Skiing at Acadia National Park

Yesterday Argy and I drove to Bar Harbor and spent the day skiing with our son in Acadia National Park. After the cold and clear week we enjoyed a warm and cloudy day. Many people were out on the trails skiing and snowshoeing. In the distance we could hear snowmobilers enjoying the day as well. We skied for about four hours and had a great time. On that heavily used trail there were surprising signs of wildlife. We saw fox and coyote tracks, squirrel tracks and two places where mink had crossed the trail. The highlight for me was the track of an otter sliding through the snow the best example I've ever seen. The track was very clear and went on for 100 yards that we could see in the soft snow. Today is even warmer and the sun is peeking out. There is a gentle southerly breeze and a haze from the humidity of the snow and ice thawing. We needed a January thaw after the deep snow and cold of the last few weeks. I was beginning to be concerned about the impact this winter might have on wildlife. A few warm days to settle the snow are most welcome. The downside spending the entire day out is that it's hard to get motivated to come back into the office and work indoors. I'm doing the best I can but it's hard to sit here and look out at such a great day. The legislative committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will hold its first meeting of the winter tomorrow; my winter lobbying season is off to a quick start this year.