Thursday, February 25, 2010

Rewind Play---I think I'm starting to sound like a broken record.

It's still snowing, they are still grooming, trails are good, roads are bare, side roads are snow covered, life is good.

It's been light snow, a short period of drizzle and more snow all week. The daytime temps are about zero or just above every day. More snow is expected today and tomorrow.

Lots of long distance riders. My group from Harcourt Park went to Pembroke Tuesday and back Wednesday. Fairly good conditions all the way. More snow here than there but if they are getting the same downfall we are this should improve. Lots of riders in this week had done the Dorset run and said all was good the whole way.

The general store has just received his second load of fuel in one week. Does this mean that he will still have fuel past noon Saturday?? Who knows.

No earth shattering news to report. After all it's only been two days. Things in Lake St. Peter aren't that exciting. No ranting or whining today either. What is wrong with me!

I'd better get back to work. There are hungry sledders in here to feed.

Hope we see you on the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

I waited until Tuesday to update to see what the weather would do. Well I kept letting a black dog outside and letting a white dog in so I guess it snowed quite a bit overnight.



After watching Kevin from Breakfast Television get his weather hysteria turned on I figured we might be in for some flurries.



Can't say how much fell but I wished that I had worn my boots home last night so that I had them for this morning. It is still snowing now with no signs of stopping any time soon. The temperature is staying below zero so nothing is melting. We are to have snow for the next few days, making the weekend sledding great.



The groomers were out Sunday and Monday so the trails were in pretty good shape yesterday. We had quite a few sledders in on Monday that said conditions were fine but more snow was needed and now we have it.



Here is a shout out to Nancy from Pennsylvania. Bruce was here on the weekend. He behaved very well and was having a great time. He should come back. Thanks for reading the blog.



Bone head play of the week goes to Jim M. Brian had to squeal on him. They always run the ripples on Baptiste Lake. Well this past week they had taken the toboggan with them because they had packed a picnic lunch for the group. Jim thought that he would run the ripples with the toboggan still attached, after all it has skis on it just like the sled does so what could go wrong. Apparently the toboggan acts somewhat like an anchor. It flipped over, some stuff, not all, fell out and he just barley made it to the other side without sinking like the Titanic. So note to self, when running the ripples remove all towed objects first. I love it when someone does something more stupid than me. Kind of makes you feel like the only one without the hangover after the party.



We just had some riders in this morning heading from Harcourt Park to Pembroke. They found the trails to be in good shape.



Congrats to the MLSS club on another successful poker run. They had over 300 entries. It was a great day and a good fundraiser for the club. Perfect weather for having fun.



Well that's it for now. I'll keep up later in the week.



Cheers

Nancy

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Some snow is better than no snow

I was all ready to get excited yesterday when I woke up and it was snowing. It snowed most of the day and night. But it was just light flurries. It was enough to cover the ground well, a couple of inches. It is starting again but still light. The bright side is it isn't rain.

Riders in today were very pleased with the trails for the most part. The trail to Madawaska was just groomed today and is in great shape. A group is in now that just came across the hydro line from Haliburton. They said that it was choppy. I thought that was how you described the lake on a windy day, but what do I know.

The temperature is still mild but cold enough that the snow won't melt. Great sledding weather.

Bullwinkle the cat continues to amuse the guests by cruising the parking lot for the sled of his choice for a sit down.

My amusing story for the day is a guy in last night was wet from the seat of his sled. He asked if I had a hair dryer to dry his butt. I got the one from the house and he started to dry his pants. He has on those stretchy tight thingies. Probably the latest in fancy pants. A few minutes later he came over to show me that he had melted a very large hole in the butt of his pants. I am glad he thought it was funny. I'm sure the washing instructions said tumble dry low and don't use a blow dryer.

My whiny story for the day is I just burnt the crap out of a huge pot of chili that I was cooking. The burner was on too high, I got busy and forgot about it. I put pot and all out in a snowbank until tomorrow. I don't feel like dealing with it tonight. Besides there is no cook in now and I would have to wash the pot. Therefore that will be a tomorrow job. So no chili this weekend.

The snow has stopped now but the sky is really dark so it may start again.

Sorry the news isn't better but it could be a lot worse. I guess we will just have to make the best of it and go sledding anyway.

Hope to see you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The gate must be up again.

