Snow Rake

Retired decades ago as a hay rake, this implement now serves to indicate the snow accumulation of the biggest storms. Half-way to the axle: 6-8″; “dog snow”, good enough for cross-country skiing. Level with the axle: 12-16″; too much snow to work, powder day at Elk Mountain. Level with or above the seat (observed during the blizzard of ’93): to quote Bob Dylan “you ain’t goin’ nowhere”; roads impassible, setting cross-country ski tracks strenuous, hope there’s plenty of blankets and candles in case the power goes out, and that the cupboards are full ’cause it will be a good day or two to “lay around the shanty…”

Frequent consultation of the National Weather Service website today provokes alternating emotions of joy and concern as the forecast for Friday’s storm fluctuates from 90% chance of snow accumulating 2″ to 100% chance of snow accumulating 7-12″ or more.

Though we’ll need some more natural for cross-country skiing, the conditions at Elk have been excellent all week, and will only improve with whatever amount of snow we end up receiving.

Today is a good day to plan your Friday. Make sure you’ve got skis, boots, poles, gloves, hat, and plenty of food with you. If traveling, start your trip so as to arrive here before the roads get too snowy.

Plenty of music both Friday and Saturday again this weekend. There are worse places to have to hunker down and weather a storm than here on The Hill…