Ridgeview Valley Blog

Frosty Deep Creek Lake

Pete took this frosty picture around Deep Creek Lake a few days ago and named it "Lake Mood". Although this is a beautiful picture  I am really ready for spring.

Don't Forget the Deep Creek Dunk on Saturday

The 11th Annual Deep Creek Dunk is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2009. Sponsored by the Maryland State Police and a whole host of Garrett County businesses and individuals the Dunk raises money for the Special Olympics of Maryland.  Registration is only $50 and begins at Noon, dunkers will plunge into the icy cold waters of Deep Creek Lake at 2pm.  All of this takes place behind Uno's Pizzeria located on Rt. 219.  Last year it was reported that 800+ people took the plunge to freeze their "fur" off.  The activity around the lake has already started, Pete had lunch at Uno's just this afternoon and witnessed the annual cutting of the ice.  Although he did not tell me how thick the ice was, by the pictures you can see it is at least 12 or more inches thick.  BRRRR! that water looks cold.  The temps for the weekend are supposed to be near 40 degrees and I am sure the water is colder than that.
 

 

 

Mountain Maryland Green Committee Hosting Logo Contest

The Mountain Maryland Green Committee invites residents to help design a logo that will be used in advertisement to convey that Western Maryland cares about the environment.  Read all of the details in the Cumberland Times-News.

Snow a Day Late at Deep Creek Lake

Well as everyone knows we had to cancel the XC ski day because there was no snow.  And then a day later we received a beautiful covering of fresh snow and cold temps.  Just goes to show that you can not count on the weather in Garrett County.  We are going to try for a few Mountain Bike days in the spring and summer so stay in touch for those dates.  Rosie & I met last week with Tricia Cheesman of Garrett Mentors to plan a barn dance in September.  Garrett Mentors is a not-for-profit organization which provides a school based mentoring program that encourages caring adults to be mentors to children in Garrett County elementary schools.  Pete & Rosie are host to their annual fishing derby and now Ridgeview Valley will be the location for their new fund raiser this year.  I will keep you posted as I have the information.  In the mean time if you are interested in being a mentor in Garrett County please contact Tricia Cheesman at 301-334-1783 or email Tricia at triciacheesman@comast.net.

Cross Country Ski Day Cancelled

I am sorry to announce that we have had to cancel the Cross Country Ski day scheduled for Saturday, February 21 due to poor snow conditions.  Although we have had significant snow fall over the past two days the high winds have moved it around so much that the fields are pretty much bare.  We were hoping to get at least one more good day in for everyone, but now we are anxiously planning some Mountain Bike days in the spring.  Please continue to check back with regards to our spring schedule and we will send out invites to all of you on our mailing list.  Let me know if anyone wants added to that list. And a big thanks to High Mountain Sports and Railey Mtn. Lake Vacations for helping us with our first one in January.  It was a blast.

Another Cross Country Ski Day at Rdigeview Valley

We had such a wonderful time with the first Cross Country Ski Day that we have decided to do it again. 

We have planned another Cross Country Ski Day for Saturday, February 21, 11am-3pm.  High Mountain Sports will be on hand to give free lessons and to let you try out their rentals.  Bring your own equipment if you have because there is a limited number of rentals, bring your snow shoes and sleds as well.  We will have the heaters on in the barn with cocoa and snacks to refuel.  Stay tuned to the blog for updates, the event is of course dependent upon the crazy Garrett County weather.  We look forward to seeing you!!

More Garrett County Weather

As you have probably noticed I have not posted since Feb 5.  Ready for my list of excuses?  Sometimes Garrett County weather can put a halt to everything.  Other than life itself getting in the way of my usual banter on this blog the weather this past Wednesday evening has put a complete halt on just about everything in my life.  The high winds we had not only stole my power at home but at the Ridgeview Office as well.  All of the community except the office which is the original Harvey farmhouse has electric and all of Gravelly Run Road has electric, but the power company tells me they have had over 100,000 people without service and they suspect that we should have power restored by 4pm tomorrow.  That same information goes for my house as well.  Try milking 45 dairy cows without electric.  OK, OK we have a generator but it takes about 3 times as long.  The winds were so gusty Wednesday evening that it even blew over one of my husband's garages.UGH!  I will try to get pics.  The wind also stole one of the flag poles at the entrance of the community.  That's right, snapped it right off!  The radio reported wind gusts up to 92 miles per hour.  So my solution, I have picked up my computer and my files and moved to Pete & Rosie's where I can sit in the warm and hi-jack their internet.

Deep Creek Living

To quote my friend Marcia from Deep Creek Living, all we do is talk about the weather.  Well I am glad to report that we did not get the predicted monster storm on Monday and Tuesday, however we are back in the freezer again with reported lows of -7degrees this morning.  Check out Marcia's blog.  Her photos are always the coolest.  Marta from Deep Creek Times reported that she was watching snowmobiles on the lake this morning, BRRRR!  Check out Marta's site, the front page picture is gorgeous.  This weekend it is supposed to be in the 50's, everyone will think it's summer.  I can't wait.

Johnny's Bait House Antiques Up for Auction

For those of you who remember any of the original establishments around Deep Creek Lake, Johnny's Bait House has been one of the last to change hands.  Many people saw the growth of this business from Johnny just selling fishing worms in the old days to a full fledge fish and tackle store sponsoring bass tournaments.  And anyone who ever ventured inside could see the "world's largest bobber" and the "world's longest fishing rod."  Well according to publicopiniononline.com those items and more will be up for public auction on February 7 at the Gateway Gallery auction in Chambersburg, PA. 

Six More Weeks of Winter in Deep Creek Lake

I thought you might like an update from yesterdays post regarding Groundhog Day.  By the way HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!  Punxutawney Phil did see his shadow this morning.  That means six more weeks of winter weather.  So Garrett County will enjoy a couple more months of winter wonderland.  I think the major storm for this week though is going to bypass.