Saturday, December 31, 2016

Go start..............

I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year!   Hope your having or had a safe and fun one, depending on when you're reading this.  We sure are off to a good start for this years snowmobile season.  It's been a few years since we had snow like this on New Years Eve.  Sorry the report is so late.  It's been a crazy day around here with the plowing, shoveling and everyone in town. Then top it off with having heating system problems last night at midnight and then this morning again.  But what would life be without a few bumps in the road.

Today's Video.......

Friday, December 30, 2016

What year is it?

Because it sure looks and feels like the old days around here.  With snow in the air most of the day and cold temps keeping everything frozen down.  I know it may be short lived, but I'm enjoying it while it's here.

Today's Video...............

Thursday, December 29, 2016

Don't look...........

If you don't have plans to be in the area riding this weekend don't even look at the cams.  Because things are getting better by the hour.  We had snow all morning and into the afternoon.  We picked up a good 5 inches plus and it looks like there may be a lake effect band setting up this evening.  As I just looked outside and it's working on white out conditions again at 8:15pm.  Today's video says it all...we got snow!

Today's Video...........

Some updated trail news:

  • Regarding Trail C7E. The snowmobilers that went past the keep out sign on trail C7E turned themselves in at the club house on December 24th. They were 17, 17, and 14 years old. They were very remorseful for the damage caused in getting the trail closed. A meeting was held on Tuesday, Dec 27th between the Presidents of the White Otter Fish and Game Club, the Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club and the parents/kids involved to find a resolution to the trail closure. They have agreed to retake the safety course and each provide 20 hours of trail work to the Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club.  As a result of this trail C7E is OPEN!

Wednesday, December 28, 2016

You'll be surprised........

I know I was, when I saw the video Jason brought back from his ride today.  Now that things are freezing back down and new snow is in the forecast for the next few days.  People have been heading north, enjoying the conditions we have and hoping for it to get even better over the next few days.

Today's Video........
  

Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Not even 24 hrs...............

In less than 12 hours our conditions have gone down hill.  Let's just hope that we see the cold and snow that is in the forecast and we'll be back riding by the end of the week again.

Today's Video.............

Monday, December 26, 2016

Not much so far..............

We have seen light pockets of R here and there today.  But nothing to get all bent out of shape about or stop people from riding.  The front that will be bringing us some R over night is pretty impressive.  As it stretches from Canada to Texas in length.  I'm just hoping the most of it stays off to our west, as it is now or starts to fall apart.  Another thing that I took note of today was the temp. change.   It was just below 10 most of the night from midnight on and within an hour the temp jumped to 28 this morning.












Last night I was able to get out for a ride with Mike and his son.  We stayed around the area and put on just short of 50 miles in an hour and a half.  Nice way to end Christmas day in my book.

Today's Video.............

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club Trail Issue:

Ok folks! We didn't even make it one week, before we lost a trail. The Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club would like to thank the individual or individuals who decided that a KEEP OUT sign really didn't apply to them. As a result Trail 7E at the White Otter Fish and Gun Club is closed until further notice because of off the trail riding. This was a main corridor trail for traveling between Forestport & points north that kept snowmobile riders off the railroad track. So, it is quite simple at intersection marker OD31 trail 7E is closed going north. The gates will be closed on both ends of the White Otter Fish & Gun club. Going south on Trail 7E the gate to be closed is located where the trail crosses Hawkinsville Rd. You will now have to cross Rt 28 by the Woodgate Fire House, ride thru the BoyScout camp, over to Bear Creek Road & pick up the railroad tracks to go south. And to go north reverse the process.
No grooming or maintenance will take place on the portion of trail 7E which is closed. This may also impact our ability to groom trails north of the closed area such as the BoyScout camp area, Brandy Lake Trail 7C, the Round Pound Trail, and trail 7C that heads out towards Boonville.
The Trackside Blazer Club officers & the many volunteers that put in countless hours working on the trails and maintaining good landowner relations do not appreciate the utter STUPIDITY of some people who cannot follow simple instructions to stay on the trails & NOT GO OFF trail riding.
With the expected rain on Monday, the rails may be closed to riding, so no north south travel will be possible at that point!
So to put it simply, because of a few the majority of us are now punished!





 This sign & fence was just put in place last Saturday after individuals rode off trail onto the White Otter Fish & Gun Clubs private property.They destroyed the White Otter Fish & Gun clubs fence, this replacement was done with Trackside Blazers club money/time.









In the above picture the TRAIL is off the the right side of the trees on the right. The area straight ahead of the camera shot is OFF LIMITS to riding!

Greg Albright
Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club
trackside280@aol.com
(315) 392-6008

Merry Christmas to All ! !

To everyone that has dropped an email, phone message and so on.  I'd like to say Thanks for the Holiday Wishes and I hope you, your family and everyone else is having a great Christmas.

For some reason the video is jerky today.  I'm guessing the video file was to big to process it smoothly.  Hope you enjoy,  I know I had fun getting the video for it.

Today's Video.....

Friday, December 23, 2016

Looking better............

It all depends on which forecast you look at.  But at least some of them are now saying frozen stuff coming from the sky on Monday.  On a more positive not it looks like snow for Saturday.  Who knows maybe one will wash out the other and we'll stay right where we are now.  Today we had the sun out and temps got above freezing.  So things got a little soft, but besides that weather wise it was quiet around here today.

Today's Video............

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Cross your fingers.............

