Myspace for dogs....

Our niece recently sent me her dogster page for her little brother Duncan. Its very similar to myspace!

I couldn't resist and made up pages for our new pooches!!! LOL!


Here is my dog Mowgli:
http://www.dogster.com/dogs/515277

Patty thought it was dumb but while making Easter eggs for the doggies tonight she asked me to make a page for her dog Bailey:

http://www.dogster.com/dogs/515848

Check it out! LOL!!!

Darn snow!

Global Warming! Bah! I don't believe it... close to a foot of snow up at camp. With cool temps forecasted for the entire looks like we won't be heading up next week even though Danforth Bay is OPENED!

Facing the Giants - Movie Review

I'm not the type that usually reviews movies, I usually just stick to campgrounds and attractions, and believe me I've seen my share of "duds" of both. However, last night I took two of my children to see the movie Facing the Giants at the 15th Annual Merrimack Christian Film festival that is currently being held at the Showcase Cinemas in S. Lawrence, MA and was compelledto write a review.

Without giving too much away Facing the Giants is about a coach, team, and young couple that come fact to face with defeat after defeat and how they finally turn things around when they begin to believe in themselves and put their trust in God!

Facing the Giants is a heart-warming, tear-jerking story that is appropriate for all ages and provides "movie" entertainment for all. Its not just a "football" movie. Thereis a REAL plot and real story. This movie has good acting, drama, as well as a few laughs (most noteably by Chris Willis who plays Coach JT) who reminds me of a young but CLEAN Eddie Murphy.

I highly recommend Facing the Giants and you can see it FREE at the Merrimack Valley ChristianFilm festival playing at the Showcase Cinema's in Lawrence!

Merrimack Valley Christian Film Festival - NOW SHO

*** 2009 INFO HERE ****

The Merrimack Christian Film Festival is NOW SHOWING at the Showcase Lawrence cinemas in South Lawrence, MA (right off of I495).

All shows are 100% FREE

Dates: Palm Sunday April 1 Thru Easter Sunday, April 6
Where: Showcase Cinema, South Lawrence, MA
Cost: Free
Schedule: Located Here

Movies include:
* Facing the Giants
* Hidden Secrets
* Jesus
* Holyman Undercover
* The Moment After 2
* Behind the Sun
* Road to Redemption
MORE!

For kids there is two double features of Veggie Tales

Danforth Bay - Live Entertainment Schedule!

Now that the ski season is over the staff is now concentrating on Danforth Bay! Their website has been updated with the 2007 theme schedule found here.

Us seasonals got a heads up on the Live Entertainment Schedule. Here is a list of the current schedule. Please note this is subject to change as the season progresses ;->

Saturday 5/26
Hypnotist Steve Taubman

Sunday 5/27
Pool Party with DJ Ram Jam

Sunday 5/27
Ricky and the Giants- Classic Rock

Saturday 6/16
Roderick Russell- Sword Swallowing & more!

Saturday 6/23
Magician Peter Sosna

Sunday 6/24
Pool Party with DJ Ram Jam

Saturday 6/30
Juggler and Funny Man Randy Judkins

Sunday 7/1
Ricky and the Giants- Classic Rock Band

Saturday 7/7
Country Felix- Country Music Band

Saturday 7/14
Two Show- Extreme Juggling

Saturday 7/21
Hypnotist Steve Taubman

Saturday 7/28
Physical Comedian- Mike Miclon

Saturday 8/4
Juggler and Contortionist Matt Tardy

Saturday 8/11
Magician Peter Sosna

Saturday 8/18
Roderick Russell- Sword Swallowing & more!

Saturday 8/25 TBA

Saturday 9/1
Physical Comedian- Mike Miclon

Sunday 9/2
Pool Party with DJ Ram Jam


Sunday 9/2
Rick and the Giants- Classic Rock Band

Saturday 10/6
Juggler and Contortionist Matt Tardy

Sunday 10/7
TBA

Cranmore Mountain, NH Review

From posting ski-conditions at another resort, I won two ski tickets from RealConditions.com to Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, NH.

However the free tickets were only valid for a Sunday-Friday trip so we postponed the trip.

The month of March flew by and we soon realized that this past Sunday 3/25 was closing day for Cranmore and it was either use or loose these tickets.

We decided to head up bright and early to Cranmore this past Sunday morning from Northern Mass. The drive up Rt 16 was absolutely breath-taking with a new inch or two all over the trees but NONE on the highway.

