THE GOVERNOR’S “TAKE IT OUTSIDE” INITIATIVE

by

Gil Gilpatrick

 

            Governor Baldacci has launched the “Take It Outside” initiative and is setting the example by doing some outside things along with his son, Jack. In July he and a small party climbed Mt. Katahdin, and plans were in place to spend some time on the Allagash. The following quote from his radio address on the subject sums it up:

“ ‘Take It Outside’ will allow us to work with organizations that are already doing a great job of getting kids outside and connected with our natural resources – and to see where there is room for improvement within our own state agencies”.

            In early September I received a phone call from Karin Tilberg of the Governor’s office. I knew Karin from her days as Deputy Commissioner of Conservation so introductions were not necessary. However, I was a little confused at first as to what she was asking me. She said she needed help in organizing an Allagash trip for the Governor. He has never been on the Allagash, she explained. I didn’t know if she wanted to just consult with me, or what.

            It turned out she wanted me to guide the trip for 12 people that would include Governor Baldacci, his son Jack and his security, Rick LeClair. Others in the party included Conservation Commissioner, Patrick McGowan and his daughter, Chelsea; Karin Tilberg and her daughter Linnea; Director of Parks and Lands, Will Harris; Beth Nagusky; Assistant Press Secretary, Dan Cashman and Maine Guide and owner of Jalbert’s camps, Phyllis Jalbert. Due to family health problems I had not been on the river for two years so I jumped at the chance to return to the Allagash. Also, what guide would pass on the opportunity to guide for the Governor? So I had two reasons to be excited!

            The prior planning was a little unusual for me because, for the first time, I was not the one to do all of it. Karin was in charge of getting the group together and planning the itinerary. Commissioner McGowan would take care of the canoes and related equipment. I would furnish camping equipment. It takes about the same amount of equipment for a 3 day, 2-night trip as for a full week! The plan was for us to travel to and put in at Umsaskis Bridge and then canoe to a nearby campsite, probably Gray Brook or Jalbert for the first night. The Governor, Jack and Rick would fly to Clayton Lake by helicopter and a ranger would bring them to our campsite. The first night would be spent at the campsite where I would serve supper. I would also take care of breakfast and lunch the following day. The second night would be spent at Jalbert’s camps on Round Pond where Phyllis would provide supper and breakfast the following morning.

            The weather forecast was mixed. Good, but windy the first day. Rain the second day, and good the third day for our trip from Round Pond to Michaud Farm where we would take out. When the nine of us arrived at Umsaskis Bridge the wind was hard out of the south and I decided it would be a good idea to travel all the way to Long Lake Dam to take advantage of the wind at our back and also to shorten our trip in the rain to Round Pond the following day. We arrived at the dam in the late afternoon and by the time we had camp set up the Governor, Jack and Rick arrived.

            The supper was pretty much routine for me because I had done this kind of camp cooking for 12 people for many years. It had not rained yet, but we put the tarps over the table and fireplace in preparation for the breakfast meal. It was dark when we finished cleaning up and my day’s chores were done. It had been a long day so I headed for my tent while a cribbage game by lantern light was underway at the table.

            The rain came the following morning before we finished breakfast and before we had taken down the tents. No matter, we would be staying in a nice dry cabin at Jalbert’s that night. It rained all day, but no one seemed to mind. The Governor, a self-proclaimed city boy from Bangor, was undaunted by the rain, and like everyone else, seemed to be enjoying the paddle.

            The high point of the trip for me was our time at Jalbert's. I got to know the Governor and I think he learned a few things about me. The men’s cabin had one large bunkroom for 6 or more people plus two small rooms for singles. When I showed up there were several people there already getting settled and the Governor was in one of the single rooms. Before I could put my bag down the Governor said in a loud voice, “Gil gets the other room”. That settled that and I had private quarters. I didn’t hear anyone object either.

            The camp dining room/kitchen was the gathering place for everyone and there were a lot of interesting conversations going on most of the time. Much of the afternoon and evening was spent there enjoying the dry quarters while the rain continued. Because I am such an early riser I made arrangements that evening to make the coffee for the following morning. The Governor is also an early riser, but I did have the coffee done before he got there the following morning.

            That morning he and I spent a half hour or more, one on one, discussing a variety of subjects over our coffee. That was a special time for me. After all, how many opportunities does one get to sit down and have an informal chat with the Governor of the state? I think it was special for him too, because he mentioned to me how much he enjoyed it, as he was saying his good bys before heading for Augusta from Michaud Farm.

            We had a beautiful day for the paddle to Michaud Farm. Jack was in my canoe and he had turned out to be a natural paddler. I was surprised to learn that his only prior paddling had been in a kayak. He quickly learned to draw and cross-draw and we slipped through all of the rapids with no problems whatsoever. I know he really enjoyed the whole experience because at one point I heard him say that he would rather be here than at a Red Sox game. Quite a statement for the avid baseball fan that he is.

            We arrived at Michaud Farm well before noon. No one wanted to stop there for lunch so we loaded up and prepared for the long drive back home. The helicopter arrived just about on time and the Governor, Jack and Rick departed just before we did. Most of us stopped for lunch in Fort Kent and then settled in for the long drive home.

            For a little humor I had prepared a sign ahead of time to place in front of the Governor’s tent. It read “BLAINE HOUSE NORTH”. I was told that the sign went back to Augusta and would be kept in his office. Check it out if you are ever in there.

 

Gil Gilpatrick is a Master Maine Guide, a life member of the Maine Professional Guides Association, a founding member of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization, and has served as a member of the Advisory Board for the Licensing of Guides since 1996. He is a member of the New England Outdoor Writers Association and is the author of seven outdoor-related books. Contact him at Gil@GilGilpatrick.com.