The day after Christmas is getting closer and they still are looking for some R.  I'd rather see it this week than next.  It's all about timing, this week it could make the base that much better.  Next week it's just going to make a mess and not have time to set up.

Today's Video............

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

I'm still here................

Sorry about no report yesterday.  Had many things on my plate to get done and had plans to go to Utica Christmas shopping.  By 3 in the afternoon I was just finishing up what had to be done and really needed to get on the road to go shopping.  So the report for the day didn't get done.  So what has gone on in the last 48?  Not much of anything to tell you the truth.  Had some snow in the air but not really anything to talk about.  The big thing I'm seeing is what is the weather going to be the day after Christmas.  But I wouldn't put any stock in that just yet, as it to far out.   Besides that the forecast is looking pretty good.

Today's Video.........

Monday, December 19, 2016

Could of been worse..............

After getting calls on how things have turned out after yesterday's morning R.  I figured I'd take a ride out to north street and see how things looked.  As I said yesterday, it's more of the snow settling down, than melting and things have frozen up solid with the below zero temps this morning.

Today's Video...........

Sunday, December 18, 2016

Not sure............

I'm not sure what's going on this afternoon.  The forecast is only calling for a dusting to an inch.  But after watching the radar in motion I'm  wondering if there isn't a small band of lake effect starting to set up. Because each time I look outside it seems to be snowing harder than before.  Who knows maybe we'll be riding sooner than I thought.

Today's Video..............

Thought I'd pass this on.............

Got the below email from Trackside Blazers Club.  If you see someone doing something stupid like this write down their registration number and pass it on to the powers to be.  We don't need more trails being closed because of  inconsiderate riders.


Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club Trail Issue:

Ok folks! This is the SECOND time in less than two weeks that we have a trail riding issue. Riding our trails is a privilege, not a right. Sometime Thursday night or Friday morning sleds rode off trail at the White Otter Fish and Game club on trail 7E. They destroyed the fence blocking off the club field from the Old Shootout track and rode all over the field. The land owner is not happy and will close the trail if it happens again. Now the volunteers at TrackSide BlazersInc will have to take time from family and friends to put up a new fence this weekend to keep the land owner from closing the trail.  Also, membership money will be spent on fence and posts. If this trail is closed there is no way north or south without using C7 the rails. We would not have our trail system without our land owners, so riding off trail onto their PRIVATE property is not only foolish, it will get the trail closed!  If you are a club member & doing this, we really don't want you in our club.  If you are a member of another local club, I doubt they really want you as a member either! 

Saturday, December 17, 2016

Bonus Weekend...........

For those that came to the north country this weekend got in a bonus weekend of riding this year.  When you think that it's only the middle of December, conditions in my book, are great compared to most year at this time.  We may see some R over night and with the limited amount of people in the area riding.  It may just help give us a better base for the rest of the season.  As there won't be to many people out riding on the trails if they get soft from the R.

Today's Video.........

Friday, December 16, 2016

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Past 24 have been interesting...........

What will the next 24 hours bring us?  Only time will tell, but the last 24 have been very good to Old Forge and the region.  At this point we have gotten around a foot of new snow and over in the Lowville area they saw almost 3 feet over night.  Check out the below radar image, the band of lake effect that has been in the area is being produced from moisture coming off of two of the great lakes this afternoon.   It's 4pm now and the winds have started to pick up also.  Which isn't a good thing with them calling for well below zero tonight.  It's no fun having the power go out at those temps.


















     
 Today's Video.............

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

Won't be a wet spot for long........

With the temps they are calling for over the next few days, any wets spots that are out there won't be around for long.  If everything stays the same in the forecast, we should see some good lake effect over night.  But by Thursday it will be moving out of the area. But that's OK, as long as it keeps dumping snow in the region so it expands the riding range for everyone.

Today's Video....

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Could it be?

Is the stage being set for an upcoming year like we had a few years ago?  Could be, because the forecast is sure looking good for setting things in place to give us a good base on the trails.  But like always only time will tell.

Today's Video..............

Saturday, December 10, 2016

It's all.....

What you make out of it.  Yes conditions could be better, but they could be a lot worse.  Many people got the first ride of the season in this weekend and had a good time doing it.  The 120/Kitty Cat races at the show this afternoon went over big with the kids and may of had a record of entries.  Not much else to report besides winter weather looks like it's here to stay for awhile.

Today's Video..........

Friday, December 9, 2016

Snodeo 2016

Hard to believe Snodeo weekend is here again.  Guess there is something to this getting older thing and life goes past faster.  With the people I've talk to, it sounds just like I said yesterday that the snow band hit harder south of us than it did north. If the long range forecast holds true one thing is for sure.  Things will be freezing up around here as they are calling for some below zero temps.  All said and done from the beginning yesterday till today we have gotten about a half a foot of new snow.

Today's Video.........

Thursday, December 8, 2016

It's starting.......

The lake effect snow warning was calling for the event to start around 7am.  We did see some lake effect first thing this morning.  But it wasn't anything to really talk about, as it was coming off of Lake Erie and by the time it got here there wasn't much left to drop on us.  However around noon we did start to see snow that is worth talking about.  It's now coming off of Lake Ont. as the lake effect band is shifting into our area from the north.  Cross your fingers that it stops on top of us and doesn't shift more south.  How sweet would it be to get the 8 to 12 they are calling for just before Snodeo.

5:30PM Update.  As of now we have seen about two inches of new snow in the Old Forge area.  But after talking with people coming into town from the south and looking at the radar, just south of us is getting hit.  So as long as it stays in the area it won't take much for it to move north again.

