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)