December 23, 2018 Grooming Report;
Thank you Trail Builders: Thank you Trail Builders: Today’s report is brought to you by Mark Stevens. Mark is feted at the 6k mark of the Noque’. Without folks like Mark Stevens we would not be able to enjoy the great skiing we have come to expect. So, if you see him, please say thanks.
If you have not done so, please renew your membership.
Forestville Real Grooming Report: Still too little fresh snow to re-set classic tracks so Andy groomed skate lanes on Noque’ to 17k, Animoosh, Chiwaji bypass, Bagwaji, Muckwa, Migizi, Gookookoo, Boozhoo and Zhing.
As always, your feedback is appreciated. Send in pictures and you too can get your K marker moved to the front of the line.
Saux Head: Trails are groomed weekly.
Fit Strip: Trails are groomed about once per week.
Big Bay Pathway: Too little snow in the woods so trails are closed. The Big Bay Trails are groomed for classic skiing and are through the rugged hills south of Big Bay. They are spectacular but need ample snow to cover the rugged terrain. We groom as weather permits so think cold and snow. Trails are just off Co Rd 550 in Big Bay.
Way Too Long Grooming Report: Just as every snow crystal is different, so too are every day’s conditions. I have never seen such a forgiving base ski so fast. Typically, to get that fast, the skate lane has to be solid ice. Yesterday’s groomer’s recommendation was out Bagwagi to 510 and back via Chiwagi hills. I hope I wasn’t the only one to follow my advice but I laid first tracks up out of both Chiwagi holes late in the day.
I did hear from Imawimp. He reported skate skiing to 510 and said past 17k was pleasant although a little uneven. I should add, he skipped the Chiwagi hills; and, as such, he signed with his new nom de plume. In his defense, the Chiwagi down hills are always dangerous but in my opinion are not skiable. So, we are suspending the “no snow plow” rule on both of Chiwagi’s down hills. After all, its all about the climbs anyway. That is where one finds the real danger. However, I cheated death again as I didn’t pop that pesky aneurysm.
Too Long To Read Report: As an optimizer, the world is often framed as a set of tradeoffs. I remember asking a sailor about an equipment failure and he said, “If it didn’t break it was too heavy.”. However, once in a great while one finds they have been looking at a false dichotomy. Like the first time you used a carbon fiber hockey stick. We weren’t allowed to learn slap shots growing up because sticks had to last all year. Now anyone on skates can send (goalie) head high lasers from the blue line all day long. So, when presented with the concept of performance ski boots that don’t hurt I scoffed, “Your feet are supposed to hurt.”. Apparently not! I am going to have wear my boot covers even in warm weather to hide the fact that Sondo may not mean “user of old sports equipment” any more.
See you out there. I’ll be the one with the new boots and smile.
Sondo