Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Things are starting to look up.

Today the sun is shining and we had a few centimeters of snow over night. It's looking a little better. Would that be because we still do not have hydro and it's really dark inside. Maybe.

There are still as many out of power, cell service and regular phone service is back. Hope springs eternal perhaps we can all shower at our own houses tomorrow.

Grooming is to start again and more snow is predected for overnight.

There were three groups of riders in yesterday and they said that other than some trees down the trails were not too bad and once groomed would be great.

A big thanks to the group that was in from Cardwell Lake that is going out today with chain saws to clean up on their way.

Nothing else is new or exciting so far today. More tomorrow unless there is big news. Don't hold your breath.

Think Snowy Thoughts
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, December 29, 2008

Guess what hit the fan this weekend

To say the least we have had an interesting weekend.

The rain hit on Saturday and continued through Sunday morning. The hearty sledders were leaving town in droves like rats jumping from a sinking ship.

By 11:00 the high winds hit. We now have trees down everywhere, mostly on hydro lines. Most of Lake St. Peter, all of Mink Lake and Boulter Lake are out of power. Thank goodness I finally sprung for a generator this fall.

The diner, gas station and all the homes on the hwy are okay. Rumor has it the power will be back by 6:00 pm or in two days. I'm not sure which rocket scientist came up with that time line but that's the story and they're sticking to it. However just to add to the fun the storm took out a cell tower so there is no cell phone service and no regular phone service.

The trails took a real beating this weekend so it's a good thing we had lots of snow. There is still a lot of snow in the bush and on the trails. The trails are just icy and road crossings are clear. The temperature is hanging around freezing and we are expecting snow Tuesday and Wednesday. Grooming has stopped for a day or two.

I will update briefly each day for a while until we are back on track.

Let's hope that this weekend is the usual January thaw weekend that we get every year. Just a little early.

Well I don't care what the snow plow guys say now. I am starting the snow dance again and that all there is to it!!!

Keep snowy thoughts.
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, December 26, 2008

Holiday Tails

Well now that all the festivities are over, the big dinner is over thankfully all the wine is gone it's time to get back to some real sledding.

We had a great Christmas, my son, daughter in law and grandson from Nevada came. My poor daughter-in-law went to visit her family in Halifax first. She was staying at the Hilton during that severe storm just before Christmas. There was a flood, fire alarms, no hydro, running water or heat and she still had to pay $150.00 for her hotel room. She was stranded at the airport for over 12 hours, her 10:00 pm flight to Montreal left at midnight. Her 6:00 am flight from Montreal to Toronto left on time unfortunately none of her bags left Montreal. All this with an 17 month old baby on a special diet. Have you ever tried to find rice milk at an airport in the middle of the night? I'm glad they arrived safe and sound even without clothes and presents. Air Canada lends out car seats when they lose yours. Not good ones but better than nothing.

This explains why all the wine is gone.

One of my cooks wasn't having company for Christmas Dinner so they went sledding all day. They had a great time. The trails are in great shape, there were no people out and the weather was perfect.

I talked to some riders in today that came from Haliburton. They claim that they have never seen the trails so good. Grooming is continuing. We had some snow this morning, just a few centimeters. If we get any bad weather I will update tomorrow.

I saw one sled cross Lake St. Peter on the 24th, but none since then. The ice is fairly thick but so is the snow. I wouldn't recommend it yet but I'll let you know as soon as I hear something.

That's all for today.
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, December 22, 2008

Weekend Wrap Up

First off thank you Brian, Jim and your buddies for standing the big sign on the trail back up. That is one heavy son of a gun. Not a good week for signs for me. I know that Lisa & Wayne think that Paudash is the place to be, yet they still come up here when they need a good ride!

There were quite a few sledders out and about this weekend even though it was freezing cold. Trails are in great shape and being groomed daily. One groomer left for Whitney this morning and another did all the Mink Lake forest access trails.

They will continue grooming over Christmas and Boxing Day.

It is still pretty cold never going above -10 all day. But the sun is out so it looks warmer than it is. The cold weather should help freeze the lakes but they are still not safe to cross. I will let you know when I see the same trail going all the way across and not disappearing in the middle.

To Steve from Bancroft--If you can't run with the big dogs, then you'd better sit on the porch. Imagine having so much fun on Saturday that you are not well enough to ride on Sunday!!! I can't believe it.

Just a reminder that we will be closed December 24 & 25, but we will be open Boxing Day by noon.

Have a great holiday and I hope we see you over the break.

Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Saturday Scoop

What a beautiful day it is turning out to be. The snow has stopped and the sun is shining. All the trails in the system have been groomed and are in good shape.

We got a few inches of snow every day so there is lots to go around. It snowed enough that I had to have the driveway plowed both Friday and Saturday.

It looks like it will good weather right through next week.

Have a great holiday. Hope you can make it up soon.

Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Life returns to normal.

It's late today that I start. Sorry to not getting to it sooner. The days just get away on me.