The conditions in the morning were really good and the crowds that we normally encounter were NON-existent. We headed strait for the high-speed QUAD lift (e.g., Skimobile express). We were in the fog for 3/4 of the way up and then it broke to crystal clear sky. It was kind of like when you take a plane and head up over the clouds.

The trails on the South Side of the Mountain that we usually enjoy such as Gibson and Beginner's Luck were not in good shape. Beginner's Luck was especially bad with lots of icy and even puddles in some spots. Any beginners at this point would have been disappointed.

This forced us on the more difficult trails on the North side of the mountain. I really enjoyed the Rattlesnake and Kanadahar trails. Bandit was really cool and that difficult of a trail but it was REALLY narrow and steep in some places. Austin said that he almost fell off. Arlberg was very difficult and should have been a black diamond (or maybe it was the time of day we hit it).

This mountain is much bigger than King Pine but much smaller than Gunstock.

Next Ski Trip: 2008 -- plans to hit King Pine, Gunstock, and Loon

Breaking News: Danforth Bay is now open YEAR ROUND!!!

Breaking News!

Danforth Bay Camping Resort is now open year-round.

Read about it on the front page. Discussion on the That's Camping web page.

Introducing Mowgli!

Mowgli -- the black pug... Our newest addition to our family.

Cold Springs Liquidation & Left Over Sale

Got a card this week announcing Cold Springs RV Liquidation and Leftover Sale.
I really don't have any inside information about this sale.... only what it states on the card.
The card states:

• '06 Must-Move Leftovers
• Freely browse our ACRES of Inventory
• RV Rentals now available
• Free Stay at Cold Springs Resort with RV Purchase
• March 24-25
• New Pop-ups available from $5495
• New travel trailers from $13,900
• Park Models from $32,900
• Class C Motorhmes from $49,900

Introducing Bailey -- newest camper

Gunstock Review

We visited Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, NH Saturdy -- March 10 (home of Soulfest 2007 this summer). Wow! This place is great and easily one of my new favorite places to ski.

When we arrived at 8AM EST it was about 19 degrees but by mid day it was well in the 40s.

Gunstock is an moderate but easy drive from Northern Mass/Southern NH. It took us only about 1 1/2 hours from the Nashua area with a majority of this being highway driving.

This price of a lift ticket is about $56 per adult with teens and juniors being somewhat less. I had won two adult Primetime tickets from RealConditions.com which provides the most up to date ski conditions in the country!

Lifts

After getting our tickets and head to the Panorama High Speed Quad which is in the front of the base. This lift is REALLY easy to get on, moves quickly once it is past the base station and at the top the chair actually stops for a few seconds to allow you to prepare to get off. This may be confusing to some skiiers. I actually rely on the chair to sort of push my fat butt of the chair ;->

We also rode on the Tiger Triple lift. I believe this lift needs to be replaced. It was very wobbly and bouncy and moved very slow. We only rode this once. The Pistol Triple Chair is much better and provides an entertaining view of the freestyle terrain park. It's very interesting to watch the young ones do all types of jumps.

This resort is very popular (especially on weekends) and the lift lines at times were very long. This resort could look into replacing the Tiger Triple with another high speed quad chair in the same location.

One of the big disappointments and a logistical problem was that the immediate trail Derringer was closed for racing the entire time that we were there. This trail is a cross over trail from Flintlock trail which brings you back to the high speed quad. This closure yesterday forced us intermediate skiiers to ski down "Stonebear", which I would consider to be more black diamond than "Blue" intermediate trail since it is very steep and much more challenging than Flintlock. Not only that but it positions you back at the Tiger Triple chair vs. the Panorama High Speed Quad which I prefer.

Trails

Gunstock has some of the longest and most scenic trails that I have been on in a very long time. Trails probably twice as long as Cranmore's average run. On our first run, we headed down Gunsmoke, Gunpowder and Shotgun. Well packed powder and well groomed. Great scenery. I was amazed. Even with it being crowded at the base ... this is a big place you aren't going to have big crowds on the trails.

On our second run we decided to head down the otherside of the mountain down Flintlock. Wow! Was I even more impressed with the scenery. There was a perfect view of Lake Winnipesauke in its entirety and the surrounding towns.

Other activities in the area:

The Tilton Outlets are close by for those families who have members that do not ski. There was lots of snow-mobile trails as well as icefishing in the area as well.

Overall:

This is NOT a mountain for beginner skiiers (although they do have a beginner section but I could see spending $56 to ski there). This is more for the intermediate skiier.

