Testimonials - Allagash Guide Inc.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway Trip

I’ve been going to the Allagash region for over 25 years, but had never done a river trip to the Town of Allagash. The opportunity came to join Blaine Miller, Allagash Master Guide and a party of 11 this past summer to paddle 96 miles of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

It was one of the most demanding yet most enjoyable trips that I have ever been on. Allagash River offers spectacular views of lakes, rivers and streams and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. I was most impressed with Allagash Falls and the pristine waters of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.

Our meals were all cooked over an open fire. Breakfast included pancakes, bacon, sausage and eggs in the morning to salads, mashed potatoes, steaks, chops, fish and chicken for dinners in the evening, not to mention home-baked pies and cakes for dessert. No one left the table hungry. Most enjoyable for me were the cranberry muffin bread, pancakes and open-fire baker oven brownies. Miller offered stories on folk-lure and wilderness tips. He gave helpful suggestions on how to ‘read’ the river, and the proper way of paddling a canoe in rapids and flat water.

His professionalism, concern for nature and pointers on being safe in the wilderness and on the water, helped make the trip most pleasurable and one that I will never forget.

Dan Cassidy
INside the OUTside
Freelance Columnist
Winslow, Maine
decskitracks@verizon.net

We had a great Allagash River trip with Blaine. We met at Blaine’s home and were warmly welcomed by him and his wife Sylvia for a very relaxing, enjoyable evening prior to starting our canoe trip. Novice canoeists, with Blaine’s guidance and instruction, we felt quite accomplished by the time we arrived in Allagash. Blaine knows the river well and is adept at picking the best route, camping and fishing spots. Food cooked over the campfire was not only delicious, but also nutritious. We found Blaine quickly attuned to our abilities/needs and readily adapting to meet them. Scenery, wildlife, and serenity make this an incredible experience!

Terry & Merideth Harriman
merideth2k@fairpoint.net

Our company entertains clients from around the country with many types of outdoor activities. I can honestly say that Allagash Guide Inc. has over the years, provided the best of these experiences. From a trip down many of the states different waterways, to a team building management getaway, to exploring the Maine woods, hunting moose, deer, turkeys and upland game, we have used Blaine's services for all. Many memories have been created around a campfire. I am proud to call Blaine a friend and a person who has taught me much about life through the outdoors.

Dana Bullen II, President and General Manager, Sunday River Resort

To Whom It May Concern:

For over fifty years now, since my youth, I have attained great joy by spending time camping, hunting and fishing in the Northern Maine and Canadian wilderness. Approximately thirty years ago I decided, for the first time, to go “first class” and pay for a guided trip for both myself and my family. For us it was a wonderful decision as we had selected Blaine Miller to provide that service.

Since that time, I and/or my family have gone on innumerable guided trips throughout North America and Canada and although each of these experiences has been different, none have been more memorable or better than that with Blaine Miller. In the past thirty years I have come back again and again to use his outstanding services. There are many reasons that Blaine’s trips rank #1.

1. Experience.  I would guess that Blaine has been involved in conducting guided trips into the wilderness for at least the past 35 (and perhaps as much as 40) years. During that time, he has amassed a tremendous breadth of experience; all of which he puts to use to make your trip a very special event.

2. Passion. Most nearly all of my life I have been successfully involved in the sales process and one of the first things that I learned is that a really good salesperson is one who is passionate and enthusiastic about what they do. This is another thing that Blaine certainly excels in; he has a tremendous passion and love for the wilderness and the wilderness experience. This exudes itself continually throughout his trips with his various clients. His passion and enthusiasm are contagious to all who experience his services.

3. Knowledge. Like any good guide, Blaine has a tremendous knowledge of woods lore related to camping, fishing and hunting. In addition, for most of his life, his vocation has been that of an earth science teacher in the Winslow High School system. Thus his background in geology, science, history, flora and fauna are all incorporated into this special experience that is all part of his trip. The fact that he spent so many years teaching is, in part, responsible for his skill to be able to teach, relate and show his clients things that they would likely never known on their own and much of which they probably would never have attained from another guide service.

