Thursday, May 01, 2014

It is with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes that I write this my very last blog.

I have sold the diner and the new people have taken over as of today.  I thought it was time to have someone younger and with fresh ideas.

I wish Brenda and Jamie well in there new adventure.  I don't think that Brenda will be doing a blog but she will have a web page and be on facebook to keep up with snow conditions etc.

It has been a great ride.  I have a lot of really awesome customers and some not so much.  But the good always outweighed the not so good.  There were a lot of fun times and it was a pleasure to be able to solve a problem or help out with information every day.

I have taken a position with Algonquin Outfitters as Food Service Manager at the Lake of Two Rivers Store.  I may even get two days off in a row now. 

So I must be off it's a bit of a hike up there but a nice drive in the summer.

Best to all of you and I hope our paths cross often.   To young Rob Shackelton there is the cutest picture of you in the Opeongo Store when you worked there.  They still miss you!!!

And so for the last time.
Cheers
Nancy

Unless I can't shut up!!

\I will be off in the winter and I may start up again for trail conditions if need be.

Friday, April 04, 2014

The Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers may have officially closed the trails today but sledding has not officially stopped.

We have had sledders in every day this week and more in today than some days in January.

Yes things are not perfect but there is still a lot of snow in the bush.  The road crossings are getting very large.

So you decide.  Can you get one last ride in or is it time to call it a season?

I love sledders, almost all of you, I truly do.  But I am ready to call it a season.  I'm looking forward to grass, mud and black flies.

Having said that if you are still out and about we will still be here.  If not is was a great sledding year, pack 'em away and get out your flip flops.

To any of the cottagers just a sad note that the roof at the West Pines (Orioles Nest) caved in last Saturday.  Demolition has begun as the building was destroyed.  So things will look differently this summer. WHERE WILL WE GET OUR ICE CREAM!!!!!

The diner will be open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday regular hours all weekend.  See you then. 

I am off to the sunny south for a week leaving on Monday so I won't be back at all before the 16th of April. We will be open 7 -2 weekdays all day on weekends.

Keep safe.
Cheers
Nancy



Saturday, March 29, 2014

We just had two sledders that rode in from Eagle Lake.  They said that the trails are still really great.  Not icy at all which was what a lot of people were worried about. They were quite thrilled with the conditions.

We had 3-4 inches of snow on Thursday and some drizzly rain on Friday.  Not enough rain to ruin things.

So the outlook is still good for the rest of the weekend.  It is still cold, below zero, and not sunny so nothing is melting today.

Hope you can get out for another rip.  In checking my notes for last year they were still riding this weekend in 2013.  So winter really isn't hanging on any longer.  Just more snow.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, March 26, 2014


They are still grooming, it's still snowing, they are still sledding and it's stinking cold every morning. 

The sun sure is nice to see though.  Lots of riders in yesterday.  Keep 'em coming.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Wowsers!!! What a weekend.  It was as busy as any February weekend and the trails are telling the tale today.

The good news is all four groomers will be out today.  They did to Whitney last night and are going to Bancroft, Papineau and Martins Mill tonight after it gets colder. 

What a treat if you were able to take the day off and ride tomorrow.  It would be awesome.

Cheers to the two dedicated sledders that were in today.  They decided at 10.30 Saturday to go riding. Loaded up and drove from Pennsylvania to Coe Hill.  Rode yesterday and today and headed home this afternoon.  Now that's love of the sport. 

Well no rants or touching stories just trail conditions.  I hope some of you are able to get out for another ride.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, March 21, 2014

It's a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.  Cool, sunny, snowy and lots of sledders.

I am shocked at how busy it is right now.  Usually Fridays have been a little slow this winter but man the place is packed!!!

Good conditions are being reported.  Some are saying that it is a little bumpy, but how often do you get great conditions at the end of March.

In 2012 on this day the temperature was 24 degrees.  I'm thinking there was no sledding that year.

So if you haven't put your ride away and you still have gas money left come on up for a ride this weekend.  We will be here.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

This may be the last day of winter but it seems like there is still sledding to be done.

We have had riders in every day.  On guy rode up from Eels Lake and back.

