Ryle Mortland

There’s a stretch of coastal Maine that most people never find. No traffic, no crowds — just 96 miles of wild trail running through blueberry barrens, spruce forest, and salt marsh with the Atlantic glinting through the trees. This is the Bold Coast. And the best way to see it is from the seat of a Polaris RZR. The Down East Sunrise Trail runs 96 miles from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction near Pembroke, cutting right through the heart of Washington County along a former railroad corridor. It...

Recently, someone commented that they don’t understand why Downeast Maine needs progress. This was in response to a post inviting people to vacation here. That perspective stuck with me. Washington County has faced real obstacles for decades...low wages, limited affordable housing, and fewer economic opportunities than many parts of the state. Ignoring that reality doesn’t protect our communities; it holds them back. For us, tourism isn’t just something we say. It’s a crucial part of economic...

As we wrap up the heart of summer and move into fall at Downeast Adventures, I’ve been reflecting on what drives us. Our mission has...