Thursday, March 12, 2009

Woodland

Ancient One said to call it as I see it. I say "Excellent, Excellent, Excellent."

If you want one more day of skiing, skip work tomorrow and head up to Elk River. I just had one of my best skis of the year there, not bad for March 12 on a thin cover of snow. It is midwinter conditions with sun until after 7:00—hard to beat.

My first lap was in the late sun, the second was during dusk, and the third was in the dark (I helped one non-lighted fellow find his way back to the parking lot after almost running in to him—that's reason to wear reflective jackets). Most of the way through the third lap I found Babe and Ancient One out on the sleds, going the wrong way with the screens (no, the screens were still behind the sleds, they were just grooming the course backwards).

I'd been thinking about a fourth lap (seriously, at close to 40k I think this was probably the longest after-work ski I've ever had) but their work, and the cold temperatures that should set it up perfectly, put the kibosh on that. I finished the lap, taking a loop through the range for an extra k, and then headed south on the railroad grade. I just didn't want it to end. I V2ed to the turn around, came back, and finally finished, about the same time as the sleds. I thanked them profusely (of course) as they have done a wonderful job this year (as always). They deserve a break, though, and will probably get one come Saturday, but they're still out tonight—and it was down near zero if not below—making the trail superb (and, I know, come summer they're out mowing and cutting, but it's warmer at least).

So go. If not tomorrow, Saturday morning. You'll be sorry if you don't. And, again, thanks to the trail crew for all their hard work!

I can only get to two trails at most, on a good day! Check out all the trail reports at skinnyski.com

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