We were a hive of activity yesterday with the repaired sign being installed. It gave me heartburn just watching the keystone repair guys milling about out there. And the same back hoe operator that cut the telephone line was back to help raise the sign. Fortunately there were no personal injuries, arguing about who was the boss were kept to a minimum and the job was completed successfully. It's a thing of beauty.

On to the trail conditions. Riders in today came from Madoc and said that the conditions were great once they got to Bancroft. Others came from Diamond Lake and said the same thing. The groomer headed north to Whitney on Wednesday afternoon. It has snowed every day since the rain on Monday so the trails are still well covered and in good shape.

Grooming still continues and Pat B is in tomorrow so she will fill me in on all the goings on. I'll be away most of Friday so unless it hits the fan tonight I won't be able to post tomorrow.

If you need any further information you can always call us at 613-338-3043.

Just a reminder that we will be closed on December 24 & 25, reopening at noon on December 26 Boxing Day.

Well if all your chores are done, load up and go for a ride this weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Tuesday and all's well--sort of.

The rain stopped last night and the temperature dropped to a comfortable -10. Not bad. Everything is freezing up nicely. A few flurries today, just enough to cover the ice in the driveway so that you can't see it.

Two sets of riders in today said the trails were still good. They did have to move a fair number of branches off the trail.

Jim and the boys from Mckenzie Lake at least had a saw with them to make things easier. They wanted me to let the little hottie JR know that they were having a great time and they were sorry that work had to interfere with you play time. Maybe next year.

It's been cloudy all day and looks like it may snow tonight. If it does I'll post tomorrow.

As if yesterday wasn't bad enough the guy that dug the remains of the broken sign out of the ground hit a buried telephone cable. Now the guy at the store among others is without phone service and someone (probably me) has to pay for the repair. They sent the big bell repair truck so I can only imagine that means a big bill. Should I be concerned that a second truck showed up?

Well I don't know about any grooming. The rain helped pack the snow on the trails though. So as soon as I hear something I'll get back on.

Monday, December 15, 2008

It's a sad day in Hooterville

Things are not pretty at the diner today. I am not having a good day. It rained most of the night so the driveways are an icy mess. So this means that the roof is leaking again!!!, the diner sign snapped and fall over in the high winds and then a very big hemlock 2 x 4 came down and hit me square on the head. So needless to say I've had better days.

The storm seems to be over and the temperate is dropping. The winds have broken branches all over the place. A number of people are out of hydro (I dogged a bullet there). It's a good thing we have as much snow as we do. This would have been a disaster otherwise.

We still have lots of snow. No grooming for a day or two probably. More snow is expected Wednesday, just in time for the weekend.

I will update again by Wednesday but I don't think much will happen tomorrow.

Well my handful of drugs is just about wearing off so I'll end now.

Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sunday & Snowing in Lake St. Peter

It was nice to see so many sleds out on Saturday. The riding was great and the stories of woe have already started.

Let me tell you of the tale of Richard. Now Richard is old enough to know better but some mistakes are just too much fun to only make once. Shortly after unloading at the Bancroft Motor Inn the boys started on their great adventure. He hadn't even had his sled warmed up yet for the first ride of the year when they came upon the OPP. The were out in full force yesterday, that's what happens when there is no snow anywhere else. The result of this meeting was a speeding ticket for $110.00. They had quite a few pulled over at the time because three tables in the diner at the same time had all been stopped. Shortly after the ticket incident Richard couldn't tell the difference between powder and packed snow and rolled his sled while playing on a hill. This resulted in a wrecked windshield. Well on to the diner for a delicious lunch and then off to the wilds of Whitney, only to run into another pair of OPP officers with radar guns and a second speeding ticket for $110.00.

To say the least he was a bit wound up when he arrived back at the diner on the way back to the motel. He felt better when I explained that if he amortized his two tickets over the 25 years that he has been riding ticket less it didn't work out to very much per year.

Well that was our excitement for the day.

To continue the grooming still continues every day even on the weekend. The trails are in great shape. It is snowing again today and I had to have the parking lot plowed again. The official now measuring sign has now disappeared under the snow.

The warmer temps are bringing the lake water up through the snow showing that the waterways are no where near traveling on. The local weather report is a little confusing. It's going to rain, no it's going to be cold, no it's going to snow. It all gives me a headache. I will just wait and see what Monday brings. It there is rain I'll post. If nothing changes or there is no more excitment I may not post until Tuesday.

Well safe drive home for those up for the weekend and you missed a great one if you didn't make it up.

Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, December 13, 2008

The Saturday Scoop

It's 10:00 am---It's still -25 degrees---It's still snowing---They-re still grooming!!!

Nuff said.

Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Thursday update

There were a lot of riders in today, bless them all. Most had ridden up from Bancroft but others had come from Coe Hill, Haliburton, Harcourt and L'Amable.

The Paudash trails had not been groomed lately. The two groups that had come that way said it was a tough go because the snow was so deep and they were breaking trail. I guess that's better that hitting rocks and dirt. Grooming started at about Martins Mill. The groomer went north this afternoon and had done Martins Mill and Bancroft last night and today.


