Images of Maine’s magnificent outdoor places – from rugged mountains to rocky coasts – are familiar to people across the continent. Many of the images -- of hikers trudging across an autumn hillside or canoes moving among rocky islands -- are steeped in a feeling of peaceful quiet. Exploring Maine’s glorious outdoors can involve powerful machines, but many people choose eco-tourism outings. That is, simply, moving through nature simply and lightly, without help from motors or engines. Eco-tourism takes all kinds of forms in Maine. Tougher ones could be ice climbing, with only the crunch of ice picks to pierce the stillness. Most of us gravitate more toward forest or mountain walks, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. In summer, the Atlantic coast and many mountain lakes offer chances for swimming, fishing, beach combing, paddling, and wildlife watching. A vacation that respects and embraces nature is healthful for everyone involved, and it can be a joy for families, especially if it becomes a tradition. Children learn by doing, so one way to encourage respect for nature in budding environmentalists is to get kids outdoors to run, climb, and enjoy.
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