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meadowland and quaint villages hugging the bends of various rivers .
Sensory overload began anew on U . S . Route 201 north of Bingham . I caught up with a group of motorcyclists , and we swayed with the curves lashing Wyman Lake for miles as a film reel of mountain frieze rolled by . Soon we rambled along the Kennebec River across the Appalachian Trail yet again to West Forks , where rafters and kayakers charged the riffles and rapids .
Out of West Forks , Beemer and I plunged into pure wilderness . Signs appeared showing a moose in silhouette and flashing alternating amber lights , declaring “ Emergency —
Left : The Thomas Hill Standpipe is a Bangor landmark , its crown lit up at night like fireflies , and is open only four times a year to the public as an observation deck overlooking the city . Below : Mount Chase east of Baxter State Park profiles itself across this pastoral expanse seen from scenic State Route 11 south of Sherman .