glides by 19 kayak or water board girls from Camp Runoia. More

Take It Outside

Summer Is Flying By

Recently, my neighbors, Joel and Kathi King, returned from North Carolina with their 8-year-old grandson, Miles, for a week-long visit. Miles is an avid fisherman and Grandma Kathi asked me if I could take him out on Long Pond for a bit. More