The groomers are still going out.  I saw one pass yesterday and they were going to Whitney and Bancroft.  It would seem that after this weekend they will only be keeping the rail bed groomed.

With less traffic now that should be good enough after all tomorrow is the first day of spring.

We are to get more snow today (she says with a sigh of disgust).  Yes even I am getting tired of the snow.  So with most of the trails groomed and a touch of fresh snow the weekend should still be a great time to get that last ride in. 

The riders that were in this morning for breakfast said that the trails were perfect.  I think they were on their way to Combermere and parts unknown after that.

It has been a week since my crash and no word on my car yet.  Body shop guy said the damage was above his pay grade to decide so I will hurry up and wait another week is guess.

I will be back Thursday or Friday morning to report on any new snow.  Hope you can get up this way on the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, March 14, 2014

The end of the march break already.  I can hear the parents sighing from here.

I spoke to Herb Hammond and he told me that all trails were groomed either yesterday or day.   The only exception would be the Mink Lake trail.  Riders in today are saying the conditions are mint.  The road crossing are looking a little ugly but not much you can do about that. 

So if you are able to get up for a ride this weekend will be great.  And it looks like there will be a few more weeks after that.

I will keep in touch with the groomers over the next few weeks.

Now I haven't had a sad and touching story all winter and now I finally have one, so here goes.  Stop reading now if I'm not going to get any sympathy.

My daughter, granddaughter and I headed out on Wednesday afternoon to the wilds of Bomanville for a stop over before going to see Disney on Ice on Thursday.  WELL we had to get off 115, it was closed due to a 20 car pile up.  So we headed for the side roads trying to make our way to Taunton Rd..  After a half hour delay (some people just don't know how to drive) we made it to Taunton only to get caught in a whiteout and get creamed in an accident.  We are all well, no one was hurt in our car, not the same for others but my new car is not looking very pretty just now.

To add to the adventure we headed into Toronto.  At 10:30 what should have been a 30 minute drive turned into a 1 1/2 hour drive.  We eventually made it to the Scarborough Town Centre and then another 20 minutes to find the entrance to the LRT.  That was like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  Very frustrating. Our trip from Union Station (something I have done many times) to the Rogers Centre was another comedy of errors.  I had to ask direction 3 times before we arrived at the Rogers Centre 1/2 hour late and freezing.  I have never felt more like a tourist in my life in a city that I was raised in.  If there was a wrong turn, a wrong door or the wrong direction to take we found them all.  Oh my what a day.  My last bone head play was when we got on the subway and headed in the wrong direction.  At that point my daughter fell into hysterical laughter which made me laugh and the poor three year old had no clue what was so funny.  Well after a very long day we finally made our way home in the rental car about 9:00. Thank goodness. 

My daughter feels that we have had so many uneventful trips to the city that we were due having one where nothing went right.

Here's hoping that you are able to make it up this was for another ride or two.  We will be here!!

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

The warmer days are nice to see but there is still lots of winter left apparently. 

The head groomer guy was around on Sunday talking to sledders about trail conditions.  All reports were good so he said that they would not groom on Sunday night as the snow was soft.  He wanted to let it set a bit.  Well it snowed Sunday night and a little again on Monday.  Temps are mild but still below zero.

The colder weather and snow blast coming today will get the groomers back out again.

Riders in yesterday all had positive things to say about the trail conditions. 

At this rate you will still be sledding on the May long weekend.  Oh!! perish the thought.

Four accidents in seven days was way too many.  That was last weeks count.  So keep to the right, don't drive so stinking fast (you're not that good a driver), look BOTH ways when you are crossing the highway and for the love of god keep an eye out for the groomer.  It's the big blue or red thing going about five kms per hour down the trail.  It's the reason that you can ride like an idiot!!!!!

There will be more families and kids driving this week and weekend so don't be a bonehead.  Think how you would feel it was your family coming toward you (and I don't mean your mother-in-law).

That's it for now.  Back later after mother nature has dropped a crap load of snow on Toronto and the surrounding area.  He he he.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Holy "Marching along".  It's hard to believe that is almost March break.  We will have black flies instead of snow flies before we know it.

