Testimonials

I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful Allagash trip. I thoroughly enjoyed myself although I did feel a little like I should have done more. Old habits die hard, I guess. It was such a pleasure picking my way down the river, especially below the falls. I always looked forward to that area. What a crew you have. Jason and Mandy were great and you are a natural leader, showing both compassion and firmness when called for. I have admired what you and Kevin have accomplished for a long time and two trips with you just goes to show me why you had such success.

Polly,  I just wanted to write you a note to thank you again for a wonderful and memorable experience on the Allagash. It was so much fun! I was impressed with your knowledge of the river, technical skills and ability to manage everything, including transportation, canoes, campsites, food and helping all of us have a good time. I was sorry that we didn’t give you the floor more of the time because your stories were so cool and I could tell you were just scratching the surface. Your guiding was great and there’s nothing I can think of for how you could have done it any better.

Dear Kevin, There are many things to thank you for about the Allagash trip. Most important: for your vast knowledge of the Allagash and your skill at leading an expedition such as ours; for your unflappable manner, humor and collaborative decision making spirit that helped us all have confidence; for your caring attitude towards the “regular” people of Maine. It was a wonderful trip because of you and your inspiring teamwork!

Kevin & Polly,  We had such an amazing experience on our 3 day Umbagog Lake trip. You both were wonderful and a pleasure to watch you work. We will remember and cherish that weekend for the rest of our lives. Hope to get back again to visit and have another adventure! Thank you!

Since I was a teenager it was always on my bucket list to paddle the Allagash. In 2018 I retired from a burdensome career and signed up to paddle the river with Mahoosuc guide service (mgs). It was better than wonderful. All I had to do was show up. They provided all the gear and it was good stuff. The river was beautiful, the sights, smells, scenery, distant mountain views were gorgeous. Polly and associate guides were wonderful and fun to be with. They were attentive, careful, observant and caring and brought campfire cooking to an epicurean level. In March 2019 I went on a dog sled winter camping trip with Kevin and Polly and several other guides. It also was great. Safety was paramount. The dogs were eager, energetic, focused and affectionate. The camp was something out of a Jack London novel. Each tent had a small wood stove and was roasty toasty warm. Food was great and plentiful. Kevin and Polly are so much fun to be with. They always made sure I was warm, well fed and happy;

Then in May 2019 I went on a two night canoe trip with my wife and another couple and they are not campers. We had a great time. The four of us, two lady guides (Polly and Jean) and we saw loons and moose and beaver and sunsets.

And then in August I went with MGS to paddle 170 miles on the Yukon river in Alaska. I am getting older, if I don’t do this stuff now, when will I?? It was better than wonderful. I reminisce about all these trips every day. Time is short, life is short, I need to pack it in. Once this pandemic is over, Polly and Kevin will not be able to get rid of me. Polly and Kevin are the models of Maine Master Guides against whom all others should be compared.

It was a terrific trip. The unexpected parts and how you chose to deal with them showed us your versatility. That certainly comes from your combined 60 years of experience guiding in the wilderness. Your clients will enjoy being your guests.

I never thought I would become so attached to a team of dogs in such a short period of time. As I walked away from the pen and headed towards the barn I felt lonely. I rarely ever feel lonely – I felt as if I was being left alone and some part of me was afraid of being left alone for the first time in my life. As I entered the barn the valley filled with their singing. I turned and stood in the doorway smiling with a few tears falling from my eyes.

Thank you, Polly and Kevin, for sharing the magic of your world with us! Two extraordinary days of mushing through serene winterscapes, snowshoeing to frozen waterfalls, and befriending your happy Yukon Huskies all gave us memories for a lifetime. We also appreciated your flexibility to provide an alternate (but equally exciting) itinerary when weather prevented the original plan. We cannot wait to return!

A dog sled trip had been on my bucket list and we were thrilled to join Polly and Kevin on one of the colder nights in February! We came away being so impressed with their chosen way of  living the outdoor life and handling their beloved dogs with such thoughtfulness and kindness. An outdoor enthusiast brother of mine said you will have a grand trip with Polly and Kevin, they are the real deal. For anyone wishing for a winter wilderness experience, you cannot go wrong with Mahoosuc Guide Service.

I really wanted to express my appreciation for the way that you guide – of learning about Inuit and Cree and Northern people’s lifestyles, of canvas wall tents, of goodies cooked by a local lady and her daughter. You go beyond the “how to” and into the why and in a quiet way support that with your actions.

Over the years my wife and I have been on wonderful guided trips on the Allagash and West Branch of the Penobscot with Polly. I also went on several other Allagash trips with her.  All of these trips were unique and enjoyable. We found her easy to be with and eager to share her wilderness knowledge of the North Country gained through experience of thirty years. Both Kevin and Polly are the organizers, guides, teachers, chefs, story tellers, and friend to all on the trip. But, there was no doubt they are in charge of details that made a wilderness trip seem effortless – shuttle service, organized lists with necessary equipment to bring, menus and meals, safety measures, daily schedules, side trips, and in a pinch, a back-up plan if some unseen event required a change in plans. Our view of this level of professional guiding is that it provides an atmosphere where everyone can feel safe and therefore free to totally enjoy the wilderness experience. Beyond all of the above, I think a real plus for me is the opportunity to use the skills I already have – this makes a trip with Kevin or Polly special for all involved.

