Winters Last Hurrah We Hope

Yes, it is snowing this morning this is my view out the office window as I start my workday. A good old-fashioned snowstorm with maybe 6 inches on the ground so far. The wind howled out of the east last night but has dropped off this morning with only occasional 20 mile per hour gusts. The forecast calls for snow on and off over the next couple of days with anyone’s guess for our total accumulations. On the upside it is not very cold; currently 30 degrees and the power has not even flickered. We have plenty of wood in the racks in the house and both stoves going. Water on hand in case we lose power but at the moment it looks like we might escape that fate.

More good news in the lingering storm because when it finally clears the solar eclipse will be here (Monday). So we are expecting clear skies for it although I am guessing there will still be snow on the ground. Next week will be the beginning of my guiding season for this year and we are all hoping for warm sunny days which are guaranteed to arrive sometime before the 4th of July.

This winter has given me time to do some updates and repairs that will make life easier during the coming season. My biggest success was repairing the electric trolling motor on the Lund Alaskan. On a striper fishing trip last summer I misjudged how hard the tide was running and slammed the trolling motor into a rock. The force shattered the shaft to the motor; a short-term duct tape repair was put in place and a new shaft ordered that evening. Finding time during the summer is always a challenge and when an afternoon opportunity presented, I took a shot at replacing the shaft. Limited time and my lack of experience were a challenge.

As you might expect it did not go well and while I got it all back together not really in a way that would be strong enough be for the long haul. A replacement trolling motor was ordered and installed on the boat when it arrived that allowed me to finish the season. I kept the broken one and after reviewing the details multiple times in the online video. New parts were ordered and I waited for a warm day. Long story short the repair went as I hoped it might taking most of a day but in the end all back as it should be.

Needless to say, I am pleased to get that done and will swap out the trolling motors one nice afternoon this spring. I’ll have a spare on hand going forward. The ice is gone from the local ponds and the water has started to warm, pretty much ready to start!

Feel free to write or call to make your reservation for the coming season or make one online here to enjoy some time on the water for the coming season!

Best regards,

A solar eclipse is a spectacular natural event. During the last partial eclipse I spent the afternoon striper fishing, and we were able to catch a few fish while watching the eclipse. A special afternoon for sure.

As you may have heard there is a solar eclipse happening in North America the afternoon of April 8, 2024. While not in the path of a total eclipse we are in the region of 95% totality. This is a one-time experience that will not be seen again until 2044.

The eclipse will take place at 3:30 PM next Monday the sun gradually being covered and uncovered for an hour and a half on either side of that. The trip will last 4 hours to make it possible for you to see it all. 

This is clearly a once-in-a-lifetime experience as we witness the 95% totality of the April 8, 2024 eclipse on Monday while exploring the stunning mid-coast region of Maine. Our "Eclipse Adventure" trip combines the beauty of Maine's mid coast region with this celestial event. Spend the afternoon watching the eclipse, touring the Saint George River, watching eagles or perhaps fishing on one of the local lakes. Your choice; I will be happy to customize any trip that interests you.

The event could not happen locally if it rains (snow is possible in early April too) or is even just cloudy. For that reason, I will offer a no-fault cancellation for overcast to whoever has the reservation. 

There is only one opportunity available and I am only making that afternoon's adventure available on a first come first served basis.

You can make the reservation by clicking this link and it will only be available to one party only. As they say on TV the supply is limited!