'm an outdoors fanatic. Give me a minute of free time and a backpack, a fly rod, a bicycle, a canoe, or a kayak, open the door, and I'm gone. My 11-year-old twin boys are semifanatics; they'd rather play soccer, but they can often be persuaded to accompany me on an outdoor adventure, especially if it involves boats or bicycles. My wife, however, is the quintessential dilettante. She loves to go adventuring when the weather's right, when the itinerary is not too strenuous, or when there's good scenery, shopping, or dining included. You might say mine is a typical family. Fortunately, the New England countryside offers something for all of us. Often at the same time. Here is just a sampling: Llama Trekking in Vermont The Cape Cod Rail Trail in Massachusetts Mountain Biking in New Hampshire Coastal Kayaking in Connecticut Fly-in Fishing in Maine

Reprinted by permission. Original text ©1995 Tim Jones.

Copyright ©1995 Stephen O. Muskie