Grooming February 14, 2021
The return loop down Blue Herron Bluff’s trail brings riders along side the Dead River. The other picture in the running for today shows the curtain of ice that hides the torrential dam spillway. There is one little window where you can see water and the rest of the curtain shows only a hint of movement as you listen to the roar beneath. Here you can see the small window one must squeeze through if you wish to cross. Imagine, for over 100 years the Dead River has coursed through that wooden pipe. In February it is transformed into a spectacular ice sculpture. If you have never been there this time of year it is within stumbling distance of Wright Street.
Forestville: With some new snow Andyran the ‘Bully again on Noque from the ponds to the second gate beyond 510, animoosh, Bagwaji, Chiwaji bypass, Migizi, Gookookoo, Papasay, Boozhoo and Zing. Expect race ready conditions with beautiful classic tracks. Today’s cooler temperatures will make for magical striding.
Fit Strip: Let me know if you ski the Fit Strip and tell us how it is.
Big Bay Pathway: The Big Bay Pathway was groomed on Friday the 12th. Meditation and Hidden Grin are great shape. At the beginning of the trail the track did not set up very well due to lack of fresh snow and 5 degree temperature. It was very cold groomed this late afternoon.
It was worth it to prepare the trail for the Honey Bear 🐻 and see the many 🦌 that are running around the Big Bay Pathway.
Join us starting today for the 32nd Honey Bear Classic: Funski Fundraiser – Honey Bear 16K Classic – Snowshoe Trek. Details below.
Boe. 👍😎🇧🇻
Saux Head: Last report was trails were groomed and set track Saturday morning. Let me know if you have any first hand knowledge.
Snow Bike Trails:
NORTH TRAILS
The entire North Trail system was groomed on Friday, 2/5/21. This reporter rode much of the North Trail system yesterday and it was spectacular. I can vouch for the ice under the penstock. Lacking crampons, I had to skirt the trees and pull myself while dragging a bike. The picture above shows the spot where you cross under the penstock.
Caution Areas: Runoff from the penstock is collecting on the trail in 2 areas of BLP Rocks- in the ‘ice cave’ area under the penstock and further upstream, near the crossing across the river- leaving icy sections of trail that require care. Trail users can throw some sand found in the garbage can under the penstock on the ice to improve traction. Those without studded tires or boot crampons should use caution.
South Trails Grooming: Rubin groomed last night. Trails are very firm with a bit of fresh snow on them. We look forward to warmer temps and longer days.
WTLGR: We have a winner in the “Who is the Harbor Ice Artists” contest. Bruce emailed to claim his fabulous prizes as advertised but due to COVID I had to tell him the prizes were virtual this year. As for the artist, I have known Dan for 20 years and he never said a peep. As per the ancient Latin proverb, still waters run deep. I do hope to run a picture and some interview text anon provided the artistic genius consents to being “outed”.
That being said, I can see a new local art form in the offing. There was a levee on the Mississippi covered in what used to be called graffiti but now is termed tag art. The scene turned to a mile long strip of stark concrete upon its re-build several years ago. Local authorities have organized local artists to use the canvas. Cool to be sure but nothing like the potential tableau in the lower harbor. I see an annual festival in February. Of course it would be sporadic but there are many such festivals that only occur every few years. For example, every February, conditions warranted, Hawaiians flock to the North Shore when surf is over 25’ for the Eddie Would Go surf contest. In Ottawa, revelers enjoy skating the 75 miles of shaved ice when conditions permit. Imagine commuting via speed skates; they do it every few Februarys in Ottawa.
So, if either of you have an artistic streak, I suggest a midnight outing to impress the world and pay homage to our local creative genius. Let us start a trend.
Sondo
32nd Honey Bear Classic: Funski Fundraiser – Honey Bear 16K Classic – Snowshoe Trek
The Honey Bear invites you to celebrate the unique beauty of the Big Bay Pathway with a 10-day fundraising event for all ages and interests. This year, for the safety of all pathway visitors, we moved registration online, extended the duration of the event, and eliminated the one day outdoor gathering. Participants can choose to ski for fun, self-time, or snowshoe for a chance to win door prizes. All proceeds help support the grooming and maintenance of the Big Bay Pathway which is part of the Noquemanon Trail Network. Register online, then hit the trails with friends and family. Follow Big Bay Pathway Facebook Honey Bear event page for event updates. Registration/donation envelopes are also available at the trailhead.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for the Funski, 8K/16K Classic, or Snowshoe Trek:
- Honey Bear “Funski”
Registration $20 per single and $40 per family
Ski the Hidden Grin (8 K) and/or Meditation Loop (7K) with friends and family and enjoy the ‘groomed wilderness’ that the Pathway offers. The varied terrain is well marked and groomed for classic skiing.
- Honey Bear 8K or 16K Classic
Registration $25 per single
Ski the Hidden Grin to complete the 8K or 16K Classic (2X). Self time your progress then upload your results here. Participants will be recognized accordingly.
Note: Bear Mt. and Ridgeline are closed due to logging.
- Honey Bear Snowshoe Trek
Registration $20 per single and $40 per family
Snowshoe the Hidden Grin (8K) and/or Meditation Loops (7K) with friends and family and enjoy the ‘groomed wilderness’ that the Pathway offers. The varied terrain is well marked and groomed for classic skiing and snowshoeing. We ask snowshoers to avoid walking on the ski tracks.
REGISTER NOW or for more information, call Kristi at 906-250-3350, find us on facebook or email [email protected].
+ Google Calendar+ iCal Export