Well, guys, we had a good run. This summer was perfect. Remember the beach? Remember kayaking? Remember those hikes when we were actually sweating? As those luscious summer days fade from memory, it’s easy to fear what’s ahead – especially after last winter. But, let’s look at the positive. Real Mainers know how to appreciate the cold, the snow and the ice. So let’s take a moment to think about all we have to be grateful for here in the North. Things such as…

Snowshoeing! Let your flippies get buried in dooryard snow, it's time to throw on your snowshoes.
Anathea Utley / Flickr
Bonus points if yours look as authentic as these.
Smeltin' in Bar Harbor.
Michael Rosenstein / Flickr
Or anywhere that the beers are cold and there's a smelt shack over some holes in the ice.
The walking bridge between Topsham and Brunswick in the snow.
Mike Timberlake / Flickr
Can one of the readers out there please put on a red snowflake sweater, go to this bridge and look out romantically? I feel like it's necessary.
Buffalo plaid in Maine looks great anytime, but it really shines when being worn in the actual forest.
Susy Morris / Flickr
With some authentic snow on the shoulders. The matching cap is important.
Sunsets! Puppies! Sunsets with puppies! In the snow!
Jack Heddon / Flickr
Finally!
Snow dusted lake views, such as this one of Moosehead Lake from Big Moose Mountain.
Jack Heddon / Flickr
Getting some serious air while snow tubing at the Eastern Prom in Portland. Or, anywhere in Maine.
Michelle Starin / Instagram
Just make sure you're aiming for the bumps - you're already padded up in all those layers so might as well take some risks.
Dusky lift rides at Sunday River...
Jeremy Fulton / Flickr
...and sunny summits at Sugarloaf.
jon collier / Flickr

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Hot chocolate at your favorite diner...
Laura Taylor / Flickr
...or outside, while wearing gloves and thinking about...
jomilo75 / Flickr
...warming up by a fire at camp.
Mt. Hood Territory / Flickr
Being parent-of-the-week by turning the kids loose to play outside. With shovels. Near the car.
marty shuman / Flickr
Just in case they want a fun activity.
Snowmobiling down forest roads.
Timo Newton-Syms / Flickr
The annual Great Maine Outdoor Weekend!
Great Maine Outdoor Weekend / Facebook
The 2016 event takes place February 12-14th and promises a variety of events led by outdoor organizations and companies celebrating what it means to be active outside in Maine.
Seeing our lighthouses in a whole new way.
Waybe Boardman / Flickr
Nubble Light looks beautiful after a winter storm.
And lastly, the tourists are safely tucked away in Massachusetts, the cruise ships are hiding in the Caribbean and the streets are ours again.
Corey Templeton / Flickr
Where we're skiing...we don't need roads (to be cleared of snow.)
But, if you're still feeling the fear of winter just remind yourself that you'll be seeing summer views like this...
Movement Six / Flickr
...in just about 10 more months.

What makes you grateful for Maine winters? Leave your favorite activity, event, food, drink, ski-run or…anything in the comments!

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