Everyone in today said that all the trails were in great shape. Of course that is because we have about 50 feet of snow!! Well almost.

No more snow today but more is expected. The temperature is holding below zero all day and getting quite cold at night.

If nothing exciting happens tomorrow I won't update til Saturday or Sunday. There's not much more to add.

Hope we see you on the weekend. Don't forget to call if you need accommodation information.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood!!

There's nothing like the day after the snow has ended when everything is sooooo pretty. You can finally get out of your driveway and the highway is cleared for more than 20 minutes at a time.

I tried to post three times yesterday but I don't know if it was the computer or the satellite but I would just get finished and it would kick out and not save any information.

So I was very witty three times yesterday and no one got to read it.

Well we officially have snow up the ying yang. It snowed for two days straight. Not rain for us up here, just snow.

About 14 inches fell just on Tuesday. That is on top of what we got on Monday, on top of what was already here which was a lot!!!

The trails were groomed up nicely on Monday but I don't think anything has been done since. I'm sure everyone is still busy shoveling out. There have been two snow days this week, four in the last two weeks for the school buses.

Now that life is returning to normal grooming may continue. Paudash groomed last week but closed the gates right after. I guess they wanted to let the trails set. If I hear that the gates are open I'll let you know.

I have taken a series of pictures of the official snow measuring stick to show how much we have. Unfortunately if I can't get my computer to cooperate I won't be able to show you that the snow is now covering the measuring stick to the top.

So trust me when I say that there is enough snow to do some great riding. Get that shopping done so that you can take a day and enjoy a great sled ride before the new year.

I'll be back by Friday if the roof doesn't cave in.

Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, December 06, 2008

I think I may have figured out the camera.

Circle Road on my walk this morning.
This is the freshly groomed (last night) with no sled tracks on it yet.

Same tracks other side of the road!


Friday, December 05, 2008

Friday update

The chance of flurries just keep on falling. Off and on all day it has snowed lightly.

The groomers have been out all afternoon and are still out now. Before today they had groomed to Whitney, Bancroft and Martins Mill. No secondary trails had been done yet but then they haven't been used much.

Riders in today were very pleased with the condition of the trails except for the nasty bit between Maynooth and LSP. The whining has started all ready. Why on earth didn't the powers that be grade that part of the trail before all the snow hit.

I think that everyone that gets jostled down the trail should call the pres and ask why it wasn't graded. Nothing like stiring the pot right off the start. I just thought I would be the first to complain before everyone complained to me.

That being said, any riding you get in before the middle of December is a gift from the snowmobile gods and will be appreciated. It sure was by the folks in today.

I hope that you can load up and get a ride in soon. The weather has been perfect.

See you soon. I'll keep you posted.

Keep the skis on the snow!
Cheers
Nancy

PS The diner will be closed Dec 24 & 25, reopening at noon on the 26th.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Tis The Season-for grooming that is!!!!

The good news is there is snow, the bad news is there is snow!

On my way home yesterday I noticed that you could start riding at about the Lighthouse Resturant on Hwy 62. It looked like there was good coverage all the way up to the hub (that's for Brian & Jim) in Lake St. Peter.

It is snowing now and everything looks sooooo pretty. We haven't had the driveway plowed since Monday but if our "chance of flurries" keep coming down like they are we may be plowed by tomorrow.

When I figure out how I will post pictures from my new camera. The snow is up to the top of the official picnic table snow meter. So that is an accumulation of nearly two feet.

The rail bed has been groomed but I don't know how far south they went. I noticed they crossed the highway and into the bush just south of the village at Helmers Road. When I talk to one of the groomers I'll update again with more info.

It looks like we are getting a good start to the season.. The shore of the lake is still frozen so the temperature is not dropping enough for a melt down.

Ooops I must be taking to long doing this the snow has stopped and the sun is out. I'm sure that if I wait ten minutes it will change again.

We are still doing the music thing on Saturday afternoons. So if you are in the area sled on in have a drink and relax for a while.

Again if you want to be missinformed in person call the diner at 613-338-3043 and we will lead you astray as best we can. White Pines and Silver Birches are both open for accommodation this winter.

Get all your shopping done during the week so that you can come up and play on the weekend.

I'll update again as soon as someone sleds in here and gives me the downlow first hand.

Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Greetings from the wilds of Nevada

I am glad to hear that the snow keeps falling while I am away. It was great to hear that we had seven sledders in on Saturday. I hope this keeps up. I was not able to get a feel for the conditions. But with more snow coming tomorrow it should help.

The Thanksgiving sales were all they are cracked up to be. Even if you don't go at the break of dawn. That is just crazy!!!!

Here's hoping that some of you can get a ride in before the holiday season.

If you want some info first hand call the resturant at 613-338-3043 and the girls will update you.