6:30PM Update:  All day there really hasn't been much of a wind.  Well that is changing and with it is coming the lake effect.  If it snows like this all night we'll have something to measure in the morning.

Today's Video.........

Monday, December 5, 2016

Opening Day..............

It's white for the opening day of the snowmobile season.  But there really isn't enough snow to ride on just yet.  However there was a few people out giving it a try.  The snow we got today was a good wet snow that is packing down very nice.  Now we just have to wait and see what the rest of the week will bring us.

Today's Video............

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Update.........

We had snow on and off most of the day on Friday, but it really didn't amount up to much more than an inch or so.  Today so far it's been cloudy with light snow in the air.  Cold temps are in the forecast with some snow, so it's just going to be a wait and see thing.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

It did help......

Yes we lost all of the snow we got the other week.  But I think it did help things out in a round about way. Just like the rest of the region, we had a dry season and this melted snow put moisture into the soil.  Which will help frost settle in much faster and it also cooled the soil down.  Because up until that snow, it was bike riding weather here in Old Forge.

Today's Video...............

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving !

Hope everyone has a fun filled day planned, with lots of goodies to eat. Enjoy your nap after the feast!

Today's Video............
 

Monday, November 21, 2016

Who would of thought.........

Just two days ago there was people riding motorcycles and today we have 18 inches plus of fresh snow.  It looks like it might warm up for Friday.  I hope not, as that is the kick off day for Christmas on Main Street here in Old Forge and there's nothing better than a fresh coating of snow to make it feel like Christmas. 

Today's Video.............

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Did you notice?

I saw something on one of the webcams today that tells me snowmobile isn't far off.  What was it?

Sunday, October 23, 2016

You could measure it..........

Well the first snow of the season is over and we got enough that you could measure it.  I checked other area cams this morning and found that it wasn't wide spread.  By the way the forecast looks Mother Nature sure flipped the switch.  We went from fall/summer to winter in a few days.  Here's are some pics from around the area this morning.  Old Forge and Stillwater is white, but Inlet by the lake and the hill didn't have any sticking snow.







Saturday, October 22, 2016

First one of the season...........

We have the first snow fall of the season coming out of the sky this morning.  It isn't sticking yet, but the forecast is calling for 1 to 3.  Sorry about the cams on top of the mountain and the trail working on and off.  But in this kind of weather the wireless doesn't work all that well.  I'll be changing over to the hard wire setup pretty soon.




Sunday, September 25, 2016

First one this fall.............

This morning we woke to our first frost of the season and the temp. was 30 at 6am.  There is a freeze warning in place for us Monday morning again from 2 to 8 am.  I'm guessing some of you saw the freeze warning for us.  Because the blog visits jumped up for today.  It won't be long and we'll be seeing the white stuff again.  Some pics from this morning.  You can tell the lakes are warm from the steam coming off of them.





Monday, May 16, 2016

This saying fits...........

A day late and a dollar short sure fits to what we woke up to this morning.  The funny part is not everyone in the area got it.  Check out the pics and you'll see what I mean.  Guess I won't be power washing things outside today.





 

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

It's over...........

According to me it's over!  I drove the truck out back at noon today and took the plow off for the season.  But in 6 short months I could very well be putting it back on to plow again.

Thursday, March 24, 2016

Name change...........

Thunder in the Forge is held the beginning of June each year and this year is no different.  But the name of the event has changed and it is now called...........Bike & Brews Thunder In Old Forge

You can find updates here on www.facebook.com/bikesandbrewsADK

Monday, March 21, 2016

Forgot..............

I forgot to include this pic from Friday in the last video.  To show you the impact of packing and grooming of a trail has on the base.  All the snow around where the trail was is gone, but you can still see where the trail was.  This is because the frost is driven into the ground under the packed trail area.  So it works like a freezer unit from below.  I'm sure many of you knew this, but I thought I'd share it anyway.  Hope you're having a great day!


Saturday, March 19, 2016

Not over yet..........

Even though we really didn't have much of a winter.  It isn't over yet, because we had snow yesterday and winter temps this morning.  I did miss quote in the video.  The Thursday clip was taken in the afternoon, not in the morning.

Today's video for................

Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Did you think..............

Well the big snow that was in yesterdays forecast is already gone.  Did you think it was going to be any different than the way the rest of the winter went.  I did make a call, to find out what would happen if we got big snow.  The answer is in today's video and check out the video a follower of the blog sent me. 

Today's Video for.........



Pretty cool.......Thanks George!!  May just have to do this next year..........

Thursday, March 10, 2016

It's official.......

Well this is the first time I can recall this happening.  The trails are officially closed for the 2015 - 2016 snowmobile season and after my trip to Stillwater yesterday I can understand why.  I've included the  press release from the info center below.  I keep forgetting to include that there will be helicopter rides at Snofest this year again.

Today's Video........


Weather forces early closure of Snowmobile Trails
OLD FORGE--The Town of Webb Snowmobile Trail System was officially closed for the season Thursday, March 10, 2016.
Normally, the season runs from early December until the end of March. Lack of snow this season delayed riding until mid-January, and conditions have deteriorated severely recently.
“The preparation by trail maintenance crews got us up and running immediately when we first received snow,” said Mike Farmer, Webb tourism director. “Skillful grooming with minimum coverage produced a solid base which lasted a long time. Many of the interior trails have remnants of that still, but conditions are now unsafe.”
Some diehard snowmobilers were riding as recently as last weekend, Farmer said. “Two different groups reported riding 40-100 miles, but it had to be very tough going,” he added. “For weeks, riders have been struggling to get some riding in this season. Although trails were rideable, there’s been no snow for lubrication or cooling.”

