Cold Weather Returns

I spent the Holidays up at the Pack and was happy to see the snow and cold weather return...albeit only a dusting of snow.  In fact, next week the weathermen are predicting temps in the single digits at night with daytime highs only in the 20s.  Why am I happy?  For one, I knew the mild temps wouldn't last, secondly, I'm hoping the local ski resorts can start to make some snow because I'm planning on skiing this year and thirdly, if it's cold enough, the Pack will freeze over allowing ice fisherman to do their thing.  Personally, sitting on a bucket and ice fishing ins't my idea of a good time.  When I'm out in the cold, I want to be moving.  That's why I like to ski, mtn. bike, hike, etc. in the Cold/Winter.  But hey, if ice fishing is your gig...all the power to ya.

Speaking of fishing, when I was out on Briar Hill Summit Point today, on Lake Wallenpaupack, (see photo above), I actually saw two fishermen in a boat in Martins Cove.  Are you serious?  I'm a diehard fisherman but, sitting in a boat when it's 32F with a 15 mph wind, (wind chills in the 20s) is not my idea of a good time- even if I was catching fish.  Plus, I can't imagine it's that safe..if you accidently fell overobard...even if you're wearing a PFD.

If you have a boat and haven't winterized it yet, now is a good time with low temps in the forecast.  Don't forget to pour some of the RV safe antifreeze (pink color) in the livewell drains.  Open the valves so water/anti-freeze drains.  Remove the drain plug.  I like to put steel wool in the drain plug hole and any other hole/gap that mice might be able to enter into the boat.  Also, remove anything from the boat that mice/rodents can get into...including cushions, towels, anchor rope, etc.  I also remove all of my soft plastics from my boat/garage too.  Last year it got so cold the plastics shriveled up in my tackle boxes.

Winter's ON!