John and Cynthia Orcutt have blessed us with amazing photos in their book, Enduring Heights – The High Peaks of Maine.
As Senator Angus King writes in the forward, “The vistas are so wide, the colors so subtle, the forests so deep, that the urge to see for yourself will be pretty hard to resist.” Boy, Angus got that right.
I have spent lots of time in the region of the High Peaks, which are in western Maine (Rangeley and the Carrabassett Valley). Ten of Maine’s fourteen highest peaks are here, along with major rivers and awesome forests (and oh yea, lots of fish and game!).
WolfeTone, the former director of The Trust for Public Land, wrote essays in the book that are interesting and informative.
I don’t have the words to really describe these stunning photos that I have been enjoying all week. I pick up the book and spend time flipping through the pages, stopping often to enjoy those photos.
The Orcutt’s, who are architects, said that by producing the book, “we hope to raise awareness of the High Peaks region and foster more conservation of wilderness lands while simultaneously encouraging economic growth and job opportunities in places where development is appropriate.”
I can only thank them for this wonderful and inspiring book, and for their photographic contributions to Maine Huts and Trails, Kingfield Art Walk, High Peaks Cultural Coalition, Adaptive Outdoor Education Center, Maine Appalachian Trail Club, and the Network of Networks High Peaks brand development.
This is a book that you will treasure, and pass on to future generations. And yes, you will definitely want to head to the High Peaks region this year. Just please stay out of my favorite fishing spots!