Canoe camping / Floating over ghost towns / 8 days of awesome!

All season long it has been wet. One wet adventure after another. Not this time! We were rewarded with exceptional weather for the last week of the fishing season in Maine!
Flagstaff Lake, the 4th largest in Maine. A man made impoundment created by the damming of the Dead River, is a lake rich with history. From Benedict Arnold to the communities that were submerged due to its creation in 1950, Flagstaff lake is a fascinating body of water, with mountain views everywhere. This was my first visit to this lake. In one visit, this has become one of my favorite places.
We enjoyed 8 days canoe camping in the area. It was glorious!
Thank you for watching. Your support of the channel is appreciated. Enjoy
Some equipment used in this video,
PDF, NRS Chinook,
www.nrs.com/nrs-chinook-fishi...
Canoe, NorthStar Trillium , Carbon stealth package,
www.northstarcanoes.com/canoe...
Paddle, Werner Kalliste,
wernerpaddles.com/products/ka...
Hammock, Superior Gear Hammock,
superiorgear.com/
Tarp, Warbonnet SuperFly,
www.warbonnetoutdoors.com/pro...
Quilt,
shopgogear.com/?gad_source=1&...
NRS Boundary boots,
www.nrs.com/nrs-boundary-boot...
Down Jacket, Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer 2 UL,
www.mountainhardwear.com/p/me...
Rain Shell Marmot Kessler,
www.marmot.com/men/jackets-an...
Toaks Titanium,
www.toaksoutdoor.com/collecti...
Apex Giant,
apexgiant.com/products/titani...
BRS 5 star Cookstove,
pl.aliexpress.com/item/100500...
GSI Pinnacle Pan 10" ,
gsioutdoors.com/products/pinn...
Chair, Helinox Chair Zero,
helinox.com/products/chair-ze...
Water Filter, Sawyer Squeeze,
www.sawyer.com/products/squee...
NRS Bills Bag,
www.nrs.com/bills-bags/c5356
You can reach me by email at, [e-mail]
#adventure #camping #wilderness

[@boatman222345]

I live in Maine and have done many of the classic river and lake trips...I don't think I've ever seen so many calm days in a row! Count thy blessings my friend you could easily have had 8 days sitting on the shore waiting for the wind to drop, or the same amount of time grunting your guts out against a 10 mph headwind!

[@duncanmacrae846]

I have thoroughly enjoyed your videos. Beautiful surroundings, informative with great views with sound.

[@davidrobins7753]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video - thanks for taking us along. I visited Stratton, Maine A few times and had no idea there was such a huge lake there. You convinced me to take a look at "hammock" camping. Saves taking more "stuff" for overnight.

[@michaelbroyer3918]

Excellent video. Your adventure skills are solid and the videography is very good. I subscribed to your YT channel.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Much appreciated! Thank you for your support of the channel.

[@lisafaust3801]

Ok...I am halfway through the video and I am getting hungry!!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

🤣😂

[@thepeacerunners]

Love your videos Bud. You do a great job putting them together and narrating...I can tell you are a good Dude who loves getting out there ! Just subscribed and will be with ya from here on out ! Great to see New England boys making great canoeing videos.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you for subscribing. I am glad to hear you like the content. Thank you for letting me know. I appreciate your support

[@DaveCollierCamping]

Beautiful

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you

[@mobilewintercamp7515]

Wow I was telling you about this place. Some view . From 1100 straight up to over 4000 ft. My camp is 2 minutes away in Eustis. If I was there full time I would have stopped by to say hello 👋.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I failed to connect the dots on that one. I do recall you telling me about a lake I needed to check out. I am a bit jealous, I would absolutely love a camp out there.

[@CanoeCampClimb]

I really enjoyed the heck out of this. Great scenery... and great job editing. I was engaged the full hour. I can't believe how lucky you and Craig got with the weather and the water conditions.... it was like glass nearly every day. Unreal... especially considering the rough weather 2023 threw at us. Love the hammock setup. I have a HammockGear hammock kit which works great for me. Happy New Year.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Hey Butch! This was a fantastic trip! What a place! The weather was incredible. The stuff dreams are made of. I had made plans to go back a few weeks later, but I came down with the Rona. Peak foliage, I was bummed. Hammocks are amazingly comfortable. I have been a ground dweller most of my life. Over the last few years I have taken quite the liking to hammocks, now I much prefer them. Hammock Gear makes quality stuff. This winter has not been all that great weather wise. Makes me really look forward to the coming paddling season. I am pumped. If you are interested, we should plan out a trip? I would be happy to drive to the Dacks. I love it out there and need to see more of it. Let me know if you have an interest. Thanks for stopping by man, and dropping the awesome comment. Cheers

[@CanoeCampClimb]

I'd love to meet up for an outing. Let's try to make it happen.@@ItsGoodintheWoods

[@zone4garlicfarm]

I've always liked Flagstaff but I like Chain of Ponds even more. It's a little further north on Route 27. In early October it's the best place for viewing fall foliage.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I will have to look into the Chain of ponds. Thank you for the suggestion.