It was a great long weekend for riders and the diner. Lots of people around. Good weather and good trail conditions. It was really busy everywhere.

Now that it is Tuesday it feels like someone put a gate up at Bancroft and is not letting anyone through. It is very quiet today. A great day for riding if you don't have to work. The groomers were out and few sledders are out. You would have the trails all to yourself.

We still need a little snow to improve things. Only snow flurries are predicted for this week. But who knows that can change in a heart beat. The temperature is not to go above plus 1 or 2 all week so we should be keeping the snow we have. The highway road crossings are looking a little slushy and dirty.

I'll get started on the snow dance so things get better for the weekend.

I had booming gas sales on the weekend which is a sad thing all the same. 19 jugs on Sunday alone. I may have big muscles by the end of the season lifting all those gas cans. Thanks to all the folks that are really good about only being able to get a small amount and still come back to Lake St. Peter.

And now a new pet peeve. This one is not mine, I am taking requests now. So don't be thinking that I just sit around thinking of things to bitch about.

A couple in this weekend that sled all the time are getting annoyed at all the oncoming riders that don't signal that there are riders behind them or when they are the last rider in the pack. This is a great help on the weekends when the trails are so busy. It is nice to know when someone will be coming around the corner. Even if you are going light speed you can take one hand off the handle bar for a second and give a quick signal. Remember people safety never takes a vacation.

Any further pet peeves may be delivered to me in person for publication on the blog.

They lady next door to me came over on Monday to ask that sledders do not jump the snow bank over the split rail fence into her back yard. I told here it wouldn't happen again. Don't disappoint me now.

There was one lucky sledder last week. I had given directions for gas in Maynooth. Apparently my directions were not all that good. They ended up going down the Peterson trail However all was not lost (or maybe it was). They came across a trail of stuff, wallet, camera, bathroom stuff and clothes. The three of them collected everything up and found two riders looking frantically for the lost articles. The guy was quite surprised when the new comers new the mans name without even having met him before. All items were returned however the cash was missing from the wallet and tossed off to the side. Now these folks were curious. There were T-shirts, socks and other stuff but no undies!!! hmmmm

Well that's it for today. No bone head stunts this weekend to report, no whining, no snow.

I'll be back Thursday unless something exciting happens.

DON'T FORGET THE MLSS POKER RUN THIS WEEKEND.

See you soon
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Thursday Update

The Family Day long weekend is quickly sneaking up on us. We are hopping for a busy one around here. This last week has been very quiet, today especially.

There has not been any new snow to speak of but the trails are still in great shape. The groomers have been out every day and so has the sun. The days have been just beautiful. Sunny and mild but cold enough to keep the snow from melting. The nights have been keeping cold also.

There are lots of single riders out which is unusual as most of the time the groups are large.

And now for my rant of the week. I have a new pet peeve. It is cell phone use in the diner. I would be interested to see if any other servers have this same issue. This year more than any other I have noticed people using their cells as soon as the enter the restaurant, like it is an addiction. Now I know that for some people having the phone with them means that they are able to come out and play while still dealing with issues at work. If they didn't have the phone they would have to stay behind. I understand this and can accept it. BUT---- Could you please order your drink and your lunch before you start checking e-mail and returning phone calls. It is frustrating when you are trying to serve a table, when you are busy and you are being ignored by someone on the phone or checking e-mails. Not every one is rude lots of people are very polite about their use so don't take offence at this.

This week there was a group of five in with a table of eight right behind them. I was here by myself. I had served the drinks and was taking food orders. All four had ordered when I got to the last one (he couldn't have been more than 17-18) he ignored me first, then said take all the other orders first. His buddy remarked that she already had. Well I don't know what I want (while still trying to talk on the phone). He then waved his hand in the air at me and said "Come back later when I decide.". I very politely and not sarcastically (stop laughing) in my calmest voice said that it would be a long while before I would get back to him.

I know that food servers are very low on the food chain but we have a job to do also. Dam you Telus for giving away all of those Blackberry's. You have created a society of cell phone addicts!!!

Whewwww-I feel better now.

Hope you have a great long weekend. Drop by if you are in the area.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Another great weekend in the wilds of Lake St. Peter. Great weather, good snow and good trails. A little more snow would be great and I understand that it is coming in a day or two.
The groomers have been out every day or evening lately and our local trails are in great shape.

