Follow the snow

When things aren’t going great, people often start out their sentences with: “I hate to complain, but…”

Not me. I understand that a whiney disposition isn’t flattering, but I don’t hate complaining – not when it’s warranted. So, let’s talk about this winter.

What the dandelion! (A choice word selected by the online Random Word Generator — Plus).

Why can I see the ghastly dead grass of my back yard? Why am I still excited to use my snow blower?

One of my biggest complaints about this snowless winter is the negative effect it is having on local outfitters and businesses that rely upon good season of cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. And a new acquaintance the other day pointed out to me how terrible this winter has been for people who depend on income from plowing driveways.

Photo by Aislinn Sarnacki. A trail in Holbrook Island Sanctuary State Park is lightly dusted with snow on Feb. 14, 2012.

There’s nothing we can do. Mainers understand what it means to be at the mercy of the weather.

And I’m sure a lot of people are actually benefiting from the lack of snow, but I’m still a little bummed about the fact that I haven’t been snowshoeing in the Bangor area this winter.

There’s only one solution I can think of for cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike. Head north. Give northern Maine a little business. They have snow.

“Everyone’s skiing and snowshoeing up here,” said a staff member at Maine Winter Sports Canter on Feb. 15. “I don’t know the exact inches we have on the ground, but I know skiing is perfect.”

Cross-country skiing conditions are ideal in Aroostook County. Visit the Maine Winter Sports Center website, www.mainewsc.org, and click on the “Facilities and Trails” tab to search for places to visit.

 

Aislinn Sarnacki

About Aislinn Sarnacki

Aislinn is a Bangor Daily News reporter for the Outdoors pages, focusing on outdoor recreation and Maine wildlife. Visit her main blog at actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.