However for now we still have good conditions, good weather, great trails, longer days and lots of sledders about.

The groomers are still going out every day.  Riders in are all saying that the trails are mint.

We have had a little bit of snow a few times this week.  Not lots just enough to keep it fresh.  The road crossing are getting ugly again but the sand trucks have been out a lot this week.

I'm hoping to see some of the cottagers back this weekend.  It's a great time to be up here.

Lots of good sledding left to do.

The Linkies General Store had planned radar runs for this weekend but sadly had to cancel.  That dreaded "liability" word reared its ugly head again.  Too bad you can't have fun without someone suing you when they act like a idiot.

Back later in the week.  After last weeks accidents, please slow down and keep to you own side of the trail. 

Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, March 01, 2014

At last it's up to a balmy -11.  T-shirt weather after this winter.  The warmer temperature also means snow, and yes it is snowing.

It started during the night.  I let the dog out and nearly had to shovel him off when I let him in.  It looks like it is going to snow for a while.

The trails are still in great shape and the road crossings are looking good.  The groomers are out every day.

Nothing more exciting than that.  So continue with your weekend unless you are heading up this way for a great day of riding.

Back next week.
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, February 24, 2014

What a beautiful day today.  Yes it was a little cold but the sun makes everything look so much better.

The two blue groomers were out first thing this morning.  One went north and one went south. It is a beautiful sight to see big blue pull across the road and into the parking lot to smooth out the path from the trail to the diner.  About 4:00 the red one when out on its evening journey. 

It wasn't really busy today but all the riders in today said that the trails are in excellent shape. 

The cold temperatures and small skiff of snow are keeping things in good shape.  The road crossings are looking much better now.

I have a small rant today.  I know some of you are VERY important and contact with the outside world  through social networking is imperative, as is checking the weather even though you just came in from outside.  However is it too much to ask that you look at the menu BEFORE you check your facebook and email accounts.  I give you five or ten minutes arrive at the table to take your order and I get "O, I haven't even looked at the menu yet."  No kidding bucko, you've had your head glued to your phone.  Half the table is ready but Ren and Stimpy are still seeing how important they are.  Then when I get busy you get pissy  because I'm not at your beck and call!!! Then you want your bill NOW and I'm waiting for someone else to finish texting and on and on it goes.  Well now, that feels better.

Here's hoping that you and your phone can get up here for some mid week riding and enjoy these great conditions.

Back later in the week. 
Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Life is good in LSP. The sun is shining, it's snowing and Canada just won the gold in hockey.

I'm guessing between hockey and nascar it will be pretty quiet around here today.

The good news is we didn't get much rain and we got snow right after. Riders in this morning said that the trails are in great shape and the groomers have been out both days.

If you are planning to do any early week riding this would bee a good week for it.

Hope to see you soon. Happy trails.

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, February 21, 2014

Things are not looking good today in Lake St. Peter.  We had a little bit of snow last night then some freezing rain, now just a little rain.  It is still fairly cold so I don't think there will be too much melting.

We really do need about 6 to 8 inches of fresh snow to make things perfect again.  There have been lots of riders in this week all saying that things are fine but we will have to wait for the end of the day to see what this does to the trails.  The road crossings were getting pretty ugly.

I'm told by the old boys weather club that a little snow is coming today.  It's a wait and see.

I'm off to the bright lights of Oshawa (after a brief stop in Peterborough) today to the Blue Rodeo concert.  I won't make it home til at least one o'clock.  Saturday may be a challenge for me as I am rarely up past 10.  But if the weather gets better I will update tomorrow.

I will offer an apology to dumb ass.  Yes I should have taken your scolding via e-mail as well as I do in person.  So for that I am sorry.  Having said that a number of people have claimed to be the dumb ass.  It has been a little amusing so thank you for that.

Well I'm off to get a few things done before I head out.

I don't think the weekend is a right off, it just may not be one of the best.

Back soon
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

I was scolded a number of time this weekend for my lack of updates.  I will accept my scolding's with grace but it has been a little to busy with sledders, bless your little hearts. 