You can tell it's February. There are a lot of overnight riders around. I had a nice group in last night and this morning that had ridden from Eganville and other points over that way. They said that riding was good all the way. Thanks Gene for being a good sport. As always the abuse is always free at the diner. Another group passing through yesterday had taken a day trip from Dorset and were on their way back. They said trails were good all the way.

It looks like we will be in good shape snow wise for the long weekend this weekend.

Brian and Jim are regular visitors to the diner almost every weekend. I always pick on Brian because he makes it so easy. But this week it is Jim's turn. Jim and Brian each have 2006 Skidoos. Jims has a bigger engine than Brian's.

Now the fun starts.... Jim has spent more on repairs than he paid for the machine. 3 engines, 3 tracks and numerous other things that I can't even spell never mind remember. So it wasn't unusual to hear that for the third weekend in a row Jim had to be towed by Brian back to the cottage at Lake St. Peter. They are leaving for a week in Cochrane next week. Jim was not amused when I suggested that he take his wife's sled as a spare. He could just tow it until he needs it and then he would be good to go again. Have a good trip guys.

Now FYI if you have your sled stuck in a slushy spot (driver error) and five guys are trying to pull you out. Eventually you have to be pulled out by Jim (on his wife's sled now-he he). When you get out and still can't go anywhere don't keep trying until you blow a belt. TAKE THE PARKING BRAKE OFF FIRST!!!! True story. Oh the goings on at Mink Lake, it's something new every weekend.

That's all for today. I was scolded enough times this week about slacking off updating so I will be back by Thursday unless something exciting happens.

A big group in this morning said "Nothing but smiles today on the trails".

I still have gas available if you need it.

Have a great Valentines Day and weekend. If you are in the area drop by, we love to see you.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, February 05, 2010

Another Great Weekend Ahead

It looks like we are in for another great weekend for sledding.

All of the trails are groomed up. Great riding is waiting for you all through the area.

Riders in this week were all pleased with the trails. The lake crossings are good and the side roads are still well covered.

We have had a little snow everyday this week so everything is still looking fresh. Add the sunny days and longer daylight hours and it is just about perfect.

It is now 5:00, I started this update at 9:30 this morning and I am just getting back to it now.

We got slammed today. As busy as any Saturday. A rider in today said that the best trail was from Whitney to here. The trail through the Hydro Line in the park is not so good. It hasn't been groomed for a while. Trails to Makenzie Lake were done last night and are in good shape.

Well that's it for today. It is probably too late for info because you are already on your way up.

Hope to see you over the weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

It must be February

By the look of the diner both today and yesterday at lunch time it must be February for sure.

There are finally some weekday riders out there. Great conditions this week. All the trails are groomed up nicely, the sun is shining, fresh snow has fallen. It's a sledders delight.

First off I would like to give my best to Eric M the sweet young guy that had the accident at the dam on Mink Lake last weekend. Eric is a seasoned rider that is in the diner often. It just goes to show how quickly accidents can happen. His surgery's went well and he is resting in an Ottawa hospital. Steve and his brother will keep me updated on his condition. All the best Eric-get well soon. We will be thinking of you.

Bill B was out today to stake Lake St. Peter. It had a couple of soft spots in it. I didn't speak to him after he finished but if anything is amiss I'll let you know. Great news for Bill too. He was able to get into the groomer this week after a long time out. They finally tricked the folks up the street. You sneaky little ninjas. Good job Bill.

My whining story for this week is not a real heart breaker but annoying all the same. I have a great ice maker we call Monty because he usually gives us the full Monty all the time. But this winter he seems to work like a trouper from Monday to Thursday popping out ice faster that we can use it. Then comes Friday and bingo-he goes for a crap. We are scrounging around for ice all weekend, unplugging and plugging him in to trick him into working again, then come Monday he steps up to the plate again. Go figure. Come on Monty give us your all!!!

Well there is not much to say in the sledding department that hasn't already been said. Great conditions, great weather (stop whining about the cold-how else do you think we will keep the snow), the road crossings are good and the side roads are snow covered.

It didn't snow today and I don't know what is in store for the week. I haven't had time to chat with the coffee boys that know all. I will be back later in the week with anything new and exciting that may or may not have happened.

Have a great week.
Cheers
Nancy