Maine only has two seasons! (Bar Harbor: to buy, university, to live in)

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by forest beekeeper

Right now we are in Road Construction season.

I don't go far or often and I'm already sick of road construction season.

Originally Posted by green_mariner

Does one really have to spend their time indoors during the winter? Aren't there some winter activities to get involved in?

You'll only be stuck inside if you want to be. There's so much to do in winter it's sometimes hard to work five days a week and get to do everything. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, down hill skiing, snowshoeing. sledding/sliding, playing in the snow with kids, sneak attacking spouses with snowballs (<-- tis better to give than receive), cribbage tournaments at social organizations, Beano/Bingo and a lot more.

[maine4.us]

Well as a Maine winter newbie, winter is what you make of it! I was outside every single day, I found that I needed sunlight. Even the kind from a gray sky. I got up at 5am every morning, and went to work. I drove 41 miles each way, and every morning was a new experience. Winter driving in Maine for me was wonderful. The sunrises (late, but still by a little after 7) were gorgeous, the roads were in great shape, and I thoroughly enjoyed the drive, except when gasoline approached $4 a gallon. Yes, winter was long, but I was active. I did have a tendency in the evening to catch a nap early, and then wake up at 9pm ready to stay up, but I finally adjusted myself to that. It was quite funny what the locals told me. I would see the same 100 people all winter, as the rest of the town would hibernate, like bears. I found that to be especially true.

I grew up in a climate where we didn't see the sun in December, or most of January. We lived right where the fronts always collided, and in the winter, they usually set down on top of us.

I prefer the climate here over where I lived for many years, you always have to take the bad, with the good. As someone told me once, there are so many pluses to Maine: no major earthquakes, no mudslides, very few tornadoes, hurricanes calmed by 50 degree water, and beautiful scenery. A long winter is a small price to pay. As a relative of mine once said, its a great day any day you are on the green side of the grass.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

I don't go far or often and I'm already sick of road construction season.


You'll only be stuck inside if you want to be. There's so much to do in winter it's sometimes hard to work five days a week and get to do everything. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, down hill skiing, snowshoeing. sledding/sliding, playing in the snow with kids, sneak attacking spouses with snowballs (<-- tis better to give than receive), cribbage tournaments at social organizations, Beano/Bingo and a lot more.

Exactly my point. One doesn't need to spend all winter indoors.

[Maineah]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

Exactly my point. One doesn't need to spend all winter indoors.

Evidently you're not aware of the new state law requiring people to remain indoors from November 30 through May1st.....

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by maineah

evidently you're not aware of the new state law requiring people to remain indoors from november 30 through may1st.....:d

lol.

[starwalker]

Originally Posted by green_mariner

Does one really have to spend their time indoors during the winter? Aren't there some winter activities to get involved in?

Of course there are... Even if you don't have a snowmobile (I don't) you can always get out of doors, and dressed properly this is not an issue. This is Maine, not the Arctic. Many folks ski (cross country or downhill), take the kids or grandkids sledding (the old fashioned kind, where you walk up a hill and slide down on something), take hikes on snowshoes (which is something I do, often just strapping them on to walk to the back of my property to look for animal tracks, or sometimes to try walking the dogs). Dogs still need walking, and there are always inside events happening inside other places than your own home... concerts, plays, sporting events... just like anywhere else.

Some folks fire up the grill even in winter (and not just our friend Z here on the forum!); others send or go out for pizza and beer with friends.

I personally enjoy the quieter winter days and nights; it's a rest from the market garden, but I don't stay in unless I want to! Actually, I am one of those strange folk who enjoy shoveling snow!

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by starwalker

Of course there are... Even if you don't have a snowmobile (I don't) you can always get out of doors, and dressed properly this is not an issue. This is Maine, not the Arctic. Many folks ski (cross country or downhill), take the kids or grandkids sledding (the old fashioned kind, where you walk up a hill and slide down on something), take hikes on snowshoes (which is something I do, often just strapping them on to walk to the back of my property to look for animal tracks, or sometimes to try walking the dogs). Dogs still need walking, and there are always inside events happening inside other places than your own home... concerts, plays, sporting events... just like anywhere else.

Some folks fire up the grill even in winter (and not just our friend Z here on the forum!); others send or go out for pizza and beer with friends.

I personally enjoy the quieter winter days and nights; it's a rest from the market garden, but I don't stay in unless I want to! Actually, I am one of those strange folk who enjoy shoveling snow!

That was exactly the point I was putting out there. The question was merely rhetorical. And even in the Arctic, people are doing something up there. You have a similar take on the cold as me. Put on some proper clothes and you can go outside. At least in the cold weather, I can put on layers. In hot, humid weather, that is a problem, for me at least. There is only so much you are allowed to take off, and it's still hot. I will take whatever cold weather Maine gets over the summer I'm currently dealing with in the Atlanta area. There's a reason it's called "Hot-lanta".

[JViello]

Originally Posted by Maineah

Anyone who has not lived in Maine for a considerable length of time cannot really understand the realities of living here. Winter starts early. I hope you like reading, watching movies, or drinking heavily because there is little else to do between October 30 and April 30. Cold and cozy is nice for a week or two but when it drags on for three or four months it gets REAL old. Lock yourself in your house for four months and you'll see what I mean. Mainers would make good astronauts on a trip to Mars . We're used to long periods of isolation and boredom.

Lest we keep in mind, weather in Presque Isle or Millinocket may be a *touch* different than say Rockland or Portland.

I personally enjoy working outdoors in Nov when temps are in the low 40's high 30's. Perfect quilted jean and flannel weather.

Heading North on the snowmachines is fun too.

[JohnVosilla]

Originally Posted by GatorMama

I've got plenty to do indoors, doesn't bother me a bit.

Or you could be indoors down in 'paradise' till like November 15th in another two seasons climate.

[green_mariner]

Originally Posted by JViello

Lest we keep in mind, weather in Presque Isle or Millinocket may be a *touch* different than say Rockland or Portland.

I personally enjoy working outdoors in Nov when temps are in the low 40's high 30's. Perfect quilted jean and flannel weather.

Heading North on the snowmachines is fun too.

Being on the coast would be different from being inland.