Beautiful but Cold

Beautiful but Cold describes conditions at camp this morning. But after the wicked winds of yesterday with below zero temps and wind chill readings of 12 below, I'll take it. There is not a cloud in the sky this morning and with the sun's warmth, the temperature has already climbed from 9 below to 1 above zero. The winds have calmed and with the three inches of snow we received on the 28th, the trails should be great today.

Of course many families have taken this week between Christmas and New Year's to vacation so we have seen lots of people for lunch over the past few days. I'm sure this upcoming weekend will bring many more as we ring in the year. Of course, the pending storm might change plans for some, but we could be in for a substantial accumulation of snow Friday into Saturday. We'll have to wait and see,

OK, I have good news and better news this morning. The good news is, the groomer from Oquossoc completed the entire trail and made it into camp late Saturday night. Although we did receive rain and freezing rain yesterday we had enough snow on the ground to absorb it. Since the trail was groomed the night before and the weather was so miserable yesterday, the trails should have frozen to a nicely groomed surface. The better news... it's snowing here already this morning even though the forecast indicated the snow wasn't scheduled to arrive here until about noon today. We're hoping that means a decent accumulation. We are also keeping our eye on the upcoming weekend as we might just have a "major" snow event over the New Year's weekend. Now wouldn't that just start the new year off right?

As a reminder, Big Buck Dining Room is open for breakfast from 7AM to 10AM, lunch is served from 11AM to 3PM with a limited menu (soup/stew/chili/hot dogs) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and full menu Thursday through Sunday. Dinner is served at 6PM and we ask that non-lodging guests call at least 24 hours in advance for a reservation if joining us for dinner. Please stop in if you happen to be in our neighborhood.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us; Mike & Wendy, Shawn, Melanie and Ann, here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps!

I snapped this photo this morning standing in the driveway looking out across the lake toward Greentop Mountain. As you can see, the higher elevation received another good charge of snow overnight.

Hope you all enjoy time spent with friends and family during this holiday season.

It is absolutely beautiful here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps today. The sun is shining in a brilliant blue sky and the reflection off the snow begs for sunglasses to protect you from the glare. The temperature has already reached 27 degrees and although we have a slight wind from the north, it's barely noticeable.

All you sledheads will be happy to know that the groomer from Oquossoc has made it all the way to the "depot intersection" just 3 miles north of us. As I have related in prior posts, a portion of ITS 84 will be shared with active logging operations this winter, so that portion of the trail north of camp that runs on Parmachenee Road is plowed but is posted for shared use. We did receive another two inches of fresh snow overnight Tuesday and had light snow showers all day yesterday.

Have you considered ringing in the New Year at Bosebuck? In lieu of our traditional 6:00PM dinner, we are offering a buffet special beginning at 4PM. For $15.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity) we will be serving soup, beef stew, chili & chips, various other hot & cold appetizers along with other sweet treats throughout the evening. We will have a roaring bonfire to keep you warm and include a champagne toast at midnight. We do have cabins available too if you would like to spend the night. Please RSVP by 12/27/09 if can you join the celebration.

Although we did not receive two feet of snow like some parts of the east coast, we do have snow and the trails are open. Reports from the trail range from great to OK to need more snow. The trails from New Hampshire are fully groomed and all seem happy with the current conditions. The groomer from Rangeley hasn't quite made it to Bosebuck yet, but it's on the way. As I mentioned in my last post, a portion of the trail is shared use along Parmachenee Road. Please watch for trucks and equipment in transit and traveling the road. Plenty of snow in back country if that's what you are looking for.

Temperatures have been on the cold side with somewhat windy conditions. We have overcast skies today with the forecast calling for light snow showers throughout the day and again tomorrow. We are watching another another storm due to arrive Christmas night and into Saturday which will hopefully provide significant snowfall for the trails.

In order for our staff to celebrate Christmas with their friends and family, Big Buck Dining Room will be open on the 24th and 25th but only serving a limited menu; soup, stew, chili, hot dogs, pizza and sandwiches. The fryolater and grill will not be fired up until Saturday.

Trails are Open

We got the call last night - the trails are now open. Please keep in mind that there are several active logging operations at various locations in and around the Rangeley Lakes trail system. Also, the groomer has set out, but due to downed trees and the extra time required for the first trip of the season, they hope to make out as far as Clark's Crossing for the upcoming weekend.

