Okara Lakes 10-Day Forecast Area Map
WARMER DAYS AND COOL NIGHTS - Old Forge still looks like winter - there's snow on the ground and skiing is still good. We have been enjoying a stretch of "spring" like weather during the day. Perhaps a preview of spring is more appropriate. Temps reach the mid to upper 30s during the day and go down to he 20's at night keeping the snow in tact. Days are getting longer and the later light makes one feel good. If your a skiier, McCauley Mountain has done an outstanding job of maintaining the slopes. Riding up the chair lift, you would swear that it was February and wonder where all the snow came from. Cross Country skiing has been good as well, but is getting a little fast - we could use a fresh coating on those trails. Snowmobiliers are getting the short end of the stick this season. Even though trails are groomed, the constant wear from the sleds erodes the base. A good snowfall would provide a good last hurrah for snowmobilers. If you are into snowshoeing, conditions are great. There is no deep snow to plod through - the base is firm. However, if you attempted to walk, you'd sink in about a foot. The beauty of the snowshoe allows you to go just about anywhere in the woods and explore.
ATTENTION ALL IRISH (And next Friday, Everyone's Irish) If you can make it to Old Forge by 5 pm next Friday March 12, you will experience the St. Patrick's day parade which, according to Chip Keifer, "has taken on a life of its own." Simply put, this is cabin feaver coming to a head. It is extremely well attended and provides a well rounded evening of unscheduled entertainment. Of course the Okara Lakes Association urges everyone to drink responsibly.....or beer.
OKARA LAKES own Ray Erickson will be speaking at the Old Forge Library on Tuesday at 9:30. He will lecture about Mary Cassatt and the Impressionist Movement. He and his wife live on Tikini Lake during the summer.
HORNBECK CANOE RAFFLE - Thanks to those of you who signed up for a chance on the Hornbeck Canoe, This has been a very popular event and tickets are almost gone. Only 500 "chances" will be sold creating very good odds for only $20. The canoe paddle key chain (that comes with each chance) is neat.
LOCAL NEWS - SNOFEST - returns to the Rec. Center on North St. this weekend Sat and Sun, March 13 & 14,
OKARA TEE SHIRTS AVAILIABLE - Just a reminder that Okara Lakes Tee Shirts are available at "Shelter" in Old Forge. Give Jim Keifer a call at 369-4465. Let him know you're from the Okara Lakes and receive a discount. I been wearing mine all winter and it's a quality shirt.
ANY PHOTOS? - since no one has sent anything in, you'll have to put up with my photos. I will carry the camera with me this week in an attempt to bring you shots around the Okaras.
CAMP FIRE - in other news around the lake. Bill and Linda Murphy suffered damage to their recently re-modeled camp on Thursday January 21st. It started in the chimney shortly after the arrival of their visiting children. Fortunately they were still in residence when it started and the firemen we holding their monthly meeting and were assembled at the fire hall. They did a great job of saving the place and, according to Bill and Linda, they felt "that firefighters reacted as though they were the owners, carefully removing windows, couches, chairs and even took the time to remove old oil lamps and a picture off the mantle during their effort to locate and extinguish the fire." The cause appears to have been in the original construction of the fireplace chimney which now has a stove insert in it. Installation of the stove had been done correctly. Bill and Linda are hopeful that things will be back to normal soon. Work has already begun. Okara Lakes Association wishes them luck with this effort.
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