Making Tracks

This evening we went for what is probably our last ski until it gets cold again and snows. That's two things that have to happen. Two things that this winter seems unwilling and/or unable to provide. But before the snow vanished before our eyes this week we managed to get out and have some snowy fun.

Last summer, while I was leading an Allagash trip, Daniel bought us a used Skandic. (That's arguably the gold-standard for grooming ski trails.) It's one of those things you've got to grab when they come up on Craig's List. So contrary to what you might guess, I was happy to come home to a new-to-us snowmobile in August! And two weekends ago we brought it down and groomed some trails at my Dad and Rebecca's house in Monmouth.

There wasn't enough snow to groom in the woods but we set some tracks around all the hay fields. We guess we had close to 2 miles of trails. And it was gorgeous!

Even though the woods didn't have enough snow to groom, there was still enough to (carefully) explore the wooded trails on the property. For those that know the Monmouth / Winthrop area, a view of Mt. Pisqah is through those trees. We'll have to do some vista clearing.

This past week I explored Bald Mtn in Dedham via snowshoes, a good call because the crampons were needed for the ice. I stumbled upon this cool icy ledge in the woods. 

Turkey trotting tracks... and I'm pretty sure the second is coyote. (The canine tracks were surrounding deer tracks, and I don't think they were dog.)

Not great (or any) skiing has left me with time to ponder life. And practice my wintertime hardwood tree identification. Quiz me next time you see me!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, even woodsy folks can get dressed up! We were happy to attend the Kennebec Valley Chamber Kenney Awards and see the Kennbec Land Trust win the 2016 Community Service award! This is our "red carpet" photo...