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Just like............

Snofest just like Snodeo goes on with or without snow.  It would of been nice to have snow for the test rides.  Because they are always a big hit at Snofest.  But this year they won't be happening.  I put together a video of a few things I saw around they area over the last few days.

Today's Video............

Sunday, March 6, 2016

Hard to believe............

Check out the second video in today's post.  What a difference a year can make, hard to believe.  This is going to be the last of my daily posts for this season.  As there really isn't all that much to talk about or report right now.  But be sure to check in from time to time.  Because who knows what I may come across in my travels.  Thanks for watching this season.  It sure was one we'll all remember. 

Today's Videos.............



If only this year could of been the same.............


Friday, March 4, 2016

All depends..........

Looks like things are going to get worse or some may say better.  It all depends on your view of what is good or bad.  It would really be nice to have winter stick around till SnoFest or even better yet have some fresh snow for the demo rides.  But it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

Time Loop Video on the river.........

Today's videos.................



Thursday, March 3, 2016

Pretty sad..............

The snow we had over night really didn't amount to more than an inch or so.  In years past we had snow like that all the time.  An inch here and an inch there and didn't really think anything about it.  But this year, we are counting every flake hoping to get some riding in.  Who knows maybe we'll get one last freak snow storm yet. 

Today's Video............

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Not one break !

I don't know what it is about this winter, but we sure can't get a break, not a one.  I said the other day that 1998 was a bad February also.  So today when I was at the info center, I looked at the snow total for that month and year.  I was shocked when I saw it, we had a whopping 8".  I'm not sure what the total is for this year, but it can't be much more.  February of 1982 had a total of 8" also.  So unless we get a surprise shot of snow.  It looks like another weekend of no riding again.

Today's Video............





Not showing up on the radar but it's snowing at 9:30pm.....

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Not yet...........

Don't give up hope, not yet.  I know it isn't looking all that promising and all they are calling for is 1 to 4 at best.  But if the storm tracks just a little to one way or the other.  We could see enough snow to get us back to rideable conditions.  With 6" of wet snow conditions would be at least marginal.  But at this point, marginal could almost be called great.  So keep an eye on the cams to see what we wind up with.

After watching the video I noticed I made a mistake.  What did I mess up?

Today's Video..........

Monday, February 29, 2016

Is it?

Is this storm going to be the one that gives us a chance to get some riding in?  It looks like it's going to be wet snow.  So if we get enough to do something with and then the below zero temps right after it.  It could freeze down into something to ride on.  But only time will tell.

I looked back over my records today and this was the worst Feb. I've had in 26 years.  The next worst was 1998 and that year I rented five more room nights.  As for the season, if things keep going the way they have been.  This will also turn out to be the worst season in 26 years.  But that I won't know till the end of March.  Because anything is possible when it comes to weather and the north country.

Today's Video.............

Sunday, February 28, 2016

It's not..............

Walked to the store this afternoon and you sure could of fooled me.  I know it's not, but it sure felt like spring today.  These weather swings sure have been of the chart this year. By mid week we'll be below zero again.

Today's Video.........

Saturday, February 27, 2016

I called it...........

During the night we had clouds move in and with it came a dusting of snow.  But before the clouds got here we dropped down to one below.  So I called it on the temp, now if I could only call it like that for snow, we'd be all set.

Today's video.............

Friday, February 26, 2016

Going to be..............

Looks like it's going to be a cold one tonight.  Calling for a low of three, but I'm guessing we'll get below zero, with the clear skies we have.  Besides the cold temps moving in there hasn't been much else going on today.  The shots of on and off snow never amounted to anything this morning and we saw clear skies most of the day.

Today's Video..........

Got some...........

We woke up this morning to a fresh coating of snow.  I'd give it two maybe three inches at best here in Old Forge.  It looks like Stillwater may have gotten more than us. But not enough to say come ride.  However everyone has different thoughts.  Because there's sled tracks on the trail cam. We are still seeing shots of snow on and off this morning.    I'll fill you in later on what it amounts to. 

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Another one.........

Around noon the R changed over to a wet snow and by mid afternoon it was snowing pretty good.  Hard enough that it gave me a slight hope, that we may get enough snow to see some riding over the weekend.  But by 8:30 we have only gotten about an inch of the white stuff so far.  Who knows we may still get a good shot over night  But it looks like another weekend is going to come and go without any riding in the area. 

Today's Video.............

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Same thing tonight...........

As I'm doing this post there's another round of  weather just to our south, just like last night.  But I don't think we'll see any frozen stuff coming from this one.  The R and the instant freeze down we had last week has helped things out.  Because we do have a solid layer of ice out there and that is sticking around a lot longer than a snow pack base would.  If only the .95 inch of R we had today could of been all snow. 

Today's Video...........



Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Almost here..........

At 8:30 pm the radar is showing that there's something between us and Utica.  What will it be when it hits the ground?  I'm hoping it's all white stuff, but the odds of that happening are slime at best, with the way this winter has been going.  Did you see next Thursday?  Calling for 8-12, who wants to guess on when that will change.  We better get some snow pretty soon!  I'm even starting to sound negative.

Today's Video..........

Monday, February 22, 2016

Even worse.....

