It looks like we may get snow for Thanksgiving, but then have a sunny weekend.  We still  have a cottage open and one A-frame - it's not too late to get away!  Great hiking available!

Tonight: A chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow. Cloudy, with a low around 36. South wind around 5 mph becoming north. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

Wednesday: Rain and snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 38. North wind between 5 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.

Wednesday Night: Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. North wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Thanksgiving Day: A 20 percent chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 29. North wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 34.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 21.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 36.

Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23.

I am thankful:

• that our slower time is coming to an end, as it means guests and friends will be returning to visit.
• for people who see the value in exposing their children to the woods, waters and wildlife as they are the future protectors of our wilderness. 
• that the snow has not yet stuck because I was able to get many other things attended to.   
• for being so busy doing things for others, that I don't get my own work done as it means I have many friends who trust me.
• for people who believe in the gift of vacation memories rather than material goods as they last much longer.
• that many of our guests over the years have purchased cabins in the area, since now they are neighors.
• for children who get giggles at the end of the day and remind me to have fun.
• for guests who have become friends who make their arrival each year feel like a homecoming.
• for four legged children who keep me young with their adventures and constant tail wagging.

Most of all - thanks for taking time out of your day to read this!

     While we've had snow this fall it has yet to stay more than a day or two.  I'm  amazed by the fact that while there was a slight frost here this morning, 1 mile down the side road 1/2 inch of snow had accummulated on the ground overnight.  Lately daytime temps have been in the 40-50's dipping into the high 20's and 30's in the evenings.  I'm still boycotting turning my furnace on thought I have started fires in the lodge fireplace to take off the chill. 

     Bob's been hunting daily.  I'm referring to this season as the dollar days as Bob has seen a buck a day.  Most mornings he comes home with some kind of wildlife story.  Today he said he heard a cow moose bellowing loudly down on a lake, and also heard it crashing through the skim ice formed overnight.  Bob Sr. watched a wolf from his deer stand today.  As it headed off, he gave a quick buck grunt, just to see what it's reaction might be.  It heard the grunt and turned to scan the area, then sauntered off. 

     The first year we operated the Pines the weather was much like this.  Beautiful days.  I remember working in the campground with some family members who had come to lend a hand.  This past weekend some of those same family members were up to help out again.  While it rained over the weekend keeping one crew inside deep cleaning the A-Frame cabins, the guys (much tougher than we) spent time tidying up the campground and pulling out the ski trail lights for the winter season. 

     Winter will be here sooner than we all think and so will Christmas - This year give the gift of a memory - buy a vacation for your family.  We're offering $99 midweek winter nights  - Pre-buy midweek winter night coupons in time for Christmas! 1-4 people any cabin, valid Sun - Thurs night Jan 5 - March 31 2010. A savings of up to $128 per night (not valid with any other discount).

We haven't even gotten it out of the woods yet - but here's a couple pictures!  I'll try to follow with the story later!