Maine game wardens are the state’s nature cops, enforcing the fish and wildlife regulations. They are also searchers, rescuers and detectives, and they can be hard-nosed or lenient, funny or deadly serious. Above all, they must be patient.

From the small Oyster Bar upstairs, to the larger and lively tavern downstairs, King Eider’s many-awards-winning pub in Damariscotta, is a splendid place to spend an evening — or even a day. The menu is huge, the selection of beer and other beverages not much smaller, and the friendly “hi-neighbor how-ya-doin’ ” atmosphere makes regulars out of all first-time patrons — including us!