By the way things are looking, it's going to get even worse, before we may see anything to get excited about.  So what's everyone been doing, since you haven't been getting in any seat time?  If it's something interesting, how about sharing and giving the rest of us some thoughts on what to do during these boring winter days.

Today's Video................

Sunday, February 21, 2016

Well ! !

So much for the forecast looking interesting for the upcoming week.  It now looks down right depressing.  We did have light snow in the air most of the day.  But all it did was give us a light coating to make things look pretty.  Remember those people that rode on the so so conditions we had a few weeks ago.  Well maybe we are the fools after all, because at least they got some seat time in.

Today's Video.............

Friday, February 19, 2016

Pretty Quiet............

It's been pretty quiet today.   So all I have for you is a video.  But keep an eye on the cams, as it looks like it may get interesting over the next few days.

Today's Video............

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Still lots.............

We may not have enough snow to ride this weekend.  But there's still a few things going on in the area.  At the Rec. Center is the Pink Ribbon Riders event and in Big Moose is the shot out.  Enough things to fill in your day, if you can't get some seat time in.  Next weekend in Inlet there is Frozen Fire & Lights.  Not this weekend, like I had listed before.  Thanks Chris for pointing out my mistake in the dates.

Today's Video........

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Coming to............

The snow that we've had coming from the sky all day, seems to be coming to an end at 8pm.  It gave us a few inches, not really enough to ride on.  But enough that it covered the ice that you can walk on it without breaking your neck.  Today we have two videos and I'll explain why in the second one.

Today's Video #1..............


#2

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Wasn't it..........

Now that the days all over, all I can say is, well wasn't that just so special!   We didn't see anything near the snow totals they called for.  We say about 3" before the R moved in, but we sure did see the R.  The weather station at the info center measured 1.39 inches.  So we are back to square one with just the hard pack left on the ground.  All the fresh snow we got over the last few days is all gone.  The standing water in the driveway is starting to freeze back up.  I don't know if it will freeze over tonight, but tomorrow night it should freeze back up. 

Today's Video...........

Guess who's.............

Well guess who's on the wrong side of the storm.  We are and at 8am it's 41 degrees with light R coming out of the sky. The northeast sure hasn't seen winter stick around for more than a few days this year.  Even Bangor Maine is going to see R and high temps today.  More later..............

4:10 update:  Temp has dropped to 33 and the R has changed back to snow.  Question is will we get enough to get any riding in.

4:14 update:  Now it's back to R again.....give me a break.  I'm going to the rec Center and fix the cam. 

Monday, February 15, 2016

Well that..........

The snow that started this morning turned out to be nothing to get excited about.  All we saw was a dusting at best.  But the winter warning is still in place.  So all we can hope for is we stay on the right side of this and we see very little or no R at all.  The wind has started to pick up and the lights have blinked a few times.  I'm hoping we don't loose power again.  But at least it's not 30 below like the other morning.

10pm update:  The snow has started again.
3am update:  1 1/2 to 2 of wet snow.

Today's Video................

What will it be?

12:50 pm and the snow has started.  Now it's just going to be a wait and see.  As to how it all turns out.  I'll check you updated.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Pretty close........

Well they called for 28 below and I had 29 below here at the motel.  But besides the cold we didn't see any other type of winter weather over night.  We really haven't been able to get a break this winter.  We have the cold and no moisture or we get the moisture and no cold to make the snow.  But Tuesday looks like it's going to be the make or break day for us.  So cross your fingers it's cold enough for snow.

Today's Video.........

Saturday, February 13, 2016

How low...........

At 8pm we are at 19 below zero.  They are calling for it to drop to 28 below.  Even if we had great riding conditions, the only ones that would be out tonight, would be die hards.  28 below is cold, but it's no where near the record set in 1979 when it went down to 52 below.  Now that's COLD!

Today's Video.........

Friday, February 12, 2016

I give up !

The forecast was calling for snow today, depending on when you looked it was 1 to 3 or 3 to 5.  But all we saw was a few flurries that amounted to nothing.  The conditions we have are limited and a few people are getting some riding in.  NC Dave did 112 miles today and he brought his sled back in one piece.    The people that are around may be the smart ones.  Because the forecast for Tuesday isn't looking very good.  If we had normal weekend traffic around, what we do have wouldn't last very long.

Today's Video............
 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

It would of............

The big numbers of lake effect went to the south of us and it would of been nice to see it up here.  So who is in better shape, them or us?  It all depends on how you look at it.  Yes they got a foot or more of fresh snow southeast of the lake.  But it's my understanding they had no base and where down to grass.  On the other hand, we where still hanging onto some of our base.  But we only got 4 to 5 inches of new snow.  So who's in better shape?  Your guess is as go as anyone's.   I do know this, the snow we have isn't going anywhere this weekend.

Today's Video........

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Face north........................

All day we had light snow in the air and we got 3 to 4 inches out of it.  Enough to make things look pretty and enough that you could give the inner trails a try.  The lake effect bands are starting to set up south of us.  So I need everyone to face north and blow like all heck, to get them to move north to us.  So like always, it's going to be a wait and see game again.  It's times like this that I'd rather have it do nothing at all or give us enough to turn things around.  This in between stuff drives everyone nuts.

Today's video.....

More later.....

Just wanted to post a quick update.  So far we have seen about two inches of new snow and they are calling for the lake effect to kick in later this morning.  The big question is, how much are we going to get.  I'll let you know how it's looking later today in the video.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Looking better.........