Hosting a real authentic dog sledding trip is not easily done… although many try, but no one can duplicate the experience that Polly and Kevin have been providing for almost forty years. Guests are pampered with thoughtful considerations,  useful instructions, wonderful stories, tasty food and a witnessing of the incredible care levels of their dogs. Believe me, it’s a should be on your bucket list. So exhilarating!

Thank you again for leading a wonderful adventure on the Allagash. Your experience and gift as a guide are extraordinary. I look forward to going on another wilderness adventure with you!

A very belated thank you so very much for making my 50th birthday surprise extra special! I’ve been wanting to do this since I moved to Maine in 2001! Words are insufficient expressing the beauty of watching you and the pups work together as one. Gliding through nature at their level and speed gives a whole new perspective. The excitement and energy in their eyes was glorious! As a dog and nature lover, there was something special in this experience that even exceeded my highest expectations. Thank you for the wonderful homemade lunch as well. The personal touches you wove into the day sent it over the top. We are looking forward to our next (longer) experience with you and the pups. Thank you thank you thank you so much. We love who you are and what you do. Thank you for letting us experience this wonder with you!

Lonnie Boy! Star of the Show! The Prancing Man! But, not always so…. A bit of a drag when growing up – “It’s hard to pay attention to work when you are such a clown. But that was in my teen years. Once i got beyond that – I was King!” Wherever Polly wanted to go was where I went. There was nothing I liked better than to lead. My prancing gait was my hallmark. It showed the way I felt about my life. I loved it! What a gift it was for me to have Polly teach me how to lead. I returned the gift with my devotion and fun-loving spirit. We were a team!!! We will always be close in spirit.

My time with you these past weeks has meant a lot to me. I am so grateful for all the bush wisdom and world wisdom you both embody and I feel blessed to have received some part of what you have to offer. I feel myself at a critical life junction and I felt the quality of returning to my roots with you. I don’t know what direction my life will take, but I know I will always cherish what I have learned from you and cherish who you are and what you represent.

I do not have enough words to thank you. You have given such good attention and care throughout this entire weekend. I am so thankful that both days you tied my laces on my snowshoes. That made the whole day comfortable. When we were relaxing in the cook tent you went and started the fire in our tent. And first thing in the morning I see you again starting the fire so we can get ready comfortably!! You have worked very hard almost every minute of the day. You are amazingly organized, composed, efficient, diligent, soft spoken, kind, effective, detail oriented, attentive, punctual and a very very disciplined person. Dog sledding experience is unique. I was comfortable all the time because of your and Carolyn’s kind consideration. Your staff is very respectful and attentive to every one.

I want to thank you so much for that fantastic trip – I loved it! When we were standing in a circle to express words for the trip, one of mine was “test” and please know that I meant that in a positive way – one of my reasons why I came was to get out of my comfort zone and to experience primitive camping in whatever weather was  blown in our direction. For all the rain and dampness the first couple of nights, it was well worth it. I loved being out in the middle of nowhere and look forward to doing it again!

Beautiful sun-seeker lit trees dancing on the mountains,

the roar of the wind and chorus of dogs howling in my ears,

this faraway land and beauty that Harpswell does not know,

so different from the ocean,

makes me cry when I leave,

brings joy when I return.

Thank you for hosting our group again this year. I want you to know how much I appreciate the amount of time and effort you give to our students. The amount of trust you have for our students to allow them to lead a team of dogs is truly remarkable. I can not fully understand the amount of work that went into rearranging our itinerary because of the snowfall and high temperatures, but it is greatly appreciated. Your impact on young people reaches far and wide and I hear frequently that our trip to Maine has changed lives. You don’t get to see the pure joy on the kid’s faces as they explain to their parents their experience. It is breathtaking. Thank you again!

I have gone on a number of guided trips and have never felt the desire or need to write a personal note after I got home. The experience with you this past weekend was so remarkable I would have felt remiss not to thank you. Both Molly and I keep recalling little moments that make us laugh at ourselves or recollect with wonder what we experienced. Molly talks about the opportunity to have met you and observe your wilderness life which is so different from ours-that was exactly the type of learning opportunity I wanted her to have.

I was so impressed with your professionalism. As a career woman I marveled at your willingness to share your craft with total strangers when it’s obvious your standards for yourself are close to perfect. In retrospect it’s amazing that you let bumblers like us (whoever well intentioned) near your wonderful dogs. In short, I will never forget the weekend and am confident Molly won’t either.

Thank you for taking me on as an apprentice. I feel very blessed to be able to work with you. You are good people doing good work and I am proud to be a part of it.