With "Big Mountain" skiing in a fairly close location, spectacular views, wondefully groomed trails in a family atmosphere I'm definately going to be planning a trip to Gunstock in 2008.

If you camp at Gunstock this summer, I would highly recommend taking a hike to the summit on a clear day (if this is allowed) for an absolutely gorgeous view of the Lakes Region and NH Mountains.

Pictures are here.

Golf Cart Batteries

Got the following email from the Golf Cart Guy:
----

We will be making deliveries of 6volt & 8volt Trojan Golf Cart Batteries & golf cart tires throughout Central & Southern New England including central Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont next week March 12-16. All orders taken by Friday, March 9th will receive free delivery on each set (6) of batteries as well as any tires you may need. Free delivery of just tires must be a set of four (4). Price for tires are $56.00 for new tire on new rim, white or tan. Please call for battery prices. 508-423-6753 or 603-553-0239.

There is also a great selection or carts available at this time, call for availability & pricing.

Thanks, Tom

15th Annual Merrimack Valley Christian Film Festival

The Merrimack Christian Film Festival is returing to the Showcase Lawrence cinemas again this year for a 15th Anniversary. All shows are 100% FREE

Dates: Palm Sunday April 1 Thru Easter Sunday, April 6
Where: Showcase Cinema, South Lawrence, MA
Cost: Free
Schedule: Located Here

Movies include:
* Facing the Giants
* Hidden Secrets
* Jesus
* Holyman Undercover
* The Moment After 2
* Behind the Sun
* Road to Redemption
MORE!


For kids there is two double features of Veggie Tales

Danforth Bay Winter Trip!

Had a great weekend at Danforth Bay this past weekend.

* Went to King Pine (see my review in previous post)

* Spent quality time with our seasonal "family" who were staying in cabin #2

* Met up with our seasonal neighbors up in North Conway. It was wonderful to see them!

* Snowmobile parade that came down our street. It was cool!!!

* Our camper was surrouned by 2ft of snow.

We stayed in cabin #4:

* Warm cozy cabins

* Patty cooked! She warmed us up after a long day skiing with her home made beef skillet dish! (Jim -- you should of gotten pictures)
* Met and enjoyed a warm fire with new 2006 seasonals who were staying in Cabin 3 -- Mark and Kerry and their family.

* Loved the new additions in the cabins:

- New towel shelf in the bathroom

- New coffee maker

- New hooks for coats

- toaster new??

Cabins are only $86 a night + NH tax

- free cable (bring your own tv)

- free wireless internet (bring your own 'puter)

- access to family room

- also bring your own towels and any extra blankets you like (basics are provided)

Recommendations for next improvements for cabins:

* Replace the futons with REAL pull out sofa!

* New shower heads needed

Want a cabin reservation and it is sold out? Put your name on "waiting list"! Worked out great for our cousins.

2007 King Pine Trip

Last Friday we went to King Pine (KP) at Purity Springs Resort in Madison, NH. This pristine ski resort located just 7 miles south of Conway, NH was completely 100% open and ready to go with lots of natural and man made snow. There wasn't a single trail that was closed. (Remember previously how I reported that Pat's Peak stated they were open 100% when in reality there were several trails closed).

The tubing park which looked great and well groomed was even SOLD OUT for most (if not all of their runs). Even with the big crowds there was hardly a wait on the lift lines. King Pine had ALL lifts going at full speed. There was less stopage on these lifts as well (when compared to other resorts).

I got to try out my new Rossignol Z3 skis that I purchased recently from Ski Haus in Salem, NH. Um... my feet are still a little sore. I hope my boots will "pack in" during the next few trips. Now I just got to find the perfect winter coat to match my skis. LOL!

At King Pine, I really enjoyed the quieter side of the mountain which has the peaceful beginner trails -- Pokey Pine and Slow Pokey Pine. For those who are more advanced... not to worry ... this side of the mountains hosts trails such as Jack Pine and Red Pine. If you are really brave try out KP's new Pine Brule double black diamond trail! My kids did! My eight year old daughter who has only been skiing for 2 trips attempted this and realized her mistake. She ended up sliding down on her bum --- VERY FAST! The new triple chair lift is GREAT with little to NO wait. I have to admit the double chair that was there last year was a little bit scary.

I also love skiing between the trees up near the top of the lifts -- Pine Spills!

I wish Niki was with us (she's on her last week at USCG boot camp) because she would have LOVED the much improved snowboard and terrain park and the brand NEW 1/2 PIPE!!! Wow!!! You got to check this out! I was even inspired to do a small jump. They even had moguls on Pine Board.