The forecast is still looking good for Wednesday and into the weekend with temps that will keep the snow around for more than a day or two.  Let's hope we see enough snow tomorrow to get things back in shape.

Today's Video...........

Monday, February 8, 2016

Cross your fingers.............

I have some guests coming in tomorrow and over the years, there have been very few times they have gotten skunked, when it comes to snow for riding.  So I'm crossing my fingers their trend will continue and we see some snow this week.  To answer a question from a few days ago.  I was told the sled at Stillwater  belonged to someone at Beaver River.

Today's Video.............

Sunday, February 7, 2016

Just about............

The light snow we got yesterday is just about gone today.  The sun was out and with the temps right around the 32 mark most of the day, that new snow didn't stand a chance.  I'm crossing my fingers that we start to see some snow cover before the cold temps move in towards the end of the week.  It's no fun when things start freezing up!

Today's Video............

Saturday, February 6, 2016

Almost..........

We've had snow in the air today and it was almost enough to cover things back up that at least it looks like winter again.  What we really need is one of those unpredicted blasts of lake effect to get things back into shape.  The biggest thing going on around here today, was a zone value not working right.  Besides that it's pretty quiet.

Today's Video...............

Friday, February 5, 2016

What to do...........

The switch sure flipped in just a few days this week.  It's hard to believe last Friday at this time the town was jumping like no tomorrow and this week it's a ghost town.  When things wind down at the end of a season, you have a list on what you want to do.  But when it's like this, you question what to do.  Because you really can't get into anything to big, as you don't know when it's going to snow again.

Today's Video.............

Thursday, February 4, 2016

And it begins.............

Now it's the wait and see game.  The see how long it takes to get some fresh snow, so we can get back out riding again. The forecast isn't predicting any great amounts of snow in the near future, just and inch here and there.  But that doesn't mean it can't happen.  Look at last Wednesday, we got a half a foot to a foot and it wasn't even predicted.  I know there's one person confident that there's going to be more riding this year.  Because they went to the info center today and upgraded their weekly permit to a seasonal.

Today's Video..........

How can I put this?

The weather over night was the same as you do with a straw!  More later.............

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

It's over.........

The R is over and now it's wait for the temps to drop back down.  It's not pretty out there, but it could of been worse, we could of had a complete wash out.  I did a scan of the parking lot this morning and then late this afternoon so you can see the difference between the two.  I'm not seeing anything in the forecast to jump up and down about.  But don't ever give up hope when it comes to lake effect.  All we need is the cold temps, which are returning and for the wind to line up right.

Today's Video...........

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Boy oh Boy..............

It's all Phils fault! He didn't see his shadow today and according to him spring will be early. You want to talk about quiet.  Come to the north country and you'll see it first hand.   I called one of the other motels today to ask them a question and I got their machine.  Come to find out they took off for the day and went to Utica.  It's that quiet and good for them they got a day away.  Because when the snow returns we'll all be flat out again.  So what's different in today's video?

Today's Video......

Monday, February 1, 2016

Looking worse..........

The forecast for Wednesday is looking even worse.   As they increased the amount of R for the day and it could make things really ugly fast.  With an inch of R and the melting of the snow, there could be flooding going on also.  One of the big things that hurt us over night was the wind.  Just like blowing on hot soup, a warm wind eats snow faster than a warm day.

Today's Video...........

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Maybe...........

I shouldn't have fixed the trail cam problem.  Because it sure was looking down right depressing this afternoon.  But now that it's night time and the cam is in black and white mode, it doesn't look as bad.  But the sad thing is it's still going to look bad in the morning again.  As there is no cool downs or snow in the forecast for at least three days.  There has been a few people out giving it a try today.  But conditions went down high pretty fast with the temps in the 40's.  So cross your fingers things turn around soon or you may be looking for something else to do this upcoming weekend.

Today's Video...........

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Short lived.............

I'm sure most of you have seen the forecast for this upcoming week and I'm just hoping that it's short lived.  Because just like last week, we really can't afford to have to much of a warm up.  The trail cam went down this morning and I'm not really sure why.  My first guess is it's something to do with the wireless link.  So if it's not back on by tomorrow afternoon I'll take a hike out to see what the problem is.

Today's Video.........

Friday, January 29, 2016

Is anyone.............

Not sure if anyone is left at home to watch this.  Because there's been allot of sleds running around town today and many others looking for rooms for the weekend.    On my ride last night, it was great to see the groomers having enough snow to work with, enough that they left a wind row in between passes.  With conditions like this, they can really do wonders in no time.

Today's Video.......

Thursday, January 28, 2016

1st Annual................


Again..........

Headed out of here for a ride.  Can you believe it, twice in one week.  So what's that tell you about how the conditions are.  I've seen it better and I've seen it worse.  But I'm taking advantage of what we got.  Because who knows how it's going to be by next week.

Ride Report:  There's something to be said about mid week riding.  Nothing better than cruising down trails, that are counter top flat and drifting around the corners..............Sweet!

Today's Video............

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Forecasts..........

There a funny thing and many times aren't very close when it comes to north country weather.  Look at today, the forecast was calling for an inch and we saw half a foot and other areas saw a foot.  You may not think it, but Tuesday's warm weather and R in some ways was a blessing.  As it helped make some more base and things should freeze up very nice tonight with the temps in the teens.

Today's Video...........

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Lost it again !

The power went out just before noon and it came back on around 7:30pm.  The only two cams that are online right now are the motel and Stillwater.  The rest won't be back online till the morning.  As I can't get into the buildings they are in till then.