A portion of the trail north of camp that runs on Parmachenee Road will be shared with loggers this winter. Although it is not yet posted as such, permission for shared access has been granted. Please keep speeds down and an eye out for trucks and equipment in the road.

We will be open for lunch from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and fuel is on hand. Maine snowmobile registrations are available (cash only) - no increase in fees this year - $89.00 for the season or $44.00 for a 3-Day. The 10-Day registration has been eliminated.

We awoke to very cold temps this morning, with a current temperature of 7 degrees below zero. The sun is shining and the winds should lessen as the day progresses. There is about a foot and a half of snow on the ground with higher amounts at elevation. The lakes are NOT safe, so please stay off them!

Don't forget we have gift certificates available for any amount. What better present cold you give? You know the recipient will love it and it's the perfect size.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow!

Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. That's when Bosebuck is the place to go. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

We received a couple inches of snow yesterday and it's still snowing this morning. The extended forecast is calling for up to a foot of snow on Saturday with another storm coming early next week. I hope you have your sleds ready and gear packed.

Trails have NOT opened yet so be sure to check trail conditions before heading out. We have been advised that several logging crews will be operating north of camp this year so a portion of the trail will be shared use. You will also need to keep alert for logging trucks traveling in and out the length of the road. Just a reminder - NO PARKING along Parmachenee Road as it makes it difficult to plow and hazardous for two-way traffic.

And a Happy Thanksgiving it was especially for Tom who shot this 180 pound, 8 pointer on Wednesday. Marie is out today in the snow looking to bring one home too.

As you can see from the webcams we received about four inches of snow overnight and it's still snowing at 10:30 this morning. I hope you have your sleds ready!

Congratulations Jeff on this nice 138 pound, 5 point buck. To say the least without snow on the ground and unseasonably warm weather the hunting has been more challenging than usual.

The last few nights have been cold with a hard frost setting in now. The deer have started move and we have registered several taken locally over the past two days.

Of course the hunters and the snowmobilers are all praying for snow. The more the merrier and the sooner the better.

Wilderness First Aid Training

Bosebuck Mountain Camps along with SOLO is pleased to offer Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR training courses. This two day event is being held here at camp with or without meals & lodging.

Wilderness First Aid is SOLO's most popular course and it creates a solid foundation in the basics of backcountry medical care. Started as the "Mountain/Woods First Aid" course in 1972, this was the first course of its kind in the United States, and it is the curriculum upon which all other backcountry medicine courses are based.

Here are the details:

WFA - Saturday, December 12th, 2009 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

WFA - Sunday, December 13th, 2009 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

CPR - Saturday, December 12th, 2009 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Options Available Per Person:

Fees and Associated Package Options

$160.00 Two Day Course Participation and all materials necessary

$215.00 Course Fee plus 3 meals Saturday and 2 meals on Sunday

$385.00 Course Fee, Meals & Lodging on Friday & Saturday Nights*.
*includes cabin services, tax and gratuity

This course will be conducted both in the classroom and out in the field so participants should come prepared for the New England weather. Anyone who recreates in the great outdoors can surely benefit from either of these courses because you never know when you or a friend might find themselves in need of assistance and be several miles from the nearest medical facility.

Call or email me today to reserve your spot. Space will be limited, so don't wait too long.

Another sure sign that winter is approaching faster than you think - ice in the river. We had overnight temps in the teens and are holding steady at a balmy 19 degrees at 7:30 this morning. The skies are dusted with a few puffy clouds, but I'm confident the sun will warm us nicely by noon.

Littlest Hunter

The littlest hunter has arrived at Bosebuck. Our grand-daughter, Loralie, will be spending the next three weeks with us and she has hopes that her Papa will be taking her out for her first deer hunt. As you can see, the only thing she is missing is her hunter orange.

New Website Launch

Yes, we finally launched the newly designed website today. Although we have a few kinks to work out, I think it looks awesome. A great big thank you to Dave Kelly of New England Artist.com for all his hard work and patience with us. Please take a few minutes to browse through and send us your comments, both positive and negative as there is always room for improvement.

We tried to incorporate many items from the former site and update with new photos and text. As with the camp facility itself, we are trying to maintain the historic charm but bring into the current. If you have photos to share of your your time at Bosebuck, both past & present, please send a couple along and we'll try to incorporate them into the new site.

