On Saturday 1-16-2021 my friends and I (Jean Gib and Art) went for a ride of 59 miles to check out the trail conditions. We have been very deficient in the snow department this year and some of the trails are showing it. In some areas there is not enough snow for the groomers to get the trails as nice and smooth as needed. This in turn leaves you with trails that are rough with some occasional dirt and rocks popping up in the worst of the areas. Other spots the snow had a brown tinge to it. We encountered one trail that was temporarily closed (trail 5) because of an open water spot in the swamp, we need some 0 degree weather to refreeze it. Along trail 22 in a swampy area there were a couple spots that showed a little open water that we could skirt around.
On a brighter note the trees looked beautiful with all the rime ice (hoarfrost) clinging to their branches. We also had had about an inch of new snow sitting on the branches. The wind was dead calm and hadn't blown it off.
Our route for today. The intersections mentioned in the following text are the small black boxes with white numbers.
Gib ready to lead us out on our adventure.
Trail 77 near intersection 27. This area was in very good condition.
Along trail 8, near intersection 34.
Intersection 25 where we head north on trail 8. That's Art on the blue sled and Jean on the yellow machine.
Headed North on trail 8.
Gib stopped to clear a big rock from the trail. You really don't want to run over these with your sled. We wait patiently.
Taking a break at intersection 36 before heading north up trail 15 towards the Cable area and trail 70 were we head East to Lake Namakagon. We actually saw a little blue sky. Most of the ride it was overcast.
The Birkibeiner cross country ski starting area was teaming with skiers.
The old Telmark ski lodge and motel sits empty and scheduled to be razed for a new development.
Along trail 70 between Telmark and Lake Namakagon. The last pic is at the intersection of trail 70 and 75 near Lake Namakagon.
Out on Lake Namakagon. Wish the sun had been out for this picture. I bet the trees would just glisten in the sunlight.
Along trail 8 just south of Lake Namakagon.
Just a quick break at intersection 49 along trail 3.
Some fisherman out on Lost Land Lake either moving to another area or headed in.
Almost home now. I didn't bother to stop and take pictures of the trail areas that were in bad shape. It's looking like I won't be racking up the miles like I did last year unless we get some serious snow real soon. All told it was just good to get out for a ride.
That's all for now.
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