As for the weather we had a mixed bag today.  Freezing R, sleet, snow and just plain old R at one point.  But none of it was in any great amount and we really didn't loose that much snow.  Check out the railing on the motel cam.  There is still some snow on it.  The temp has dropped back down below freezing at 8:15 and things should start to freeze back down.  So cross your fingers that we see some new snow in the next few days and we'll be back riding again by the weekend.

Wednesday Morning Update:   It's snowing at 9:00am and we have three inches of new snow on the ground.  No it's not allot, but it's enough to cover the ice from yesterday and make it rideable again.  Because yesterday there wasn't enough loose snow for cooling of the sled or the slides.  I'll have more for you later.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Cross your fingers...........

Tuesday's weather is going to be the make it or break it day of the week.  Ice pellets are fine and even wet snow, but we really don't need to see any R.  Conditions are rideable now and yes they could be better. But a day of R, could make things ugly really fast.

Today's Video.....

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Just got back..........

Went out for a ride this evening and stopped at Stillwater for dinner.  On the way up, we caught up to one of the groomers on upper trail 1.  As I said yesterday, traffic was very light this weekend and it was no different this evening.  We only saw maybe a dozen sleds all the way up and back.  I didn't see the groomer on our return to Old Forge.  I'd guess it was on the Brantingham cut off trail.  Cross your finger everything we see on Tuesday is frozen.  Because we really can't afford to see any R at this time.

Today's Video............

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Been quiet..............

With as crazy as it was around here last weekend, it's been just the opposite this weekend.  Traffic has been very light and I think many people stayed home because of the storm coming up the coast. The guests we do have in are making a day of it.  Because very few of them have turned yet at 6pm.

Today's video........

Friday, January 22, 2016

Stay on the path...........

People have started going out on Stillwater.  How much ice is there and is it safe?  I can't tell you for sure.  The one thing I can tell you, is stay on the beaten path.  Because in most cases that is where the ice is going to be the thickest.

Today's Video...........

Thursday, January 21, 2016

A good sign...........

Like most days, just about everyone was out of here by 10am for a day of riding and the first ones didn't start returning till around 4pm.  So that's usually a good sign, that things aren't all that bad out there or they would of started coming back in sooner.  I'm heading out for a ride in a few.  So I'll be able to tell you better how things are later.

Ride Update:  Went over to Pine Tree.  Found Old Forge trails in good shape and saw two groomers on the return trip.  We made the right off of ten mile road in to the Flats.  The first mile or two aren't anything to talk about.  But the rest of the Flats made up for it.  Took ten mile on the return, the beginning is ice/hard pack with enough snow to keep the slides cool.  Only felt them try to stick a few times.  The rest of it was in good shape.  Do watch out for some of the corners, as they are ice.  I'll fill you in more about the rest of the ride later.  Let's just say it reminded me of the old days.

Today's Video............

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Back online..............

Fastrac has it's pumps back online and they added something new.  They now also have ethanol free regular and it's 15 cents cheaper than the high test which is $2.669.  Not much else to report today, it's been pretty quiet.

Today's Video..............

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Hard to tell.................

Most days I can give you a good estimate on how many people are in town by the traffic going to get gas.  But with Fastrac getting new pumps installed there was no sled traffic today.  NC Dave said he didn't see all that many sleds out and that's helping the groomers get things back into shape.  The snow we had today wasn't coming off of the lakes, it was coming out of the north by what I saw on the radar.

Today's Video..........

Old video refresher............

Three years ago I posted a video about getting around town on some of the back roads.  So I thought I'd repost it for anyone that may have any questions.  The road part starts 45 seconds into the video.

Road Video........

Monday, January 18, 2016

What can I say.....

Conditions aren't at their best after the big weekend, but the groomers are out fixing things up and there's no question that they are rideable.  You'll see in the video we got about 3 inches of snow over night, but we haven't seen any new snow during daylight hours.  This evening the temp has been dropping and there is light snow in the air at 6:30pm.

Today's Video.....

Two things.........

One, Fastrac has a sign up that they won't be selling gas on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.  It looks like they are unloading new pumps today.

The second things I keep forgetting to pass on is the pizza discount they have going.  For every pizza you buy you get 25 cents off per gallon of gas (up to 20 gals.) and it can be for more than one pizza. (not sure on the limit of pizzas) All you need to do is ask for your receipt and us it within a week of purchase.  They are also offering a cash discount of  7 cents during the week and 10 cents on Sunday.  Ask inside how to get the discount card.  Not allot, but a family of four sleds it could add up.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

What's that saying?

Just like the trails, things have been busy around here today.  So I'm just a little behind schedule.   But better late than never......so here it is. 

Today's Video............

Saturday, January 16, 2016

What a day !

This has been one of the busiest Saturday's I have ever seen over at the Fastrac.  Most days there is the morning rush and then in the late afternoon you see people filling back up after a day of riding.  But today it has been a constant flow almost all day. Funny what happens when lake effect gives the area rideable snow and it's a free weekend on top of that.

Today's Video.........

Friday, January 15, 2016

Above freezing..........

The temp went up to 37 today, but in some ways that is a good thing.  Because dry fluffy snow doesn't pack very well and today's temp put some moisture in the snow.  Yes it would of been nice, if it didn't happen just before a weekend.  But things don't always come together the way we would like them to.  The temp at 5:30pm is 31 and things should start to firm up.