We have overcast skies and light snow falling this morning here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps. The temperature is 31 degrees with a slight breeze from the northeast. If this keeps up I'm going to have to start the snow total chart sooner than later.

Well, here it is November 5th and we have awakened two days in a row with snow on the ground. It didn't hang around long yesterday, but as of 7AM this morning we still have light snow falling. The deer hunters are very happy to have a little snow to track on and were excited when they left camp this morning.

The current temperature is 28 degrees with a slight breeze from the north. I'm hoping to get the weather station back online by the end of next week so you can check the weather conditions here at camp any time.

She's back! Our resident moose, that we have named Sally, showed up this morning across the shore. I snapped this photo as she was sun bathing on the beach. She's almost in the same location as the loon nested, so maybe she thinks she's a loon rather than a moose? Anyway, since we had not seen her in several days, we wondered if she had moved on, but apparently this is home and she's happy here.

Halloween-Time Change-Opening Day

Happy Halloween! Nothing scary going on here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps. I'm not really expecting any trick-or-treaters but I did buy a bag of candy. Of course it's one of Mike's favorites just in case there might be leftovers.

As if all this Halloween stuff isn't enough to deal with today, we have to remember to turn the clocks back tonight. Yeah! an extra hour of sleep and who can't use that?

Maine Residents will take to the woods today for opening day of the firearms deer season. For those skillful enough to harvest a nice buck, Bosebuck Mountain Camps is now an official Big Game Registration Agent for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. We will be offering registration from 7AM to 7PM seven days a week. The cost of registration is $5.00 with an additional $2.00 charge if you want the animal weighed on our state inspected scales. Maybe someone will take the "Biggest Buck" for the state right in this neck of the woods. Good Luck and enjoy the hunt.

Just because foliage season has passed us by, that doesn't mean all color is gone as evidenced by this photo taken by Bette at sunrise just the other morning. It really was a "take-your breath-away" vista. Here for a moment and then gone as the sun rose above Greentop Mountain.

After a hearty breakfast, Rich, Bette and the dogs headed to the woods for another successful day of bird hunting. The dogs did their job, and all were rewarded with both grouse and woodcock. It has been a great bird season so far in the area surrounding camp.

Bosebuck Mountain Camps is situated in some of the best bird cover available and offers a wide variety for hunters both with and without dogs. It has been common this year to have at least 15 or more flushes per day. Now that the weather has turned colder, the woodcock have started their migration too.

Deer Season is fast approaching, and although many herds have been adversely affected over the past two winters, the population here is healthy. These are "big" woods and considered home to some big bucks although they can be elusive. If you are willing to put in the time and miles in the woods, you may be rewarded with that trophy buck you always wanted hanging on the wall. Come for a week, $699.00 Package (plus tax, gratuity & license) or stay for just a few days.

Another Successful Hunt

Congratulations to John & Melissa on a successful moose hunt here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps. John harvested this 683 pound bull with a 45 inch spread and 17 points on Thursday afternoon. They, along with their guide Chip Amergian, were very excited to have thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. In the four days they spent in the field, they saw 24 moose consisting of all shapes & sizes.

Do not adjust your screen settings, the white stuff that is blurring this photo is really snow. That's right, we have about an inch on the ground already and it's still coming down. I would say we are definitely past peak foliage now and moved right into winter. Is your sled ready?

The weather has been on the cool side with rain showers off and on the past few days. As predicted we awoke this morning to our first snow with a slight accumulation on the ground. I snapped this photo at 8 o'clock this morning and an hour later it's gone.

As you can see, bird season is well underway here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps. Don, Mike, Peter and Zeke enjoyed their time together in the woods. They reported 72 flushes in three days and harvested 5 grouse and four woodcock with Zeke's assistance.

Our "resident" moose seems content to walk along the opposite shore and feed as she goes. She has been on the island for some weeks now allowing our guests all the viewing time they want without leaving their front porch. Yesterday morning she had a visitor of the male persuasion who apparently arrived without flowers because she wouldn't give him the time of day. It may be rutting season for some, but not for that bull. Better luck next time.

Fishing season ended on September 30th and with the rain we received a couple days prior the fish were able to move up into the river giving the anglers all the action they wanted. Several guests have promised snapshots so I'll be sure to share as soon as I receive them.

