Traditionally the Coldest Week

If one looks at the weather averages, one will note that the coldest average temperatures occur around the third week in January in Rangeley. We are past that point now!


The days are getting longer. Just today, I saw the first deer on the pond during the day. As the deer become less timid and sunset occurs later, you may often see the deer on the pond. They will congregate around Wilbur Spring and sometimes around Sagamore Lodge while looking for open water. This picture isn't great, because it was nearly dark, when I snapped the photo. In the coming weeks, the photos should improve as the deer get more daring in the daylight hours.
On the way into Rangeley, I will often gasp at the beauty of Saddleback mountain. For the past several weeks, the higher elevations of Saddleback have been covered with new snow and the shadows are dramatic.

Friends of Quimby Pond

With each new week there seems to be more opportunities and more support for our organization. I want to thank everyone for their donations. The funds, that we have collected have exceeded my expectations. Thank you all.

There are a couple of scientists (lake biologists) that have stepped forward to give us advice. One is the son of Ebbie Ellis. Chris Ellis not only works in the water quality/research division of the University of Minnesota, but he has often spent a few weeks per year at Quimby Pond. A former neighbor of Rick and Marcia Baker, Gerald Smith has offered advice. Gerrie is the president of Aquatic Technologies in Massachusetts. Aquatic Technologies has had great success in cleaning up the Charles River around Boston.
We are very fortunate indeed.

Happy Holidays to All

Early January 2010

I apologize for not posting near the end of last month. Activities continue to slow down a bit up here. We have plenty of snow. A"blizzard" several days ago turned into about 10 inches of snow and heavy winds. Dawn Towey, a friend, remarked that the wind won't be blowing at our camps, we can just listen to the wind in the treetops. Often I worry about the trees toppling in front of camps and it was comforting to listen to the wind whistling in the treetops for most of the evening. A great sound indeed.

Here's a photo of the pond from my porch. In the photo it's hard to tell if it's snow or water. Trust me it's snow.





I thought that I would inclde a couple of area photos in the mix today. Below is a snowman family in the field near the dentist's office.

And below is Saddleback as the sun was setting.

Friends of Quimby Pond

I want to thank all of you, who responded to the donation request. We have collected $330.00 so far. The funds will help us in the watershed survey this spring. Our steering committee is meeting monthly. Tomorrow night John Towey and I meet with the Rangeley selectmen to update them on our progress and request a few more dollars. Wish us luck!