- This event has passed.
Downeast Maine Hangout (SOLD OUT/Waiting List)
September 8, 2022 - September 15, 2022
Timberland Acres RV Park • Trenton, Maine • September 8-15, 2022
This Hangout is currently sold out, but join the waiting list and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!
This Hangout is currently sold out, but join the waiting list and we’ll let you know if a spot opens up!
Acadia National Park, lumberjacks, lobster and more
Downeast…a term that mariners once used to describe the downwind direction that ships sailed to travel from New York and Boston to Maine. Today, it’s the name of the region of Maine that comprises some of the state’s greatest treasures: Acadia National Park, known as the “crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast”; a rugged coastline that sees America’s first sunrises; and tidal waters that rise and fall like no others in the world. During the seven-day Downeast Maine Hangout, September 8-15, 2022, we will explore the highlights of this area on foot and by water, sample some of the local fare, and hike through the wilds of Maine in search of the elusive moose!
The week will begin with a team scavenger hunt around the charming town of Bar Harbor to learn about the town’s history. Bar Harbor is known for its stunning coastal beauty, its many yachts and lobster boats, and its view of islands and ocean in settings that can range from glistening sunlight to thick fog and mist.
Be ready to lace up your walking shoes or boots, because the week will feature several hikes–including a sunrise hike to the summit of Gorham Mountain in Acadia National Park, roaming the woods along the Union River on the Jordan Homestead Trail, and exploring other trails within Acadia such as the dramatic Ocean Path Trail or the beautiful Jordan Pond Loop.
We will cruise the protected waters of Frenchman’s Bay aboard a powered catamaran in search of coastal wildlife. From the sheer granite cliffs of Great Head to smooth rock beaches, we’ll see a rugged maritime landscape etched by glaciers and battered by sea and wind. Here, the ocean teems with life: seals raise their pups on ledges, eagles build enormous nests, and pods of porpoise chase schools of herring. An onboard naturalist will thrill us with interesting stories of natural and human history.
We’ll enjoy an entertaining and educational demonstration of the incredible skills of the region’s famed lumberjacks and lumberjills at Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show. And during a visit to the wild side of the Maine coast, we’ll witness the phenomenon of reversing falls at Tidal Falls Preserve.
Of course, no Hangout would be complete without the opportunity to sample local brews, wines, coffees, creameries, and regional delicacies like lobster rolls. Maine has all those and more in abundance! There will also be plenty of fun in the park as well, including campfires, game nights, potlucks and getting to know new friends.
Optional activities
Maine Lobster & Chicken Bake ($30/person)
You haven’t truly experienced Maine until you’ve enjoyed a traditional Downeast lobster bake! This delicious optional dinner will be served at the RV park. It includes your choice of lobster or chicken, plus potatoes, corn on the cob, dinner rolls, blueberry pie for dessert, and iced tea, coffee, or water.
Sea Kayak Tour ($52/person)
On this two-and-a-half tour, you will wind among the dramatic Porcupine Islands in Frenchman Bay in your own sea kayak, observing harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, osprey and other wildlife along the way. No prior sea kayaking experience is needed. You will receive basic instruction from a Registered Maine Guide, and will learn the paddling strokes that will keep you moving at a comfortable pace. After your paddling lesson and being individually fitted into your kayak, you’ll be on the water for about an hour and 45 minutes.
Tour groups are limited to 12 people each, so we may have multiple groups going at different times. The tour price includes rental of your kayak and all other necessary equipment, the services of your guide, and round-trip transportation between the outfitter’s office in Bar Harbor and the launch point.
Hangout location
Is this event right for me?
Every member is welcome at all Escapees RV Club events. With that said, the Downeast Maine Hangout is best suited for members who:
- enjoy walking, hiking and similar outdoor activities
- can comfortably climb steps and walk moderate distances on uneven/rocky surfaces
- can participate in activities during weekdays (traditional working/business hours)
- are willing to drive their own vehicles to offsite activities (or carpool with other attendees)
For events designed specifically for working-age RVers, with most activities in the evenings and on weekends, try an Xscapers Convergence. Or for more of an all-inclusive, guided-tour experience, you may prefer one of our Head-Out Programs (HOPs).
COVID-19 precautions
Although Escapees recommends that attendees be up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations before attending this Hangout, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is no longer required.
Please see the club’s current COVID-19 Event Policy for our current health and safety recommendations and practices, as well as situations under which you may not attend this Hangout if you’ve had recent symptoms of or a positive test for COVID-19.
Schedule
Activities and schedule are subject to change. Activities marked with an *asterisk are not included in your Hangout fee.