Bird season opened yesterday and we have several members of the Ruffed Grouse Society in camp. Hunters and dogs alike are out and about traversing every nook and cranny of the countryside. They will return hungry, tired and looking forward to a little R&R next to the wood stove and of course Bosebuck BBQ!

Fall has definitely arrived here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps as you can see from the photo I just snapped off the dock. I would say that foliage is just about at it's peak and with the wind picking up and rain in the forecast for Sunday all leaf peepers should be out and about today and tomorrow for the best viewing.

Water levels in the lakes and rivers are low and all the fishermen are praying for rain. The big fish are ready and waiting patiently to head up river. Activity in some of the deeper pools has been hit or miss depending on location, temperature and time of day. If we receive the rain predicted on Sunday, fishing next week should be excellent. Although we are fully booked for this weekend, we do have a few openings for Sunday/Monday/Tuesday. If your schedule is flexible and you can get away for the last few days of the season, give me a call.

Our last group of bear hunters are out on stand this morning hoping that this cool weather has them moving about. If not, they still have tonight and tomorrow night to fill that tag.

Our Deer hunters have started to call for November reservations. The deer population is strong and healthy in this area of the state, so call today and come stay for a week of "big country" hunting. Our weekly package is $699.00 (plus tax, gratuity & license) per person and includes meals, lodging and cabin services for Saturday arrival and departure the following Sunday.

Big Buck Dining Room

Big Buck Dining room has a new look thanks to Isaac Legendre of Legendre Fine Custom Woodworking of Oxford, MA. He has created eleven new tables for our guests to comfortably enjoy all the great food served here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps.

Not only are they beautifully custom made just for us, but they are very functional in that they are all the same width making it simple to seat a large party. And even better are the adjustable feet which are a must for this old floor!

Although we started the day at 34 degrees, the sun is shining brightly in a brilliant blue sky and has already warmed us to 59 degrees. We do have a slight breeze from the northeast, but that's okay because I have laundry on the line. There's nothing crawling into a tightly made bed at the end of a long day and smelling those fresh, crisp sheets.

I'm back! I just returned to Bosebuck Mountain Camps after a short, four day trip to Charleston, SC to attend the Chief Petty Officer pinning ceremony for my son, Thomas. Thanks for your service and congrats!

Just as we were finishing breakfast this morning, we watched a bull and cow moose along the shore just across the little river. He only had eyes for her, but she wasn't interested in him one tiny bit and was really palying hard to get. I have to give him credit for trying and as we last saw them entering the tree line for a little privacy, his persistence appeared to be paying off. Maybe we'll see the twins next spring?

The weather here is much colder than I have been enjoying with only a current temperature of 48 degrees as I write this post at 11:25AM on Saturday morning. Of course the northeast wind blowing at 7-15 MPH isn't helping to bring up the temps any.

The fishermen are here and hoping for rain, rain and more rain. We did receive some yesterday and a little more overnight, but not enough to bring the water levels up to where the fish can move upstream easily. Don't get me wrong, they are catching fish, but "the run" has started yet.

Our fourth and final group of bear hunters of will be arriving at camp on Monday. We have had a very successful season so far and have already begun receiving reservations for next year. Since we limit our hunters to only six per week, it makes sense to reserve early. If you are contemplating a bear hunt at Bosebuck next year, call and make a reservation today and we'll invoice you for the 50% deposit 90 days in advance of your stay.

Mike has been seeing a good number of both birds and deer while out and about attending to his bear sites. These colder temps, although no frost yet, seems to have spurred their activity. We still have cabins available in October for bird hunting and openings in November for deer hunting. Give us a call if you have some time to come and enjoy the great outdoors.

Congratulations Dan on your successful bear hunt. We are well into the second week of the season and all the guys are enjoying their stay. Fishing in the morning, a delicious meal at noon then out to their stands for the hunt until dark.

We also have fishermen in camp and although the weather has been beautiful I think they are secretly wishing for rain. Even with all the rain in June and July, the lakes, rivers and ponds are low making the fishing a little more challenging. The forecast is advising a chance of rain today and tomorrow afternoon so perhaps their wishes will come true.

With these cool nights and warm days we are already starting to see the colors of Fall. We expect peak foliage to arrive here at camp within the next two weeks. Although we have not had a frost just yet, it's been very close with overnight temps in the mid-thirties. Tonight just might be the night.

