With regards to firearms in National Parks, check your state CCW reciprocals with states you're visiting....In areas administered by the National Park Service, an individual can possess a firearm if that individual is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing the firearm and if the possession of the firearm complies with the laws of the state where the park area is located. 54 U.S.C. 104906.

Unless expressly authorized, Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities. 18 U.S.C. 930. Cheers

Went out last Friday to photo the milky way. Was supposed to be ideal conditions. Had scouted three spots to shoot from. Arrived at the first spot at 12 am. Not ideal at night as the lights from a local lumber mill spilled over into my camera position. Still, I was able to record a decent image. Then, went up to our local vista point. Very dark, with the best conditions. Set up the camera and was shooting images by 12:30 am. Had taken three images when a car pulled up beside me. Dome light went on and I could see a young man with bald hair and numerous tattoos all over his face. The hackles on my neck went up. Creepy guy began rummaging around in his car. That feeling you get when you know something just isn't right began to gnaw at me.

I reached into my camera bag and took hold of my old friend, Mr Smith&Wesson, and slid him into my jacket. I never took my eyes off CreepyGuy. I quickly packed up and left. I came back a half hour later and he was gone so I continued my photo shoot.

The thing is, in our culture you can never be too careful. A word to the wise: when you are out alone, be vigilant. It wouldn't hurt to have someone along for protection.

Attached is an image from the night's milky way images.

Not far northeast of Portland, the Maine coast becomes ragged with fingers of land stretching out into the ocean. Some actually are peninsulas but others are composed of small islands, often connected by bridges. If you want to photograph sea-coast, this is a good place to explore.

Alternatively, you can think of the coast as fingers of water extending up into the Maine land-mass. My wife and I stayed for a few days last month on an island that is part of the town of Edgecomb. The island is within one of these fingers of water, the Sheepscot River. The island is easily accessed by car over bridges. Attached are some pictures I took while there.