Thursday 9/8
Arrival and check-in at Timberland Acres RV Park
Evening welcome gathering & introductions
Friday 9/9
Bar Harbor exploration & scavenger hunt
Brewery visit & lunch*
Saturday 9/10
Hike Jordan Homestead Trail
Bar Harbor Cellars visit*
Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show
Sunday 9/11
Potluck brunch
Reversing Falls at Tidal Falls Preserve
Picnic dinner
Monday 9/12
Sunrise hike up Gorham Mountain
Bar Harbor Nature Cruise
Campfire games
Tuesday 9/13
Hiking in Acadia National Park (Ocean Path or Jordan Pond)
Potluck Dinner
Wednesday 9/14
Sea Kayak Tour*
Morton’s Moo Ice Cream*
Lobster & Chicken Bake*
Thursday 9/15
GTHO breakfast
Departure
Your registration includes:
- 7 nights RV camping in a 50A full hookup site
- Frenchman’s Bay nature cruise
- Admission to Lumberjack Show
- Social activities
- GTHO departure day breakfast
- Hangout hosts
Optional activities: Lobster Bake ($30/person), Sea Kayak Tour ($52/person)
Additional costs to consider: National Park admission, meals out
Hangout price
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RV site, 2 people $599
All sites have 50A electric, water & sewer.
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Deduct for only 1 person -$40
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Each additional person $75
For more than 2 people in same rig
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OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
Advance purchase required. All prices are per person.
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Maine Lobster Bake $30
Chicken available as entree instead of lobster.
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Sea Kayak Tour $52
2.5 hour sea kayak tour in Frenchman's Bay; includes equipment rental and guide.
You must be an Escapees RV Club member to attend this event. If you are not currently a member, you will be able to add a new membership during the registration process.
By registering for this event, you are representing and agreeing to the following:
- You understand the event’s intent, and for yourself, your heirs, executors, administrators and representatives, you absolve and hold harmless Escapees, Inc. and its affiliates, and any other parties connected with this event in any way, together with their respective successors and assigns (the “Sponsors”), singly and collectively, from and against any blame and liability for any injury, harm, inconvenience, or any other damage of any kind whatsoever, which may result from or be connected in any way to your participation in the event.
- You are physically capable of participating in this event, and your recreational vehicle, other vehicles, and any other equipment you may use to participate in the event will be in working condition. You will observe all applicable laws (including obtaining relevant licenses) and event rules and will generally conduct yourself in a safe and prudent manner while participating in the event. You absolve and hold harmless the Sponsors from any damage you may sustain because of any breach of these representations.
- You consent to and permit emergency treatment of yourself in the event of an injury or illness while participating in this event.
- You give permission to the Sponsors to use your name and any pictures/videos taken of you during the Event in any promotional materials, publications, or on the Internet.
- As an attendee, you assume all risk and danger relating to your personal property, RV and attendance at the Hangout, whether occurring prior to, during or after the event. In the event of loss or theft, no claim will be made upon Escapees, its volunteers, employees or agents.
- Volunteers may be directing and assisting you in your parking areas. However, it is the driver of the vehicle who is ultimately responsible for avoiding obstacles or dangerous situations and is solely responsible for any damage to one’s property or the property of others.
- By registering, you will also receive occasional email notifications of future Hangouts; however, you can opt-out of these notifications at any time.
- If COVID-19 protocols are still required at the time of the Hangout, you will help provide a safe environment for everyone by complying with our health and safety rules. If requested, you will sign a written agreement releasing Escapees from liability should you become ill during or after the event.
How to register
There are two ways to register and pay: by phone or online.
- To register online (highly recommended), click the button below and follow the instructions on your screen.
- To register by phone, call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 755-1060.
Registration opens Wednesday, March 30, 2022
at 10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time.
We’re sorry, but this Hangout is currently sold out. If you’d still like to attend, please join the waiting list below. We’ll notify you if a spot opens up.
We’re sorry, but this Hangout is currently sold out. If you’d still like to attend, please join the waiting list. We’ll notify you if a spot opens up.
After you register
Watch for an email from registration@escapees.com for a confirmation of your registration. If you don’t receive it, call Escapees Event Registration at (936) 755-1060 to be sure that your registration was processed correctly.
After you register, please join the Hangout group on Facebook (a link to this group will be in your confirmation email). We will use this group to communicate with Hangout attendees before and during the event. You will also receive one or more emails before the Hangout with more information as needed.
Cancellations
If you cancel your Hangout registration on or before Friday, August 5, 2022, you will receive a refund of your registration fees minus a $50 cancellation fee.
There will be no refunds for cancellations received after August 5, 2022.
Waiting list
If this Hangout is sold out when you try to register, please join the waiting list by completing the form below. There are usually several cancellations before a Hangout…so if a spot opens up and you’re the next one on the waiting list, you’ll get another shot at registration! (Note: please don’t join the waiting list unless and until the Hangout sells out. Entries received before that time will be ignored.)
This waiting list is no longer available because the event has already occurred.
