It has been quite a while since I have posted a blog about life in the Katahdin region, the guide service and being a lady guide, so forgive me if I should repeat anything of past blogs. It has not been because life stopped here in the dead of winter, but more like life slows down considerably as we are not a four season service at this point in time. Much like a bear in hibernation.
I believe this is the very first year that I did not go ice fishing. Big E went only once. I did not get out cross country skiing and only put the snowshoes on once. I have taken Buddy Beagle out a few times in training and have been working with him in the obedience department. He is coming along very well and we are expecting a couple of friends and fellow guides to bring their beagles and do a little bunny hunting for a week. This should advance Buddy in his training. Big E also has put out a few rabbit traps to try to let my beagle, which I often and lovingly refer to as my "Bagel", have some live runs. I also have been saying that I think this "bagel", is much like what a grandchild might be. Big E and I raised hunting dogs for many years and I was extremely involved with not only their care, but training as well. This is something I have missed even though I have a house full of Shiba's and Ozwald, the detailed training of a sporting dog. I think I'm spoiling him a bit too, however, he makes that very easy. Buddy is different from my other dogs and brings me great joy with his playful antics as well as impressing me with his quick ability to learn. He makes me laugh and we all know laughter is the best medicine. I truly feel I'm enjoying this little dog more than any of the others...or maybe it is just because he is here. Who knows? I have never been rabbit hunting before, so it will be a new experience that I'm looking forward to.
The days are getting longer, and the sun stronger.We will soon be busy finishing up the new cabin and doing some ground work on the new lot. I can not wait to get my kayak back in the water for a soul soothing ride on the Penobscot. It will be nice to go fly fishing once again too. Funny thing...my sister, who has lived in Florida now for 6 years is always telling me to fly south with the birds. I have resisted and for the most part I do enjoy the changing of the seasons, the blanketing of winter and what it all means in the never ending turning wheel of life. However, I'am getting tired of the confinement, Spring fever maybe...or as we call it here..cabin fever. So lets get outdoors and enjoy Mother Nature!!!!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Home Sweet Home
It is Tuesday Feb.8th and we are at the big sportsmen show in Harrisburg Pa., and my thoughts constantly turn to home. It is not that I do not enjoy myself at the show, as there is so much to see and so many great folks to talk to, but there truly is no place like home. We have brought along Ozwald with us once again, which gives me some comfort, but I miss the little ones that I left behind. I have become a home body for the most part which makes it good considering that is also where I work from. However with the many adventures one could pick from here at the show, I have only one desire and that is to live my life in the outdoors right here in the Katahdin region; kayaking the Penobscot, gazing at the mighty Mount Katahdin, fishing Nesowadnehunk Lake and hunting the phantom black bear.
However, here I am, at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show so let me share a bit of that with you all. Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulu, the stars and hosts of " The Archers Choice" TV show are just a coupld booths down from us. I met them for the first time last year, which was so cool as I watch their show faithfully. I have always liked the way they interact with each other kidding and joking and they way they share their experiences in the outdoors. I tell you honestly, they are as they appear on the show; down to earth real people like you and I.
There is every kind of hunting and fishing adventure one could imagine or wish for to pick from here. Some day, I would like to go somewhere and hunt for a color phase bear. I'm a bear hunting addict!! I could go to Alaska, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia,or Manitoba! One can go to all points of the world from right here; Africa, New Zeland, Newfoundland, Labrador, any place in Canada, Mexico to Australia! Some of these is simply out of the question for me cause if I can't drive there, I'm probably never going. However for those adventurous it is an opportunity of a life time.
Along with adventures, and there are many I have left out, you can also find anything and everything to take on your adventures and then some. Lots of just really cool stuff to look at and buy as well from jewelry, clothing and every imaginable gadget. You can even buy a new truck!!! What make and model are you looking for, it's here!!! How about a new 4 wheeler, or motorcycle?? It's here. Boats, boats and more boats!!!! Even log cabins!
However, we are here to keep our business alive so we can continue to live, love and play in the place I love the most.......Home!!!!
However, here I am, at the Eastern Sports and Outdoors Show so let me share a bit of that with you all. Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulu, the stars and hosts of " The Archers Choice" TV show are just a coupld booths down from us. I met them for the first time last year, which was so cool as I watch their show faithfully. I have always liked the way they interact with each other kidding and joking and they way they share their experiences in the outdoors. I tell you honestly, they are as they appear on the show; down to earth real people like you and I.
