The Snow is Falling!

Brush off those skis friends, the snow is finally falling. If this keeps up maybe Brundage Mountain will be able soon; they need about 12 more inches.

The lack of snow has not stopped the winter fun around here, for those that have been braving the cold weather, the ice skating on Cascade Lake and Little Payette Lake has been fantastic. Bear Basin has been grooming for cross country skiing for the past couple weeks and providing fairly good early season skiing. And for those that like to snowshoe, the blue skies have helped with some beautiful back drops.



And for those that haven't been to McCall in awhile, you will notice that there are several new restaurants open or on their way to opening. The new one in downtown with lake views is Northwest Passage for evening dining and the Little Gem for your lunch time fares. I would highly recommend the Goddess Chicken sandwich at the Little Gem, the combination of the dressing, pears, chicken breast and cheese is delicious.



Wraptor, offering wraps, rice bowls and other healthy combinations opening in Alpine Village should be serving food as early as December 20th. I toured the restaurant the other day and the owners have done a fantastic job with the design, mixing in vibrant colors with industrial-type features and a small amount of timbers. The restaurant is two stories but with the second floor just a small mezzanine area, this allows most of the space to be open to below and with the tall ceiling and big windows, the space is inviting and bright. Wraptor will serve beer and wine and open in the evenings for open mic night. It is refreshing to see the new menu items and experience a brand new restaurant and space.

Also, soon to open is Hometown's Pizzas in their new location near the airport and across from Si Buenos and McCall Sushi located in the old First American Title building off Railroad Ave. Blue Moose is also a new restaurant slated to open this spring.

The economy hasn't slowed this town down. For those that haven't been here I encourage you to come give it a try but I warn you, you might not want to leave.

Happy Holidays!

First snow of the winter season in McCall

Welcome Winter! We woke to almost four inches of snow on our deck this morning. Is your house ready for the season? Here are few suggestions to get your home ready for the weather:

1. Check the furnace: Call an HVAC professional to inspect your furnace and clean ducts. Consider getting a programmable thermostat.
2. Get Fireplace Ready: Clean the chimney & stack and split the remaining cords of needed firewood in a dry area.
3. Inspect roof and gutters: Add extra insulation in the attic, if needed, clean out gutters if you have them, check flashing, and put up heat tape if necessary.
4. Service weather-specific equipment: Buy your shovel now, before they run out and while there pick up a bag or two of ice melt.
5. Check foundation: check vents in crawl space, put up insulated covers on, if applicable. Rake away debris and edible vegetation from foundation and seal up entry points to keep small animals from crawling under the house (especially the skunk)
6. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - or check their batteries.
7. Prevent plumbing freezing: insulate exposed plumbing pipes, keep your house at least at 55 degrees if you leave. Have it checked by someone periodically if you are gone for extended days.
8. Landscape & outdoors: Blow out the sprinklers, drain garden hoses, ask your local landscaper about what bushes and scrubs to wrap for the winter. Put markers up to mark the edges of your driveway for plowing.
9. Prepare an emergency kit: Buy indoor candles and matches, buy battery back up for your computer, store extra water and non-perishable food supplies.
10. Prepare your vehicle: Put in an extra pair of boots, a hat & gloves, blanket and small shovel for emergencies.

These are just a few ideas to prepare you and your home for the upcoming season. It is one of the best times of year here and always more enjoyable if you have a warm, safe place to come back to after experiencing a fun-filled day in some outdoor adventure.

Snowmobiling in McCall

Fun for the entire Family!

With over 1,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, McCall is becoming a popular destination for snowmobiliers. It is hard not to get into the excitement of riding as it opens up so much of the beautiful countryside that you normally would not see. My family and I often head out for scenic rides up past Brundage Reservoir, No Business Look and even near Jughandle and into new spots almost everytime. Whether it is finding the best powder and hill climbs or taking the kids for a ride and getting out in the fresh air; we can't wait for the snow to come so we can get out and play.

Meadowood Rentals located at Meadowood Lodge off Hwy 55 near the Little Ski Hill, offers a great fleet of snowmobiles to rent. The best part, is you can ride right from the Lodge onto the trail system. Visit http://www.meadowoodrentals.com/ for more information.