[@larryhanson3856]

What an incredibly awesome trip! Fantastic video. You got it made up there in the Northeast. This ones gonna be hard top Justin lol.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This is going to be a hard one to beat. I can't stop thinking about this lake! Made an impression! Can't wait to go back

[@NorthernFreighterCanoe]

Great video!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you

[@150F2011]

Thanks for or all the effort and work you put into this video. I really get some good ideas from watching them Flagstaff 11.5 hr drive for me.Trying to get my son to come come co

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I hope you and your son make it out there someday and have the time of your lives

[@Habsolutely]

love that old car find. Looks like a Model T. Wonder how it got there.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That kind of stuff is so fascinating. There used to be a big farm in that area many years ago. I think they are relics from that farm

[@MauricioPorrasPlazaPonte]

Hey Justin. good video man. I never been to New Hemisphere, and Maine this is the only two state in the northeast I haven’t visit yet.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You have to get out this way if you can. The two nicest states in the Northeast.

[@sibamukhi3235]

❤❤❤❤

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you

[@GF-pc5bt]

Wow your slowly becoming my favourite backpacking channel… btw i think those were Pike not Pickerel…Pickerel some damn good eats !!!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Much appreciated. I am glad to hear you are enjoying the content. Those were 100% pickerel. Pike are claimed to not be inhabiting this lake. This body of water is claimed to be invasive species (plants and fish) free. Maine takes this very seriously. A $2,000 fine will be issued to anyone getting caught introducing pike or bass and a reward is offered for information regarding anyone that is doing so.

[@Mainedwella33]

Nice video! As you were paddling along in the beginning i said to my wife “sounds like Justin got a new paddle, bet it’s a Werner” sure enough a while later I saw the name on the paddle. Perfect calm water and beautiful scenery! Hope all is well!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I can't help myself🤣

[@phillipjordan9050]

Nice boats

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you! This was my first season with the Trillium. I absolutely love it!

[@rodoutdoors]

Fantastic video. Awesome views, food, fish, and hammock setup. I picked up the Get Out Gear blanket earlier this year on sale for $55. Works great! It's amazing how you fit an 8 day trip in an hour video. Great shots. That's cool you got the story behind the bench.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

$55 for that blanket is a great deal! I could not believe that we ran into a person that was there when the bench was made. I thought that was so cool!

[@projectknifehand]

Another banger! Beautiful lake. Glad the weather finally held out! I would love to get a nice one in myself before the season ends. Most of the times I have gotten out this year have been in the aforementioned soggy A$$ conditions. I think Craig being under siege from the squirrels was probably my favorite seen lol.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Dude, those rodents were relentless. A never ending supply. Gives me an idea for a catch and cook video🤣

[@projectknifehand]

🤣@@ItsGoodintheWoods I wonder what red squirrel tastes like. They are awfully cute until they are chewing the cork off your fishing rod....

[@AlainBoyer]

Those were some good size perch man! I would keep them. As good as walleye and would make a great lunch if you can catch a few.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Yeah man. I gave it good consideration. Earlier in the trip I had a bunch of time sensitive food I needed to eat. There was one night toward the end of the trip where I had caught a few. It was just before the sun was going down and I was beat. So I let them go. I regret that. I should have eaten them

[@robmetcalfe8902]

Great video man

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you Much appreciated!

[@apiratelooksat4073]

Justin - so happy to have found your Channel!! Been binge-watching for a few days to catch up. So great to see someone local to the scene and profiling some of the great paddles we have here in the Northeast. You've given me some great ideas for this Spring!! Keep the good stuff coming!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

A jimmy Buffet fan perhaps! I am glad to hear you found and furthermore, enjoy the channel content. There is a lot of stuff to do here in New England. It's a wonderful place. Perhaps our paths will cross someday out there! Thank you for watching and commenting. I appreciate your support of the channel. Thank you

[@apiratelooksat4073]

⁠@@ItsGoodintheWoods- Definitely a fan of the Reverend James! I’ve spent years in the North Country and the Whites and spots in ME. I’m sure we’ll run into each other at some point - hoping to do something Pemi-related this Spring. Pretty sure we home-base somewhat close to each other! Be well and keep the awesome content flowing! Already subbed to “Meet Me Outside” and catching up there as well! Great to see you enjoying the shift from the ground to the trees…

[@MeetMeOutside]

Amazing lake system. You said it right, it’s “ sprawling “ very beautiful area for sure.....bub

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You got that right!