Well I'm off to Lake Tahoe today. These drives through the mountains have proved to be a little hair raising but fun all the same.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, November 21, 2008

Here we go again.

Well we had our first snow last Sunday and it has snowed every day since then. Not enough to have the driveway plowed or anything just a little skiff each day.

Now just how much snow is there in a skiff? I'm not sure where the dividing line is but I'm sure you get my drift. (No pun intended)

If this is to be the same as last year when we got our first snow in November it didn't stop until April. So let's just see.

There have been a few sleds out on the rail bed. Mostly guys just getting them fired up for the season and going for a little toot.

The lake is starting to freeze over already. Each day the frozen crust is farther out from shore.

I will not be adding anything new for two weeks. I am off to visit my son and his family living in the wilds of Nevada. Where the hell is Yerington, NV. Well I'm about to find out. It may not be in the heart of red neck country but is sure is a suburb.

I will update when I am back and broke after spending all my money shopping at the great Thanksgiving Sales.

So get your sleds tuned up and ready for another great season of riding in Hastings Highlands the hub of all the best sledding in Ontario.

Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Here endith the first week!!

Well the first week of the religion known as "The Deer Hunt" is now over. There are alot of stories, some happy, some not so much. I must say our gang has not done so well this year but there is always next week. I did get a shot off on Thursday. My first time as I've only been hunting a few years. But I learned a few lessons this week. One being do not use a two inch tree with leaves on it for support when it has been raining. Good life lessons all the same.

Things are pretty quiet around the old diner this month. Most of the cottagers are gone. Sad goodbyes each week when another leaves for the season.

Thanks for Gerry for letting me know that someone is still reading the blog. You made my day.

Well I did it. I ordered my generator from Home Depot and two days later it was delivered. It is now wired to the electrical box and all gassed up ready for the next power outage. So bring it on Mother Nature and those dasterdly beavers that keep chewing down trees over hydro lines. I'm ready for you now!!! (If I remember what it is I'm supposed to do.)

Another confusing day here grey and warmish, rainy and cold, snowy and windy, then sunny and cold. Now it's just cold. I can't believe that it can change so much in a few hours.

The music on Saturday evenings is going well. We have a great mix of musicans. A nice little crowd each week. One day someone may drive all the way up from Bancroft. Who knows.

It was nice to see that the ATV'ers are still around. Keep it up.

Well that's all the news fit to print for today. Back next week.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Is winter trying to sneak up on us early again!!

It's hard to believe that not only is summer just a memory but fall has fallen and winter is just around the corner if you look out the window today.

This will be the seond snowfall so far this season. The wind is whistling and the trees are spinning in those scary little circles.

I have finally given in a am buying a generator. Every time the power goes out I say I will by one. But this weekend was the last straw. The dam beavers down the highway were snacking on a tree and took it down on the power line. Fortunatly it was repaired in short order and we were only out for a couple of hours. But enough is enough. Home Depot ship me a generator.

We are continuing with the music on Saturday evenings. It is going well. Singles or duos with a rotating roster of talent. If you are in the area drop by from 5 - 8.

Snowmobile permits are available at the diner or by contacting the club directly.

It's pretty quiet in the neighbourhood this time of year. The annual dear hunt frenzy is upon us. So good luck to all heading out this weekend.

I'll keep you posted when the snow hits for keeps, but this is just toooooooo soooooon!

Happy Halloween
Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, August 30, 2008

It's about time I got back to the old blogspot.

Well if that was summer I guess we've had it!!! Not much to write home about.

Here's an update about what's going on in and around the diner.

Our next mud run is October 4th. Same format as before. Cash prizes, random draws, good food, FABULOUS staff, great route and good weather. I will demand it.

So plan a weekend getaway and come on up. Phone us if you need some numbers for accomodation.

Riverland and High Country are also having runs on the two previous weekends.

We are also starting entertainment on Saturday afternoon. From 4-7 pm enjoy a great mix of tunes. Different talent every week.

It's sad to see the lodge gone. It was a land mark that can't be replaced. The land is now up for sale, so I guess they are not going to rebuild. We will miss it very much.

Well I wll post now as I am heading to the bright lights of Maynooth for the Maynooth Madness and Loggers Games. I just go for the parade and the beer.

It's on Sunday that I have to help with the Mud Bog. A great day of fun in the mud.

I will try to keep posting a little news as things happen-if anything happens.

But for now Cheers!
Nancy

Thursday, March 27, 2008

I can't believe I'm still doing this.

Go figure! The end of March and sledding is still as good as January. The trails are still well covered, a little rough in places but good coverage. The roads are bare and dry for the most part, so it would be hard on the old sliders if you have far to go to get to the trails. Lake St. Peter is still being ridden but the stakes were removed today.

Grooming has all but stopped even with the good snow. The groomer was out last weekend but I'm not sure if it will be out this weekend or not. It's a good thing the groomers are volunteer because it they were paid the club would have been out of money long ago.

We didn't get any rain this week only snow. It looks like it is going to be a good weekend weather wise with nothing falling from the sky until Monday but who knows. I will continue to update a few more times.

