MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • July 12, 2020
During the coronavirus pandemic, when going hiking, birding or fishing, have a backup plan so that when the parking lot at the trailhead is full, you can move on to a less crowded spot, social distance and help stop the spread of the virus. Add to the list of outdoor activities that require a Plan B – wilderness camping. In 2020, with so many Mainers clamoring to get outside during the pandemic, many wilderness camping sites across Maine might as well have “No Vacancy” signs. At all of the wilderness camping sites in the North Maine Woods forests there has been a surge in use by campers going off the grid, an increase of at least 15 percent over last year – which was a record camping year at Maine state parks. Sometimes, even a Plan B is not good enough. Sometimes you’ve got to pack right.