It was a chilly night here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps with a temperature of 34 degrees at 6:30 this morning. Thankfully the sun is shining in a beautiful blue sky, the fog has lifted and the temperature has risen to 57 degrees. We expect the high to be near 70 today but even colder tonight with most likely a frost to greet us tomorrow morning. The calendar may still say Summer, but Fall is definitely in the air.

The first week of bear hunting ended with a 100% success ratio and the next group of six hunters will be arriving in camp this afternoon. In addition to the hunters, we will also be greeting the first of our Fall fishermen today along with our guests already enjoying the long holiday weekend to result in a nearly full camp for the week.

Just a reminder to those fishermen hoping to wet a line this month before the season closes on September 3oth, we have several days that have already been fully booked, so call ASAP to reserve your cabin so you don't miss out.

Congratulations to both Paul and Carrol for their successful bear hunt yesterday. We were able to snap a few photos for Paul before the light was lost. The night did linger with all the excitement and of course the telling and re-telling of the hunts.

As you can see the webcams are back online again and hopefully to stay this time. THANKS Paul! We'll be working on the weather station too so don't worry. This winter when I'm freezing at 40 degrees below zero you'll know about it.

While I'm on the subject of weather, it couldn't have been a more perfect today. We had temps near 80 degrees, beautiful bright sunshine and not a cloud in the sky. Tonight is no exception as many of our guests are sitting on their porches admiring the full moon as it shines down across the placid lake. Everything is calm and still but for the call of the loons on their nightly fishing expedition.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I watched one of the young loons yesterday afternoon with it's parents. It appeared he/she was supposed to be learning proper diving techniques but seemed more interested in everything else going on around him/her. They sure are growing fast.

Fall fishing reservation are becoming quite full, so if you're hoping to wet a line in September, call now so you don't miss out. Many dates are already fully booked. And speaking of reservations, our deer hunters are calling too. The herd in this area is healthy and these big woods are home to big deer as evidenced by the specimens in our dining room. Check out our rates page for our weekly package.

We are also extending the same weekly package rate for of bird hunting in the month of October. The area that surrounds Bosebuck Mountain Camps has a variety of cover from old growth, to new cuts, alder runs and spruce groves. Of course your dogs are welcomed at camp too.

Okay, this is it, the last day of August and it's back to school. I know Autumn doesn't officially begin until September 22nd, but it sure feels like Fall here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps. The woodstoves were even fired up over the weekend due to the damp weather generated by tropical storm Danny. Good news, the extended forecast is calling for temps in the 70's for the entire week and the holiday weekend looks pretty good as well. The current temperature is 51 degrees so you can be sure no one is laying around in a bathing suit here.


For all our loyal webcam watchers, we haven't forgotten you and we are working to get those cameras back on line as soon as possible. As you can well imagine, it isn't easy to maintain this type of equipment in this environment.


Bear Season opens today and we have some very excited hunters in camp. To be sure each person receives the attention this type of experience deserves, we limit the number of hunters to 6 hunters per week. Although this week and next are fully booked, we do have a few openings for the third and fourth weeks which begin on September 13th and 20th respectively. If you would like to participate and have the time, give us a call.


We also have some openings in November for deer season and although many parts of Maine have experienced substantial loss to their deer population that is not the case in this area. We offer at weekly package for $699.00 per person* and you can visit the "Rates" section of our website for additional information.


For anyone lucky enough to have been drawn for a moose permit in Wildlife Management District #7, this is the place to hunt and fill that tag. We offer a great package that includes meals, lodging and a fully guided hunt for you and your sub-permittee. Or if you wish to go it alone, we can accommodate your group with warm, comfortable lodging and delicious meals.

The sun is shining again, the temperature has climbed to 76 degrees but we have a slight breeze from the north northeast keeping the air moving. Although the humidity had been in the 90's it has dropped back to 66% this morning.

As I write this post, the Wilderness Navigation Course participants are out in the field taking their "final exam". I'm confident they will all return to camp unharmed and on time. If you missed this year's classes and wish to participate in a future class, send me an email and I'll put on the list. When the new dates have been scheduled I'll contact you to see if you are able to attend. I have provided a little detail info below about the course which costs $385.00 per person (plus tax & gratuity).

