The warmer temps the past few days have been most welcome. It’s crazy when anything above freezing seems like a balmy day. I let my flock of hens out for a bit to stretch their wings. They seemed to enjoy scratching around the yard in the warm sun for a bit.
The school kids and staff alike have had a very enjoyable week off. At the moment I am awaiting a visit from my friend Amy from Standish who is on her school break.
I have been told that there was an amazing turnout at the 47th annual Ice Fishing Derby last weekend. First prize for brook trout went to Todd Mckellick, 18.5 inches and 2.14 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Piper Landscaping. First place in bass was John Hubacz, 21.25 inches and 4.11 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Operation Outdoors Reboot. First place in crappie was Doug Brown, 12.25 inches and 0.15 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Badlands Outfitter.
First place in pickerel was Ella Waugh, 22.5 inches and 2.15 pounds/ounces, sponsored by A. Chartier Logging and Trucking. First place for white perch was Nathan Ventura, 13.75 inches and 1.04 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Nick’s Skidsteer and Land Service. First place for yellow perch was Andrew Skrzypek, 10.0 inches and 0.07 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Coos Canyon Campground.
First place for hornpout was Andrew Skrzypek, 12.75 inches and 1.01 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Knotty Moose Tavern. First place for sunfish was Jill Patenaude, 7.25 inches and 0.04 pounds/ounces sponsored by Blue Moose Farm. First place for fallfish was Robert Worthly, 13.75 inches and 1.00 pounds/ounces, sponsored by Kale’s Snack Shack. First place for the kids category with a pickerel was Ella Waugh. It was a beautiful day out on the pond for all the anglers.
The Roxbury Radar Run is going to be held this weekend, Saturday the 21st, from 12-5. The Slippery Sliders Snowmobile Club will be providing concessions so please come hungry and support the club. I won’t be in attendance, but I look forward to hearing all about it. I’m hoping that there will be some videos posted. It should be a very exciting event.
I know that the town of Andover has been very busy with snowmobilers. Any time I drive by Grimaldi Field there are always multiple trailers parked, meaning folks are out and about enjoying the trails.
Here is a reminder that the Cabin Fever Reliever will be taking place at the CEB building this Saturday, the 21st from 10-2. Bring any craft you would like to work on and a snack. Coffee and tea are provided.
And now let’s look forward to those warmer spring and summer days. The Ellis River Riders has put out their show dates for 2026. The season starts on May 23rd with a spring fling show and then on May 30th with a driving game show.
There will be 3 shows in June and then 2 shows each month up until October. Spectators are always welcome and there’s seating, picnic tables under the pavilion, and FOOD! You can always check out the website for more info ellisriverriders.com
Andover is a perfect place for horse lovers and riders with the abundance of trails. I am lucky to live between the Ellis River Riders show grounds and Memory Lane Vacations, where Deb caters to all the wonderful horse people that frequent our town. Lone Mountain Campground also welcomes campers with horses to stay at their beautiful riverfront campground.
I have a feeling that I am not the only one looking forward to winter coming to an end, though it really hasn’t been a terrible one, having warmer temps, longer evenings and hearing those peepers will be most welcome. We still have a couple months left to go so let’s all hope for the best!
If you have any news to share please send it my way diananadeau@ymail.com