It's a great day and the riders in today have all had great trips. The old boys from Haliburton Lake were in this morning. They had already been from Haliburton Lake to Madawaska when they arrived about 11:30 this morning and were heading to Baptiste Lake.

Here's hoping that you can get one more ride in before the gas money runs out. The way this winter is going the gas money will run out before the snow melts.

If you've put your sled away keep in mind the ATV Mud Run on May 3rd at the diner. $30.00 entry gets you your ride, poker hand, cash and random prizes and a steak dinner.

If this is the end of the line for you thanks for a great winter. I appreciate all the support, good wishes and kind words you brought with you. It was nice to see so many old faces and meet so many new. There were a lot of fun people through here this winter.

I hope we see you next year. Remember-The abuse is always free!

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Sledding on Easter Weekend-You Betcha

There is still lots of snow because it snowed again yesterday! It's raining now though. There have not been many riders in this week. Only one yesterday and two so far today. Today's riders had ridden from Fenlon Falls Tuesday and headed over here from Haliburton Lake this morning. They said the ride was good. Some parts of the trail were not well groomed, but for the most part it was okay.

The rain will not wash all the snow away. There is still lots in the bush. The roads including the side roads are all clear now. So if you are riding its better to stick to the trails. They are still riding the lakes also.

I will update if it rains for too long and makes a mess of things. Right now I'm just finding stuff in my yard that I forgot I lost.

Have a great Easter Weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Snow conditions and my daily whine.

Oh yes-It's snowing again today. It snowed last night. But my truck is running with no major repairs, the guy with the backhoe has finally finished his clean up. And life goes on in orderly fashion.

My daughter rents my house next door. She now calls me her slumlord. This year so far the hot water tank has died, the pump broke last weekend and this week the furnace gave it up. The repair man told me that the furnace was built in 1973. Some things just don't last!!!

Just in case the person that is in control is listening-I've had enough breakdowns for a while so ease up will you.

On to the important stuff. It's still snowing. I know I already said that.

The group in from Haliburton Lake yesterday said that everything from here to there was perfect. Better than the report from my Kenisis Lake gang. But then it's hard to trust a sledder sporting a flaming pink Mohawk topping on their helmet. But you did look cute birthday girl.

Most riders in this week are noticing that it's not too busy out there. So with the daily grooming and cold temperatures the trails are holding up really well.

If this is March Break you wouldn't notice. There aren't many families with kids around. I bet you all went to Florida and I don't blame you.

Hope you can make it up this weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Monday, March 10, 2008

Monday update.

The snow keeeeeeeeps coming, they are still grooming every day and I'm running out of witty banter.

I can no longer see out my kitchen window as the banks on the deck are about 7 feet high, my truck was stuck in my driveway AFTER it had been plowed. The total was four half tons stuck in my home driveway on Sunday! Today my truck won't start because the temperature is so stinking cold. I'm having the guy with the backhoe over for the second time this year to move the banks back so that I can even get down my driveway. Most times it doesn't need to be done.

But the sun is shining and if you're inside it's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.

So now that I have finished whining for the day I guess I'll get back to work.

Hope we see you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

The good times just keep on rolling.

Here it is Wednesday already. We have been through freezing rain, rain, sunny days, warm days, snowy days and freezing cold days all in the last four days.

About 8-10 inches fell this morning. It has stopped now but more is expected every day for the next few days.

Trails remain in good condition. Even the folks in earlier in the week said that though the trails were icy the riding was good.

The groomer just went north a few minutes ago and the other one is heading south tonight.

There seem to be a lot of riders out today. I guess it's easier to sled than to drive.

I will post again before the weekend but I can't imagine anything spoiling the great conditions except maybe spring!!

Hope you make it up on the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Boy it was cold!!!

After living through the deep freeze this week it finally warmed up on Friday night. And just as the local coffee guys promised we got a good snowfall on Friday night and Saturday morning.

All the trails are groomed up this weekend. Some of the riders in said that most of the trails they were on had not even been traveled yet. With the cold temperatures the trails are in great shape and to grooming is lasting longer.

Thanks to the nice bunch in on Thursday on the "Clubhouse Tour". They had been riding for three days and eating clubhouse sandwiches each day in search of the best one. We were granted the dubious title of "Best Clubhouse" last week.

It looks like conditions will stay good right through March. At least through March break and Easter Weekend.

We will be opened each day on Easter Weekend if you happen to be in the area.

Just a little heads up. We are having an ATV poker run at the diner on May 3rd. $30.00 entry gets you your ride, a poker hand, random draws for prises and a steak dinner. For more information call us. 613-338-3043.

I will update Monday or Tuesday so keep on sledding.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Where the heck did February go????

I can't believe that February is almost over. At least you get the bonus extra day of sledding because of the leap year.

No big huge snow falls. Just small amounts. So when you come up you can still tell me that you have more snow down south than here. I'm getting used to it.