And there hasn't been a lot to say.  Grooming continues every day and the trails are in excellent shape gets a little old after a while.  It's wonderful to report that every time but the ADD side of me needs a good snow storm or some exciting news something to keep me motivated.

When six o'clock rolls around after a busy lunch rush followed by doing the rest of the day by myself I have to make a tough decision.  Do I stay and update the blog or do I go home get into the comfy pants, pour a glass of wine and make dinner or do I stay at the diner and update nothing new in the neighbourhood.  Hmm guess you know what happens next. 

Well it did snow today and the groomers did go out because my cook Stu left at noon to learn how to drive the groomer.  They went to Papineau. Now it is past six and I am still here feeling guilty after being scolded this weekend.

It is also a holiday in the US and it's nice to see so many Americans travelling this way to sled.

So good weather, good trails, longer days,  good times = head up this way and ride.

That's it for now.  Back later in the week.  Holy crap it will be later in the week tomorrow.  Where is February going.

Happy Trails
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, February 07, 2014

Well I stand corrected.  When in my rant last week I stated that when you get 12 inches of snow from Oshawa to Oakville you can assume we would get a flake or two up here.  Oh brother was I wrong.  We did not get a flake of snow last week when it hit the fan down south.  It's a good thing we have a ton of snow already.  It has been trying to snow since last night and is still  falling now.  We just seem to get our snow in sensible amounts.

I watched the groomer go by this morning at 7:00.  Riders in yesterday said that all the trails that they were on were in great condition.  With the Snow Skimmers poker run this weekend you can be sure that everything will be at it's best.

We had the most awesome group of sledders in this week.  When they arrived here on Tuesday night it was day 10 of their ride.  They were from Quebec and had been touring Ontario staying in small towns and villages along the way.  What a great group.  Lots of fun.  They had covered about 3,000 km of trails so far and still had two days of riding left before they reached home.  What a great way to spend a couple of weeks.  And after 10 days they were all still speaking!!!  My hat's off to that group.

I know that next weekend is the long weekend but I hope some can make it up this weekend to support the MLSS and the dedicated group of volunteers that make the club great by taking part in the annual Poker Run.  The $10.00 entry is a bargain for a great day and lots of prizes.

Here's hoping that we see you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, February 04, 2014

At last a few minutes to post because I have a rant and I haven't had a good rant in a long while.

To the dum-ass sledder who called Dianne Hammond of the Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers to either point out or complain that the Porerville blog had not been updated in a week.

Please note that the Maple Leaf Snow Skimmers are in no way responsible for the activity at the Porterville Diner or the blog.  I am quite sure that Dianne is busy enough at this time of year with real concerns without being hounded about what I do.

This has been the best sledding year in Ontario for a long time.  So it should go without saying that when 8 inches of snow falls from Oshawa to Oakville a few flakes may have fallen here too.  There is probably not very much of the Province that is not snow covered, so again you could assume that we also have a goodly amount of snow here.  Is it really that important to know which trails were groomed yesterday when all the trails are in excellent shape. 

Well pardon me for getting sick and spoiling your whole week.  Let's hope that was your biggest crisis last week.  FYI you must realize that the weather is broadcast on the TV and radio every 10  minutes 24/7 so you are never out of touch!!

Whew glad I got that off my chest.  I'm feeling better already. 

Riders in today from everywhere said that the trails are great.  The weather the last two day has been perfect and the riding is amazing.  We are starting to see the larger groups and overnighters that February brings.

It is even nice to see that it is light by seven and not dark til almost 6.  Longer riding days. 

Well that's it for now. I'm told a big storm is coming again.  I hope it doesn't hit down south again.

Back later in the week.
Cheers
Nancy

Monday, February 03, 2014

For those of you who think I may have fallen off the face of the earth, I have not.  I had a cold and was all hopped up on over the counter cold remedies.  I'm fairly certain I went to work all week but I can't be sure.  I was advised not to operate anything mechanical.  This included my computer because you would have needed a translator for sure.

So I'm back (sort of).  Barry the groomer driver was in this morning he left for Bancroft at 2 am and made it back to LSP by 9:00 am.  He had a quick sandwich and then left for Whitney which takes 6 hours.  That is dedication for a volunteer.  Way to go Barry. The other driver that was to take over had a family emergency and was unable to go.