There is every kind of hunting and fishing adventure one could imagine or wish for to pick from here. Some day, I would like to go somewhere and hunt for a color phase bear. I'm a bear hunting addict!! I could go to Alaska, Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia,or Manitoba! One can go to all points of the world from right here; Africa, New Zeland, Newfoundland, Labrador, any place in Canada, Mexico to Australia! Some of these is simply out of the question for me cause if I can't drive there, I'm probably never going. However for those adventurous it is an opportunity of a life time.
Along with adventures, and there are many I have left out, you can also find anything and everything to take on your adventures and then some. Lots of just really cool stuff to look at and buy as well from jewelry, clothing and every imaginable gadget. You can even buy a new truck!!! What make and model are you looking for, it's here!!! How about a new 4 wheeler, or motorcycle?? It's here. Boats, boats and more boats!!!! Even log cabins!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
After all, it is winter
It is Tuesday, February 1st, 2011, and we are getting things ready to see what we have to pack into the truck for our yearly adventure to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania for the annual Eastern Outdoors and Sports Show, where we exhibit for the guide service. Currently, PA. is getting coated with ice in a huge storm that has affected and will affect most of the lower 48 States. The predictions for us here in Maine is snow, snow and more snow; up to a foot and a half starting this afternoon. We have been going to this show now for 5 years and have had the good luck to travel in good weather. Many times we have had a storm on our heals..but good roads still. Well, I knew at some point this luck would end, or just the fact that it IS winter and with winter comes snow.
Last year we traveled to Harrisburg and overlooked bare fields of brown. However, when we opened the motel door the next morning we were greeted with 22 inches of snow. Well we are from Maine, and have experience with snow!! Even though it is winter in Pennsylvania too, they seemed to be devastated with this amount of snow. Big E and I just simply put the truck into 4 wheel drive and off we went, no problem. Well as the week progressed, they got more snow...and for the very first time in 55 years, they closed the show due to the snow closing the interstates and stranding some exhibitors at the exhibit hall. Still we thought, oh well...it is winter!! We arrived back at our motel around 1:30pm and relaxed for a bit. Around 4:00pm, we thought well, lets go get something to eat. So we hopped in the truck and off we went, only to find that not even a McDonalds was open. It was like the city shut off all the lights and rolled up the sidewalks! Nothing, absolutely nothing was open, not even a convenience store could be found open. No Dunkin Donuts for a coffee..no nothing. We were asked why we were even out on the roads, and simply replied, we are from Maine and it's just snow....
This year looks to be much of the same, and we will even prepare a bit more for that fact, but still, it is just winter. I will admit, I do not like to travel on bad roads or in storms, however it is not for fear that we will have a problem, but that someone else will involve us in their problem and with some of the interstates we travel on to get there I have little to no faith that some of these people should have drivers licenses to begin with! Once we get there, I care little what happens, but ask of Mother Nature to treat me with a little special consideration that although I can handle what she decides to dish out in general, let me get there and get home safely and a little sunshine would really be nice.
Last year we traveled to Harrisburg and overlooked bare fields of brown. However, when we opened the motel door the next morning we were greeted with 22 inches of snow. Well we are from Maine, and have experience with snow!! Even though it is winter in Pennsylvania too, they seemed to be devastated with this amount of snow. Big E and I just simply put the truck into 4 wheel drive and off we went, no problem. Well as the week progressed, they got more snow...and for the very first time in 55 years, they closed the show due to the snow closing the interstates and stranding some exhibitors at the exhibit hall. Still we thought, oh well...it is winter!! We arrived back at our motel around 1:30pm and relaxed for a bit. Around 4:00pm, we thought well, lets go get something to eat. So we hopped in the truck and off we went, only to find that not even a McDonalds was open. It was like the city shut off all the lights and rolled up the sidewalks! Nothing, absolutely nothing was open, not even a convenience store could be found open. No Dunkin Donuts for a coffee..no nothing. We were asked why we were even out on the roads, and simply replied, we are from Maine and it's just snow....
This year looks to be much of the same, and we will even prepare a bit more for that fact, but still, it is just winter. I will admit, I do not like to travel on bad roads or in storms, however it is not for fear that we will have a problem, but that someone else will involve us in their problem and with some of the interstates we travel on to get there I have little to no faith that some of these people should have drivers licenses to begin with! Once we get there, I care little what happens, but ask of Mother Nature to treat me with a little special consideration that although I can handle what she decides to dish out in general, let me get there and get home safely and a little sunshine would really be nice.
Monday, January 24, 2011
See you at the Show!!!!!
