OMG…..Could Al Gore Be Right???

Sitting looking out the window on January 31st and I had to contemplate the  merits of Al Gore’s theories on global warming………because it is not suppose to be raining and be 50 degrees in Aroostook County on the last day of January.    Last weekend we were happy and out in the cold having a great time……..now we are picking up field stakes and trying to console each other .  Tuesday we were riding in the sunshine on perfectly groomed trails thinking life was good……now we are reading the forecast discussion from the NOAA office in Caribou trying desperately to find a hint of snow…..no matter how little it might be.

View from my office Tuesday!!

The good news is that  if you really want to snowmobile the folks from Shin Pond, Millinocket, and the Jo Mary region will attempt to groom Friday night once it cools down.   Their cover was a bit heavier and withstood the rain although there will be some lean areas and some water holes…..but there is still white on the ground so call ahead.

Looking ahead there is some talk of snow maybe Sunday and again the middle of next week.  Don’t give up yet…………We will keep you posted.

For now think about this……outdoor winter sports, especially snowmobiling contribute significantly to Maines winter economy.   We have struggled over the last two seasons although, despite the lack of snow across the State last winter, The County had awesome trails last winter but when it is 60 degrees in Bangor who is thinking about starting a snowmobile!!

When we think about Maine, pretty much all our major industries are weather dependent and whether you believe in Al Gore’s theories or not, winters have changed significantly.   What were typically 12-14 week seasons are shrinking to 6-8….is that the new norm??   Who knows.

Heard a cute story about winters past the other day.   Some of us “older” folks were discussing winters past and how high the snow banks were and drifts, etc……but then someone said….yeah but the telephone poles were shorter………and you know what….they were !!!   So much for the old days stories ……..

For now, let’s just suck it in and get in a unified snow dance mode.  The Farmers Almanac has some great forecasts for February!

While we are waiting for snow remember the following fundraisiers and activities…..snow or not they still need your support.

February 2  Supper on the Run and a Poker Run held by the Portage Lakers……..they will adapt !

February 9  Andy Santerre Ride and auction and dinner…..log onto www.amhc.org for more info

February 9 Fort Kent will have their steak feed at the Senior Center beginning at 5 p.m.

February 10 Fort Fairfield will host a breakfast from 7-10 at their clubhouse off the Strickland Road

February 15-17 is Moosestompers Weekend in Houlton

February 16 is the annual Caribou Snowmobile Club Hotdog Roast in Stockholm at the intersection of ITS 105 and ITS 83 adjacent to vehicular route 161

February 16 Madawaska is gearing up for the USCC East X Country Snowmobile 100 Race

February 17 Frontier Fish and Game Club will be hosting Radar Runs on Monson Pond in Ft Fairfield

And don’t forget Saturday breakfasts at the Meduxneakeag Clubhouse and Saturday and Sunday breakfasts and lunch at the Washburn Clubhouse

Support them folks…..they are what keeps snowmobiling alive and well in The County

Kathy Mazzuchelli

About Kathy Mazzuchelli

Kathy Mazzuchelli is superintendant of the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department where she has worked for 38 years. An avid snowmobiler, Mazzuchelli’s first sled was a 1968 Polaris Mustang back in the days when groomed trails were done with snowmobiles, bedsprings and some pretty feisty folks.