[@zone4garlicfarm]

You can fish Flagstaff year round. October and November are restricted to artificial lures and catch and release for salmon and trout.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I had no idea. Just went and looked it up in the Maine fishing regulations.....and you are correct. That is exciting news! I have just learned to always check the special regulations. Makes me feel a bit foolish, asI should have known better. Better late than never. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Much appreciated

[@LivingYankeeFree]

Another awesome one man! It does suck that it's getting to be winter storage time for the canoes, but winter makes for that great first paddle of next season! Thanks again for taking us along!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I love winter. I love canoes. It creates quite the conundrum in my head....... It's not easy being me🤣

[@merchantmariner6132]

Fantastic video Justin. Videography was spectacular - especially clips of the camera behind you as you're sitting overlooking the lake. Very happy you didn't get rained on this time. I see the bourbon comes out when the cameras get put away on this trip! 😄. I'm hoping to get out next week when the colours are peak. Best to you and the family! Joe

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I really like those clips overlooking the lake. I feel they have a hand in capturing the essence of the moment. Helps put perspective to it. Thanks for commenting on that. The bourbon made a few appearances, but I don't want to get to predictable Lol! I hope you get to get out net week and enjoy what is happening out there! Thanks for watching! Cheers man

[@merchantmariner4299]

Well good! I hope you post another installment. BTW, I'm in the market for a soft cooler. If your lasted close to a week, I'd be interested in knowing the size and brand of what you were using. Best, Joe. @@ItsGoodintheWoods

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This is just a cheap Ozark Trail cooler. But it works well enough. I am not sure of its capacity though. It is not very big. Maybe hold 18-24 beers lol @@merchantmariner4299

[@merchantmariner6132]

Thanks Justin- I'll take a look next time I'm at Wally World. Best. Joe

[@bluwtrgypsy]

Love, love, love Maine. I'm from New England, but wish it were Maine. Thanks for a great adventure. You certainly know how to eat great on a trip. Beautiful photography. Blessings

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Maine is fantastic! I really enjoy my time there. Thanks for stopping by .

[@scottmartinjones]

Being laid up at the moment, I am jealous of this trip. Dreaming of the can get back to the same. Great video as always.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Sorry to hear you are laid up. Bummer man. Get better soon

[@scottmartinjones]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods thanks brother. Your vids help.

[@jgkos]

This trip looks awesome, great video! 🍻🤙

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

A fantastic trip! Thank you

[@gregbowden1552]

Awesome is not the word. Amazing Amazing

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Agreed! I can't wait to go back

[@WickedEarthAdventures]

That bench was pretty sweet. French press really is the best way to make coffee. It seems like a pretty awesome lake for fishing.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This lake was awesome! i can't wait to go back. That french press has become my favorite method of backcountry coffee. It is a great, lightweight system.

[@chrisbarnes7981]

Looks like dead geese that the eagles 🦅 have been eating

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you. That was one of the scenarios I thought could have taken place. I had also considered hunters just breasting out the birds and leaving the rest......but I am not sure when hunting season is, also not sure if that is an ethical practice. I had considered eagles killing smaller eagles, I thought of all kinds of different options. The truth is, I had no idea what had played out. I couldn't even confidently identify what kind of birds they were. Thank you for the insight

[@mrwes100]

Epic trip and great content! 🙌

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thanks a ton man! i appreciate it

[@mrwes100]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods Connecticut boy here. 🙌

[@Snitchols]

Thanks for taking us along on your trip. You had some pretty amazing sunsets. My favorite Peak Refuel is the Sweet Pork and Rice. I usually throw it in a tortilla wrap and roll it up.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

There were some amazing conditions on this trip! What a time. I have yet to try that one. I have heard it is very good.

[@garygoldsmith9844]

WOW! GORGEOUS! THANKS!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@joemccarthy8196]

Holy ish Paradise!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Yep!! Amazing

[@mainetripper]

Great canoe trip Justin! Glad the weather was in your side. As always you captured some amazing sunsets and backdrops. The rain has definitely been an issue this year. Hanks for sharing!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

We lucked out on this one Dave! Conditions of a lifetime right there.

