The trails were freshly groomed. I skate skied the entire trail system first, other than the classic only Homestead and Spruce Hills classic only trails. I was the first skater on the freshly groomed skate deck. I found the skate deck to be medium in firmness. The skate deck was of medium speed. The only problem I encountered was drifts along the connecting link to the Turtle lot. It was a perfect day for skiing with clear skies and temperatures in the high twenties. I changed into my classic skis and skied the purple and orange loops out to the Homestead trail. I then connected with Spruce Hills to complete a loop back to the cabin. The track was firm but again, speed was about medium. It was the groomer's report from Sunday that prompted me to come and ski Mecca today. I appreciate the reports. Please keep them coming.

Photos:

(Jim Gantz)

We got out today after it quit snowing and got almost everything groomed. We need to set track on the single track trails and on Moose loop. Grooming plan: That work should be done by 8:00 am on Monday.

(Bernie Langreck)

We got a hand from Brian of the Mercer Sno Goers snowmobile club to open a severely drifted area we needed to access to the Voss Lake section of our trails. We got over and rolled all Voss lake trails yesterday and groomed our complete trail system this morning. All trails are in great shape. Thanks for your patience. Get out and enjoy the spring bonus skiing we are getting this year.

(Bernie Langreck)

The trail was groomed and tracked this morning and are in great condition. Everything on the East side of the bridge was finished but the only part groomed on the West side is the part of the Osprey loop that is in the woods. From the old warming cabin to where the Bluebird ties in. We will continue to work on the Little Turtle end of the trail early next week, and it should be in excellent shape by mid week. See you on the trails.

(Gary Mears)

Skied the wolf and moose loop right around sunset. Tracks were firm but slow due to the cold temps (4F). Skate lane very firm and nicely groomed. So much snow-so beautiful!

(Monica Hart)

We have been out trying to make a skiable trail with the glorious snow we received this weekend. We have managed to groom and track the Wolf and Moose trail out to the bridge and also the Homestead classical trail. All other trails will get groomed after we nurse all the sore muscles and get our Skandic back on the trail. The drifts kind of did in the machine and the Gator can't pull through the drifts until we pack them with the Ski-doo. Bear with us we hope to be 100% open again shortly. What is opened is in beautiful condition but the deck is still a little soft. See you on the trail.

(Gary Mears)

The trails were all groomed and tracked this morning after the little storm on Wednesday. Deck may be a little soft yet but should firm up good after we groom again on Friday. All you Birkie skiers can come over to Mercer for a nice pleasant cool down on your way back home on Sunday. Conditions right now are excellent so get out and ski or shoe before Spring arrives. See you on the trail.

(Gary Mears)

Conditions were very good this morning, although that will change with new snowfall. Only issue was a little glazing in the tracks where melting snow from overhead pines dripped onto the trail. This has undoubtedly been submerged by new snow. Groomer told us he plans to re-groom starting at 4 am tomorrow morning.

(Dave Henning)

The trail is completely groomed after the 10" of snow we received this week. Everything has been gone over at least 2 time and some sections 6 to firm up the deck for the skaters. May still be a little soft but with these conditions it couldn't be better. Track set deep and firm so the classic skiing couldn't be better. See you on the trail.

(Gary Mears)

The Turtle River Pursuit is over and the trail has been groomed and tracked and in excellent condition. Last weeks 8" of snow groomed into one of the nicest decks we have had in years. The only excuse for not getting out on the MECCA Ski Trail would have to be, just too lazy. See you on the trail.

(Gary Mears)