A winter wonderland just outside the door … but the first step is the toughest

It’s been quite a winter thus far, and cities and towns across the region have piled up feet of snow.

A man skis across an intersection during a winter snow storm in Brookline, Massachusetts February 9, 2015. Boston and other areas of the Northeast, already buried under about a yard of snow, braced for up to two more feet through early Tuesday while more rain and high winds were in store for parts of the Pacific coast, forecasters said on Sunday. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

A man skis across an intersection during a winter snow storm in Brookline, Massachusetts February 9, 2015. Boston and other areas of the Northeast, already buried under about a yard of snow, braced for up to two more feet through early Tuesday while more rain and high winds were in store for parts of the Pacific coast, forecasters said on Sunday. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

Luckily, we’re Mainers and we’re tough. Or foolish. Or too darned stubborn to move to Florida.

Fact is, there are plenty of things to do outside when the weather turns cold and the snow begins to pile up.

That’s what we Mainers will tell our not-nearly-as-tough friends who live in warmer climes, at least.

Unfortunately, I’m finding that going outside to play in the snow isn’t quite as simple as it was back when I was a kid.

Some days, I just don’t feel like it. When it’s 10 below zero and the wind is blowing 30 mph, I figure we can all be forgiven for hunkering down and grabbing another cup of coffee.

But other days, despite our best efforts, inertia can get the best of us.

Last weekend, our family had a grand plan. We were going to embrace the snow! We were going to head outdoors, strap on our cross country skis, and spend a few hours learning new skills at a ski clinic being held nearby. We were going to have fun!

That was the plan, at least.

As the appointed hour approached, my wife and I noticed none of the kids were moving too quickly. In fact, they weren’t moving a bit.

And they were all wearing their pajamas, immersed in the wonderful world of Minecraft.

“OK, let’s get ready!” I announced. “We’re going skiing!”

Eyebrows were raised. Grumpiness ensued. Arguments followed.

Eventually, an official “pajama day” was declared. We didn’t go skiing.

This weekend, things will be different. I’ll get outside. I’ll try out those cross-country skis. I’ll embrace the snow.

That’s the plan, anyway.

I realize, of course, plans change.

And if they do?

Well, I figure the snow will still be there when my skiing posse and I finally decide to change out of our pajamas and venture outdoors.

How’s May 1 sound?

Great Maine Outdoor Weekend

If you do decide to get out of your PJs and head afield, your timing is perfect: The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend runs from Friday through Sunday.

The weekend is a project of the Maine Outdoor Coalition and offers all kinds of activities for individuals and families.

In all, more than 100 Great Outdoor Weekend events are scheduled.

Here’s Just a few of the offerings (you can find the complete list at greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org):

Katahdin Woods and Waters Head North Ski Days. Head to Patten on any of the three days, where representatives will meet nordic skiers at the trailhead of newly opened trails along the East Branch of the Penobscot River. Ski rentals through the Maine Winter Sports Center will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, and skiing will take place from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Hike three preserves on Deer Isle. Organizers will lead three different hikes on Island Heritage Trust Preserves. The areas to be hiked: Settlement Quarry, Shore Acres and Scott’s Landing. Take photos of yourself along the way and bring those photos from all three hikes to Sunday’s sledding party at the Island Country Club and you might win a prize.

Tic Tac Snow! Mount Desert Island. Take your kids, age 3 to 6, on this adventure that will give the children the chance to explore nature. Acadia Park Rangers will be on hand to show attendees signs of winter in the Maine outdoors. Groups of six or more should call in advance. A post-adventure campfire with s’mores will be held at Camp Beech Cliff. Check the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend website for more information.

 

John Holyoke

About John Holyoke

John Holyoke has been enjoying himself in Maine's great outdoors since he was a kid. Today, he's the Outdoors editor for the BDN, a job that allows him to meet up with Maine outdoors enthusiasts in their natural habitat. The stories he gathers provide fodder for his columns, and this blog.