[@kennethglidden5032]

Wow so awesome

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you! The good stuff!!

[@PumpkinVillage]

Now that was a trip. It will be hard to top that one. Those are some nice canoes. My winter project is to build a kayak trailer so I can get out more. Thanks for the video and take care, Al

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This will be a hard one to top. For sure. I have to go back. Good luck on your trailer build. I hope to see you enjoying some time out on the water next season!

[@americannomad513]

Looked like an awesome trip.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

it was a great time!

[@Kwm952]

That looked like the place to be. Thx for the hard work.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It was! Thanks for watching and commenting

[@robertuffman3041]

me and my 5 year old grandson went canoe camping on a small lake near us Lake Linville in Mt. Vernon Ky. his first time doing that kind of camping and his first time in a hammock.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That is fantastic! What did he think of the hammock? Did he have a good time canoe camping?

[@Upstatenyoutdooradventures]

Eagles probably eating the birds ducks

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Nature!

[@jerryg957]

Very nice video, we all deserve a rain free trip now and again, lol. You ever decide if you are going to try and lower the seat in that canoe. ?

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It was so nice not having to deal with any rain! Made for a great time. For now I have decided to leave the seat as is. I don't feel like I am sitting too high. I feel very stable and confident in it. The lower the seat, the harder it is to get in and out, and I have learned this season that i like to cross my legs and put my feet under the seat. I find that to be very comfortable. Takes a lot of pressure off my lower back. I like the ability to change it up and sit feet forward or tucked under the seat. I feel like it was a blessing in disguise that the canoe showed up with the carbon canoe seat. That worked out in my favor. Now I need a pack boat🤣

[@jerryg957]

LOL, one can never have to many boats or fishing reel/rods@@ItsGoodintheWoods

[@bucky716]

Amazing scenery!!! I feel like one of the lucky ones where I didn't have rain impact any planned trips this summer and I went on a lot of them.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Yeah man, you are lucky! That worked out well for you

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

What a beautiful place! You found some amazing campsites! Absolutely gorgeous

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you very much! It is amazing out there! How did your situation work out a couple weeks ago? I hope it went as well as it could

[@tonyabrowninghikes]

@ItsGoodintheWoods I found can local guy in a hiking group to take me to my car the next day. He tried jumping out again and it started right up! Had to replace the battery when I got home. Thank you!

[@timlucia]

Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is a go-to for me :) Have you climbed the Bigelow peaks?

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

It has long been a favorite of mine as well! I climbed the Bigelows once, in the winter probably 13, 14 years ago. It's been a minute lol

[@jacobpoucher]

Having driven to northern Quebec a few times I can understand why they would want to attack, in 1775 . Awesome trip and awesome video man

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I can't imagine what it must have been like back then.

[@barbararuta8076]

you are not in kansas. makes me wish i wasn't.thanks for the trip.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

🤣

[@MaineOffGrid.]

My Uncle and Aunt just sold their camp on Flagstaff this year. Great video! Beautiful footage of a beautiful place. That campsite looks incredible, definitely gonna have to stay there next year.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I would love to have some property out in that region. How long did your Aunt and Uncle own the camp? What a place to have a camp! It is so nice out there

[@MaineOffGrid.]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods They built the camp in the late 80’s/early 90’s

[@BonerJams2023]

Okay okay, I’ll take a trip out so we can go on a canoe trip. This is an amazing location. I’m jealous.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Boner Jams 🤣😂🤣

[@Doc_Watson]

That stone branch is awesome the way it lines up with the far shore.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

A super cool bench! Pretty sure it is wood though lol

[@Doc_Watson]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods in the video it looked like it could have been stone. But since you were sitting on it, I'll trust your judgement. LOL

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

🤣

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

we actually crossed paths with a person that is friends with the guy that made it. Was there when he did it. We heard the whole story of that bench. Super cool! @@Doc_Watson

[@alanbierhoff6831]

Such a great trip. Beautiful lake, great food (the bagel dumpling soup looked fantastic!), drinks and good old what’s his name 😆 🎶Smoke on the water🎶 I found the BRS stove but which pot are you using that it fits in? I like that set up and want to emulate it 😊

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

The bagel dumpling was very good! I'll be doing that again for sure. The pot I am using is a 1,600 ml pot from Go Far Gear, a sister company of Hilltop Packs. This has become one of my favorite cook pots. Here is the link for it.hilltoppacks.com/products/750ml-cook-pot-cup-titanium?variant=43711037178113

[@BackpackingWithJason]

That Bench was really cool. What a view to have too. Those sunsets are so beautiful. Life’s to short to drink bad coffee 😂😂😂 I can’t believe you still had that Peak meal. Lol What an incredible area brother. I’m sending Shawn this video. I really really want to see this area. So cool and epic 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

You, Shawn and I are going to have a great time on that lake next year!!!!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Breakfast bourbon!!!!!