It snowed last night and is still falling off and on today.

Grooming still continues every day somewhere. All riders in this week have said that everything is in good shape. The warmer temps and longer days are nice to see.

So I guess that's all I can tell you for today. I hope we see you on the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Another Thursday has come and gone.

I can't believe that it's Thursday already. The weeks are flying by for this sledding season.

All reports in the last few days have been good. The trails are in good shape. the odd rough spot here and there. But nothing drastic.

All of the groomers have been out over the last couple of days. Whitney and Baptiste Lake were done on Wednesday. Madawaska and Bancroft are being done as I type.

There hasn't been much traffic this week and the temperature is cold so the grooming is holding up nicely. The groomer left for Whitney about 4:00 pm on Wednesday and by 10:00 am Thursday there still wasn't a track on the trail.

It's trying to snow now but who knows. If the sky falls overnight I will update in the morning.

Here's hoping that you can make the trip up this weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Tuesday update from the "Hub"

Brian and Jim want me to call the Lake St. Peter area the hub for awhile just to annoy the gang from the Paudash Trail Blazers. They think and I agree that this area is the greatest and is the hub of all trails. So I will humor them for a few days because they are really nice guys, and one has a cottage around the corner from me.

On to the important stuff. It's really cold up here and there is a layer of ice hiding under a layer of snow. The trails are still in good shape. I didn't check with the riders in today. Larry and the boys from PA were up again and they ride up from Coe Hill. No complaints about the trails but I forgot to ask them how things were.

I'm not sure if the groomer has been out. I will check with my cook that comes in on Thursday and update again before the weekend.

The bottom line is that the freezing rain didn't do any damage to the trails, there is no thaw and we are getting a few ctms of snow each day. Enough to keep things fresh. The staked areas on the lakes are a little rutty (is that a real word) from sleds riding in the slushy parts on the weekend.

Well that's all the news that's fit to print.

Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, February 17, 2008

HIGHLIGHTS FROM "THE HUB"

Another weekend of great riding in the hub of all trails. This truly is where all smart riders end up or pass through on there quest for the perfect trail.

Mind you by Saturday night things aren't looking quite as good as they were Friday morning.

The MLSS poker run was a success. Thanks to all that joined in for your support.

The temperature has risen a little and it's hard to say what today will bring. There are mixed reports for the weather. So I will just stick my head out the window. If it comes back wet it was freezing rain. If it comes back white I'll have my hair dyed!!

The groomer went up to Whitney last evening so Sunday and Monday riding should be okay.

Will update Tuesday for a mid week report.

Happy Family Day.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Did you think I forgot about you?

Sorry it's been so long since an update. I guess I did forget. When you look out and see snow every day and the groomer going by all the time one day just runs into the next.

February must be long haul month. Most folks in this week have been 'round the park or on some other long journey. The weather although a little cold sometimes has been great for sledding. The sun is finally coming out so I'm not so crabby.

This has by far been the busiest week but riders are saying they are going all day and hardly seeing anyone on the trails. It dosn't get any better than this.

This weekend is the local Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers annual fundraiser poker run. The trails are being groomed every day so they will be in good shape for the weekend.

We are still getting a few inches of snow each day which is keeping everything fresh.

They staked Baptiste Lake last week but Lake St. Peter is still not staked. They have been riding it regularly though.

Be sure and give your valentine something good this week so that you can get away sledding this weekend. Or better still bring him with you they come in handy if you have trouble starting your sled.

See you on the weekend.
Keep out of the rasberry patches.

Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, February 07, 2008

Is it Thursday already?

Greetings from the land of small snowfalls. We have been getting a little snow every day. Not as much as you folks down south. Come on now, share will ya! The trails are great. The groomer went to Whitney last night, was on it's way to Madawaska this morning and is heading to Bancroft tonight.

The temperature is staying cold but not so cold it's uncomfortable. It's a beautiful sunny day today. So Brian, Jim and the gang have a great ride to Pembroke and come back with good stories. I wish I was going with you.

Yesterday morning I saw a group of about 6 heading down Lake St. Peter. Now I'm not saying you should go on the lake, I'm just saying it is being done. It still hasn't been staked yet.

If anything changes over night I will update. Otherwise load 'em up and head north for the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

The Tuesday update.

The freezing rain last night didn't do any damage and we didn't have just rain so the trails are still in good shape.

Two riders in today came up for lundh from Bancroft via the Baptiste trail. They said that the ride was great. The trail had been groomed in the night and they were the first on it. The snow was a little soft but good none the less.

We are expecting snow tonight and the temperature is to drop. It is just below freezing now and hasn't come above freezing in a while so we are not losing any snow.

If we get a substantial dumping tonight I will update again on Wednesday. If it is just a little bit I may not redo.

Here' s hoping I have to update tomorrow.

Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, February 03, 2008

A perfect weekend for sledding.

What a great weekend this was. The weather cooperated, trails were in good shape and the snow just keeps on falling.