I am writing to say thank you. Over the years you both have taken me under your wings and you have single handedly been the biggest in molding me into the person I am today and for that I could never say thank you enough.

As I grow older, it has become important to me that what I do each day contributes in a positive manner to the people I encounter and the world around me. In case you ever think about this or wonder if all the work you put into these trips is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes! Your trips ground people who may often find themselves caught up in the material world. Your trips are relaxing because they bring people closer to the earth. And, your trips are therapeutic, simply because it feels good to be in the company of animals who give so much and are happy to receive affection in return. It is easy for me to see why you have built your life around guiding and these magnificent dogs.

I like the way you treat your dogs and how your dogs in turn treat your clients. It’s such a joy to be around them. Although the trips that you organize take us into winter wilderness, I’ve always felt completely safe, recognizing the preparation and foresight you put into every trip. Your knowledge and friendly guides with their guiding, cooking and companionship greatly contribute to the experience.

I am still back in the moment when the only sounds are the soft shush of the sleds on the lake and the rhythmic pacing of the dogs pulling us. Everything in the world is focused on their effort. Everything is beautiful and in harmony. I am very grateful and filled with joy.

Thank you very much for sharing your time, experience and the wonderful life that you have built with the dogs, yourselves and that beautiful country up in Newry. The best part of the trip was watching you interact with the dogs. I was repeatedly touched by the gentleness, compassion and strength with which you guided the dog teams. It was inspiring, for it was somehow reflective of the ways in which the two of you looked at life.

Many thanks for another superior outdoor experience. You have a gift for making anyone feel comfortable and safe outdoors. Your attention to detail is phenomenal. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the trip.

You have a lot to share and we all know there are those out there who need their horizons expanded – your temperament is comforting for many – there are precious few out there who do what you can do.

The long drive home yesterday would have been a lot worse were it not for the fact that my head was spinning with happy memories and a feeling of accomplishment. As I drove, I reviewed my life and realized I’d discovered something new about myself – that camping is something I should have done long ago! I also realized that what made our outing so fabulous was your extraordinary leadership and ability, coupled with a delightful personality, patience and sense of humor. I can think of no way to sum up my words of thanks and appreciation to you. I keep coming up with an incredible WOW to describe four perfectly wonderful days. I am very grateful to Kevin for his wonderful canoes.

I can’t say enough about what a great trip this has been! It was such a pleasure to see the way a trip really should be run. You move so quietly and efficiently to accomplish setting up camp, producing wonderful meals, taking care of everyone.

Thanks for the great experience we had on the trip. It was really fun when you included games and swimming along with canoeing and camping to make the trip more enjoyable. Your trip was great, fantastic, stupendous, extraordinary, nothing more, nothing less.

I can’t think of a better trip leader for our Allagash experience. Your quiet competence was a perfect match for the quiet beauty of this land and water.

Thank you so much for guiding our Allagash experience. It was a time I never will forget, so many joyful and peaceful and beautiful images I carry with me now. Thank you for your wise decisions with our itinerary given the low water. And thank you for choosing such a fabulous crew. How hard you all worked, so competent and so nice! Everyone brought so much to our experience. It is a joy to have had that time with you.

I was impressed with your knowledge of the river, technical skills, and ability to manage everything, including transportation, canoes, campsites, food and helping all of us have a good time. I was sorry that we didn’t give you the floor more of the time because your stories were so cool and I could tell you were just scratching the surface. Your guiding was great and there’s nothing I can think of for how you could have done it any better.

There are many things to thank you for about this Allagash trip. Most important: for your vast knowledge of the Allagash and your skill at leading an expedition such as ours, for your unflappable manner, humor, and collaborative decision making spirit that helped us all have confidence, come beaver or low water, for your caring attitude towards the “regular” people of Maine. It was a wonderful trip!

I just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you for offering such a rich and beautiful experience on the Ways of the Wabanaki trip last month. I really appreciate the partnership you have established with the Penobscot Cultural Department and the way the trip follows their guidance in all ways. What a meaningful thing to offer and support through Mahoosuc Guide Service.

I really want to express my appreciation for the way that you guide – of learning about Inuit and Cree and northern people’s lifestyles of canvas wall tents, of goodies cooked by a local lady and her daughter. You go beyond the “how to” and into the why and in a quiet way support that with your actions.

You feed us when we’re hungry
You keep water in our dishes
You let us sleep on anything
Or any place we wishes.
You sometimes let us lick your hands
Or even lick your face
Despite the fact we’ve licked ourselves
In every private place
You taught us how to come when called
You taught us how to sit
You always let us go outside
So we can take a run
We’ve been with you through oh, so much
Through laughter and through tears
We hope you live to be a hundred…
That’s a lot in doggy years!

The paddles are beautiful and I am a little afraid to use mine because…well…it looks too darn nice, but it is also one of the best made paddles I have ever held and I appreciate that a great deal.