Peaks of foliage are expected, as well as sunny and unusually warm weather, so the arrival of the orange-coded Ford Raptor means it’s time for a special road trip deep into the forests of northern Maine to watch the "ghost train" eagles Lake.

In 1927, the crew of the famous Canadian and Maine woodcutter Edward Lacroix used Lombard loggers to tow two old steam locomotives from Quebec to Maine, and built Eagle Lake and West Branch. The railway transports logs from Lake Eagle to Lake Umbazukas and flows down the West Branch from the Penobscot River to Millinocket's paper mill-once the largest paper mill in the world. Just as the 13-mile railway replaced the previously used tram system and is currently being repaired by volunteers from the Parks and Lands Bureau and the Aragash League, the railway was abandoned in 1933, and trains and dozens of transport vehicles remained in Maine. State Forest-removal is too expensive.

As we quickly discovered, this is an important historical attraction that requires more than just an easy drive into the forests of northern Maine. With Millinocket fueled, we joined the infamous Ambejejus Lake Golden Road (here is a forest museum on the island), and then drove more than 70 miles of dirt road north to our destination.

In Big Eddy, just before the Ripogenus Dam, it is also a must-see attraction. You turn onto Telos Road and quickly enter the gated (and toll) North Woods Highway system in Maine. Recently rated and in good condition, we have overcome slower traffic to 1) avoid excessive dust, 2) use Raptor's extended driving and handling dynamics and 3) try to beat the "crowd" to the cramped parking lot eagle at the end Moderate access to the lake. A 25-car Jeep caravan stopped on the bridge for reconnaissance. We are very grateful to be in front of the dust cloud!

Just before Telos Gate, the friendly Tina Pelletier helped guide our trip, the only time we saw the moose on this trip. A big cow and a calf are standing on the road, asking to see our permit. After realizing that our new Raptor was beyond their capacity, they started wandering around.

With the return of the V-8-powered Raptor wings, Ford still made significant improvements to the current model. Now only available as a four-door CrewCab, the base price is $65,840. Buyers get a new 12-inch digital instrument panel, an upgraded 12-inch Sync-4 screen (retaining the traditional audio system knobs), additional decoration and content in the cabin , Including heated and cooled Recaro seats, as well as the conventional F-150's 10-speed automatic and the folding shift lever of the flat console workstation.

On the mechanical side, Ford massaged the Raptor’s long-stroke suspension to achieve greater comfort in all driving modes through greater gas impact. The five-link rear suspension replaced the previous leaf springs, plus 1 inch of ground clearance-now up to 13 inches-optional 37-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires.

We prepared floor jacks, tire pumps and other hardware to adapt to the often difficult conditions of the northern rural shale roads, but the performance of the Raptor was flawless. The Subaru Ascent does not, nor does the Chevrolet Tahoe, because both are on the side of the road, the tires are flat, and Tahoe's apparent high-speed blowout because the mudguard and rear panel are destroyed-deep in the woods. Those all-season tires that automakers like are basically trash in the deep forest.

The Raptor sailed smoothly along the Trans-Canada Highway from Lake Chamberlain to our destination. The door seal protects us from constant dust, while the cabin is spacious and comfortable, suitable for gatherings of four and our equipment. The 36-gallon fuel tank provided another room for confidence, but with our steady speed above 40 miles, we got more than 20 mpg on the 450-horsepower, 6,200-pound Ford, easily exceeding the EPA's estimate.

Other changes include a workbench tailgate with lowering and raising assistance, an optional working generator and power outlet on the bed, and the new Trail 1 single-pedal cruise control for off-road use. Ford increased the size of the twin-turbocharged V-6 exhaust pipes and created adjustable options, while adding a heat exhaust vent to the hood.

The cabin comfort and practicality, excellent headlights let us go home easily through "Moose Alley", coupled with the overall driving and driving performance of the Raptor on the super flatbed and deep in the forests of Maine, which won high scores.

The leaves are very good, and the train station is well worth a visit. The Raptor made this trip interesting, relaxing and memorable. If you go, please bring extra tires and a 4X4 pickup. Leave the car at home.

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