For the Sports enthusiast January marks the beginning of the sportsmen shows circuit all over the United States. Here in the northeast there is a show almost every weekend through the month of March.Some guides and outfitters follow the circuit from show to show, while others pick and choose which is the best one or ones that benefit them the most. For Big E and I, we exhibit at the Eastern Outdoors and Sports Show in Harrisburg Pennsylvania which is considered the biggest show in the northeast as well as one of the longest running shows, running 9 days beginning the first weekend of every February. To the outdoors lover, this show is the Disney World of sports shows with everything and anything ones heart could desire, or even imagine. For many it is also the place to talk directly with guides and outfitters for that dream hunt, fishing trip or vacation of a lifetime. But how do you choose??? I'm going to give you some tips to help you make the best choices when making your decision.
First off understand the difference between a guide, guide service and an outfitter. When you are talking with a guide service, you are generally talking with the folks who will be guiding and hosting you. A guide can work for himself or herself, or for a specific guide service or outfitter. You will want to know who, where and what in this case. Some guide services are also an outfitter like myself, but other outfitters may be more like a travel agent; they can set up all the details, but you may never see this person again.
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands to choose from depending on the show you attend. You need to narrow things down. First, where is the destination you wish to go, and what species or adventure are you looking for. You may wish to book right at the show, or you may be one of those who fill up a bag full of brochures to check out later. I recommend if you know where and what you would like, book at the show. This is the best opportunity to talk face to face with those who are offering the services. It is a good thing to have a list of questions ready to ask them. This will save you time, effort and money.
Now what is the difference between the big well known businesses and the smaller ones? The big guys often come with the big prices. Kind of like paying for brand name products, or less expensive bargain brands. This comes right down to how deep are your pockets. Many of the big guys offer all the bells and whistles of a fancy resort while most smaller ones provide the comforts of home, and some are very rustic. These kinds of details should be decided before you go to the show. What is it that you want to experience.
Finally, the price. What are the services offered. Remember the golden rule; if it sounds too good to be true, probably is. Some will offer discounts or show specials for those booking at the show. I have done this in the past, however, this year, with the high increases in cost to operate and the price of gas, it is just not an option. Therefore, this should not be your defining decision maker. This is where it can get complicated. Some will lower prices at the show as it progresses if they are not booking clients. Beware!! They may also be cutting services or worse, not be able to produce what is promised. Unless you have the cash to shoot for the stars, I recommend looking at those who are offering the same services in the same price range give or take a couple hundred dollars.
Ask questions; take time to talk. Do they seem genuinely friendly and willing to talk?? Remember you will be spending up to a week with these people. Do they appear to be reading from a script or are they open and comfortable talking to you. Watch out for those that appear to be putting on a show or lure folks into their booths with pretty things.
Take the time to prepare, and have a great time at the show!!
First off understand the difference between a guide, guide service and an outfitter. When you are talking with a guide service, you are generally talking with the folks who will be guiding and hosting you. A guide can work for himself or herself, or for a specific guide service or outfitter. You will want to know who, where and what in this case. Some guide services are also an outfitter like myself, but other outfitters may be more like a travel agent; they can set up all the details, but you may never see this person again.
There are hundreds, maybe even thousands to choose from depending on the show you attend. You need to narrow things down. First, where is the destination you wish to go, and what species or adventure are you looking for. You may wish to book right at the show, or you may be one of those who fill up a bag full of brochures to check out later. I recommend if you know where and what you would like, book at the show. This is the best opportunity to talk face to face with those who are offering the services. It is a good thing to have a list of questions ready to ask them. This will save you time, effort and money.
Now what is the difference between the big well known businesses and the smaller ones? The big guys often come with the big prices. Kind of like paying for brand name products, or less expensive bargain brands. This comes right down to how deep are your pockets. Many of the big guys offer all the bells and whistles of a fancy resort while most smaller ones provide the comforts of home, and some are very rustic. These kinds of details should be decided before you go to the show. What is it that you want to experience.
Finally, the price. What are the services offered. Remember the golden rule; if it sounds too good to be true, probably is. Some will offer discounts or show specials for those booking at the show. I have done this in the past, however, this year, with the high increases in cost to operate and the price of gas, it is just not an option. Therefore, this should not be your defining decision maker. This is where it can get complicated. Some will lower prices at the show as it progresses if they are not booking clients. Beware!! They may also be cutting services or worse, not be able to produce what is promised. Unless you have the cash to shoot for the stars, I recommend looking at those who are offering the same services in the same price range give or take a couple hundred dollars.
Ask questions; take time to talk. Do they seem genuinely friendly and willing to talk?? Remember you will be spending up to a week with these people. Do they appear to be reading from a script or are they open and comfortable talking to you. Watch out for those that appear to be putting on a show or lure folks into their booths with pretty things.
Take the time to prepare, and have a great time at the show!!
See you at the Show!!
