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Cathy · 08-05-2003, 06:47 AM

Hi Watchman,
I didn't bother going to the Phish concert, but both of my sons went and loved it.
Traffic was definitely a problem. Last time we hosted a Phish concert, traffic was split up in Mars Hill, sending half of them through Presque Isle and the other half through Fort Fairfield. The Presque Isle group entered the base through West Gate and the other bunch through East Gate, which cut the traffic problem in half, and pacified the folks in Presque Isle who were claiming they weren't reaping the benefits of having 60,000 fans stop for beer. This year, they routed the majority of the traffic up Rt. 1A, through Fort Fairfield. As you probably know, the Interstate stops about 60 miles south of Limestone, and our poor Rt1A, and also much of Rt. 1 through Caribou were totally crammed with Phishheads. It took many of them 12 hours to make the 60 mile drive, then another 4 or 5 hours to get to their campsites on base. The traffic jam started on Friday at 3AM and didn't let up until Saturday around noon.
I have to admit, though, these kids who follow Phish all over the place are a pretty nice bunch. There was no trouble at all, and they were polite to he locals. One kid asked me if I was Phishhead, and I replied, "No. I'm a Lighthead." He asked, "What's a Lighthead?" I answered, "Fans of Gordon Lightfoot." Kid, "Oh, cool, very cool. Gordon Lightfoot is cool. I love his music. Real cool." LOLOL. I was impressed that he even knew who Gordon Lightfoot was.

Moose are a problem up here. They generally stay in the woods during the day, but come out into the roadways at night to cool off. They aren't the brightest of animals and don't have the sense to get out of the road. They just stand there. If you hit one while driving 50 mph, you'll either die or be seriously injured. They're really a problem up here, so you're wise to use caution when driving at night. Late August and September are the worse months, as they are roaming around to herd up for the winter, and it's also rutting season. The male moose can become quite mean. They will actually charge a car if they get irritated enough. So if you see one staring you down, whatever you do, don't beep your horn or rev up your motor.

The area definitely has some nice scenery, especially when potato fields are blossomed. The areas you mentioned, between Van Buren and Fort Kent, and across the border into Canada were all settled by Acadians when they got booted out of the traditional Acadia by the British. They've managed to keep their language and traditions alive, which adds a lot to the local flavor. Acadians and Cajuns are from the same stock of people. Did you know that? If you listen to their music, you can hear a lot of similarities.
It's nice up here, and very peaceful, but it gets a little boring at times.

Cathy

[This message has been edited by Cathy (edited August 05, 2003).]

08-05-2003, 06:47 AM	#6
Cathy Senior Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,967	Hi Watchman, I didn't bother going to the Phish concert, but both of my sons went and loved it. Traffic was definitely a problem. Last time we hosted a Phish concert, traffic was split up in Mars Hill, sending half of them through Presque Isle and the other half through Fort Fairfield. The Presque Isle group entered the base through West Gate and the other bunch through East Gate, which cut the traffic problem in half, and pacified the folks in Presque Isle who were claiming they weren't reaping the benefits of having 60,000 fans stop for beer. This year, they routed the majority of the traffic up Rt. 1A, through Fort Fairfield. As you probably know, the Interstate stops about 60 miles south of Limestone, and our poor Rt1A, and also much of Rt. 1 through Caribou were totally crammed with Phishheads. It took many of them 12 hours to make the 60 mile drive, then another 4 or 5 hours to get to their campsites on base. The traffic jam started on Friday at 3AM and didn't let up until Saturday around noon. I have to admit, though, these kids who follow Phish all over the place are a pretty nice bunch. There was no trouble at all, and they were polite to he locals. One kid asked me if I was Phishhead, and I replied, "No. I'm a Lighthead." He asked, "What's a Lighthead?" I answered, "Fans of Gordon Lightfoot." Kid, "Oh, cool, very cool. Gordon Lightfoot is cool. I love his music. Real cool." LOLOL. I was impressed that he even knew who Gordon Lightfoot was. Moose are a problem up here. They generally stay in the woods during the day, but come out into the roadways at night to cool off. They aren't the brightest of animals and don't have the sense to get out of the road. They just stand there. If you hit one while driving 50 mph, you'll either die or be seriously injured. They're really a problem up here, so you're wise to use caution when driving at night. Late August and September are the worse months, as they are roaming around to herd up for the winter, and it's also rutting season. The male moose can become quite mean. They will actually charge a car if they get irritated enough. So if you see one staring you down, whatever you do, don't beep your horn or rev up your motor. The area definitely has some nice scenery, especially when potato fields are blossomed. The areas you mentioned, between Van Buren and Fort Kent, and across the border into Canada were all settled by Acadians when they got booted out of the traditional Acadia by the British. They've managed to keep their language and traditions alive, which adds a lot to the local flavor. Acadians and Cajuns are from the same stock of people. Did you know that? If you listen to their music, you can hear a lot of similarities. It's nice up here, and very peaceful, but it gets a little boring at times. Cathy [This message has been edited by Cathy (edited August 05, 2003).]