New Snow -- Real Snow

HERE TO STAY

Anticipation Reigns

it's a very busy time

WALLPAPER: GRASS BE GONE

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.. So now we have a couple of bright days and it looks to hold for some short time. It's time to finish the winter preparations for our neighborhood.
.. From checking the fluids in the vehicles to gathering our winter gear it's a time of frenetic activity for some and a gentle cleanup for others. Wood for the stove, sleds for the trail, jigs for the lake, snow tires, etc.

PISTON BULLY WORKING OUT

.. It's colder than it feels. The sun is a real boon for the early winter preparations if you happen to be putting a roof on new construction or the greenhouse needs to be cleaned out.
.. The tour operators are completing their vehicle preparations and attending meetings for final instruction from the NPS for the new winter visitation procedures. Right now it costs about $100.00/day, and the tour operators are receiving instructions about how to make it seem worth the tariff.
.. Merchants are in warm vacation destinations or soon will be. Winter stock has been ordered, (or should have been,) and some will not return until next April or May.

SLED FLEET GETTING READY

.. Trail grooming crews are finalizing preparations for new trails. The grooming behemoths are getting their final tune-up and new tracks where necessary.
.. Sled renters are removing sleds from their shipping crates and performing the final assembly procedures.  Tuning, adjustment, polishing, testing and display are all part of this operation. It's a major bit of the factory program.
.. Our little village receives the first of the production for this model year. Most of the operators have mechanics and technicians that have spent time at the factories. The 1,500 or so new sleds get wrung out here. The best sleds from last year are kept in the fleets. There may be more than 2,000 snowmobiles for rent in town.
.. The city crews are putting up winter road signs and clearing out the storm drains. The fire department is testing and clearing out the fire hydrants to make sure that the subterranean valves work and will withstand the deep frost penetration that comes with winter. A blanket of snow will help reduce frost penetration and aid in all water services in town.

Scarlet Ibis - Oldie But Goodie

.. Of course the staff at each motel and hotel is busy with the early visitors and sprucing up the facilities for the coming rush of winter visitors. New carpets, new mattresses, new televisions, and all the stuff broken by visitors needs to be replaced or repaired.
.. Folks who are unaware of the activity in a tourist destination call this part of the year the "OFF SEASON" - those who know better refer to it as the "SHOULDER SEASON" or the "BUSY TIME." There really is no rest of any length in this part of the world.
.. Wise fishers, on the other hand, are busy with the spectacular late Fall catching and watching for real winter to arrive.
.. Then it will be time for ice augers, (need sharpening,) thrummin' rods, (fit new spring or seat,) and good clothing, (pac-liners and laces,) not Gucci knock-offs for styling on the river in the summer.
.. We'll be on the ice as soon as it arrives - or shortly there after.

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WALLPAPER: ANTICIPATION