Don Kleiner's blog

The last couple of mornings have been cold and in fact last nights frost lingered in the shade until nearly noon today. The ice has started to form in the shallows. Winter is definitely coming even though the last few days have been very sunny and mild. The falling temperatures and cooling water have the beavers working overtime. I noticed this morning where one cut a few small trees and dragged them across the road on my way to Augusta.

Over the last few years I have commented on how there seem to be more bobcats in our area. Because they are secretive most folks do not see them. I notice mostly tracks in the snow during the winter. Although our neighbors have seen one, Argy saw one last winter while I was away and I have seen a few crossing the road while driving and a couple in the woods over the years.

Late Monday morning I received an e-mail asking about a quick fishing trip to shoot some video for a web project. Since the weather was sunny and warm I agreed and loaded my fishing equipment. Once at the boat launch on Megunticook Lake in Camden though I was nervous. It is getting late in the season and the water temperatures are getting low. Maybe the fish would not cooperate.

Almost all of the leaves are off of the trees and we are forecast to have a warm day, the last one for this week and maybe for a while. November marks the transition from summer activities to winter and at the moment it shows. All of my equipment for a variety of activities is out in the garage.

Fall and specifically October is the season I work with the dogs. They enjoy the work and even when tired are eager to get back into their boxes and head out each morning. When we are at Libby Camps they spend the night in the boxes as well. But for them the best part is working every day.

Don Kleiner has taken the role of Executive Director for the Maine Professional Guides Association. Association President Jeff Bellmore said “The Board of Directors is pleased to have Don on board and looking forward to working with him to move the Association forward.” Founded in 1979 the Association is the oldest and largest organization of guides in the state of Maine. The Association is composed of Registered Maine Guides who strive to enhance the standards of the guiding industry.

I had today off after a stretch of guiding at Libby Camps up north, fishing trips locally and a couple days of meetings. Meetings will be a big part of my life now that I have started as the executive Director for the Maine Professional Guides Association but that is another story.

Only an inch or so and it will be gone as soon as the sun comes out. Still a pretty contrast with the colored leaves. This sure has been a beautiful fall for the eyes. I fished on Megunticook Lake in Camden on Friday with some folks from Louisiana who had never seen fall foliage and they raved about the scenery at every turn. Reminding me again how fortunate I am.

I spent the week guiding grouse and woodcock hunters at Libby Camps in the North Maine Woods. It is always a joy to work with other professionals delivering a great experience. There is nothing like visiting a sporting camp in Northern Maine. First the vastness of the country is always impressive, as is the almost complete silence when you are out in the woods. Meals are always an event and it is a hard job to not eat way more than I should. Not to mention desserts that are usually fresh baked and delicious.

Fishing this afternoon under a cloudy sky was a good as the last few trips have been for bass and pickerel. The fall foliage is fast approaching peak and the colors were exceptional on the still water as you can see in these pictures.