Good thing about KP is that you'll probably run into a DB seasonal family. It was nice to meet up with the Flintstones and I could of sworn I saw other DB seasonals there (hard to tell with everyone decked out in winter gear).

This was an extra special trip because we went with our dear Danforth Bay seasonal family/friends (distant family but close friends). This was their first trip EVER for skiing/snowboarding and they couldn't have picked a better place! The rental shop really takes the TIME OUT to make sure the boots fit and you are well outfitted. They even got to see staff members Nick and Craig from Danforth Bay during their training sessions. They had a great time. King Pine puts a new meaning on their theme "It All Starts Here"!

The one thing that King Pine could do to improve is to replace the tow rope in the intermediate beginner's area with a moving platform near the front of the base.

To make things extra special King Pine had a Firework Display on Thursday - Feb. 22nd.

Next ski trip: Gunstock! Niki is coming home from USCG bootcamp and wants to hit the slopes!!!

That's Camping Spring Meetup at Danforth Bay

That's Camping is planning a Spring Meetup at Danforth Bay on June 1-3, 2007.

Check it out!

News from King Pine @ Purity Springs Resort

We are going up next week for some skiing!!!
Here is a message that I got today....
--------------------

King Pine and Purity Spring Resort are B U R I E D! Every trail has wall to wall powder and packed powder. Even the glades have plenty of fresh snow!Valentine's Day 2007 will go down in New Hampshire history as a snow-lovers delight!Approximate snowfall from our first Nor'Easter of 2007 is 16-18"! We're expecting a few more inches of snow on Friday, but then blue bird skies and temps in the 20's are predicted for the weekend... perfect for skiing, riding, snowshoeing... or whatever you choose.Now is the perfect time to take advantage of King Pine's KP4 Ticket. Simply buy ANY alpine ticket at King Pine and XC Skiing, Snowshoeing and Ice Skating are always included! Take some morning runs and head out for the woods for some adventure after lunch!
Adult tickets are just $39 and kids $26... everyday, even holidays!This weekend, we're looking forward to the opening of the halfpipe in the Twisted Pine Terrain Park! King Pine will be the only ski area in Mount Washington Valley with a halfpipe!
The snow is deep, fluffy and ready for any adventure! Come on up and experience Winter at Purity Spring! For lodging deals, see our special value packages for the best savings.
Hope to see you on the snow!Dano

Valentines Day at Purity Springs / King Pine

Got the following today from Purity Springs (from the same great folks that bring you Danforth Bay Camping Resort).

Wow! Sounds like a great deal!!!
Anyone want to babysit 3 kids. LOL!

---

Purity Spring Resort and King Pine are proud to offer our Snow & Snuggle Package on Valentine's Day for our eNews subscribers!

Listen to this folks... For just $82 per person, you and a loved one can stay in a deluxe room at Purity Spring with the following included:

• Deluxe lodging
• Flowers in your room and at dinner
• Candlelight dinner at The Inn Dining Room
• Horse-drawn Sleigh Ride
• Full Country Breakfast
• Wednesday or Thursday full-day ski tickets
• XC Skiing, Snowshoeing and Ice Skating
• The Mill Indoor Pool/Hot Tub and Fitness Center

Visit http://cl.exct.net/?ffcb10-fe3315717c650478731772-fdf2107376630d7a72147070-fef8107173670d-fe9f15737766007e74-fe0615707162077975117275 for lots of additional information or to see the menu that evening.King Pine is 100% open and is completely covered with snow! Snow conditions are fantastic and all winter activities are available!

The Purity Spring ResortSnow & Snuggle Package$82 pp/do

Does not include tax & gratuityUpgrade to a Luxury Suite for just $14 pp more!To book this 1-night package, simply call 1-800-FREE-SKI

I won ski tickets

I recently won a pair of ski tickets to a major ski resort in NH because I signed up to get the ski and snow reports from

www.skisite.com

They send me an email each and every day with the conditions.

If you are a skiier be sure to check it out (and perhaps win)!!!

Our next trip (and supposed to be our last trip) is going to be at King Pine and we'll be going out again too.

That's Camping Rally!!!

Debbie & Mike from That's Camping is hosting their first Spring Rally / Meet up at Danforth Bay. Check out the forum to vote on which days they should host it. We are planning on attending.

http://www.thatscamping.com/forum/index.php?topic=556.from1170897756;topicseen#msg3995