Skis, Motels and Ice Cream

Ok, so I lied. The ski equipment isn't to bed yet.

$25 lift pass on Maine Day could not be resisted.

So we threw the gear in the truck and zipped over to Saddleback.

Gear on the way to do battle

Spent Saturday night at a motel. Snaps for the Saddleback Motor Inn -- immaculate rooms with brand new everything, a nice staff and a wicked clean heated indoor pool and hot tub. Room rate for a family of four on a Saturday night at this brand new place minutes from the mountain was $125. Motels are the way to go. (And not just because we own the Birchwood Motel in Camden!) Staying at this motel got us a clean room at a nice price with our money supporting responsibly run local small business. What's not to like about that?

Looks better in person. Sketchy weather but decent conditions.

And what's not to like about Saddleback? Impeccably maintained trails and lodge. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Even with a good portion of the mountain closed (due to wind and inclement weather) we were entertained. Just a great family-friendly scene. Other mountains can leave me feeling a bit abused by the costs involved. Saddleback seems more than fair. A good benchmark: lunch didn't break the bank and a bottle of water was a reasonable $1. We'll be back again and again and again.

Coming home a sure sign of spring was spotted while passing through Liberty on Route 3: John's Ice Cream is open! John's -- IMHO-- is THE BEST ice cream in Maine. When in doubt, order Chocolate Chip or Quadruple Chocolate. I'm counting the days until Strawberry Rhubarb.

A Quadruple Chocolate!

Just another great weekend in Maine.