January 29, 2005
Ding! ding! ding!
Finally, after 15 days of sub-freezing weather, the temp went above 32F today. It was like spring. Tomorrow's supposed to be even nicer.
January 27, 2005
Next Saturday: Ice Golf
Saturday, Feb 5, is the 13th Annual Pawtuckaway Open Ice Golf Tournament and Chili Competition.
As it has for the past four years, this year's event will be to benefit Families in Transition, a group that provides safe affordable housing to homeless individuals.
"Ice Golf" is a very casual tournament for all skill levels. From having been a spectator last year, I can say that "skill" isn't really a word that applies at all. Players whack the ball around a shortened course, laid out on the ice and snow along the southeast shore of Pawtuckaway Lake. Depending on the particular conditions, a golf shot may dig into a snowbank 20 yards from the tee, or go skidding across the ice all the way to the Neals Cove.
It's a lot of fun.
[Photo from 2004 of Tom Duffy making his approach shot to one of the "greens".]
Donna Danis, one of the founders and organizers of the event, says that already there are over 70 players registered this year. And you don't have to play golf to enjoy the day. Many attend just to watch, or simply to taste, and judge, the vast array of chili on hand.
In past years there have been as many as 100 people, players and eaters, at the event. This year is shaping up to be as big as ever.
Tee times are from 8:30 am to Noon, and the chili and bonfire go on all day.
"Greens Fees" are $5. To reserve a playing spot, or for general info about the event, call Donna at 603-895-3555, or email her at ddanis@comcast.net.
January 25, 2005
Snowy Footbridge
Snow-covered boardwalk on Pawtuckway's Woronoco Trail. In winter, the mountain biking path becomes a popular snowshoeing route.
January 23, 2005
Snow!
Fosters Democrat: "Nor'easter country! As Seacoast digs out, a wicked wind helps pile up the snowdrifts"
Manchester Union Leader: "Nor’easter slams New England with snow, wind"
WMUR TV: "Snowfall Tapers Off, Blizzard Warning Remains"
Portsmouth Herald: "Winter strikes again"
January 21, 2005
Park Fees to go up
The division hopes to raise about $1 million more this year from the increases.One change means it will cost $5 to park at popular trailheads during 20 summer weekends.
Other changes include a new $1 day-use fee per child ages 6-12, a 20 percent increase in camping fees, an increase in the camping reservation fee from $3 to $5, a new $5 charge for premium campsites during peak season and a 25 percent increase in the day-use fee to park and launch boats on the seacoast.
January 19, 2005
Dress carefully for the cold
Elizabeth Quinn, at About.com, reminds us to dress in layers for the cold.
Layering simply means wearing a combination of clothes (in layers) to help regulate your temperature and keep you warm and dry. The layers you wear for a given activity are matched to the weather, your activity level and your personal preference There are essentially three layers to consider: base, mid, and outer. Each layer has a specific function. The base layer wicks moisture & perspiration away from your skin to keep you warm. The mid layer is for insulation and keeping you warm, The outer layer allows moisture to escape while blocking wind, and repel water.
January 18, 2005
January 17, 2005
Snow again
We received about 1-2 inches of snow in the Pawtuckaway area last night. The forecast is for a little bit more today, and more later in the week.
So, after last week's warm weather and rain hurt the snow-cover, we could be back to snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing by next weekend.
January 12, 2005
Weather, some good, some not so much
This morning it was snowing pretty good in the Pawtuckaway area. But by later in the day it was raining. Forecast tomorrow is for 60 degrees. I'm expecting to see the lake all thawed, and water-skiing happening.
Well maybe not.
January 11, 2005
They have big rocks there too.
We have some big rocks in the Pawtuckaway area. This one in California would fit right in here.
January 09, 2005
Beautiful Snowy Day
My brother and I headed out in the middle of yesterday's snow and snowshoed up the east side of Burnhams Marsh, crossed at the north levee, then came back along Fundy Trail. Although we saw a few snowmobiles earlier in the day, we had the place to ourselves during our three hour hike.
Here are more pics of our snowshoeing.
January 08, 2005
Snowmobiles
I'm seeing the first snowmobiles of the winter in the Park this morning.
It's started snowing, and the forecast is for up to 5 inches today. That will be on top of the 4 inches we got on Thursday.
January 07, 2005
Cross-country skiing
With about 4 inches of fresh snow on the ground, we're seeing the first cross-country skiers out on the trails and along the edges of the lake.
They seem a little timid about crossing the main body of the lake, but there are the occasional adventurous tracks that head out there.
More snow forecast for tomorrow. We may have enough for snowmobiling by Sunday morning.
January 06, 2005
Snow!
We got 3-5 inches of snow in the Pawtuckaway area today. Snowmobiling can't be far around the corner.
January 01, 2005
Beautiful New Years Day
It was 50 degrees today, and if you didn't take advantage of the wonderful Pawtuckaway weather, then you missed out on a great thing.
With a group of friends, we drove in Reservation Road all the way to the edge of Round Pond. Then we spent two and a half hours hiking along the pond's shore, across Shaw's Trail, up onto South Ridge Trail, to the fire tower, and back.
Great day, wonderful hike.