4. Outstanding dollar value. In my experience over the past years I have not experienced any guiding service that provided as good or better guiding service for as low a price as Blaine does. In fact, on more than one occasion, I have argued with him about the fact that he should raise his prices; his service was worth far more than what he charged. However, he and his brothers’ upbringing with conservative Yankee parents have resulted in a great respect for price point and value. In addition, it is his specific goal to make his trips as affordable as possible; whether you are a single sportsman going on a Canadian wilderness adventure with him or an entire family canoeing down the Penobscot River, his trips and his service are truly a great value.

If you are looking for a special wilderness experience, it will be truly a unique one at a great value and you can never do better than you would with Blaine Miller. I assure you, if you use his services once, it will not be the last time.

Over the years I have introduced my sons, my family and friends and now my wife and I will very soon be introducing our grandchildren to these special wilderness adventures that Blaine provides.

I’d be very happy to talk with or expand upon any of this with anyone who might wish further reference.

Sincerely,

James D. Julia

PO Box 830

Fairfield, ME 04937

(207) 453-7125

I have a gone deer hunting with Blaine the past two seasons. He has great facilities at his house with great beds and a shower right in the cellar with you. The breakfast and dinners are homemade meals and lunches are eaten where we were hunting. Blaine had four different properties to go hunting on. He worked very hard putting on hunts to get me a shot at a deer. Blaine has numerous stands on his property to choose to hunt from. I really enjoyed myself the past two years I have hunted with Blaine. I would recommend him to anyone.

Mike Masi
Vernon, NY
mmasi@tds.net

Two trips with Blaine on the Allagash River was time spent with a friend. In addition to the beauty of the NW Maine wilderness, Blaine took care of our comfort needs: food, rest, equipment, fishing, canoeing instruction and interesting tidbits about the River and its history. When I fell on the second trip and broke my arm, Blaine showed he is ready. The excellent first aid convinced me to stay with the trip. The ER, 4 days later asked why I took so long to seek treatment. Welllll, I took a shower first. "Thanks", the nurse said. All I needed was a cast.
I'm planning on a third trip this summer. Hope to see you on the River. Jim Martin, Bath, ME

Just to give you perspective, I’m a fashion stylist. I do commercials, videos, and print advertising. The Allagash is as far from my world as I can get. My aunt introduced me to this, as she had a great experience with Blaine before. My first experience was so amazing that it prompted me to bring my friends from NY on the second. We still laugh about our experience today.

My 1st experience was guided by Blaine’s son in law.There was a thunderstorm. We arrived at an island on a lake, where there was a buck. Soren, Blaine’s son in law, tried to feed the buck an apple. He dropped it, and the buck tried to mount him. It was truly the most priceless story ever! We were crying laughing!
We did whitewater in a canoe, we saw amazing wildlife, everyday, and we made really great friendships. A truly priceless experience.

My second trip down the Allagash, I brought my friends from NYC. Blaine, having been a school teacher, was the most AMAZING guide. He taught us about everything. Which sap from what tree was an anticeptic… Our friend ended up with a leach…And how to deal with it…. One day we saw 17 moose… in 1 day! Everyday we saw an Eagle… or 10. The amount of wildlife we saw… I didn’t know still existed. We were in awe! I realized on this trip that the bald eagle has made a come back, as well as many things. It was truly amazing!

I've been on four Allagash Guide trips and each one was exciting, relaxing, memorable, scenic beyond words, and an experience that I would love to repeat again and again.

Blaine is the finest Maine guide you could ever hope to meet: knowledgeable, experienced, level-headed, able to relate to all trip members in a kind and engaging manner. Best of all, he has endless patience and a wicked dry sense of humor.

If you are looking for an authentic and hassle-free canoe-camping trip for the entire family or a group of friends, call Blaine!

