NEWRY — Polly Mahoney, registered Maine Guide and co-owner of Mahoosuc Guide Service, will present a slide show, “Exploring Mongolia on Horseback,” at the next meeting of Down Home Maine. The meeting will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 6, at Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge.
Down Home Maine is sponsored by Western Mountains Senior College to showcase adventurous Maine people who have helped to make Maine a great place to live.
Mahoney, an experienced horseback rider since her youth, made a three-week trip to Mongolia in 2008 exploring the countryside on horseback. She had an opportunity to ride with some of the best horsemen in the world and be with people who are still living close to the land. Highlights of her trip included a visit with the nomadic Tsaatan, known as the “Reindeer People,” and the fall Naadam Festival where she heard some of the unique music from Mongolia including throat singing.
Mahoney grew up in South China, Maine, where her love of outdoor adventures called her to Alaska and the Yukon at age 20. She lived a subsistence lifestyle with her sled dogs for 10 years. While there, she worked at big game trophy hunting camps where horses were used for hunting and packing. She was introduced to native cultures and their closeness to living off the land, and this became one of the draws for her trip to Mongolia.
Mahoney and Kevin Slater founded the Mahoosuc Guide Service 20 years ago. When they were not guiding trips, Mahoney and Slater built Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge, a large timber frame building overlooking the Mahoosuc Mountain. They host various events for the public and provide lodging for their guests going on Mahoosuc Guide Service adventures.
Western Mountains Senior College invites interested people to stay for a potluck supper after the program. Anyone planning to participate is asked to bring a dish to share.
The program is open to the public without charge. However, donations will be accepted to offset senior college expenses. Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge is located at 1513 Bear River Road on Route 26.
For more information, contact Bonnie Pooley at 824-2236.
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