[@BackpackingWithJason]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods 😂😂😂😂

[@barrygraber9776]

Great video on a outstanding trip plus I kept thinking all this and no portaging nice camera work by the way. Being a tent camper I need to ask have you ever come to an area with no suitable hang trees? Thanks and well done

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

This is an awesome area. I am looking forward to going back there. To date, I have always been able to find a place to hang a hammock. Some of those set ups were less than ideal, but they worked. Same with a tent, just different reasons. I actually find it harder to find a good spot for a tent, especially in the mountains. But again, never been in a situation that I couldn't find a spot to pitch it. Thank you for the awesome comment.

[@MeetMeOutside]

Congratulations on nearly 20,000 subs… bub !

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thanks

[@MeetMeOutside]

@@ItsGoodintheWoods Your welcome

[@InTheFieldWithSarge]

Totally incredible video I'm so so jealous. Thank you for sharing all that xxx food porn lmao and thank you for all that you do

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you very much Cliff. I hope you are well. Just about thot tent season!

[@InTheFieldWithSarge]

Can't wait lol I'm doing great 18 months cancer free

[@chuckhiccox8086]

I took notice of that multi burner stove, who makes that and have you done a review of it?

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

That is the BRS 5 star burner. It is a nice stove. I have not done a review on it yet. But I will at some point. Here is a link to it if your'e interestedwww.amazon.com/BRS-Five-Star-Powerful-Portable-Windproof/dp/B07DLWJ33F/ref=sr_1_11?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GkmYPYJst4MEjvjBmrB4TAlL2idnb9bu4ZzrYHz2BdR7Pqr0KauWL15WKFKi-mdDAMElJP75Fuhjc1sG1wrjgjRoDv9rRgsCsoSACpYui8dyyBJgthRHz3462V8baHiZbbWrM7M3TcpXDXV7d-MKckJtJWev7SfxyJOKnCsPAzsE7Ml0QnHNHOXVh8UMrUjtFEXz7NTwKGUdkDhsuKxHRwGD8SoPjhmaJzcmcDNOJ14.YayoNNw3w2TCFBzC9prvYARUmWnnzHgVsVJQc7QXqCE&dib_tag=se&hvadid=570429460926&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9002286&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=b&hvrand=10812722266382703231&hvtargid=kwd-408596500715&hydadcr=8779_13524903&keywords=stove%2Bbrs&qid=1713528521&sr=8-11&th=1

[@FSTOPS24]

Great video as always!! What’s the length of your canoes? I’m looking at an Old Town 119 solo for my photography. Looks like Craig’s is about that size?

[@FSTOPS24]

Just looked it up. Looks like it’s 15’

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Thank you. This canoe is 14'6"

[@likeadog7752]

You find out what was up with all the dead birds?

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

I believe they were geese that ended up as eagle food.

[@kaptankappy]

Hey Justin, great video! My dad and I actually had/have plans to go up there this week, but didn't realize it was the end of fishing season up that far north. Can you recommend any other lakes either in ME, or New Hampshire or Vermont that have the same sort of wilderness experience and offer primitive camping? We were thinking Lake Umbagog but I don't think the primitive sites are open this late in the season. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

To be honest, I don't have any recommendations. These conditions simply don't really exist. Not without a lot of work to get there. This lake took me by surprise. There are a lot of lakes to explore in Maine, but fishing is done for the season. It is late in the season, so traffic will be slow anywhere at this point. You have until the 15th to fish NH, but, I can't think of a single lake in NH that can rival Flagstaff. Not one. I have never been to Umbagog. I am not sure of the policy on using out of season sites. It may be allowed. May not. Worth looking into. Booking sites in NH state parks is a pain in the a$$ so I don't do it. lol. I know absolutely nothing about paddling VT. I have paddled Branch pond. It is small but very nice. Some good camping out there. I am unaware of the fishing regulations in VT.

[@ItsGoodintheWoods]

Hey, it has come to my attention that you can still fish on Flagstaff. Artificial lures only. Trout, and salmon are catch and release only. I hope you get this message

[@kaptankappy]

We ended up finding a spot in Bethel! Didn't really matter because we weren't very good at actually catching anything. Flagstaff will be at the top of our list for next year though.@@ItsGoodintheWoods