|Tom Driscoll|
May has been a soggy one so far, but instead of staying cooped up indoors, today (Saturday) I threw on my rain gear, pulled on my bog boots, grabbed my waterproof camera, and hit the road to see how the Royal River is holding up. There’s a lot to see this time of year — even just from the roadside here in New Gloucester!
Sabbathday Lake – The River Begins
The lake’s looking full, and the Royal River is starting its journey strong.
If you’ve driven along Outlet Road, you’ve crossed the very first bridge where the Royal River flows out of Sabbathday Lake; actually, it is the second bridge if you count the footbridge at Outlet Beach. This is where it all begins — the lake feeds the lower watershed, and you can already see the water moving with purpose. Pretty typical for spring, but always a sight to see.
The Falls at Bald Hill Road
Spring rains turn this stretch of river into a mini waterfall — nature showing off a bit.
Right below the entrance to the Fairgrounds, the river flows under Bald Hill Road, then picks up speed as it makes its way north around Peacock Hill. The water was really roaring here during my visit — a real spring spectacle!
Route 202 – Floodplain at Work
Water spreads across the fields, doing what floodplains do best.
About a mile north of the Upper Village, Route 202 crosses the river again. This spot always shows off the floodplain at work — holding the water, slowing it down, letting it soak in before the sun dries things out later in the week.
Local heads-up: The Maine DOT will be replacing this bridge in the coming year. There’s a beaver dam right beside it, and I can’t help but wonder how the local beavers will take the news. Hopefully, they get the memo!
Route 231 – Intervale in Action
This wide, marshy area east of the Lower Village is doing its job — and it’s full to the brim.
Heading back south, the Royal River winds through the Intervale and passes under Route 231. This area is known for flooding in spring, and sure enough — the water’s spread out nicely across the landscape. It’s nature’s version of a pressure release valve.
And a Little Bonus Event
Just in time: the car stops, the train rolls through.
As I was wrapping up, I heard that unmistakable sound of a train horn. Just upstream from the Route 231 bridge, a freight train came charging through. Luckily, the car that just passed me knew the drill — they stopped just in time to let the train pass.
Anytime that you are out and about on your drive to here and there, take notice and see what the Royal River is up to. Every bridge gives you a peek into the changing seasons — and a reminder that even on gray days, and even just driving by, there’s beauty all around us.