The Lyons Den
By Kimberley M Lyons
For the sports enthusiasts January marks the beginning of the sportsmen
shows all over the United States. Here in the Northeast there is a show
almost every weekend through the month of March.
Some guides and outfitters follow the circuit going from one show to
another, while others pick and choose the ones or one that benefits them
and their schedules the best. For Big E and I, we exhibit at the Eastern
Outdoors and Sports Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania which is considered
the biggest show in the northeast. This is also one of the longest shows
running for nine days beginning the first weekend of February every year.
To the outdoor lover, this is like the Disney world of sports shows with
everything the outdoors man and woman could possibly think or dream of
for any and all outdoor activities. For many, this is the place to talk
with the guides and outfitters to book their adventures for the upcoming
seasons. But how do you choose? Here are some tips to consider when
making the decision, that for some, is a once in a lifetime adventure.
First, understand the difference between a guide, guide service and an
outfitter. When you are talking with a guide service you are generally
talking directly with the folks who will be guiding and hosting you. An
outfitter may also be a guide, or guide service; however some outfitters
are more like a travel agent. They will set up all the details and you
may never see this person again.
There are hundreds, even thousands depending on the show to choose from.
Of course, first is your destination. That will narrow the choices down.
What is it you want to do? That will narrow it down even further and this
is where you want to start. You may wish to book your adventure right at
the show, or you have a bag full of brochures to look at, read and think
about. I think it is good, if you know you want to book an adventure to
book at the shows as you can talk face to face, and ask questions. Have a
list of questions ready that covers all aspects of services with you.
This will save you time, effort and money.
Next, what is the difference between big well known services and smaller
businesses? The big guys often come with big prices, much like paying for
brand name items versus bargain brands. This comes down to how deep are
your pockets. Many of the big guys provide all the bells and whistles of
a fancy resort with all the luxuries while the smaller ones have most of
the comforts of home, and some are very rustic. These kinds of details
should be considered before going to the show.
Finally, the price. What are the services offered? Remember the golden
rule; if it sounds too good, it probably is. Some offer discounts and
show specials for those attending and booking at the show; others will
not. This is where is can get complicated. Some may lower prices as the
show progresses if they are not booking clients. Be careful! After all,
speaking from experience, business expenses do not go down. Therefore if
someone is offering something for that low of a price, they may be
cutting services and you may really be disappointed. Unless you have the
cash to shoot for the stars, I recommend looking at those that are
offering the same services for just about the same price range give or
take a couple hundred dollars. Take time to talk, ask questions. Do they
seem to be putting on a show, reading from a script or are they genuinely
friendly?
Have a great time at the show!!!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Preparations!
Things have been a bit slow here these last few weeks and I haven't thought of a lot to write here.....happens sometimes. However things well be changing starting this week as we gear up to prepare for our adventure to Harrisburg Pa. for the biggest sports show in the Northeast. There are several shows going on and many guides and outfitters will run the circuit. I think of it and it makes me tired!! I could not imagine basically being gone from home for 2 months going all over the northeast setting up and tearing down to go to the next one. I also wonder as I'm very aware at the cost of these shows let alone the cost of gas, food and lodging while away, how some of them do it. For us, it is extra hard to leave home as we have our animals and we heat primarily with wood. We have to set up a sitter for the dogs and house. I have anxiety like many folks and hate to leave home for any period of time. I have a good time once we get there as long as things go well. I call home a lot to check on things and go from there. Drives Big E crazy sometimes as my nemesis/Alias Blackcloud often emerges full force. Also, twice I have come down with a bad bug and was absolutely miserable. I didn't even want to go to the show, but Big E would not go alone. I would sit in one of the folding chairs in the back of the booth, trying to breath, stop the world from spinning and my guts from rolling. To put it in perspective, I was not is a good place, nor having a very good time. So I wish for the best and take what I get.
This year will be difficult as the gas prices have sky rocketed once again. We downsized to the Ford Ranger mainly for better gas mileage, and the fact that it was newer than the 2 other vehicles/trucks we have. I would not dare to make the venture with the 98, as she is now 13 years old and I have no confidence on her performance so far from home. However, we will be paying just as much to fill the Ranger and we did the full size 98 that did make the trip 3 times. No savings there!! I do wonder what it will come to, as we do not have the option of public transportation in our region and I have already cut my trips to town quite significantly. Blackcloud emerges.....
I have to do some painting on the front display of our booth, have a few new pictures blown up for the exhibit display and get things in general packed such as the brochures and business cards. Must take out the luggage bags and start thinking about what to pack so that I'm not doing it last minute. However I have always said that I work well under pressure and tend to procrastinate badly. Oh well, we will see what I can accomplish!! I also have a meeting tonight for the Penobscot County Wildlife Conservation Association and Thursday is the Fin and Feather Clubs annual fish fry, of which I'm making a big salad for them. So I have plenty to do....must get busy!!!
