Mooserus' Weblog

snow report

mooserus — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:44:23 +0000

Six inches of new wet snow Friday!! what a difference that made on the trails. There was a little bit of freezing rain yesterday evening which probably helped set up the trails even more. A few more inches fell overnight with local squalls. All told we received close to a foot in most spots. The groomers have been out doing their thing with a concentration on the southern trails with the snowmobile races at Parlin Pond today and Sunday.Should be a great weekend of riding. More snow is in the forecast for Wednesday. Guess winter is finally on!

snow report

mooserus — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:39:30 +0000

Six inches of new wet snow Friday!! what a difference that made on the trails. There was a little bit of freezing rain yesterday evening which propably helped set up the trails even more. A few more inches fell overnight with local squalls. All tolled we recieved close to a foot in most spots. Thegroomers have been out doing thier thing with a concentrasion on the southern traills with the snowmobile races at Parlin Pond today and Sunday.Should be a great weekend of riding. More snow is in the forcast for Wednsday. Guess winter is finally on!

Winter Carnival Time

mooserus — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:14:38 +0000

With winter making itself known in its usual ways, the people of Quebec have celebrated this cold and snow in a very big way.

Now in its 58^th year, The Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest winter carnival in the world! This year the theme is “The carnival shows off its colours.” There are many new sites and designs and some updates of the old favorites including Bonhomme’s Ice Palace with a new dome the shape of an igloo complete with a new disco.

This is a very family friendly tradition and an inexpensive trip for all to enjoy. Many of the exhibitions are ongoing throughout the festival and free of charge. Your Bohomme pin (the carnivals Mascot) is the entry pass to all events for the entire length of the festival. Pins cost 13.00 each or a family pack of 4 for 40.00. These are required for adults and children over 8 years of age. There’s even free busses to take you to event sites.

This 17 day event begins Friday at 8:30 pm January 27th^th with Opening Night festivities at The Plaines D’Abraham with a concert and fireworks. There are no less than three parades, snow rafting a lot more concerts, hockey, sleigh rides, ice canoe races, dog sledding and an Ice slide, International events and ongoing activities at 28 locations.

Quebec City is less than a two hour drive from the resort and does require a passport to cross the border. Winter carnival is well worth the trip and may even make you look forward to winter!

snowmobiling at last

mooserus — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:47:54 +0000

It’s been a long time coming but there is finally enough snow on the ground for the groomers to go out and do their thing. The first reports back are very good and I think a little better than riders expected.

I suspect people are just happy to hit the trails. Cold weather has hardened things up nicely. The base is not that big so keep an eye out for rocks. Other than that, the clubs are out there working and we are still doing the snow dance.

Ice fisherman have been doing well right here on Big Wood Pond. Plenty of Trout, salmon and splake. They aren’t even complaining about the cold. Heated ice shacks are available to rent if you’d like a little “creature comfort.”

new snow for Christmas

mooserus — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 19:46:35 +0000

It still doesn’t seem like the end of December in Jackman but at least we’re picking up a little more snow. The dooryard and wood line are beautiful and there’s enough snow to take the cross-country skies out tomorrow for a little trip in the woods. The sledding hill should be a lot of fun too with all the ice we had yesterday underneath this new coverage. snowmobiling should be too far behind.

Got Snow?

mooserus — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:53:27 +0000

The snow is falling outside tonight and it is beginning to look like we’ll have a white Christmas BUT….. The snowmobile trails open December 15th officially. We usually have the groomers out by December 1st. Ice shacks are waiting for the “”all clear” that the ice is safe to drive trucks on. The lakes aren’t even completely covered with ice yet! It’s really pretty out and easy to drive still. It looks like a movie set if you’re looking for that picture book New england scene for Christmas. If you’re looking for those extreme winter sports Jackman is known for, I think mother nature has us on hold for now. Think Snow!

Thanksgiving kind of stuffed.

mooserus — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 22:54:19 +0000

The resort was full of lots of families here to enjoy Thanksgiving “out in the woods.” The aromas that permeated the hallways were a diversified mix that represented all that is american. There was a lot more bounty than turkey, venison and corn on these tables of thanks. The pilgrims didn’t know what they missing without lasagna, enchiladas and pagogie (sp) that add more color to the table than cranberry sauce. Many new friends have been made this week at the resort to add to that table. There just seems like there is more time to talk with strangers up here in the woods. Time spent here seems fuller than “real world time” The kind that lets you know just how full your life really is. That’s my idea of being stuffed.

November is cool in Jackman

mooserus — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:56:44 +0000

It would be repeating myself to tell you once again why I love fall here so much. It is very quiet here and the area seems very much at rest. Guests have been hiking and hunting this past week. sharing paths and ideas as the see each other by the fire. Who says these two can’t get along?

Had our first chili supper this week. lots of children and cornbread which led to games and new friends. Life in the slow lane is fun to watch as an outsider. It has been a long time for some people that they have had nowhere to go or schedule they must keep. Watching the transformation into Jackman time is always a pleasure to observe. A few snow flurries tonight are getting the children excited. It’s a great night for a glass of wine in front of the hearth and a new friend to share the day with.

“Maine… the way life should be.”

In Living color

mooserus — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 15:56:13 +0000

Had to take a ride “down River” yesterday. Just a quick trip to the dr.’s office then back home. I’d be back by noon at the latest. Hmm. Let me tell you how that worked out.

Rte 201 is a fairly wide road with lots of passing lanes and turn outs whenever possible. These are the result of a road fund grant back when this section became a National Scenic Highway. Most of the time these additions go unnoticed but on a day like yesterday, You appreciate the fact that they are there. The sun was trying hard to stay out but there was some rain beginning to make its way into the area. The traffic was heavier than normal and seemed to be traveling at half of the legal speed limit. “Don’t these people have anywhere to go? Sure glad I left early. I’m going to be late for my appointment.” “They are pulling over again?” Wow, ” all these brake lights look like Christmas” ok,… What are all these people doing out here? Suddenly The traffic comes to a complete stop while a flock of turkeys slowly cross the road. I look out over the river and take in the surroundings. What a breathtaking scene. No wonder everyone is taking pictures. ” Do you realize you live in one the most beautiful places on earth?

Things began to take on a different perspective. All this color around me and I’m flying down to the road to leave this. This is the reason I live in such a wonderful section of New England. Slow down a take a breath. ” Maine, The way life should be.”

First Day of the 2011 Moose Hunt

mooserus — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 14:24:25 +0000

I almost forgot, After such a lovely long weekend that the moose

hunt started today. It feels so warm and beautiful , it’s hard to think about hunting. For the lucky few that get to go I am sure they have figured out contingency plans to care for these big brutes on days like this.

As for the rest of us, It’s a beautiful week to spend outdoors. Looks like we are getting a gorgeous indian summer. If your out hiking or ATV’ing this week, it’s a good idea to put some orange on. It is not required by law but better safe than sorry.

For those of you who are here hunting, good luck and enjoy the hunt!