We are getting a little more snow off and on today. The trail to Bancroft was groomed on Saturday night to make the Sunday riding enjoyable.

We weren't as busy on Saturday during the day as I thought we would be but great to see everyone back for sure. There were lots of sleds out.

The beginning of the week should be great for riding as the groomers are going out again tonight. I will post again on Tuesday to let you know what the weather is like for the rest of the week.

Don't work to hard-rest up for next weekend!
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, February 01, 2008

The weather man was right for a change.

I guess there is not point in saying that it is snowing. Every weather person in the country is telling you that.

Finally it's Friday and there are sledders back. All in today say that the trails are good. We have had riders in from Wilberforce, Coe Hill and Whitney so far.

Poor Earl from Port Perry, (not to be confused with Harry from Port Perry) spent most of Friday with us waiting for his friends to make their way back to Wilberforce and return with a truck to pick him and his brand new (30 miles) sled up and take it in for repairs. Hope the news was not bad Earl. That is not a very good way to increase beer sales but bless your hears anyway!!

Other than the groomers will be out tonight and the snow is still falling there is not much to report.

Hope the road conditions don't keep you all down south this weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes it will change

Here is the weather report for this week. I can be very accurate because this is what has already happened.

The little skiff of freezing rain that we got on Sunday night didn't make any difference. All it did was scare everybody into staying indoors. No change to the trails then.

Nothing Monday night but it did get quite mild on Tuesday night and then some rain came. Not much snow was lost. By 8:00 am Wednesday though things had changed again. The temperature dropped to well below freezing in a couple of hours and it has started snowing.

Hard to say how much will fall but most of the icy spots are now hiding under the snow.

I had two riders in yesterday that had come from Pembroke and were heading to Bancroft. Other than running out of snow around Kilaloe they said that the rest of the trails were in good shape. Still a few washouts but nothing serious.

They groomed to Bancroft on Tuesday night and I'm not sure where else they have gone.

I'll be back tomorrow sooner if something exciting happens. Don't hold you breath!!!

Let's hope for a good weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, January 28, 2008

Pleas don't let it rain.

The weather does not look great in the next few days. I will be sure to post regularly this week, if I'm not too depressed to keep you updated.

Today was excellent. Perfect temperature, sunny, every trail groomed like a show dog and hardly a sole in sight.

The conditions had better hold on because Larry from PA will be really angry when he gets here on the weekend and things have gone for a slide after missing such a great weekend.

Keep thinking snow.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 25, 2008

Hey Larry!!!!

Hey there Larry, Dan was in today for lunch. They are having a great time, trails are great. They wish you were here.

See you next weekend!!

Cheers
Nancy

My plan for next week.

Okay-All you riders this weekend work it out among yourselves. But we want some of you to phone in sick for Monday and Tuesday and the rest to call in for Thursday and Friday. The ones that can just do one day can pick Wednesday. That way you will get to enjoy all the great weekday riding when things are quiet. It gets very lonely up here when everyone goes home after the weekend. If you need an alibi just give your boss my number and I'll cover for you.

It is still snowing and has done every day this week. The groomers have been working every day so the Maple Leaf Trail System is in great shape.

Steve from Birds Creek (let's hope the third motor lasts longer that the other two) has been on Baptiste Lake this week. I'm not sure if it's safe or if you just have to know where to go. Not much action on Lake St. Peter but I have see a few tracks from my kitchen window. I will check on lake conditions with riders this weekend.

Keep the rubber side down!
Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.

What a great day for sledding today was. Just cold enough to remind you it's winter, sunny all day, great conditions and nobody around to get in your way.

Both groomers have been out every day since last Thursday. The trails won't be in much better condition than they are now. We have had a little snow almost every day for a week now. It has piled up more than you would think.

Riders in this week (and there haven't been many) have all reported that the trails are in great shape.

The locals are starting to hate me for wishing for more snow. They don't want me to do the snow dance anymore. But will I listen? I THINK NOT!!!

Not a moment too soon the execs of the MLSS opened the trails offically on Monday. Go figure.

Well load em up and get up here.

See you on the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Confusion in the MLSS club.

Well there seems to be some sort of lack of communication in the local snowmobile club.

I called the president this morning to see why all of the trails are still closed after all the snow, grooming and hard work folks have put in this week.

My answer was to call the trail boss because he is the one that orginizes the grooming and only he knows for sure when they should be open. The pres can't just update the web site without being told to apparently. The fact that he sledded here on Saturday (on the same closed trails) and said that condtions were good wasn't enough of a clue for him to reopen the system.

I guess it's no skin off this teeth because he is not trying to run a business that relies on the sledders to survive.

I have put a call into the Trail Coordinator to see if he can call Mr. Pres to ask him if he can possibly find the time to hit the web site before next Friday and maybe try to open a trail or two. I realize that this is asking alot but I thought it might be worth a try. Let's just see how long this will take.

I hope that the executive will have a meeting to decide when they should have a meeting to decide when they should open the trails again.

