How do people in New England live? Is there any defense against road salt?

[LC Lurker]

On the bright side, Maine doesn't have fires, landslides, earthquakes etc. just plenty of water and really whacky 2 leggers... I can say that as I lived in Southwest Haba' for a while. ayuh..

Back on topic, all the above tech recommendations are great.

Maine is beautiful. I want to do Golden Road at some point. Have you driven that route before? If so, any tips on what to bring or expect?

GPS SOS locator, an extra car battery, and water/food are on my list, but that’s about it.

 

[DrRock]

Yes, My wife and did this entering from Canada and kept going to the other side of Maine in Lubec.

I would add the following to your list as mandatory:
1. Bear Spray
2. Maine Atlas and Gazetteer and a compass with knowledge on how to use it.
3. Fishing equipment if that's your thing and appropriate fishing licenses
4. Chainsaw to remove fallen trees along route and facilitate fire making
5. Axe
6. Proper first aid kit, not a booboo kit
7. A 100% reliable way to make fire
8. A solid way to repair and inflate tires
10. extra petrol

Bottom line is you need to be completely self sufficient. I'd also have a plan/gear in place in case you need to abandon the vehicle and get home somehow. Have a typical backcountry common sense concept in place and you will have a great time.

Big word of caution is at times you will be sharing the road with logging trucks. They rule the road so drive accordingly. When I went, the North Maine woods entry is run by a salty set of individuals, only form of payment accepted at the time was a check but this might have changed, YMMV.

 

[LC Lurker]

Yes, My wife and did this entering from Canada and kept going to the other side of Maine in Lubec.

I would add the following to your list as mandatory:
1. Bear Spray
2. Maine Atlas and Gazetteer and a compass with knowledge on how to use it.
3. Fishing equipment if that's your thing and appropriate fishing licenses
4. Chainsaw to remove fallen trees along route and facilitate fire making
5. Axe
6. Proper first aid kit, not a booboo kit
7. A 100% reliable way to make fire
8. A solid way to repair and inflate tires
10. extra petrol

Bottom line is you need to be completely self sufficient. I'd also have a plan/gear in place in case you need to abandon the vehicle and get home somehow. Have a typical backcountry common sense concept in place and you will have a great time.

Big word of caution is at times you will be sharing the road with logging trucks. They rule the road so drive accordingly. When I went, the North Maine woods entry is run by a salty set of individuals, only form of payment accepted at the time was a check but this might have changed, YMMV.

Great list, thank you for sharing all that. I’ll purchase the bear spray discreetly and not mention it to my wife though lol

 

[DrRock]

One more thing. Bug repellant. Get the Ben’s 100 stuff as depending on the time of year, the bugs can be prolific. I would avoid black fly season.