He said that all the trails are great.  There have been no complaints from any riders in so far and  with all the snow I'm sure there won't be any soon.  It snowed about 6 inches on Saturday night and is snowing again now.

I'm cutting this short this morning. I have an appointment in town but just wanted to get you up to speed.

Looking forward to a great week of sledding for sure.

Back later in the week.

Cheers
Nancy

Saturday, January 25, 2014

At last.  It was -8 at 7 o'clock and -7 at 8 o'clock.  So things are defiantly warming up.  It is also snowing.  Do you know how I know it is snowing.  Well that is because the phone rang at 4 am this morning for the big guy so he could go to work.  He plows the highways through the Whitney area.  I guess it is snowing in Whitney also. 

Being roused at that time it is hard to go back to sleep.  I  rolled around like a rotisserie chicken for 3 more hours and finally got up to go to work.  Damn I hate when that happens.

It is mid morning now and the snow has not stopped so that will be good for the trails that were frozen so solid.

Well if you can't get out for a ride today I sure hope you can get out tomorrow. It should be awesome.

Back Monday or Tuesday.
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 24, 2014

Wow.  All I have to do is whine and sledders show up.  I wish I had thought of that sooner.  Having said that a couple of them should have stayed in the city and not been let out. I don't want to get started on that.

We had a few in yesterday and no complaints from anyone about conditions.  It was still quite cold as on lady pointed out when she arrived.  I'm not sure how she though I got to work in the morning or that I hadn't noticed the temperature.

We are on day 2 of the outside hound being kept in the house because of the cold temperatures.  He is quite enjoying he new home.  The inside pets on the other hand, not so much.  The cat has turned into one of the flying Walendas leaping from everything high and low trying to attack or play with him.  But he just ignores it all. The big dog is just cheesed off that there is competition in the house.  He usually ignores his dog bed, but not today.  By the weekend his house will be reinsulated and the  weather will be warmer so he will be outside at least during the daytime and peace will reign again.

The groomer just went by.  That's every day this week except for Tuesday that they have been out.  The trails are excellent.  We had a little skiff this morning which is odd when it's this cold.

I know it's colder than normal but I hope that doesn't stop you from enjoying the mint conditions.

See you this weekend.
Cheers
Nancy

Thursday, January 23, 2014

I thought that sledders were the hale and hearty type, but you guys have disappointed me this week.

I know that it is minus something really stupid but where are you people.  It is eerily quiet around here.

The trails are in excellent shape and they continue to groom even though they haven't been used much.  There is not a lot of fresh snow on the trails so they are a little hard almost like when it is really icy. But it isn't ice just snow frozen stiff.  A little skiff of snow will fix that or maybe a temperature not in double digits with a minus in front of it. No complaints from the few that have been in this week though. 

Rumor has it that it is going to warm up for the weekend and that should make things even better.

No touching stories or bone head plays to report this week.  I wish someone would do something stupid so there would be something interesting to report.  Oh I miss the days when Brian and Jim sledded together.  They always had great adventures and did really stupid things. Alas I have lost my source of amusement.

Oh well back to work or maybe I'll just take some time and do the crossword first.

Back later if anything exciting happens.
Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

While living in my electronic hell my yesterdays post did not get published.  Crap.  It was full of whimsy and good info, none of which I can remember now.  Oh well they say there is nothing older than yesterday's news.  So I will start over again.

I didn't know where the groomers went yesterday and I still don't.  However the little red one was spotted in Madawaska, the two blue ones returned last night at about 5:00 so I'm guessing  red one that I didn't see went north.  Now if that isn't an info packed trail report I don't know what is. 

Last weekend was a great sledding weekend.  Perfect temperatures and perfect conditions you couldn't ask for anything more than that.

The Snow Skimmers fundraiser went really well.  So well in fact that we ran out of wings by 3:00.  The winner of the 50/50 draw was Steve somebody (or his wife).  They had two really cute young sons with them and by the look of what those kids ate they needed the money to keep them in groceries for the rest of the weekend!!!  The split was $338.00.  It was awesome to see so many club members and non members out to support the club. 

