We are in what is usually the coldest part of our winter and it is just what we expect. This morning the temperature was a little below zero Fahrenheit without a cloud in the sky. Luckily the strong wind that was forecast has not shown up. Yes we have a breeze but not the wind that can make a cold day miserable. The moon was full last night which gives spectacular nights lit by the glow of the moonlight reflected off of the snow. It is nearly as bright as day but the light has a different quality. If you have never experienced moonlight bright enough to cast shadows you should make it a point to get out and see it this winter.
Last Saturday was my most recent Small Business Seminar for guides and it was great fun. The group was small which made answering questions and following up on individuals specific situations easy and enjoyable. The only down side was that the Internet connection at the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine conference center was down and I could not demonstrate any of my online content. That was actually a good thing because the content I presented only ran over the allotted time by twenty minutes or so; last time I was an hour and a half over time. The seminar was very enjoyable with lots of great questions and follow up. Needless to say I am looking forward to giving the seminar again in March.
New Trips Available!
Part of working with the Samoset Resort is an annual review of what is and is not working in our joint packages. When we looked at the past two years the canoe trip packages were not getting much attention. As I reviewed my own sales information from last year I saw the same pattern. A declining number of canoe trips while family fishing and other fishing trips were on a steep upward curve. So I got the same message twice in less than a month, canoe trips are falling in demand.
The Samoset still wants to offer packages to travelers with an interest in nature and asked if I could come up with a trip that would appeal to that group. As a result I have developed a new trip that I am calling "What are those birds?" that trip is at the center of a new segment of the web site and Maine Outdoors called "Nature Exploration" all of these trips are designed to make a beginner successful and provide a family friendly experience. I am very pleased to be able to head in the direction that I had hoped Maine Outdoors would take when I started over 20 years ago. Helping folks learn more about the outdoors and the skills that they need to appreciate our natural world. The other aspect that I am excited about is that many of these trips are available year round taking advantage of the opportunities that each season offers. Canoes or boats in summer, walking the shoreline in spring or fall and perhaps on snowshoes in the winter. Please take a moment and look over these new offerings you will quickly see why I think that this is an exciting new direction.
On Television Again!
This weekend I appeared on Wildfire a television talk show about Maine's outdoor issues. I don't know how many times I have appeared on that show over the years but I must be in double digits by now. The amazing thing to me is the number of folks who watch the show and will mention that they saw me after it is on. The discussion this week as always is fast paced and covered a number of topics. From Maine tourism to turkeys we discuss a wide range of issues. I am always surprised by how fast the time goes by and how kind the hosts are to me. After the show airs it will be posted to their web site so if you are out of the area or simply busy when it was on the air stop in and take a look.
To add my TV time I was at a hearing last Tuesday afternoon on requiring all boat operators to take a safety course. A topic that I was not following for either the Maine Bowhunters Association or the Maine Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation the groups that I represent. There was a very large crowd on hand and all of the seats in the committee room were taken so I was waiting in the hall for a chance to find a seat. Because the issue was generating controversy there were television cameras and reporters as well. One of the reporters asked me if I would give him a couple of points opposing the proposal on air. I did a short interview and heard over the next few days from a numeber of folks that saw it on the evening news.
So when I appear on the small screen once I appear twice. Who knows if it helps anything in any way but it is a little fun and adds a new aspect to my winter.
Booking now for the coming season!
I have already take several reservations for the coming season and it looks to be busy. If you are planning to be in the area this year please give me a call or drop me an e-mail so we can plan a date to spend some time outdoors together.