This year will be difficult as the gas prices have sky rocketed once again. We downsized to the Ford Ranger mainly for better gas mileage, and the fact that it was newer than the 2 other vehicles/trucks we have. I would not dare to make the venture with the 98, as she is now 13 years old and I have no confidence on her performance so far from home. However, we will be paying just as much to fill the Ranger and we did the full size 98 that did make the trip 3 times. No savings there!! I do wonder what it will come to, as we do not have the option of public transportation in our region and I have already cut my trips to town quite significantly. Blackcloud emerges.....
I have to do some painting on the front display of our booth, have a few new pictures blown up for the exhibit display and get things in general packed such as the brochures and business cards. Must take out the luggage bags and start thinking about what to pack so that I'm not doing it last minute. However I have always said that I work well under pressure and tend to procrastinate badly. Oh well, we will see what I can accomplish!! I also have a meeting tonight for the Penobscot County Wildlife Conservation Association and Thursday is the Fin and Feather Clubs annual fish fry, of which I'm making a big salad for them. So I have plenty to do....must get busy!!!
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Winter Wonderland
Everything is covered this morning with a fresh frosting of fluffy white snow, with more possibly on it's way this coming Wednesday with the seasons second Nor-Easter that could drop a foot of snow if the storm tracks right. Big E and the boys have been occupied trapping live rabbits for a beagle club down State, and a few beaver as well. Last Spring Big E trapped 53 beavers locally which have been causing havoc with land owners. Some don't realize that beavers are not only great workers...but they destroy roads and forest. Do they create an ecosystem with their ponds, well yes. However the damage usually out weighs any habitat they create, by destroying others.
There is not enough snow in general for snowshoeing currently, and I need to check to see if cross country ski trails have been groomed. Not that one needs groomed trails but they are very nice. Ice conditions are improving, however as reports have come in, there is still great dangers on the waters. A four wheeler went through the ice on Long Lake even after they checked ice depths that were from 4-7 inches. The ice depths are not universal and can go from 7 to 0 in just a matter of a few feet. Any waterways with a current, I would not even consider trying yet. We have had warm temperatures with rains off and on and have not had an actual period or sub zero temps to make good ice.
I have so many preparations to do for our upcoming trip to Harrisburg which will be on a shoestring this year. The gas costs are estimated to double with current prices defeating the fact that we purchased the Ford Ranger for better gas mileage. We will be paying as much for the little truck as we did for the full size 98 that made the trip 3 times. This is frustrating as I'm trying to figure out ways to cut costs, but can't really see an end to the battle.
I enjoy the show and have a good time for the most part when I'm there. We have met so many great folks and it has become like a big reunion in a way with the friends we have made. However, I'm not a good traveler and tend to be a homebody. Therefore Big E has caved and is letting me take my akita Ozwald once again with us. I have no idea how I'm going to fit him in with the little truck which was the one reason he has not gone with us for the past two years. I'm much calmer having him with me even though I do truly miss those left behind with a sitter. Yes we have to have a sitter for the dogs when we go!
There is not enough snow in general for snowshoeing currently, and I need to check to see if cross country ski trails have been groomed. Not that one needs groomed trails but they are very nice. Ice conditions are improving, however as reports have come in, there is still great dangers on the waters. A four wheeler went through the ice on Long Lake even after they checked ice depths that were from 4-7 inches. The ice depths are not universal and can go from 7 to 0 in just a matter of a few feet. Any waterways with a current, I would not even consider trying yet. We have had warm temperatures with rains off and on and have not had an actual period or sub zero temps to make good ice.
I have so many preparations to do for our upcoming trip to Harrisburg which will be on a shoestring this year. The gas costs are estimated to double with current prices defeating the fact that we purchased the Ford Ranger for better gas mileage. We will be paying as much for the little truck as we did for the full size 98 that made the trip 3 times. This is frustrating as I'm trying to figure out ways to cut costs, but can't really see an end to the battle.
I enjoy the show and have a good time for the most part when I'm there. We have met so many great folks and it has become like a big reunion in a way with the friends we have made. However, I'm not a good traveler and tend to be a homebody. Therefore Big E has caved and is letting me take my akita Ozwald once again with us. I have no idea how I'm going to fit him in with the little truck which was the one reason he has not gone with us for the past two years. I'm much calmer having him with me even though I do truly miss those left behind with a sitter. Yes we have to have a sitter for the dogs when we go!
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