"I have taken two trips with Blaine Miller and plan to include as many trips as possible in the future. Since my "soul soars where the blacktop ends" each trip has contributed to my chosen state of joy. One starts the trip by thinking that this will be a test of great physical and mental strength but one realizes early on that although the paddle can be a challange there is plenty of time to kick back and relax at the end of the day. Once camp is set up, the smell of coffee brewing and supper on the grill ( or better yet bread in the oven) draws people to the table where you can share in the few chores that have not yet been done by Blaine- or to pull up a chair by the fire and just be the entertainment. Even those of us who are type A++ can relax and enjoy the views. The sight of moose feeding by the water, or over your tent if you set it up in the right place, seven eagles in various stages of maturity, deer, water fowl and beaver dragging fresh cuts to their new hatch can touch the soul of anyone seeking the wild outdoors. All this in just one week. At this point in my life i plan to reward myself for each and every birthday reached. September is my month- and Maine is where i will be. Blaine becomes not only a trusted guide but a trusted friend. Do not miss this experience." Linda Rhynard, Bristol, RI, lrhynard@yahoo.com

"Blaine Miller is a man of his word. Organized, punctual, excellent camp fare, good solid equipment. Concerned for the safety and well being of his clients". Joe Gallen, Shillington, PA.

"My canoe trip on the St. John River with Blaine Miller of Allagash Guide Inc. was a fantastic vacation. With Blaine's teaching, my very rusty canoe paddling skills improved 100%. I would highly recommend Allagash Guide Inc. as an outfitter of choice to experience the best-kept outdoor secret of America-The Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Blaine's equipment is first rate and his outdoor cooking skills are second to none.Our 2002 Moose Hunt was a most memorable experience thanks to Blaine Miller of Allagash Guide Inc. Not only did Ernie harvest a magnificent bull moose ( 861 ponnds dressed, 53 inch rack ). We now have enough "hunting story material" to last a lifetime".
Sherri Oldham (email--gillys@adelphia.net)

"If you are looking for a no pressure canoeing/wilderness trip, Blaine Miller is your best choice for a guide. He is always willing
to share his knowledge gained from years of guiding in the north east. You will feel comfortable bringing your children because
safety is a priority. On the subject of meals: It doesn't get any better than pan fried brook trout with pancakes, eggs and bacon
covered in maple syrup." Frank Kelley, components@cms-mkt.com

My grandfather, who was born in Calis, Maine in 1868, first interested me in the Allagash. His grandfather, Major General Rendol Whidden ( a vetran of the war of 1812 and the Civil War) had moved to Calais around 1825 from southern Maine. He, very likely, instilled the same desire to canoe the Allagash with his grandson -and then on to me. It was always regular conversation in the family that we should one day canoe this world-recognized throughway, and to stimulate my intrest further, he introduced me to the canoe, which culminated in a birch bark canoe trip with an ederly Passamaquoddy Indian Chief some seventy years ago.

From that day on it was an "on and off" passion with me to one day canoe the entire Allagash from south to north.

Having been a WWII paratrooper, we went back to Normandy in 1994 for the 50th anniversairy og D-Day and to stage a reenactment jump outside St. Mere Egliese. As requested, each of us carried with us souvenir information cards about ourselves to hand out to the people of Normandy. Indicated on my card was my wish to do the Allagash sometime soon.

After returning to the States, I was invited to participate in a panel discussion on the Jim Lehrer TV show. He asked me if I had other unfulfilled life challenges -and , of course, I mentioned the Allagash. Following the show, the TV station received considerable response from listeners, and one gentleman from Maine offered to take me. He had recently become licensed as a guide, but after a few days he had determined that the required insurance, etc., as well as unbelievable logistics of the undertaking caused him much concern, and he was forced to back away from his generous offer. He did suggest other guides for me to consider.

Soon after, my two sons, Guy and Brad, and I booked with Allagash Guide Inc.'s Blaine Miller to do the total Allagash. We were imediately impressed by his friendly, hospitable manner and the real proffessional expertise he displayed on the trip itself. Aside from the delicous and bountiful meals he prepared, it was obvious that the safety, comfort, and pleasure of the whole group was his primary objective. We enjoyed it so much that we have continued on with him (and his "wonder dog", Digger) to date, and plan to go again in June 2003.

Having Blaine and his family become our good friends is a personally emotional thing for me, as my close relatives are now gone, but my love of Maine always calls "home" to me.

Come join us! Guy Whidden, 7504 Rockwood Rd., Frederick, MD 21702-3648