Hi Folks:
While the snow may still be quite a way off in the future, it is time to get ready for skiing. I've been mowing grass on the trails, and digging out big, protruding rocks from the trail surface so we won't hit them with our skis (or the groomer). I have also made a number of improvements to the network since last winter:
- opened a new, 750m loop trail at the north end, overlooking the Hockley Valley
- opened a new, 200m trail section at the south end, entering from 5 Sideroad, to separate walkers from skiers, and hopefully put the skiers in a place with better snow
- widened the Bruce Trail main trail in the southeast part of the network, so that it will now be wide enough to groom.
- moved the Pine Cut trail off to the edge of the clearing through the plantation so it will be separated from the track used by motor vehicles.
I am currently working on a new, exclusive snowshoe trail in the central area, in an attempt to separate walkers from skiers in that part of the system.
The US Weather Service has published its long range outlook for next winter and they are predicting that the northeast (which includes the Great Lakes region) will be colder and snowier than normal. The Old Farmer's Almanac is saying something similar. So, if those predictions come true, we should be looking at a pretty good winter for skiing. Let's hope so, because last winter was pretty bad.
Once there are a few centimetres of snow on the ground, I hope to see some of you out on the trails.