Wilderness Navigation Course

For anyone interested in traveling off the beaten path it is a much more pleasurable experience if you can navigate on your own. The use of map and compass is an age old method of wilderness navigation, however with today's new technology, the map and compass can mean so much more than it used to.

A Wilderness Navigation class will provide you with the basic map and compass skills that will make the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) meaningful and enjoyable. GPS is pretty much meaningless without a map and compass. Join us in our two day clinics that create a sound base of knowledge in map and compass, and then introduce you to GPS. Classroom and practical application go hand in hand to give you a confidence in the wilderness.

The clinics will be two full days in duration include the following;
Includes all class materials
Includes 2 nights lodging
Includes meals and all cabin services
Tax and gratuity NOT included

Fall fishing reservation dates are beginning to fill quickly now. If you are thinking about a stay here at Bosebuck and fishing the upper river, ponds & pools, I would urge to call quickly so you don't miss out on some of the best fishing the state has to offer.

Of course Bear season opens next Monday (August 31st) so our hunters will begin arriving on Sunday for a week long stay. Most of them will enjoy some relaxing fishing in the morning and then exciting hunting after mid-day to dusk. We have a few openings for the third & fourth weeks, so call if you are interested.

The lake has disappeared! I can't can't see a thing past the end of my nose the fog is so thick here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps this morning. Most likely we're in for another scorcher today although yesterday we had a nice breeze off the lake. It makes if very difficult for me to be in the office doing paperwork when it's so nice outside. It never seems to rain at the right time.

The current temperature is 53 degrees with 99% relative humidity. No wind and as I stated earlier, fog, fog, fog. I'm confident the sun will burn this off and blue skies will be seen before long.

We have scheduled another book signing here at camp to be held this Saturday, August 22nd at 7PM. Robert J. Romano, Jr. will be here to meet & greet and sign copies of his newly released novel, "North of Easie". We will be serving Prime Rib or Swordfish for dinner at 5PM. Please call for a reservation no later than 9AM Friday morning.

Before you get too upset with me, the webcams and weather station are offline again. The hard drive crashed so I'm working on replacing that unit as quickly as I can. Please be patient and keep checking back.

It seems our summer rate special was a big hit and camp has been full to the brim especially the last two weeks. Not only were the all cabins occupied, but we had a family reunion, the annual Aziscohos Lake Preservation Council BBQ this past Saturday and several "fly & dine" guests. The weather has finally turned the corner to summer with temperatures in the eighties so we have all been enjoying the great outdoors in the warmth of the sun.

Fall fishing and bear hunting are just around the corner so after a couple days of rest and catching up on paperwork, we will all be back on the job preparing for our next onslaught of happy visitors to Bosebuck Mountain Camps.

The webcams and weather station are back online - Yeah!! Thanks Paul, you have no idea how many people are happier today because of your efforts.

For the most part the weather has been good with the majority rainfall during the late afternoon or nighttime hours. The past two nights have been cooler than normal and I have to admit that the flannel PJ's are out of the drawer already. The extended forecast is calling for some "summer like" weather that may even include the three H's (hazy/hot/humid) for tomorrow. Of course along with that I would expect to see some thunderstorms roll in too. It's about time since it's almost back to school and we're still waiting for summer to arrive.

Today starts the last week of our summer rate special and Mike and I are very happy to see that camp will be fully booked. Of course, Ann, Melanie, Shawn, Mike and I have been very busy keeping up with all our chores and making sure that all our guests are happy. We've called in some reserves to help out with the annual Aziscohos Lake Preservation Council's annual BBQ and silent auction being held here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps on Saturday, August 15th from noon to 2:30PM. We will be serving the Bosebuck BBQ including sides of Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad and of course blueberry delight and apple crisp for desert. You can call or email for tickets. Suggested donation is $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for kids age 7 and younger.

I know many of you follow our site on a daily basis and look forward to the live webcam shots so you can be here even if it's a virtual reality. We are currently having some technical difficulties with the software and hoping to correct ASAP so we can get those pictures and the weather station info back online.

It's too bad you haven't been able to see the pictures over the past two days because the weather has been nearly perfect. Beautiful sunny skies, warm temps and a light breeze to keep everyone happy and comfortable.

We had rain early this morning, but the skies are beginning to clear and the current temperature is 66 degrees with 82% humidity. The extended forecast is calling for temps in the mid to high 70's for the remainder of the week.

