NORTH STAR ADVENTURES
Inspiration Starts Here
SEA KAYAKING & HIKIING
Bachelorette Party
We stayed at Rossport By the Sea in Eastport Maine, the most easterly point in the United States. After lunch, a day of exploring Eastport and a trip to the local brew pub we checked into our accommodations at Rossport. The bridal party stayed in the fully restored Captain Jacob Farmhouse that was built in 1790. In between sea kayaking and hiking there was plenty of time to explore the 27 acre seaside resort. Each morning we offered an optional yoga session before breakfast and in the evening an optional bonfire. Food was made with local organic ingredients when possible.
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HIKIING
Bucket List Trip
This was a bucket list trip. They chose the Abol trail for the ascent and descent. It was a beautiful sunny day in late August. After a robust breakfast we started our ascent. We made it within a mile of the summit when they chose to turn around. Even without making the summit they both said it was one of the best hiking days they have ever had. They have hiked all over the world! They were thrilled to be on the mountain and enjoyed our style of leadership that allowed them to make the decision to turn around.
HIKIING
Shenandoah National Park
In October 2024 we took a group of 12 women to Shenandoah National Park for a four day hiking trip. What a blast. Due to differing abilities in the group we offered a morning and afternoon hike. That way everyone could hike and those that wanted to push themselves had the opportunity to continue the adventure in the afternoon. It was a perfect solution for this group. Next season we are going to the Smokies with them.
HIKIING
Presidential Traverse,
White Mountains
Another bucket list trip. This was a strenuous four day backpacking trip. We camped one night and spent the other two nights in AMC Huts. After climbing 10 4,000’ers we were both pleasantly whooped at the end of the trip. A highlight for me as well. The beauty of the Presidentials is unprecedented.
“We hired North Star for my friend's bachelorette trip, it was the best decision ever! The guides are experienced and made us all feel safe in our outdoor activities. They are also lovely and adventurous and it almost felt like they were also part of the bridal party. I would definitely book another event with them!”
L. MENDEZ
SEA KAYAKING & CAMPING
70th Birthday Celebration
We took a group of women ranging in ages from 68- 80 on a three day sea kayaking adventure in Casco Bay. We spent two nights camping on The Goslings and exploring Whaleboat, Little Whaleboat and the surrounding islands. Incredible adventure with lots of laughs, great food, and some incredible paddling. While this group wanted a camping adventure, there are options for staying at local Inns.
“Nancy is an exceptional outdoor leader, teacher, and mentor. She knows how to make people of all abilities feel safe enough to challenge themselves, and, of course, she knows the outdoors!”
M. SHARPE
SEA KAYAKING & CAMPING
Family Muscongus Bay Paddle
Early September sea kayaking trip with siblings and in laws out to Bar Island in Muscongus Bay. The highlight of this trip was seeing the Monarch butterflies sleeping in the spruce tree on their migration south. This was a one night, two day kayaking trip. We set off early on day one so we had a full day to visit Hog, Strawberry and thief islands on our way to our camping site. We had a good Maine dinner….Lobster rolls and blueberry turnovers!
“Nancy Zane is a gem in the outdoor adventure world and anyone who is lucky enough to have an outdoor experience with her is in for a treat! Safety is always uppermost with Nancy, but fun is definitely also always part of any adventure with her. I can’t recommend her highly enough!”
J. WILLIAMS
“In my experience, Nancy Zane is a master planner with any activity she has been involved with. I’m amazed at her ability to lead and manage events/outings seemingly effortlessly”
L. KERTESZ
CANOEING, YOGA, SWIMMING & CAMPING
Mooselookmeguntic Canoeing
This adventure was with a group from a local camp. On this five day custom paddling adventure we explored three lakes. Cupsuptic, Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes. Leisurely days allowed us to take a morning swim, do some Yoga, and have a big breakfast before heading out on the water. We included navigation on this course as well as some star gazing, bonfires, and leadership training. North Star has partnered with camps for sea kayaking and canoeing adventures.
“Excellent experience on a beautiful lake. Expert guide made a novice paddler feel confident. I highly recommend!”
C. SOUSA
HIKING
Acadia National Park
What a fun group of 10 women from the Cleveland area. They rented their own house for a week right on the water in Southwest Harbor. We met them each morning with lunch, maps, and the goal for everyone to have an awesome experience! This was about hiking to beautiful places and enjoying each other's company. A trip to Acadia makes that easy….every hike is beautiful and can be as easy or as hard as you would like.
“Nancy is an amazing guide and leader. She built an itinerary for our group of ten 50+ year old women hiking Acadia for the first time. She is knowledgeable, inspiring and positive! We’ve used many guides over the years and she is a standout. Highly highly recommend and can’t wait to hike with her again.”
S. SILVERMAN
HIKING
Bold Coast Hiking
Nothing like a hike on the Cutler Coast to bring a group of women together. This is the quintessential Maine coast. Exposed rocky coastline, beautiful moss, and drop dead gorgeous views. The options to hike in this region are many. From a strenuous 10+ miles on the Bold Coast loop to more reasonable 2-3 miles hikes. No matter what your group decides you will be in awe of the scenery. This is Downeast Maine at its best. This area lends itself well to full day and multi-day experiences from backpacking to staying at inns. This is one of my favorite hiking places in Maine.
“I have had many outdoor adventures with Nancy. I can’t emphasize enough how incredibly skilled she is in outdoor adventure technical skills as well as wilderness survival skills and medicine. Nancy has spent a lifetime loving the outdoors and exploring the many aspects of how human beings can interact with and experience the wilderness with the utmost respect and awe. Nancy is well known for bringing the spirit of joy, learning, and adventure into any outing she organizes.
What sets Nancy apart is that she genuinely enters into any outing seeing all participants as bringing an equal amount of value to the experience. Because of her kindness, she brings out the best in people as she shares her knowledge and skills.”
J JOHNSON