October 30, 2011

Thursday night's snow was just a prelude to what Lake Wicwas and the rest of the northeast received on Saturday night.  A strong nor'easter coming up the coast dumped from 10 to 20 inches of October snow on New Hampshire, with amounts of around 15 inches in the lakes region.  The amount collecting varied greatly over a very short distance depending on the surface temperature of the ground.  On our road it ranged from 1" of wet snow where the ground was still warm, to 12" of dry snow where it was more open and cold. 

It was a very disorienting sight, with deep snow covering yellow leaves around open water, and the flowers still blooming.

The storm set records just about everywhere, and allowed my first-ever skiing in the month of October.  I was able to complete my favorite short loop with no problem at all.  (Although I did have to use my special cyan wax that works on leaves!)

Skiing in October!

On my circuit I found fresh animal tracks everywhere - a sign that the wildlife is still very active and working to build up their winter stores.  There were deer tracks all over the fields and the woods, fox tracks in the denser woods, and even some otter tracks near the water.  The new snow also provided an unusual background for the bright maple leaves that continued to fall on top of the fresh blanket.

The only animals I actually saw were ducks on the lake, including a group of eight, which I think are ringed neck ducks.

On our walk up to see what's new at Child's Park, we saw an interesting phenomenon on the front yard of the Meredith Center Fire Station:  dark leaves soaking up the heat of sun and melting their way down to find their proper resting place on the ground.

Meredith Center Fire Station

At the part itself, the new building is now completely sided and the electricity and plumbing are coming along.

Child's Parl

The best news of the day, however, is that we, unlike about half of the people in the state of New Hampshire, didn't lose our power.  High scores to the Electric Coop!

October 30, 2011