We are enjoying a very mild December with only a little snow early on and now a warm and settled stretch. The grass on the lawn is still green but luckily not growing. The wood pile is not shrinking at the normal rate. There is not much more than flurries in the forecast for the next week. So I guess we will have a green Christmas instead of white this year. I noticed today that not only is there little ice on the local ponds but the loons are still swimming around in them. I watched a large flock of geese pass over the house this morning and then all barrel roll into the field below to take advantage of some of that still green grass. I had forgotten what acrobatic flyers geese can be. I also noticed a good number of bufflehead ducks and goldeneyes on the ponds today all enjoying the lack of ice. I can remember years when we were ice fishing on a few ponds in December but there is no way this year. Most of our ponds still have open water.
I put the Lund away for the winter last week. It is always kind of sad to take out all of the safety equipment and the little things that I have on board to make my job easier like my long hook for picking up decoy lines. It has been an amazing year filled with great memories. Many fishing and canoe trips with folks that I look forward to seeing again next season. I had already hung the strip built canoe in the rafters of the garage and all of the canoes are on their rack behind the house.
This time of year makes me realize how fortunate I am. Maine Outdoors has become a successful business that I enjoy working at every day. I have clients that I like to spend time with and best of all; a good part of the year is spent outside in a place that I love. I am always grateful when one of you reminds me how beautiful this place is and how fortunate I am to be able to work here. How many folks can say that they see eagles or ospreys close up on at least half of their work days each year? Or get to be along with a child on their first time in a canoe or when they catch their first fish?
If you would like to make one of those trips a possibility for someone that you know, I still have certificates for trips available for a unique last minute holiday gift. If you plan it right you can go on the trip that you give. Give me a call or drop me an e-mail and I can make the arrangements for you. Gift certificates are also available in the online store if you like to shop in the middle of the night or I am not available to answer your call. I can easily e-mail you a certificate and brochure to print out at home. So delivery is not a problem even if you wait until the last minute.
Thank you for reading this newsletter and being my clients, I enjoy each visit with all of you and hope that you do the same.
Happy Holidays!
Don Kleiner
Master Maine Guide