This Friday, August 7th at 7PM Steve Pinkham, author of "Mountains of Maine Intriguing Stories behind Their Names" will be at camp presenting a power point program and signing copies of his latest book. He will have books for sale, but there is no charge for the presentation. If you would like to join us for dinner at 5PM, please call no later that tomorrow (08/06/09) to reserve your table. Menu choices are Bosebuck BBQ or Pizza.

Today was a total washout as far as the weather is concerned. We had light rain falling early this morning and it just got heavier as the day progressed. It's now 7:21 PM and the clouds are just starting to disperse. Looking at the extended forecast though we seem to be setting the stage for a warm, sunny weekend. That's good, because we have nearly every cabin booked and extra dinner reservations for Prime Rib/Swordfish tomorrow night.

We do have several families in camp and one of the young boys caught a nice 15 inch trout off the dock late this afternoon. I had just told him not a half hour before that the fish don't care if it's raining and apparently neither did he.

Our summer rate special has been a big hit and believe it or not will only run another two weeks. I have a few openings, so if you are looking for quick get-away, give me a call or send an email and we might be able to accommodate you.

I have to say congrats to my son Thomas who is proudly serving in the Navy and just learned today he has achieved the rank of Chief! Job well done and we'll see you soon!

I had the experience of a lifetime last night and it all occurred on my birthday too! The wildlife biologist and his team stopped by to let us know they would be capturing and banding the adult loons at this end of the lake and wanted to know if we might like to watch the process. After watching the pair across the channel for what seemed eternity, I was all for some up close and personal time with the loons. The plan was to retrieve the adult pair and the two chicks after dark and bring them back to our dock to band the adults. It was a late night, but a success. The male and his two chicks were retrieved, but the mother was too tricky and followed behind the boat lamenting the loss of her chicks all the way.

Of course no harm nor foul (no pun intended) occurred and all were returned safely to water shortly after the team completed their measuring, weighing and banding. As it turns out, the male was banded about 15 years ago and seemed to be in great condition. Both chicks are growing fast and as you can see from the photos, they are very soft and fuzzy. As they worked their way through the list of duties, someone had to hold the chicks and of course I volunteered whole heartily. While holding the smaller of the two chicks, I was able to calm him/her (they are to young to determine sex) by stroking his/her head and he/she fell right to sleep in my lap.

It was a wonderful experience and I feel very lucky to have participated.

Believe it or not we actually have blue sky and sunshine today. The temperature has climbed above the 70 degree mark so short sleeves it is. Most of New England has been dealing with a rather wet summer so far with many a record rainfall recorded. Fortunately, this far north has not been as wet as other parts of the state. Be sure to check the weather station stats for additional details.

The apple crisp, raspberry delight, blueberry cheesecake and triple chocolate cake have all been baked and are ready for dinner tonight. Of course only after prime rib or swordfish has been thoroughly enjoyed by all. If you are in the area, give us a call and join us for 5PM dinner. Ann plans the menu a week in advance, so give it a try. You can always count on the Bosebuck BBQ or pizza on Friday night and Prime Rib and fish on Saturday.

Our summer rate special is stilling going strong, but will end on August 15th. We have a few cabins available here and there depending on the size of your party. Call or email if you are looking for a last minute get-a-way for a few days.

SUCCESS! The loon chicks hatched late Saturday afternoon and made their first splash at approximately 4:45PM into the lake. I paddled up river last evening after dinner and witnessed the proud parents swimming along with their chicks in between them. Sorry to say that I am not able to share any photos at this time as I did not want to intrude.

We have been very busy here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps with nearly full capacity for the past several days. Even the weather is cooperating and all our guests are enjoying the great outdoors. The current temperature is 65 degrees with 67% relative humidity. Be sure to check out the weather link on Bosebuck.com and of course the ever present webcams for your glimpse into camp.

loon

Since we finally have a sunny day with temps already in the 70's I just returned from a very quick paddle across the channel to check on the loon. She is still there and patiently awaiting the arrival of her two chicks. It seems like it has been much too long, but I'm not a biologist. If you have been following her saga, she was off her nest about two weeks ago now for about five hours due to some heavy handed harassment from a pair of eagles. It was a cold and rainy day and the chicks may not have survived, but we'll see. I still have hope. Please be aware that I did not get too close and was careful not to disturb her when I snapped a few photos. The IF&W biologist should be checking on her in the next day or so too.

