"S" is for Snow . . . and Sled.

Aroostook County loves the snow.

The tourist economy in the County centers mainly on outdoor activities.  And in the wintertime that means snow activites.  Fort Kent has a ski area Lonesome Pines for downhill skiers, and 10th Mountain for cross country fans.  And ice fishing is very popular.  But the real money is with the snowmobilers.

Oh . . . wait . . . did I say snowmobilers?  What I meant to say is the real money is with the sledders.

Because we don't snowmobile in Maine.  We sled.

Local hotels fill up with people, sleds in tow, to hit the ITS trails.  Restaurants and bars fill up with people after a long day of sledding.  The money comes in, and Aroostook County is happy.

Only that wasn't the case last winter.  Southern New England got more snow than Upper Aroostook County last year.  I was happy about it because I don't sled.  I was in the Upper County a lot last winter, and less snow means better driving conditions.  This year wasn't looking too well so far either.

This storm made its way slowly to Maine, but it has finally arrived.  Milo got snow beginning mid-afternoon.  Fort Kent saw snow around 7pm.  The National Weather Center in Caribou has told us to expect up to 7 inches when all is said and done.

So let's hope happy sledders pack up their toys and head on north this weekend.

Be seeing you.