I like winter, I like snow

I like winter, I like snow,

I like icy winds that blow.

I like snowflakes, oh so light,

Making all the ground so white.

Those are the first lines of a little book by Lois Lenski published in 1950.  When I say little, I mean perfect size for a child’s hands, with cheery illustrations.  I love that book and I love winter and all the things you can do in winter.  

Most of you know that Pats Peak (http://www.patspeak.com/)  is just 3 miles from us here at Henniker House B&B.  I try to get out most every day in January when the conditions are my favorite.  The season goes on till the end of March and you’ll see me on the trails till Pats closes – but maybe not every day in the spring.  With a seasons pass, I can pop over for an hour or stay all day - I wish - only on days when innkeeper chores don’t call me!.  Our guests tend to prefer day skiing but the Saturday night POP ticket is a real value and a party with a bonfire.  And did I mention that skiing is ageless?  Christmas week, a family came up from Florida so the boys (aged 7 & 9) could learn to ski.  Their grandmother (aged 80+), aunt and uncle all came from the Boston area to join in the fun.  Note – Grandma’s got her ski boots on too!

The flood plain of the Contoocook River stretches to the east of Henniker House B&B.  Strap on your snowshoes or cross country skis and head out our front door.  Last winter two of our guests snow shoed to the Henniker Brewery (http://www.hennikerbrewing.com/ ).   For the most part they followed the snowmobile trail and worked up a pretty good thirst.  

Visiting with guests at breakfast is one of the joys of innkeeping. Today, for the first time this winter, we spied a mink scampering across the ice.  I know he’s here year round but there are more sightings in the winter when the snow provides contrast. “I like winter, I like snow!”

As I write this, the radio is warning that tomorrow’s storm will bring us 18 to 25 inches of new snow.  I have my day planned; stack up the slow cooker with some comfort food, keep the walks cleared while Phil does the heavy driveway work but mostly sit inside the solarium, sip some hot chocolate and watch the snow fall.  Maybe you’d like to join me?

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Come, let the river soothe you