trail snow update

With some white gold falling here yesterday, I sent a pack member out to roll it down. He found the trails definitely improved with the modest amount that came. Although they'd still recommend using rock skis out on Keweenaw Nordic's trails.

My favorite gorge on Swedetown creek.

Night operations.   I see fine in the dark!

Snowshoing in our Christmas

 For Christmas eve the pack thought we should get in a epic BC ski, but the lake hadn't dumped all that much snow around here so we headed to the North Country trail near Rockland and brought snowshoes with us in case it was to shallow for skis.

Interesting trees

  Indeed the snow was shallow,  but snowshoes with crampons were a plus for the soft footed humans to help them get up and down the hills....

Funny they drink tea, while I prefer a natural stream or refreshing snow.

Yes the snow was shallow but we still had a great 5 hour snowshoe.  The air was dry enough to allow some views!

In the mood

 We got into the Holiday spirit this week so I helped them make the Norwegian treat, lefse.  Since we had an abundance of potatoes from our garden,  we used them.    Most of this batch was send to Arlyn's family.

Merry Christmas to everyone!

Hummmm good!

Low snow hike

After doing a nice ski on Saturday and with the low snow still hanging here in the Hancock and Houghton area. The pack decided to do a short drive north and do a 3 mile hike to the top of a Lookout ridge.  We brought skis and snowshoes with us, but all-paw drive got us to the top to see the sites.  The humidity in the air was low enough for reasonable viewing.   But there was a chilly breeze at the top.

Even though I swim like a fish and LOVE water. 

Stream crossings make me nervous!

The breeze was chilly up here for soft humans but not for a winter dog.

This is the BIG lake you see in the background.

Ya, this is my element!

Back to the Twin Lakes trail!

The skier sign - remnants of when the trail was kept up. Snow dogs say grooming is over-rated!

 The pack thought a deep snow adventure was in the works for today, but where to go? We voted for the high country of southern Houghton County. Just as it was a few weeks ago, the snow did not disappoint us. It was a prime day for adventure!

Hunting adventures. No mouse is safe!

Bounding over logs is invigorating!

The bottom of a non-speedy descent

Pileated woodpecker's restaurant.

Check the carving and chips.  How do those birds do that!?!

A cool dog is a happy dog.

trails update

You should know my life revolves around ski trails and deep snow to bound through.  Things have been done to my favorite ones making them ready for the deep snow predicted to arrive here this week.  Its not belly deep yet, but if the forecast is true, it will be shortly.

These three flipped the ramp over in the Dam Medow.  

Thanks guys!!

New machinery for the trails.

The beauty found in Churning Rapids.

More snow!

Finally! We got snow starting on Saturday evening, thanks to some skiers doing the Heikki Lunta Dance. So on Sunday afternoon the pack roamed to Churning Rapids for a back county ski!

This is what a happy dog looks like.

This is how a winter dog cools off.

Snow dance!

 

These pictures were taken last winter duirng a moon light ski and bon fire.  We had so much fun, we're doing it again!

Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club's originally scheduled moonlight ski will now be a bonfire and snow dance. We'll still meet on Saturday, December 3rd  at 6:30 PM. Come on out to the Chalet located at the Houghton County Fair grounds in Hancock,  KNSC will provide refreshments and a light meal to say "thanks" to the numerous trail supporters and volunteers.  For the evening's special entertainment, all skiers will perform a Heikki Lunta dance so we can have deep fresh snow to roll in.  You know I love that at least belly deep.  So we'll have to do lots of dancing!     For more information, you can email my pack or call.   My paws don't do keyboards well.   370-2911 or  arlyn  @  superiortandems.com

I'm in my glory...in the middle of all the kids!

Fencing up the trails!

 John Diebel must be given credit for rounding up a herd to build the temporary fence we do each fall that separates the ski trial from the sled trail. 

With all the help, we got it done in record time!

Ya, pull that a little tighter.

Add another zip tie there.

 With the fencing job done, we headed into the gorge and removed one tree that was smooching in on the trail. (Ok, maybe the creeks bank was moving)




I'd like to personally thank everyone who helped and threw some sticks for me!

My favorite thing is back: DEEP Snow!

OK this wasn't our 1st ski of the year...that was a few nights ago. It was fun to be out in some fresh snow. But today was tops! Wow did I have fun!  I'm in my glory while in fresh DEEP snow!

Leaping and bounding, my specialties.

I think I see vermin up there!

Arly needed to rest so I kept him company.

BOING!

She had a head start on me, I didn't stay behind her long.

Isn't snow beautiful?

 
 These were all taken at Twin Lakes state Forest today.

Pine Tar and sawing into the ski season

With the ski season upon us, Keweenaw Nordic had a Pine Tar clinic for anyone who cared to learn about that process. Since I love all skiers, I was glad to see this class offered.  They seemed enthusiastic just like me!

Today my pack was out clearing one last trail, so that part of trail work should be done. Of course I just LOVE being in the woods and new snow makes me giddy.

This Grizzly is being setup right now and will be the clubs latest and greatest towing machine.  Although "Grizzlies" are scary to me!

 
This post  was just completed that will hold the drag up off the trail when not in use.  They keep working to improve the skiing on these trails.  I just love to run in the snow!

Near the end!

In some wonderful fall weather, a modest sized but very friendly crew was behind the Hancock cemetery and cleaned up that weedy section of trail.  After that was done, since so much pent up enthusiasm was remaining, we moved to clean up the RR grade near the chalet, plus the Quincy loop. Shoots, weeds and limbs were all cleared up to get these trails ready for skiing!   Do you know how much I love skiing??   Please thank the Wheeler fam when you see them!!

Annika and Barbara threw the stick for me when they weren't working.

I helped by watching for vermin for Sandy on the Quincy loop.

After a along day on the trail,  its really hard to stay awake!

 On Friday, this motley crew was at the Tomasi trail head and planted a 12 ft post there to hold the drag up and off the trail when it's not in use. Please thank Jonathon Rulseh when you see him for his gracious help. Now just the hardware needs to be reinstalled (and more snow needs to fall) and it's ready for use!