Received about 8" of snow overnight. Since we are at the end of the season, I just groomed the north trails.

(Paul VanderWaal)

Dribs and drabs of snow over the past couple of weeks provided just enough to groom again. Used the groomer's knives to churn up the deck to get enough loose snow to set a good track. I think it turned out much better than I anticipated. The skating segments hvae a really solid base and should make for some very nice skate conditions - I'd guess the best since we started grooming these skate segments. Also tried something new and double-tracked the north trail's Central Corridor (see pic).

Photos:

(Paul VanderWaal)

Very little new snow, but wanted to refresh as much as possible after the recent thaw. Used the blades to churn up the bed and while a bit ragged, I think there is a pretty good track set.

Photos:

(Paul VanderWaal)

Having received an inch here and a couple inches there after the last thaw and rain I decided there might be just enough to groom again and set a track. It looks like there was a pretty good result - a well defined track for most of the trails, and the south trail skate segments groomed. This is probably the most solid base since I started grooming about 8 years ago.

(Paul VanderWaal)

After we had the warm weather I was worried the snow would be way too icy. Since then, we have had a little snow, so I hoped the little bit of snow would improve the icy conditions - and it DID! There is still enough of a track and the snow was firm and glided nicely. I skied the south trails as I knew that the north trails, before the thaw, needed a grooming refresh that we now cannot do until a larger snowfall. The south trails are much less disturbed by wildlife than the north, and I was the first person to use them. Also, I think the skate segments are in great condition for someone to come and use them.

Photos:

(Paul VanderWaal)

Started out on the north trails at around 3 pm. Hesitated at the start, as the track was almost too pristine and beautiful to ski on... but, I did ski! Completed the north outer loop. It was a little soft (as expected), but perfectly groomed. No leaves on the trail - just the crisscross of critter tracks. Thank you! A hiccup for some vehicles may be the access into and around the parking area, due to snow depth.

Photos:

(JulieAnne Hjerpe)

I was out early before sun-up this morning and groomed all of Washburn. Since I had cleared trees last week, it was nice going – I only had to groom. We had about 9.5 inches over the past 2 days. The skate segments on the south were also rolled and packed. I didn't do the far east loop in the South as I think there is logging out there again.

(Paul VanderWaal)