Finding NOCASOBE

 

Finding NOCASOBE…

“the laugh of the loon is a sign of coming happiness” (Penobscot Indian Lore)

In early times the Penobscot Indians plied the rock-lined waters of what is now called “mid-coast” Maine. They hunted wild turkey, grouse, and loon. They fished the Duck Trap River for salmon which they dried or smoked in preparation for winter. Clams, crabs, and lobsters were abundant rewards from the sea. Basket-making was common to the area tribes as was canoe-building. Settlers from across the Atlantic made trade with the locals, formed towns and villages along the coast to benefit from the fishing, hunting, and forestry. Logging, furniture-making, and paper crafts emerged, yielding to bookstores and related arts.

Tall ships with wide sails and heavy masts brought explorers, merchants, travelers, and ultimately growth. Inns and pubs sprung up to serve the needs of guests and visitors. And, as the “iron horse” made train travel expedient, people from throughout the Americas made their way to see the rocky coastline and islands of Penobscot Bay. As they drank and dined by candlelight, stories of the loon and the power of its feathers were told.

Soon word spread of NOCASOBE. The folk lore was accurate and the mystery location was found. No longer did the Penobscot have the secret of the loon’s feather as their own nor the location of Duck Trap River as only local lore. NOCASOBE could be found. NOCASOBE could be experienced!

Today we know the loons of our sandy half-moon beach on Penobscot Bay. And, we know the loons of our Duck Trap River as it flows to the Bay. They draw us closer to NOCASOBE – they call us as we play along the shores. We discover through NOCASOBE  the joys of the beach, the views from Bald Rock Trail, the lapping water as we kayak or canoe, the lures as they skip along the river for salmon, the changing leaves and fall colors, the simple pleasures of the Penobscot mid-coast.

Still visitors come to seek NOCASOBE – to really experience the lore of the loon’s feather. Our relaxing inns and cottages, delicious restaurants and pubs, creative shops and artisans, innovative winery and brewery support your days of activities – hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, birding, stand-up paddle-boarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, painting, photography, woodworking, cooking,  and exploring lighthouses. Visit and discover the legend, live the lifestyle…. NOCASOBE (North of Camden, South of Belfast)!