I think that we have the best customers in the world.  I apologize for the slow service on Saturday.  You are all so patient when it hits the fan around here.  We do try our best to keep up but sometimes it just gets nuts.  It's a good thing that we are all so damn charming and often entertaining!!!

There was about four inches of new snow on Sunday night, none last night.  The temperature isn't as cold as it was supposed to be.  Still cold enough that we cancelled our walk this morning.  I draw the line at -20. 

Well that's it for today.  I had to open up this morning so I have kitchen stuff to do before the cook gets in and gives me grief for not pulling my weight.  And let me tell you that is some weight to pull.

Back soon.
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 17, 2014

Unbelievable. They were the first words out of a sledders mouth this morning.  Two guys in for breakfast had ridden up from Gilmore said that the trails were excellent. 

True to their word all the groomers were out yesterday and they were doing Bancroft and Baptiste Lake again today.

This should be a perfect weekend to sled.  We got about 4 inches of snow overnight and it is still snowing now.  Keep in mind the ice under the snow.  It is still there.

I can't decide which noise I like to wake up to in the morning.  Either the dishwasher being unloaded  (just stay in bed until the rattling stops) or the sound of the snow being shoveled off the back deck.  I guess in January and February it is the deck one for sure.  He can always do the dishwasher later!

All the news is good for this weekend, with no bad news so I should not be cranky at all.  Oh unless some idiot really ticks me off which has been know to happen.

Happy trails and I hope you can all make it out sledding somewhere and enjoy this awesome weekend.

Back next week.  I won't have time Saturday or Sunday so unless something really bad happens that's it for now.

Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Woo hoo.  I finally had some sledders in today.  I was beginning to think that there was a by-law in Hastings Highlands prohibiting sledders from entering.

Today I have good news and better news.  We are getting snow.  Not lots but it looks like it will be enough.  We only needed a few centimetres. 

Riders in today said that all the trails were okay.  Some were icy where they hadn't been groomed but still okay.  One couple had to stop to remove a tree from the trail that a beaver had taken down and was munching away on.  He didn't stick around long and the tree was too big for them to move out of the way.  They could just move it enough to get the sleds under. 

The head groomer guy Lionel was in today and said that all of the groomers will be out tomorrow getting every trail in shape for the weekend.  He had groomed a bit this morning.

I am having a band in on Saturday night from 6:30 until later to round out the club's fund raiser wing day.

Well that's all the warm and fuzzy news I can stand for one day.  I'd better get back to work.  That sink full of dishes in the kitchen will not do themselves and I have to start on the Cream of Mushroom soup for tomorrow.

Back later I hope. If I'm not back nothing exciting has happened either way.

Hope you can make it up on the weekend.

Cheers
Nancy



Tuesday, January 14, 2014


I have good news and bad news.  The bad news is there is no good news.  The good news is we didn't get any more rain and we didn't loose any more snow.

Everything is really icy.  My driveway and lot look like a skating rink.  Walking is tricky.  I did however go on my walk today and it was a bit iffy a few times.  Now that the weather is warmer even the cat is walking with us again.  The icy conditions don't seem to bother him as much as me. 

We are expecting some snow overnight and into tomorrow so that should hide the ice nicely which is always fun to walk on when you can't see it.  The temperature has dropped a fair bit in the last couple of hours so any soft spots have already frozen over.

I didn't have any riders in today but the two that were in yesterday said that the trails had held up nicely with the mild weather. 

Don't forget the MLSS wing day at the diner on Saturday from 12 noon til 8:00. $15.00 gets you 10 wings and an order of cheesy garlic bites with $5.00 from each order being donated to the club.  There will be draws and prizes throughout the day.  We will also be having music on Saturday night from 6:30 until whenever!!!!

I will be back tomorrow with an update on the snow conditions, probably late in the day, earlier if I have good news.

Here's hoping for good things this weekend, or it could get ugly.

Back soon
Cheers
Nancy

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Well Saturday was enough to piss off the good humor man.  Why if it MUST rain does it have to happen on a Saturday and screw up everyone's weekend.  That just sucked.