Today's Video..........



Thursday, January 14, 2016

Four hours ago......

I started working on this over four hours ago and I'm just now getting it posted at 9pm.  Which is a good thing, because it means the phone is ringing and there are people in and out of the office.  Amazing how a little snow can change your day around.  We had snow in the air all day and we picked up another 4 or 5 inches.

Went out riding last night, did 65 miles and I'd give the Old Forge trails an overall good to fair.  Even the cut off trail from trail 1 to the Brantingham trail was good.  But the Brantingham trail wasn't anything to talk about last night.  But I did hear they groomed it today, good thing because it really needed it.

Today's Video.........

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Wait and see.............

I don't know about you, but I always find it interesting to see what we really get compared to what is predicted.  A week ago they called for one to two feet and we got 6 inches.  Monday called for 5 to 8 inches and we got a foot plus.  So it's a wait and see game in my book.  Yesterday we had light snow all day and by this morning I'd say we got 3 to 4 inches.  Today we saw the sun most of the day and things look like a Christmas card around here now.  The snow stick out front is right at the one foot mark of settled down snow.

Today's Video..........

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Do you hear it?

It's the sound of a fresh foot of lake effect and more to come this week .....it's time to ride! 

Today's Video.............

Monday, January 11, 2016

Could of been worse.......

You'll see in the video that we got the R on Sunday.  But I'm happy to say it didn't wash everything away.  We still had a solid ice base in the driveway and I would say it was the same out on the trails.  So yes we took a step backwards from the R, but the lake effect today put us right back to rideable conditions and it looks like more to come this week.

Sorry again about the late post.  But with the power being out for 16 plus hours, the battery back ups just didn't cut it on the webcams. So I spent most of the morning getting everything back online and this afternoon plowing, snow blowing and getting the generator ready for the next outage.

Today's Video.....................

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I didn't forget..........

We lost our power around 11am yesterday and it came back on sometime between 1 and 5 am this morning.  So it made it a little hard for me to keep you up to date on what the weather was doing yesterday.  I'll have a full report later on.  Now It's time to get everything back on line and the back up power ready for the next outage.

HOLY COW!!!  Take a look at Stillwater's cam.  They are on a different line and their cam is up.  Looks like close to a foot and still coming.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

24 and 32 Hours........

Sorry about not getting a post up yesterday.  I got tied up with things around here and ran out of time.  We haven't seen that much R today and  I'd say the snow level has dropped about an inch so far.  Sled traffic has been next to nothing, with only a few giving it a try.  In the past 24 hours we've seen conditions go down hill and in a 32 hour period, Billy Boy put on 270 miles this week, amazing how fast things can change. Cross your fingers and hope we don't see all the R they are predicting.  Because if we do, we could be starting from zip again.

Today's Video.............

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Think long term...............

The forecast still isn't looking any better for the weekend, than it was before.  How much R will we see?  Only time will tell, hopefully we only see a little R and people respect the thin base we do have.  It could be a blessing, as they are calling for temps to drop back into the teens by Sunday night.  So the base we have now, could become a solid ice base for the season.

Today's Video.............

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

It's quiet..........

Traffic has been so light today, you wouldn't even know it's snowmobile season.  I don't think I saw more than a dozen sleds getting gas all day.  I'll let you know later how it is.  Because I'm heading out for a ride now.

Ride Up Date:
We headed over to Pine Tree and did 74 miles.  I'll list what trails we took and my rating on them.  Overall I'd say conditions are fair with some good, but I don't know how they would hold up to really heavy traffic. I can say we had a nice ride and I'm happy I went.

1 F-G
pipeline F-G
Cut off trail to Brantingham ends poor center good
Brant rd good
trail at Kovaks  mostly poor some fair
9 G
89 G
8 G
Lower 5 F - G

Today's Video.......

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

How low............

It went down to 20 below this morning and that sure helped with freezing things down.  You'll see what I mean at the end of today's video.  Traffic was very light today again, so that also gave everything a good chance to freeze down with today's  low temps.

Today's Video.........

Monday, January 4, 2016

It's amazing.............

You wouldn't think it, but it's amazing what 3 to 4 inches of snow can do for the conditions and it showed it yesterday.  Is it perfect?  Heck no, but it was good enough to go out for a 45 mile ride last night.  I've gotten a few calls on this one today........the weather for the end of the week.  Who knows!  Give it till Wednesday and then worry about it.  We all know it'll change a few times before it gets here.  Let's just hope it's for the better.

Today's Video....................

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Looking better.............

We didn't see much of anything, when it comes to snow overnight.  But late this morning we had a bank of lake effect set up and it stuck around long enough to give us a good 3 to 4 inches of nice wet snow.  Nothing to go crazy over, but the snow stick is closer to the foot mark than it was yesterday at this time.

Today's Video...........
 

Saturday, January 2, 2016

No question.........

We need more snow, there's no question about it.  But what we do have, seems to be enough to keep things cool and keep the track from sticking.  However I'm sure it's doing a number on the carbides.  As for traffic, there isn't a thousand sleds around town, like most weekends in the winter.  But I'd say there's a hundred or two by what I saw.

Today's Video.........

Friday, January 1, 2016

Happy New Year !

The lake effect has been moving all around today and so far we haven't seen all that much from it.  But as you can see in the below pic, Stillwater was getting hammered at 3pm.  So cross your fingers and get a dancing, so the bands of lake effect stay in the area for awhile.

Stillwater

Today's Video..........