Sharon Wood/Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel graphic
Here are a few things you should know before you head for Maine to watch the eclipse.
TRAVEL
• Expect a high volume of traffic.
•Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle.
• Do not rely on GPS in rural locations.
• Stay on paved roads due to mud season.
• Cellphone coverage is unreliable in remote areas.
CAMPING
• Maine State Park campgrounds are closed in April.
• Baxter State Park will be closed to camping.
• Katahdin trails will be closed.
• None of the campsites or access roads are maintained during the winter months in the North Maine Woods, and they are inaccessible without causing damage to the privately owned roads. Attempting access presents a high likelihood of getting stuck in a remote area along with other hazards.
PRIVATE LAND
Outdoor recreational users rely on the generosity of Maine’s private landowners who allow access to their property. Respect landowners as you venture out to enjoy the eclipse.
• Always ask for permission whether or not there are signs requesting that you do so.
• Know your boundaries, and always leave the land as you found it, if not better.
• ATV trails in Maine are not open to riding, and landowner permission is required to operate ATVs off-trail.
Learn more at mefishwildlife.com/prepare
Source: Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
(Press ‘play,’ ‘live’ and ’60x’ speed to follow the path of Monday’s eclipse across North America)
Viewer safety tips
• When watching the phases of the solar eclipse, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times.
• Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the sun.
• Inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched or otherwise damaged, discard the device.
• Always supervise children using solar viewers.
• Do NOT look at the sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer — the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury. Solar filters must be attached to the front of any telescope, binoculars, camera lens or other optics.
• Wear sunscreen, a hat and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.
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