A ‘Green’ Adventure

These days it’s hard to not be overtaken by the influx of all things ‘green.’ From the grocery store to the gas pump, no matter where you are it’s only a matter of time before someone or something brings your attention to the current efforts to clean up our environment.

It’s pretty much a certainty at this point that they can’t be beat, so I figured it was about time to get my act together and go join them.

Sure enough, after about a four hour drive up I-95, I found myself smack dab in the middle of one of the most prominent examples of green energy in the state. Stetson Mountain, one of the tallest ridge lines in Maine, has become home to the largest collection of wind generators in the Northeast.



There are a total of 38 wind turbine generators strung out along this magnificent ridge line. 38 monolithic white towers shooting skyward nearly 300 feet from base to blade tip. Make no mistake, these things are huge and when those enormous blades all start turning in unison, it’s a sight to behold.


The best part, however, came when it was my turn to climb prestigious tower 20. Tower 20 is located at the tallest point on the ridge and offers a staggering view of not only the surrounding landscape but all 38 turbines as well. The only problem, of course, is that to get up there to see this view you must first climb a steel ladder 267 feet straight up. I assure you, this workout is like nothing you have ever experienced.

The view from the top (267 feet)

To keep things in perspective here, it took myself and the site manager about 15 minutes to make it to the top. The General Electric maintenance crew however, are required to complete this climb in no more than 7. Needless to say there wasn’t a beer belly in sight.

In any event, I’ll let the pictures tell do the rest of the talking.

Enjoy.