Thankfully Sunday is much better.  A little skiff of snow is covering all the ice.  It's a good thing that we had 56 feet of snow already.  The rain didn't do any damage to the trails at all.  We had a lot of sledders in today and all agreed that things are good.  No complaints from any one.

The groomers will be out tonight to spiff things up and get back in shape for the week ahead.

I have taken the day off today nursing my crappy mood from yesterdays snit about the weather.

I'll be back early in the week to update. 

Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 10, 2014

It's hard to say what the weekend will bring.  But anyone who uses the word rain today will get a kick in the ass!!  And that's that.

The trails are in excellent condition.  The groomer went out this morning either to Bancroft or Martins Mill.  The club guy wasn't sure exactly. 

They have just left to stake Lake St. Peter.  Baptiste Lake will be done if not this weekend then first of next week.

I am still living in electronic hell.  I did however fix an internet problem all by myself so I'm feeling pretty damn brilliant right about now. 

I will cut this short this morning and will be back tomorrow if bad weather hits.  Which it won't. I am hoping for great things this weekend.

Back Soon
Cheers
Nancy

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

And it its still snowing, a very fine snow but it is still coming down.

A very short report today. 

The head groomer guy Lionel was in for lunch today and he told me that every trail in our system has been groomed this week.  The trail to Madawaska was done twice as it is a bit tricky.

There is no nicer sight than that big blue groomer heading down the path from the trail to the highway and into the diner parking lot.  The plough can make quite a hill at the road crossing after a while so it is nice when they take a few minutes to smooth it over.

Thanks guys.

The few riders that were in today were thrilled with the conditions.

So enough said.

Get your butts up here this weekend for some great riding.

Cheers
Nancy

Tuesday, January 07, 2014

The snow continues to fall and the wind continues to blow.

We have a whole crap load of snow, at least three feet.

I went for my walk today and we had quite a time trudging through the snow through the yard behind us to get to the road.  Thank goodness my walking partner is taller and younger than me and she went first. Even the dog figured out that it was easier to follow rather than lead this morning.  We certainly had rosy cheeks when we got back.

I had a group in from Coe Hill yesterday that had met both the Old Hastings groomer and the Maple Leaf groomer in their travels.  Needless to say they had a great ride.  The trails were VERY quiet yesterday.  We did not get the freezing rain up here that hit down south.  Even Coe Hill and area got a fair amount of freezing rain. 

It's nice to see some of the old familiar faces back again.  You wonder what happened to people over the summer when they don't show up. But last weekend brought out a lot of the regular sledders.

Hope we get more again this weekend.

I'll be back later in the week when I have talked to some riders.  There is just so much snow I can't imagine the trails not being mint.  They have now groomed over to Madawaska. 

Chat later.
Cheers
Nancy

Friday, January 03, 2014

Happy New Year to all and happy sledding also.

The really cold weather should end today and more snow should start on Saturday.  We haven't had any new snow to speak of since Boxing Day.  It was just lucky that we had lots before then.

The trails remain in good shape because it's to bloody cold for it to snow. 

I have not had any specific grooming reports just that they are in good shape. 

The lakes although not marked are being crossed.  It seems no one has gone through yet so all is good.

It's too early for bone head plays or maybe they are just not getting this far and I have no touching stories.  I am making my way out of electronic hell but the door isn't shut, so no celebrating yet.

I will be back later if I hear of anything exciting to report but other than log trucks running up and down the highway it has been a little quiet the last couple of days.

Just a reminder that the general store is open until 9 every day with lots of fuel available.  The Arlington Hotel in Maynooth has cheap accommodation available and lots of parking for trucks and sleds.  Also White Pine cottages on Lake St. Peter is under new ownership and is open this winter.

The MLSS are having a wing day at the diner. Saturday, January18. An order of 10 wings and cheesy garlic bites will cost $15.00 with $5.00 from each sale being donated to the club. Come on out and support the club that looks after you so well all winter.  They are trying to raise enough money to put hydro in the new maintenance facility. 

Well that's it for now.  Oh by the way HI DAVE.  I just did that to annoy your brother who says you get a swelled head anytime your name is mentioned.

Cheers
Nancy