Conditions at the Park are not favourable for skiing or snowshoeing today (Duh!) so the cabin will be closed (Surprise!) probably tomorrow too. (Gee… do ya think?) Sorry if I sound grumpy, but Mother Nature can be SUCH a tease:-( Not to worry. We’ll be hip deep in the white stuff again before you know it;-)
OK… It’s Tuesday. I know that now. Anyway… the skiing was FANTASTIC at Ellenwood today! Arnie came in to plow the walking path and he’s made it wide and deep for all of our winter walkers and their four-footed friends.
Groomed trails!
This is a good time to remind everyone to stay clear of groomed trails and especially ski tracks. Ruts caused by footprints and pawprints are DANGEROUS for skiers! All walkers should stick to the walking path.
The DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) requires that ALL dogs be on a leash at all times as soon as they enter the Park. It’s for their own safety as well as that of other Park users. Keep safe everyone!
The trails are groomed and the ski tracks are set throughout the Park on this glorious winter Tuesday! Note from Stephen: a bit too narrow for skate skiing, but otherwise a perfect day for cross-country!
Also of note… PLEASE don’t walk or snowshoe near the ski tracks! If you see someone on foot, perhaps with their dog, respectfully ask them to keep well clear of the ski tracks. Ruts are dangerous for skiers… It’s like hitting a deep pot hole in the road if you were driving:-( Folks don’t always know about these things and they don’t do it deliberately. Thanks.
I’ve had a few inquiries about how to access equipment during the week. For those of us who can’t get out to Ellenwood on weekends, but want to ski or snowshoe, there’s an answer! The Yarmouth Recreation Department up in Hebron loans out the same equipment we do. You can get fitted out there and drive out to Ellenwood to take advantage of the ski tracks! To find out more, call 902-742-8868 or email misty@district.yarmouth.ns.ca Although we don’t staff the cabin on weekdays, ski by and say “Hi!” One of our volunteers may just be on hand to offer you a hot drink by the stove.
OK… You can stop now! I know that I asked all of you to keep your fingers crossed for snow, but enough’s enough already! Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised. Cross-country skiers are such a motivated bunch;-)
Stephen is out at the Park and has the trails all ready for you! There was so much snow that he had to go over it a few times with the snow mobile to compact it a bit before he was able to run the groomer and set the ski tracks, but it’s all done now. So get out there and ENJOY THE SNOW! The conditions are perfect:-)
The roads are in great shape (surprisingly) and it’s no trouble getting to Ellenwood. Brian and Stephen are currently manning the ski cabin and loaning out equipment, as promised. Some of us still have to dig ourselves out of our driveways! The cabin will be warm and welcoming this afternoon, one way or another… stove lit and chocolate hot!
Don’t let Stephen do all that hard work for nothing… C’mon out and SKI why don’t ya??? Please review our trail safety tips before you head out. Click on ‘Skiing At The Park’.
Not quite enough snow to run the groomer this morning, but maybe overnight! The forecast is favourable:-) We’ll keep on top of the weather conditions for you and see if we can get things up and running at the cabin tomorrow. As always… refer here for updates before you head out.
I can hardly wait!
With snow in the forecast this weekend, you can be sure that The Friends of Ellenwood will be prepared! We have our fingers crossed that there will be enough snow to have the walking path groomed and the ski tracks set! The cabin will be open from noon until 4:00 on Sunday and (if the conditions are good) skis and snowshoes will be available for you to borrow. Plan a walk down to the ski cabin for a hot drink and a chat by the wood stove. We love visitors! Could there be a better, healthier way to start the New Year? Spread the word! Why not ask a friend to join you?
Keep your eyes on the skies and then check our website for updates.
Our equipment is loaned free of charge, but we count on your donations to keep us going. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Click on the ‘Skiing at the Park’ tab on our Home Page for detailed information and to review important safety tips.
Just a reminder that it’s time to renew your FOEP membership for another year. To find out how, click on the Be A Friend tab on our Home Page. You’ll find a printable version of our Support form there along with instructions about where to send it. Your memberships keep our events eventful – so please renew today. Still need a little nudge? OK, how about this…
In partnership with Runner’s Attic on Main Street, anyone who presents a valid Friends of Ellenwood Park Membership Card when buying anything at Runner’s Attic will receive their purchase TAX FREE! That’s a 15% savings every time you shop at Runner’s Attic! It’s our way of saying, “Thanks for being a Friend.” The sooner you renew your Membership, the sooner you can start saving!
Saturday, November 19th We have a good old fashioned MARSHMALLOW ROAST and CAMPFIRE planned from 7:00 to 9:00 PM We’ll share a few campfire tales and some local lore along with the marshmallows! This is a great event for the kids (since there’s no school the next day;-) Bring your favourite toasting fork if you’ve got one or use ours if you don’t. A flashlight and an old blanket or two will also be a good idea. This event will be cancelled in case of rain or strong wind.
TODAY… Sunday, October 23rd from 2 to 4 PM Who’s afraid of a little wind? We’ll be turning pumpkins into Jack ‘o Lanterns today at the ski cabin. We’ll have a fire blazing in the wood stove and hot chocolate to warm you up so come on out and join in the fun!
Pumpkins and carving tools will be supplied courtesy of the Friends of Ellenwood Park. Dress for the outdoors! It’s an easy 20 minute walk from the main gate down to the ski cabin. Rain date: Oct. 30th
This is a free event, but your donations are always greatly appreciated!
Thanksgiving is just around the corner so it’s the perfect time for us to wish all of our Members and Subscribers a very Happy Thanksgiving with your friends and family!
The Friends of Ellenwood Park have their own reasons to be thankful. YOU! Your interest, participation, and donations are what keep us going. Our free ski lending program has grown because of YOU! So we hope you will forgive us for sending out this timely reminder…
It’s time to renew your FOEP membership for another year. To find out how, click on the Be A Friend tab on our Home Page. You’ll find a printable version of our Support form there along with instructions about where to send it. Your memberships keep our events eventful – so please renew today. We can’t do what we do without YOU!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone from the Friends of Ellenwood Park!