Now that I have finished my rant without uttering one swear word (it wasn't easy) I will tell you that everyone in this weekend had a great ride. There are still some wash outs in spots but other than that conditions are good to excellent depending on where you are. It is really cold today and not expected to warm up for a few days. This will be good for the water crossings but maybe a little to cold for snow.

I will update in a couple of days or sooner if it snows.

Until then, have a great week.
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 18, 2008

Oh-It's like living in a snow globe.

Just sitting here at the lap top behind the bar looking out the window at the snow swirling down and it looks like a snow globe outside. But then I have a pretty vivid imaganation.

What a great day. It's bright, cold and the snow has been coming down since 11:00 last night. We got about six inches overnight and added to what fell earlier in the week it has made conditions decent.

I don't know if the trails are offically reopened or not but they are offically groomed. Both groomers have been out for two days straight and the guys have been out brushing the trails for the three days. The two riders in this morning came from Bolter. They said that the riding was great. Broke trail most of the ride until they met the groomer heading toward Combermere.

Riding this weekend should be great so load up those sleds and head north.

See you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Oh-It's like living in a snow globe.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

We're back in business again!!

We can all be thankful for the local heros that have been out brushing the trails. Two went out yesterday to check the trail to Whitney. It took them 5 1/2 hours and three chainsaws just to get there. A group of 5 headed out today to Madawaska. Most of these guys still work and took a couple of days off to do this so if anyone has any complaints about trees on the trail and how much they spent on a permit, blah, blah, blah I'll send one of them over to you for some clarification!!

The groomers headed out again this morning, one to Bancroft the other North but I'm not sure where. I just saw the fresh trail on my way in this morning.

We've had a little snow each day. Not much but enough to make a difference. It is quite cold and really sunny. A perfect day for riding. With more snow expected Thursday and on the weekend it should be a good weekend.

I'll post again by Friday for a weekend update.

Hope we see you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, January 14, 2008

Things are back to normal now.

Hydro One as a corporation pretty much sucks, but kudos to all the guys in the white trucks and cute orange coveralls. You did a great job getting things back up and running as quickly as you could. You had a few long days here and judging by the number of trucks passing by every day you are still cleaning up. Thanks a lot.

Now on to the good news. The temperature dropped a day or two ago and everything has frozen up again. It started to snow last night and today. Just a couple of inches so far. It's that really fine snow that takes a long time to amount to anything but when it does it sticks around. If this keeps up we will be back in the snowmobile business this weekend.

There are probably a lot of trees down over the trails after the storm. As the groomer has not been able to go out yet I haven't heard anything specific.

I will update again tomorrow if I hear anything worthwhile. If not by Wednesday or Thursday for sure.

It's pretty quite around here without you guys and the sleds so I hope Mother Nature smartens up!!

See you soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, January 10, 2008

And the fun just keeps on coming!!!

Well the fog has lifted, the rain has stopped, the temperature has dropped, the sun is out and unfortunately so is the hydro. Yesterdays storm left a trail of downed trees and hydro wires everywhere. Oh some hydro wires are not down they just have great big trees lying on top of them. Yes that would be my neighbour who doesn't like to cut down any trees even the dead ones. So every time there is a bad storm we go over there to see which tree is on the hydro wire now. The hydro is out on Lake St. Peter, Mink Lake and Boulter Lake. It never went out on the highway so we were able to stay open. It's been a over 24 hours now with no end in sight for a while.

The trails have taken a real beating. We have lost about two thirds of our snow. The trails are closed for a while until we get more snow.

There is not too much snow coming in the next few days, but who knows things change around here daily.

Well lets see what the weekend brings. I hope it is snow and bright lights.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 08, 2008

Things are not looking good.

Life in Lake Saint Peter is getting depressing. I have never seen fog last so long here. It's been three days of fog, mild weather and rain. If it's not dirty snow you're walking on, it's mud or ice.

I'm glad I have friends with neat toys. Thanks Doug for sanding the lot on your way home from work yesterday. Of course that means there will be no more skating out front.

The temperature is to start dropping Wedensday. If this brings snow I'll update right away. We always get rained out one weekend in January. I hope that this is it and we can get back on track.

On the bright side I finally had bar fixed so that when you sit at it your knees don't hit it and you are not so far away from your drink! Again nice to have friends with neat toys and talent.

I will keep you posted as soon as the weather turns around. But for now, I'll just pout.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

New Years Greetings From Lake Saint Peter

What a great weekend we had here. Lots of snow, lots of great people, lots of riding. What more could you ask for?

It's still snowing but I understand the south is getting blasted too. The groomers have been out again and most trails are all done for those that didn't have to go home Tuesday. In fact one is sitting in the lot right now after just grooming up to Whitney today.

They have been running Lake St. Peter but it is not staked yet. The man that stakes the lake is not ready to go out onto it yet. I haven't talked to anyone that was on it but I understand every one that started at one end got off at the other!!! Brave souls. I don't know about any other lakes yet.

All the best for the new year. I'll update before the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy