Will it happen...........

2pm update:  Snow has started and it looks like the main part of the storm will hit later on.

Winter Weather Advisory, snow expected. Total snow accumulations of

3 to 7 inches from 7 PM this evening to 7 PM EST Wednesday.

We have light snow in the air this morning from the first front .  It looks like the second front will bring us snow later today.  The thousand dollar question is what will the weekend bring us.  Right now it looks like wet weather again.  We had the same thing last year and conditions didn't get good till the 9th of Jan.  It will come and soon we'll all be smiling we when get out on the trails again.  

Hope everyone has a Safe and Happy New Year!

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

Oh how it changes.............

Just yesterday it didn't look like we would see any snow till maybe Tuesday.  Now there is a winter storm watch posted for us starting Sunday into Monday.  It has possible 2 to 4 inches of snow and sleet in it and that could be a very good thing.  Because sleet adds up really fast and makes for good base.  But the bad part of the watch is possible ice, maybe half an inch.  I don't think anyone ever looks forward to ice in the forecast.  At least I know I don't, all it does is make a mess of things.

Today's Video...………...

Merry Christmas !

I'd like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas !

 It's been very quiet around town, when it comes to sled traffic.  Have a few rooms in making the best of what we got.  I'm sure some of you have noticed the cams are out on the top of McCauley.  The 18 below the other night wasn't liked by some of the equipment and I'm working on getting it repaired.

Today's Video...……….

Light traffic...............

Sled traffic has been very light today.  I was thinking we would see a good amount of day trippers.  But I guess with Christmas just around the corner they stayed home.    But it's probably a good thing that traffic was light.  Not sure if things would of held together if we had normal weekend traffic.

Today's Video...…...

A few.......

There's a few people in town riding.  But I would say most weekdays after Christmas there are more people around than there was today.  Saw that they are predicting for the north east to be colder than most years.  I'll take it and I'm OK if they put in some above average snow also.  Got all the Christmas shopping done last night.  There is something to be said for heading out around 6 and getting back at 2am.  One of them is, you don't see any cars after you get on 28 at that hour.

Today's Video...……..

Good Day............

Got much more than what was in the forecast.  Tonight things have pretty much stopped.  Just a little blast here and there.

Today's Video...…….

If you haven't noticed...........

It's been snowing all day and we'll be passing the half a foot of new snow mark here pretty soon. Who ever has the new dance moves keep it going!  More later.

1:50pm update.     Snow is at the one foot mark on the snow stick out front.
Here's what it was looking like from lake effect.

Looking Better..........

Forecast is looking better for Wednesday than before, with snow most of the day.  Now just have to hope for the rest of the week to get some more snow in the forecast than there is now.  But at least it's cold all the way through the 10 day.

Today's video...……..

But not for long.............

The R on Saturday took some of the frost out of the ground.  Because when I drove around on the back lot this afternoon, you could see the dirt/mud mixing in with the snow.  But it won't be that way for long, with the temps we'll be having this coming week.   Thursday a high of 4 and a low of -6.  I just wish there was more snow in the forecast than there is.

Today's Video...……..

Check this out...............

Turn up the sound on the video player.  Old Forge in the hay days of the ski train.

https://www.facebook.com/francispmurphymuseum/videos/2304750319755985/

Getting here early.............

The R has changed over to snow at 8pm, so it got here a little early and that's Ok by me.  I saw on the radar that west of us really got hit hard with the R a few hours ago.  I hate to say it, but we took a harder hit over the last few days, than we did on Monday.  So cross your fingers and get a dancing.  May be can get a good shot from this, to bring things back around.  Also if you haven't noticed, I updated the camera on the live feed and the picture is really good. http://www.christysmotel.com/live/

Today's Video...…...

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY

REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM THIS EVENING TO 1 PM EST SUNDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 7
inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph causing blowing snow.

* WHERE...Northern Herkimer and Hamilton Counties.

* WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 1 PM EST Sunday.

Lola is missing............

She was last seen on Petrie Rd. On her collar is my personal phone number and my parents phone number. If you see a little white fluff looking lost please call 315-369-5474 or 315-357-6069. 

Starting Saturday night............

It must be the 24 hour bug, when it comes to bad weather.  Because that's all it's been taking to mess things up.  Forecast is looking promising starting late Saturday night.  Just hope as before, we don't have to start all over again and some base is left.  I did see and hear a few sleds around town today, before the R moved in.  Everyone I talked with has been pretty upbeat about the conditions and are going to enjoy the event weekend.

Today's Video...…...
d

What a difference in 24 hours............

This is for sure a case of easy come, easy go and go it went with the R and warmth on Monday.  Forecast isn't looking all that great for the weekend either.  What else is there to say, but cross your fingers we don't have to start from nothing after the next warm up.

Today's Video...….
d

Opening Day of 2019 -2020 season.

On my way out, but wanted to show you what it was looking like.  Just hoping the warmth and R don't hurt us to much.

Today's video...…….

Get it done before the end of the year !

For those of you that haven't gotten your snowmobile permit for the year.  Just  a heads up the first of the year the price is going up as follows.  So it will save you some $$ to get it done before the end of the year.

On January 1, 2020 permit fees will increase: $100 for seasonal permit, $60 for seasonal weekday permit, $55 for weekly (7-day) permit and $80 for preseason permits, (which will go on sale for the 2020-21 season starting March 6, 2020.) Update: 

I guess that's what I get for cutting and pasting. I got the above off of the Old Forge site. It's amazing the difference a two letter word can make.  So let me make this clear.  

On January 1, 2020 permit fees will increase to: $100 for seasonal permit from $80, $60 for seasonal weekday permit from $50, $55 for weekly (7-day) permit from $45 and $80 for preseason permits from $65, (which will go on sale for the 2020-21 season starting March 6, 2020.)

Got More...........

I like it when the forecast is wrong and it's to our favor.  Was calling for 1 to 3 and we got an easy 5 to 6 if not more.  So at this time the snow is to the one foot mark on the snow stick out front.  I'm not crazy about the warm up that's coming.  But if it's short and we don't see to much R.  It could very well be a blessing.  It could turn the snow we have into a rock hard base.  But the key will be for people to stay off of it till it freezes back down.

Today's Video...…...

All Departments..............

The trail crew and highway department have been out getting things ready for the up coming Snodeo weekend.  All we need now is for Mother Nature to be kind to the area and give us some more snow so we can get out and do some riding.  The sun was out today and with as pretty as it was, it didn't do us any good.  It melted off some of the snow pack in the driveway and on the roads.

Today's video...…..

Not as much as some............

By what I'm hearing, areas to our south east like Albany got hit harder than us.  But I'll take what we got and it looks like more later in the week.  Yesterday I drove the posts in the ground to mark things so I don't hit them when plowing.  I can tell you this for sure.  There is a good two or more inches of frost in the ground at this time.

Today's Video......

Happy Thanksgiving !

Hope everyone is having a nice day.  Winter has returned and after looking at the long range forecast it looks like it's going to be here for the next week with some snow.  Not much else to report for now.

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

Enjoy looking at it for now..............

By what I'm seeing I don't think this snow is going to be around much longer. Temps above freezing next seven days and it looks like it should be a slow melt down. Many places around us don't need to see any large amounts of water after the flooding last month.

Today's Video...……

SOLD - 2016 Polaris

Garage and trailer kept, Studded track, dual scags, Electric Start, push button reverse, heated grips + helmet shield heat plug, fully integrated electronic display, walker Evans Shocks. a must See! Will deliver to NY Area free of charge. Sled is located 30min west of Philadelphia. Serious offers only please.  $ 6,600 OBO  4,892 Old Forge and Canadian Miles

aschnei@verizon.net

215-806-3287

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

Welcome back and hope you're ready for the 2019 - 2020 snowmobile season.  Because winter has returned to the north country and it looks like it will be staying around for the next week or better.

Don't forget the preseason permit sale ends the 15th,  which is this Friday.  All the links for joining a club, New York and Old Forge are here http://www.oldforge.net/christys/

Got smart this year and did a video today.  That way I could blow out the cobb webs on how to do it after 6 months off.

Today's Video...………...

Check it out...........

Haven't seen this one before.  Could be handy to have.

Won't be long...........

We've seen our second good forst and check out this radar.  I'm seeing blue!

FREEZE WARNING

...FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 9 AM
EDT SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures in the upper 20s and lower
30s.

* WHERE...The southern Adirondacks, Lake George Saratoga Region,
Mohawk Valley, Schoharie Valley, Helderbergs, eastern
Catskills, northern Taconics, Berkshires and southern Vermont.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 9 AM EDT Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other
sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
plumbing.

First snow of the season.............

Utah saw it's first snow of the season today.  It won't be long and we'll be riding again.  Less than 12 weeks till the trails open.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2019/9/10/20859003/utah-snow-utwx-weather-bald-mountain-photos

Spring is trying............

It's been a slow start, but spring is showing it's face here in the north country. I mowed the grass for the first time last night.  So that must mean spring is here. Temps in the 60's and the sun showing up from time to time. 

Got to love Old Forge weather............

Yesterday was one of those interesting days when it came to weather.  We had the high wind warning, like most areas did.  Around 3:45pm we lost the power and we didn't see it back on till 10pm.  OK no big thing and you can figure on it going out with the winds. But check out the video below.  This was a little after noon and the temp was in the 40's.  Also between 7 and 8 in the evening it was snowing to the point you would of thought it was mid Feb.

Closed out with a fresh coating...........

The 2018 - 2019 snowmobile season has come to a close and we finished it off with a fresh coating of new snow this morning.  I guess Old Man Winter wanted to give us just one more blast before its over.  Because by the way the forecast looks I think it's coming to an end here pretty soon.

Today's video...…….

Almost............

I'd say March turned out to be pretty good.  We had riding four out of the five weekends.  The last two weren't perfect, but you could get a day of riding in if you wanted to.  But now it is over.  The warm temps over the last few days has melted the snow on top and now we're down to the ice base.  So it's over for this season and SnoDeo is just a little over 8 months away.

Today's Video...………...

Coming to an end.............

With the forecast looking the way it is, I think it's going to be coming to an end by mid week.  We lost some of the new snow we got on Friday today.  Monday and Tuesday look like slow melting days, because of the sun and after that look out.  Mid week on we'll have warm temps and looks like some R.  I'll be posting a few more times before they close the gates, just not every day.  Thanks to all for watching!

Today's Video...………….

Saw it all today..............

We started out with snow this morning and by the end of the day we had bright blue sky.  Temps stayed below freezing all day.  But you could see the snow starting to get soft later in the day when the sun came out.  Sunday will be the day to get past and then we should have two more days of riding before the beginning of the end sets in.

Today's Video...…………..

7:10 pm update

The rate of snow has increased and if it snows like this till noon Saturday.  I think we'll see the foot they are calling for.

Winter is back again............

Woke up to heavy wet snow and Winter Storm Warning was calling for 5 to 8, but is now calling for 6 to 12 by noon Saturday.   Things did soften up yesterday as temps stayed above freezing all day.  Is it worth coming up to ride?  All depends on what you are looking for.  It won't be Jan. or Feb. conditions, but you will be able to get seat time in without hurting your sled.  I can say this...Ride it while we got it.  Because if the forecast holds true this will be your last weekend chance of the season.

Webcam update: The internet for the top on McCauley and trail cam has came from the bottom of the mountain over a pair of phone lines with ethernet extenders.  Well that system hasn't been all that dependable over the last month or some.  So I installed a long range access point at the Rec. Center and am now getting the internet from there.  It's better but still not what I was hoping for.  I will be doing some more updates and hope to get it back to online all the time.

Today's video...……...…..

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT

Northern Herkimer-Hamilton-Southern Herkimer-Northern Warren-
Schoharie-Northern Fulton-Bennington-Western Windham-
Including the cities of Big Moose, Eagle Bay, McKeever,
Old Forge, Atwell, Nobleboro, Northwood, Long Lake, Sabattis,
Hoffmeister, Wells, Ilion, Herkimer, Little Falls, Mohawk,
Frankfort, Dolgeville, Bolton Landing, Johnsburg, North Creek,
North River, Warrensburg, Hague, Cobleskill, Breakabeen, Gilboa,
Livingstonville, Middleburgh, North Blenheim, Jefferson,
Caroga Lake, Stamford, Bennington, Woodford State Park, Pownal,
Stratton, and Londonderry
339 PM EDT Thu Mar 21 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM FRIDAY TO NOON EDT
SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulation of 5 to 10
  inches, with the highest totals across the mountains. Winds
  gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...The western and southern Adirondacks, the southern
  Green Mountains of Vermont and Schoharie County New York.

* WHEN...From 2 AM Friday to noon EDT Saturday.

Snow Globe

At 11:50am we have snow coming from the sky and it looks like the stuff you would see inside of a snow globe.  Just hoping it doesn't change over the R word.

Best one I ever saw.............

Don't have any trail video today.  But I do have video of one of the best truck ramps I ever saw.  Went out to north street to reset the cam and saw a dozen or more sleds heading out to the trails.  It keeps looking like it's going to be over and the next thing you know we have another blast of snow coming our way.  So we may get this weekend in just yet, if we see the predicted snow on Friday.

Today's Video...……..

It's March so you never know............

Including the cities of Big Moose, Eagle Bay, McKeever,
Old Forge, Atwell, Nobleboro, Northwood, Long Lake, Sabattis,
Hoffmeister, Wells, Ilion, Herkimer, Little Falls, Mohawk,
Frankfort, Dolgeville, Stamford, Bennington, Woodford State Park,
Pownal, Stratton, and Londonderry
348 PM EDT Wed Mar 20 2019

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY MORNING THROUGH LATE
FRIDAY NIGHT...

* WHAT...Heavy, wet snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 7
  inches or more possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph
  Friday night.

The end is near.............

Not much to report.  There are still a hand full of people out riding, but for how long is going to be the question.  Forecast has been changing and not for the better by what I'm seeing.  The sun has started to do the ice over.

Today's video…………...

It is funny...............

I compare SnoFest to Labor Day and how after it the season starts to wind down.  Well I still stand behind that statement 100%.  Trail conditions are better than I have seen sometimes in Jan or Feb.  But there is next to no one here enjoying them.  Forecast is still looking like we'll pull off another weekend.  But after that it looks like we'll have to many freeze, thaw days in a row and before you know it the trails will get iced over.

Today's Video.........…….

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

We had limited sled traffic around town this weekend and I think most of the people that where here are headed for home now.  So it's going to be a quiet night around Old Forge tonight.  There is still some good spring time riding to be had.  So if you want to get another ride in, it looks like things may hang in there for another weekend.

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

Still riding to be had..............

Temps are back below freezing and the light snow we started seeing this morning has been just enough to do the trick.  Made the video a little longer today, so those of you that aren't here can get your fix.  With the way the forecast keeps changing, who knows we may be riding till they close the gates just yet.

Today's video...……...

Winter has returned................

Temps have dropped back down below freezing and we started seeing snow in the early am.  Hard to say how much, as the wind is blowing it around pretty good.  But enough that you can get back out and do some trail riding.  It's not going to be perfect like it was, but better than sitting at home.

In search of..........

If you remember me stating that the trails last Thursday where so good that you could get in trouble in a split second.  It turns out that clipping a tree can have a funny effect on the bulk head and tunnel.  So now I'm searching for a 2015 or newer Polaris Rush Axys with a blown motor. As the one I have only has 1400 miles on it, but needs more work that it's worth.  So if you know of one, please drop me a line.  

Took a hit...............

We had R over night and with the warm temps we took a hit.  So as of now we are back to the solid ice base, with no snow on top for cooling.  Forecast is calling for some snow later tonight and into the weekend.  So cross your fingers we get enough to turn things around for some riding Saturday and the beginning of the week.  Because it looks like another warm up is headed our way mid week.  I have to warn you, you may not want to look at today's video. Especially if you want to keep the images of the great conditions we had in your mind.  Because as I said, we took a hit and it's not pretty.  I'm hoping to get the trail and cams on top of McCauley back online this week.

Today's Video...……...

Lost and Hope Found........

Did you find a key in your pocket?   Had someone contact me and wanted me to post this.
Hi, my sister was there over the weekend, at Big Moose station, put her snowmobile key in some else’s coat pocket. It has a pink hair tie on it.
If anyway possible, can you post it.

Thank you so very much

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

That we don't see to much R and we get enough lake effect right after it, to set things up for the weekend.  Temps look like they'll drop back down Friday night and stay below freezing the rest of the weekend.  So by what I'm seeing, if you have any thoughts of getting in one more ride, it's going to be this weekend.  Because by mid week it looks like another warm up, that may be the beginning of the end of the season.

Today's Video...………..

Tuesday on Wednesday morning............

This is the video from Paul's ride on Tuesday.  Had clouds and snow Tuesday morning, but later in the day the sun came out.  So we did see some melting, but not as bad as it could of been, as the temps stayed below freezing all day.  I was very hopeful that we would get past this weekend with only a light hit and be riding after it.  But with the way the forecast is changing, who knows how things are going to turn out.  Like always, only time will tell.

Tuesdays Video...………...

Got quiet..............

SnoFest weekend is the same as Labor Day weekend, the end of a season and after it things get real quiet fast.  Had next to no traffic around town today and those that are in the area are getting in some really good seat time.  We had a little of everything yesterday.  But today all we saw was snow all day and we picked about 2 to 3 inches.

Today's video...………...

Winter Weather Advisory

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 5 AM EDT TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches.

* WHERE...Northern Herkimer County.

* WHEN...Until 5 AM EDT Tuesday. Ride it while we got it! Because this time of the year you never know how longs it's going to stick around.

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

SnoFest weekend has come and gone.  Now the questions is how many more times will you get some seat time before it's over.  Had a few rooms check in today with hopes that the R today would be light and they can get some seat time in before the next warm up.

Today's video...……..

One to remember............

SnoFest 2019, will be one to go down in the books, as one to remember!  I don't think any of us want to see the sun this time of the year.  But it does make for a day, that will stick in your mind, for years to come with it's beauty.  The trails where groomed to the max, before the weekend started and that helped to keep things nice for the entire weekend.  Demo rides where a big hit and I heard the line form them was long.  Now we just have to wait and see what Sunday is going to bring us with the wintery mix.  By the end of the week things don't look all that nice.  But I wouldn't put to much stock in that just yet.

Today's video...……….

Great Conditions..........

Went out riding Thursday evening and overall the conditions are good to great.  Had dinner at Coach Light Inn and returned the same way we went over, through the flats.  Was sad to find the single track trail, that takes you over the bridge and up switch backs to the back side of  Trail Side Inn is closed.  Parts of ten mile had ice in the corners and you had to keep on your toes when going into them.  Be careful and trust me when I say this, conditions are so good you can get yourself in trouble in a split second.

Today's video...……..

SnoFest............

For those of you that may not know it.  Snofest is this weekend here in Old Forge and here is a link for more info. http://visitmyadirondacks.com/snofest/index.html  The cams on top of McCauley and the trail cam have been going on and off again.  I'm leaning towards an internet connection problem with the way it has been acting and would really like to get them back online before the weekend.  I had to much going on around here during the day to get away.  So I'm meeting the groomer guy at 2am for a ride to the top.  Conditions are really good and people are going out and doing 150 to 200 miles loops with no problems.

Today's Video...…….

Sorry.......

I went out and got video for a report yesterday.  But I ran out of time and didn't get to it.  I can tell you this.  Conditions are better than great and if you aren't here you are missing out.  I'll have more later.

Lost and Found..........

A special socket was found in the back parking lot a few weeks ago.  So if you stayed with us this winter and have something that needs a special socket.  Go check that you still have it, as it may be on my desk now.

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

Monday we had light snow in the air and saw a dusting.  The forecast is looking great for the week, with limited sun and snow on Tuesday.  But beginning Sunday, who knows how things are going to be.  Long range forecast could change.  But do you want to take that chance?  We are coming to the end of the season. So any seat time you can get in, could be last for this year.

Today's video...…...

Looking good.........

The upcoming week is looking good and the riding conditions are going to hold with the cold temps we'll have this week.   So don't put it off to long or you may regret it.  Because we are in to March and things can go down hill fast this time of the year.

Today's video...……..

Second day............

Just a video again, sorry but I ran out of hours today.  Conditions are good and it looks like it will be that way all week.

Today's video...……...

Just a video...............

Today's video....

Don't miss out............

Some years we do and others we don't.  But it's looking pretty good that we'll have snow for SnoFest this year.  So the demo rides will be a go and you don't want to miss out on them if you're in the market for a new sled.  Conditions are great and long range forecast is looking good also.

Today's Video...………..

Base is set.................

After last weekends weather events and the cold temps we're have this week, the base is set and the conditions are even better than before.  Everyone that has stopped into the office has said the same thing.  Conditions are great and they are going just about anywhere they want to.  March is coming in like a lion, so don't miss out, in case it goes out like a lamb.

Today's Video...………..

Don't miss out.............

We had the warm up on Saturday and then the turn around to winter on Sunday.  This set the stage for the new snow really stick to the roads and they have a good base on them right now.  Not to much else to report, besides conditions are great, so don't miss out.  

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

Better late than never............

Between plowing, shoveling, snow blowing and answering phone calls I ran out of hours yesterday.  I was also the house keeper for the rooms that have faith in Old Forge weather turn arounds and showed up waiting for the snow.  Because I had house keeping stay home yesterday because of the weather.  So here is a short video and I'll have more for you later.

It's Old Forge...........

All you have to do is have faith that it will turn around and most times it does.  Sunday morning it didn't look all that nice out front and by Monday morning you wouldn't even know a warm up happened.  So for those that showed up on Sunday, with faith of having an Old Forge turn around for Monday, are going to have a fun day of riding, with the trails all to them self.

Today's Video...……..

It's in PA...........

Just looked at the radar, the R is in PA at 2:30am and it's headed our way.  The only thing we have right now is some light drizzle coming out of the sky and I think that will be short lived till the PA R does get here.    I did get a laugh when I looked out front to see what the weather was doing.  Because there is only two sled in the entire front yard.  Everyone else has loaded up, so they didn't have to do it in the R in the morning.  Any other Sunday morning the yard would be full of sleds.  Cross your fingers we don't see to much R or wind damage and we'll be back out riding by Monday night again.

Today's Video...………..

I did it again............

I started putting the video together after watching the TV shows I watch on Friday night.  But I did it again and woke up this time at 3am in the chair, at least this time my neck was OK.  So figured, what the heck, had a good nap, let's finish the post.  So here it is.  You'll see in the video, we have had clouds the last few days and light snow with them.  With March just around the corner, you couldn't ask for better weather.  Because we really don't want to see to much sun.  The days are getting longer and the sun can really mess things up.  Still keeping a close eye on Sunday's weather.  Yes it does look like we are going to see R, followed up by snow.  Winds are looking good to bring us lake effect after the R.  The question is how much and only time will tell.

Today's Video...………….

Gues I shouldn't have..............

Went out riding last night and I guess the fresh air got to me.  Got back in to the office around 11 and sat down to put a video together.  Well the next thing I knew it was 1:30 and the video wasn't done.  But I did get a stiff neck from sleeping in the chair.  So I'll try to get one posted this afternoon.

Kids are funny............

The video today is a little different than most days.  I'm sure many of you will enjoy it and others may think it's lame.  But it does reflect back to the early days of snowmobiling and what you saw a lot of.  I also got a laugh out of the kids, how they like to be in the picture and the funny things they do.

Today's Video...………..

Sure thing.............

At this point, I would say that Presidents Week 2019 is going to be one to write down in the books.  Forecast looks good for the rest of the week, but we may have a bump on Sunday.  I'm hoping by Monday morning we'll be saying, what R?  Because it looks like we'll see R and then change back to snow over night.  So Monday morning we'll never even know it happened.  But like always only time will tell.

Today's video...…………

Great Weekend..........

The Holiday weekend is over, but the holiday week is still to come and those that will be in the area are going to get a great week of riding in.  We had lake effect in the area this morning and it drop about 4 inches of fresh snow for everyone to enjoy.  Sorry about no post yesterday, I ran out of hours for the day.  So I included the parking lot sweep from yesterday in the video today.

Today's Video...………….

Couldn't ask.........

The warm up yesterday may of had some wondering if it was going to be a good weekend or not.  But Old Man Winter was nice to us and everything came together for a great weekend of riding.  Not much to report, besides winter has returned and everyone is having a great weekend of riding.  Except for the people that are getting in trouble for SWI.  Had a few people come in and tell me that they are doing SWI checks out on the trails.

Today's Video...……….

It's dropping.............

Temps got up to 39 today for a short time and things did get soft.  But they are dropping now, things are freezing back up and we will be in the teens overnight.   So riding will be good for the holiday weekend.  To tell you the truth, the little R we had and the warm up will make things better than it was.  Because now it's wet enough to freeze up nice and solid to make more base.

On a side note, one of my guests daughter is a young business person.  She makes soy candles, that can be custom ordered and she sent one to the north country for me to try.  I have it the office, it has a nice scent and burns nice and even. Here is a link to her site for more information.
www.nvautisticdesign.com

Today's Video...……

Got more............

The lake effect from last night went into this morning and we picked up another 4 to 6.  It gets to a point that you really don't notice how much snow we get.  Just as long as it keeps coming to replenish what the sleds eat up.  Conditions are back to the point that people are making loop trips out of Old Forge again.

Today's Video...………..

Not what they called for.............

Well we didn't see the foot plus that was called for.  We did see 6 to 7 inches of a snow/sleet mix.  Which would be equal to about a foot and a half  of lake effect if not more.  Because the stuff we got was very heavy and will pack/freeze down very nice.  We have had lake effect all night and have picked up another 2 to 3 from it.  So everything is coming together for the upcoming holiday weekend.  Hope you have some plans to enjoy our winter wonderland.

Today's Video...……….

Hope soon.........

The camera hasn't come back from it's ride for the day yet.  When it does I'll be posting.  I can tell you this.  Conditions have gotten way better and the ice has been covered up by the snow/sleet mix we got yesterday.

Warning still in place.............

The forecast is still calling for up to a foot of snow and sleet by late Wednesday afternoon.  After looking at the radar, it looks like most of the storm has passed us.  But it also looks like the winds will be setting up for us to see some lake effect Wednesday.  So between the two we could very well get the foot in the warning.  The best part of this storm is, it has been good material for building the snow pack back up on top of the ice base.  So the groomers should soon be back out doing their magic for us to enjoy.

Today's video...………..

It started............

Around 11:45 this morning we started seeing light snow coming from the sky and the temp is 17.  Check out the radar shot below.  If all the green headed our way is snow, we're going to see a good amount of the white stuff before it's done.  I'll keep you posted.

The few...............

Got a dusting over night and with the snow we got Friday, it's enough that the few that did come to town, are out riding and having fun.  Not much else to report and I'll keep you updated as the Tuesday storm make it's way to the area.  The numbers are changing, but one thing seems to be standing out.  It's looks like it's going to be wet, good packing snow.  But a pain in the butt to plow.

Today's Video...………..

It's out there................

All the reports I'm getting are the same.  If you want to ride you can and it isn't as bad as some are making it out to be.  However it is an ice base with a coating of snow on top.  So studs and carbides are a big plus.  But it looks like that all will be changing on Tuesday with a Winter Storm Watch in place for us.  Right now it's call for a foot plus.  So like always, we'll have to wait and see.  The cam at Stillwater is down and I'm sorry to say it may be the end of the week before I can get out to fix it.

Today's Video...………….

Got some in.............

The lake effect from yesterday brought things around enough that people where able to get back out and put some seat time in.  With the last round of R, there is no question that there is a solid ice base under the new snow.   So slow going was the key to todays riding.  No blasting down the trail, grabbing a hand full of break and thinking you're going to stop on a dime.  So it all depends on what you're looking for when it comes to conditions.  There is no question you can go out and get some riding in.  But if you are looking to do high mile, flat out riding you may not like what we have to offer at this time.  But it looks like that will be changing on Tuesday.

Today's video...………..

Here's what it looks like now................

When will it stop?  Your guess is good as any ones.  I'm hoping not till we see at least a half a foot or more.

It's starting...............

The winds are starting to pick up, enough that the top blew off of the fire pit.  As it stands right this second, condition aren't anything to talk about at all.  We still have a good base out there.  But we need some fresh snow on top for the cooling and so on.  So it's all going to depend on what we see from the lake effect if there is going to be any riding this weekend or not.  You'll see in the pic below that the clouds and I hope snow are moving in.

11:30 Update:  Snow has started.  Cross fingers and get dancing people!

One is looking better............

I said yesterday that it looks like the temp and winds are setting up to maybe give us some lake effect on Friday.  One of the forecasts I look at are talking 2 to 5 on Friday.  So cross your fingers it all comes together and we see it.  It won't make it perfect, but it should be enough to make it rideable again. So keep an eye on the cams in the morning to see when the change over happens.  Also check out the link below.  You can click on different times of the day to see what is forecasted.

 https://www.wunderground.com/ndfdimage/viewimage?region=ne&type=wx&msg=21

Today's Video...……….

Down to three.............

This morning we only had three sleds left in the front yard and they packed it up and headed for home also.  Don't give up hope just yet for the weekend.  Friday temps will drop and all we need is a good shot of lake effect to get us back on the trails.  It may not be as good as it was.  But it's better than sitting at home watching TV.

Today's Video...………….

Did you ever.............

Watch the TV show "How I met your mother"  Ted's grandmother always said nothing good happens after midnight.  Well she sure was right about last night.  Because at 1am we had R coming from the sky and it cost us some snow pack.  Things will be freezing back down some tonight, as we are below freezing now and will stay that way till at least noon Wednesday.  At the least, it will slow down the melt down and break the around the clock melting.

Today's Video...……..

Sure wish...........

Why is it they can change the forecast to doom and gloom in a split second.  But it seems to take forever for it to turn back to what we think is good...SNOW & COLD!  Looks like some R tonight.  One good thing I see is it will drop into the teens Tuesday night and freeze things back up some.  Don't give up hope for this upcoming weekend just yet.

Today's Video...………..

Got longer.................

The warm up was only to be a few days long.  But now they are saying it is going to be longer.  How we far it is going to be the thousand dollar question of the week.  I'm hoping we don't see any or very little R over the warm up.  Because two or three days of warmth, may not do as much damage as last weeks R and we bounced right back after that.

Today's Video...………..

Sleds at Stillwater tells it all...............

Lots of sled traffic and fun being had by all.  Couldn't ask for a better weekend to ride, weather or trail conditions wise.

Today's video...……..

Points north.........

We saw some light lake effect today, but points north of us really saw some action.  Had a few guests head to the north today and they said some areas got snow by the feet.  So much snow, that they turned around and headed back this way.  As they didn't want to get stuck in it.  Cross your fingers that we see limited or no R at all next week.  We can handle the warmth for a few days and even some drizzle.  But we can do without the plan old R.

Today's video...………

Those who haven't..................

Went out riding last night and found some of the best conditions this year so far.  We saw about 20 sleds all night, on a five hour ride.  Now some of that time was spent in Pine Tree eating.  There's something to be said about riding untouched, freshly groomed trails.   For those of you that only come to the area on the weekend.  Should spoil yourself sometime and try weekdays.  Trust me, after you see what weekday conditions are like.  You'll be trying to figure out how to get up again.  You also don't have to wait to get seated to eat.

Today's Video...……….

Not much..............

We didn't see much of anything this morning, a few inches tops.  But mid afternoon things have turned around and we are starting to see the snow come down at a pretty good rate.  Now it's just a matter of how long it will keep coming.  If all night and into the morning we will see a good half a foot or more with no problem.   More later...……….

11:30pm Update: Went out riding tonight and all I can say is if you aren't here your missing out.  I'm now headed up to the mountain to reset the cams on top.  I'm out of hours for today.  So I'm sorry to say I won't have a video for you.

What will we see...............

Just watched the local forecast and they are showing our area to get hit the hardest by the storm Tuesday.  Not sure what kind of snow we'll see, my guess will be wet at first and then dry out some as the temps drop during the afternoon.  Keep an eye on the cams to see what we're getting.

Today's Video...…………

You never know...........

I think it was last Friday the forecast was calling for 8 to 12 and we saw about 2.  Today's was calling for 3 to 5 and we saw 6 plus.  So it goes to show, you never know till it's on the ground.  Today's snow didn't look like it was coming off of the lakes on the radar.  But it was just like lake effect snow, very light in weight.  Bottom line is, it put a new coating of snow on the ice from last Thursday's warm up.

Today's Video...………

Cold has returned...............

Here in Old Forge we had clouds this morning, but this afternoon the sun was out most of the time.  To the north of us saw more clouds and snow.  The trails have frozen back down and Thursday's R has added to the ice base.  I would of liked to seen a little more snow than we got.  But everyone seems to be having a good weekend and the forecast does have more snow coming our way.

Today's Video...………

Better late than never............

Didn't see all that much snow on Friday.  But things are frozen back down and the snow we did get was enough to give the sleds cooling.  Ran out of hours so post is very late .

Today's Video...………

Poker Run this Weekend

Spring is gone and winter has returned.............

The change over brought us some snow this afternoon and we got about an inch from it.  But the biggest thing is the temps are back below freezing and things are starting to firm back up.  Calling for teens tonight and lake effect on Friday.  So that will get things back in shape for a weekend of riding.

Friday Update: Most of the slush in the parking lot has frozen back over and what isn't will be soon.  We also have snow coming from the sky helping to freeze things up and turn yesterdays melt down around.  Also the internet connection to the top of McCauley went out.  So both cams on top and the trail cam are out.  I'm hoping it will reset, if not I'll have to make a trip the mountain.

Today's Video...…………..

It's started..........

The change over from R to snow has started at 12:45pm.

It's here.............

The R has arrived and now it's a waiting game for the change over to happen.   With the amount of  new snow we have on the ground, it should be able to suck up a good amount of R before it starts to melt down.  Also a plus it the amount of cold we had before this, so everything is frozen down solid.

Today's video...…………

What will it be?

The forecast has changed many times for Wednesday.  Not that we really want to see it, but a little R would make the new snow firm up nice and add to the base.  But all we can do is cross our fingers and hope for the best.  Haven't seen many people in the office today, which tells me the riding is to good to hang out at the motel.

Today's Video...………

First one this year..............

Today was the first time this season that we stayed below zero all day.  There is a full moon out tonight and not a cloud in the sky.  Good thing it wasn't like that last night or we would of gotten a lot colder than the 18 below we had.  Looks like a mid week warm up, that could make things even better.

Today's Video...………..

Got Snow!

Ten day forecast looks good and you can now go just about anywhere you want after the new snow.  So this could be the pick week of the season.  But who knows things could even get better.

Today's Video...………….

Saw a Cutter...............

There's a cutter in today's video and you don't see to many of them around.  Sorry about not getting the parking lot video first thing this morning.  I went out to do it, but the camera was dead. So I put it on charge and then got side tracked.

Today's video...………..

What day is it............

With the amount of people around town today, you would of thought it was a Saturday not Friday.  You couldn't have planned this storm any better than it is.  Come into town on Friday, have storm on Saturday into Sunday and have everything cleaned up so people can head home on Monday.

Today's Video...……….

Take Note.......

Aurora's Donuts will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday this weekend.  They have a fresh made breakfast sandwich that is really good and other treats.  315 369 0225

Also the Old Mill has reopened and it's my understanding that the soup and salad is back.  I haven't been over yet.  But some of the guests have and said it was good.

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

Just over a week ago the riding conditions where just rideable and now they are good to great with more snow on the way.  The thousand dollar question now is, will it make it to the end of the season without a warm up.  One can only hope!

Today's Video...………

Another Day............

I'd say today was another day of above average traffic for a weekday.  We had lake effect most of the day and when it was all said and done I'd give it 3 to 4 inches.  Looks like we're going to get chilly tonight again with a low around 10 below.  Long range forecast is looking REALLY sweet.  So don't miss out on what could be some of the best riding of the season.   See if you notice my screw up in the video.

Today's Video...……..

For Sale

Vintage Arctic Cat Snowmobile suits....Mens XL and Womens L in good condition.  Call me at motel for contact info.

Clouds have returned.............

Was cloudy all day and we had light snow in the air.  It didn't amount to anything more than a dusting.  For a weekday there was a good amount of sled traffic around town.  If this weekend's storm comes together, like they are calling for, traffic should lighten up in the area.  As more areas will have snow to ride on.

Today's Video...………..

Don't miss out............

We may not have feet of snow and you would think that conditions couldn't be all that great.  But the ice base is the key to the conditions we have.  You don't need all that much snow when you have 3 plus inches of solid ice for the base.  Forecast is looking good with cloud cover and light snow.  It was very pretty here today with the bright sun, but when it comes to holding the trail conditions together cloudy is the way to go.

Today's Video...……..

Better late than never............

Here's what it was looking like Sunday morning and some video from Saturday.  I'll be posting another video for today later on.

Sunday's Video...………

Stillwater at it's best..............

Today's video says it all on how the conditions are.

Today's Video...………….

First ride in Old Forge...........

Have a first time rider enjoying the trails here at Christy's today.  He'll be doing the pool loop in no time and the next thing you'll know is he'll be taking the trail to the back forty, just the big people.

Today's Video...……….

Heading North?

Please be careful this weekend.    As there will be a lot of people in the area and the ice base is still out there.  So you never know when your sled may break loose and take you for a ride you may not enjoy.

Today's Video...…………..

Winter has returned.................

Snowed all day and we got a good 6 to 8 so far.  Doesn't sound like much, but trust me, it did make a world of difference.  Calling for more tonight and Thursday.  Won't be long and the light for the one foot mark on the snow stick will be under snow.  Not much else to saw, watch the video it says it all.

Today's video...………….

Winter Storm Warning

Northern Herkimer-
Including the cities of Big Moose, Eagle Bay, McKeever,
Old Forge, Atwell, Nobleboro, and Northwood
620 AM EST Wed Jan 9 2019

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST
THURSDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow and some blowing snow. Total snow
accumulations of 8 to 12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40
mph.