"Camp Johnson"

Camp Johnson is located in Bridgton, ME. Owned and operated by experienced camp counselors Clay and Carol Johnson.









They have two grandsons. Both have working parents. When school is not in session the question arises "what are we going to do with the boy"? Thankfully there are several good options and one of them is send him to "Camp Johnson" for a week or two or maybe three.
There are several plans to choose from at Camp Johnson.
For nine year old, Evan, it was three weeks without Mom or Dad. For four year old Chase it was a one week father & son experience.

All good camps offer lot's of experiences and Camp Johnson is no exception. We offer a full water front program of swimming and diving, kayaking , sailing, and the popular cliff jumping into emerald pool as well as boat trips to Lake Sebago.
We have hiking experiences to fit all age groups.
For the older campers we offer a two day tenting and sea kayaking experience on the coast of Maine.
Our campers look forward to berry picking and learning special culinary skills in Grandma's kitchen.
Offered for the first time this year was a special entrepreneurial workshop. (cash for cans and bottles)
One of the fun night activities is Halloween in July.
There is ample time just to hang out with friends, reading time and and personal freedom.
These pictures illustrates many of the activities that our older camper,Evan, enjoyed . Click on any picture to make it larger.

Camp Johnson #2

Camp directors Clay and Carol with Chase and Nolan.


This session at Camp Johnson features a week of father and son activities for four year old Chase.
Climbing Douglas Mt. as well as Mt. Tire-em.
Kayak lessons and a solo trip.
Making sand castles.
Swimming. Sun bathing. Motor boating,
A trip to the Maine Wild Life Park.
Mandatory rest times.
Special trips for ice cream.




Click on pictures to make them larger

The Fryeburg Fair

The Fryeburg Fair is not called the "The State Fair " but it is. Fryeburg is one of the most picturesque towns in Maine. Sitting right on the western border just below the White Mountains along the banks of the Saco River. It is about a 20 minute drive most of the year but during fair week it is much longer. To avoid the heavy traffic we take the back way through Sweden.

Click on the video and turn on the volume to enjoy the trip.



One of the big events is Woodsmen Day. With all kinds of competition. Women, men, mixed, and senior events. Several types of sawing and chopping events, as well as big equipment contests. Click on any of the pictures to make them larger

And everyone's favorite the Axe Throw.

Find the axe right at the top middle of the picture. A young woman is throwing.
The rest of the pictures are from other events and sights of the fair.












Carol and Clay hope you had great time at the Fair!

Climbing Mt. Washington

Mt. Washington is part of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It is the highest peak in the Northeast but it is best known for some of the worst weather in the world. Extremely high winds, cold temps and very little visibility are always a possibility. This is often the biggest challenge when you are attempting a climb to the 6, 288' rugged summit. The weather report for Sept.9th was for high winds with a chill factor in the low 30's but clear. So the trip was on. I packed my wool underwear, rain gear, winter hat , gloves and a coat.
There are many trails one can choose to ascend to the top. I wanted a loop trail and one that was easier terrain coming down than going up and also a trail that allowed maximum views going and coming. I chose to go up the west side using the Ammonoosuc Ravine and Jewell Trail Loop. This is a 9 mile loop and according to most guide books it should take 8-9 hours. ( I think the authors are all long legged and 25 years of age.)
In several of the pics you can see the famous Mt. Washington Resort in the distance. The hike up is along a very fast moving stream with several waterfalls. Every 50 feet you want to stop and take pictures. (Or is that my fast pulse and sore knees that are saying stop?)

This is the trail? Only for a short way. Better have good gripping boots.
The Presidential Range is known for its chain of hostels, each a day's hike apart. They are set up for dinner and breakfast. The largest of these is the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. I spent about 30 minutes here watching the helicopter bring in new fuel and food and take away the trash and empty tanks. Click on the video.


From this Hut the summit is about 1.6miles and 1200 more feet of elevation.

Above is looking back to the hut I am about 0.6 miles to the summit.
Nearing the top! 0.2 Wow what a view!
The Summit! Five hours of hiking in perfect weather. 50 degrees, no wind, 90 miles visibility. After lunch and a nap I headed back to the trail.
The trip down is less steep but a bit longer than the trip up. It will take me 5 hours to cover the 5.2 miles.

Along the way I crossed the Cog railway and saw a car going down and later one going up.

Much of this trail is above tree line allowing great views. This view is looking south to Mt. Monroe. The next one is looking north.

Now we are looking west. The bare spot way in the bottom is the base station where I'm headed. Still over 3 miles to go.

Back in the trees. We have to cross this stream then .3 miles to go.
That's my car. First in (7:30 AM) last out (6:30PM). Right above the tallest pine tree is the top of Mt. Washington.
What a great hike!