Finally the sun and blue skies have arrived here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps. Although we have a breeze from the north-northeast at about 5MPH, the sun is shining! The current temperature is 63 degrees and I'm hoping it will continue to climb. Summers are too short this far north so I want to enjoy every warm day I possibly can before that white stuff starts falling again.

Don't forget Friday Night BBQ at Bosebuck or if you prefer Prime Rib or Swordfish on Saturday. Call ahead for your reservation if you are not already here as a lodging guest. If we have room, we certainly welcome you to join us for 5:00PM dinner.

As you may have noticed we are in the process of updating the website. We should be ready to launch the new site within the next two weeks and hope you like the changes. We will be utilizing new photos provided by several of our guests as well as some of the nostalgic shots to maintain the flavor of the bygone era.

Please check out the weather station link for up to date conditions here at camp as well as the faithful webcams which will continue to provide live shots every 15 minutes (forgiving any technical issues that arise now and again).

Mike, I, and the entire staff appreciate all our faithful guests and hope to retain the rustic charm of the camps while making your stay even more enjoyable.

Mike was just walking down the driveway when he happened to see some movement on the opposite shore. He came into the office and we both had the pleasure of watching a doe with her new fawn walk along the shoreline of the island. I'm not sure if it was the height &/or strength of the current or the newness of the fawn, but she looked a little shaky from here. It's moments like these that we take the time to appreciate when they present themselves. The paperwork and chores can wait a few minutes.

July 11, 2009

We had a perfect day yesterday here at Bosebuck Mountain Camps. The sun was shining,

the sky was blue and the birds were singing.  We have had a full camp for the past few
days with three guests all celebrating birthdays last night at dinner.  To top it all
off, the float plane just landed and will be taking some of our guests for a scenic
ride for an aerial view of this beautiful terrain.

The current temperture is 60 degrees with mostly sunny skies.  The relative humidity is
79% with a breeze from the south at 5MPH.  Although we may receive rain later today and
overnight, it should clear by tomorrow morning refreshing for another day tomorrow.

We are still keeping an eye on a loon that has been nesting just across from camp
on the opposite shore.  We have a great vantage point from the porch of Cabin #9 and
are hoping to see her chicks when/if they hatch.  The biologist from the Maine Inland
Fisheries & Wildlife Dept stopped by to check on her this past Tuesday.  According to
his calculations, the chicks should arrive this weekend, Tuesday at the latest.

The water may be a little higher than normal in the lake and rivers but the fishing is
very close to spring-like conditions. Water temperatures are cooler than normal so
the fishermen are still seeing good activity in this fishery.
Our summer rate special began on July 1st and will continue through August 15th.

** $99.00 per adult per night ** and depending on the length of your stay you may enjoy
a FREE night or FREE use of a boat and motor.  Visit our rates page for all the details
then  give us call to reserve your spot.

This is also the time to reserve your week for a Bear Hunt.  We are limiting our
reservations to no more than 6 hunters per week and the first week of the season is
already sold out.  We have some availability for the three remaining weeks which start on
Sunday, September 6th, 13th or the 20th.

For all you lucky Maine & New Hampshire Moose Lottery winners, if your area in Maine
is WMD #7 or Zone A2 in New Hampshire, Bosebuck Mountain Camps is the place for your
hunt.  Give us a call to discuss our full week package which includes meals, lodging,
scouting and a fully guided hunt.

Don’t forget about our Wilderness Navigation Course being held on August 21st, 22nd
and 23rd.  Anyone that spends time in the great outdoors whether it be hunting,
fishing, hiking,  geo-caching, camping or any other activity will learn valuable
lessons with this course.  A map and compass are no good to you unless you know how to
use them. Attendees will gather a good deal of practical information both in the
classroom and in the field. If you are interested in attending send us an email or
call to reserve your spot.

Our first photography weekend was very successful in several ways.  They all captured
great shots, ate too much delicious food and left happy but exhausted.  We should have
a few photos to share in the very near future.  They captured some beautiful landscapes,
a black bear, a family of otters, an immature eagle and of course a number of loons.
We definitely will be putting together future photography weekends, the first of which
will be held the first weekend of October focusing (no pun intended) on moose since it
will be rut season.  If you are interested, send along an email.