I skied a short section of the Bird Lake Trail. It is too shallow of snow depth to do any grooming at present. With a 4 to 6 inch depth of powder snow, it was great to be out after no snow to speak of this fall and early winter. I did hit some rocks along the way, but was using older skis and was going slow and damage was not noticed. Way points 3, 5, and 6 were covered as well as using the access road that had been packed by snow machines. It will take more snow before it is practical to groom. There were many snowshoe hare tracks but only 3 sets of deer tracks. There was some weasel or marten activity and voles and mice sign. I did not check out Bird Lake itself, which usually can be skied upon, but I would check the ice carefully before using it. I have not seen activity on the lake by fisher folk. I would not advise going out on Bird Lake! The local Forest Service crews did lots of tough trail clearing after a strong September 5th storm. I saw even a large white pine snapped off at 50 feet up it's 100-foot height. A hearty thanks to them for clearing the trails.

(Mark Roalson)

We have received 3-4" of powdery snow. However, it is not enough to start packing or grooming yet. You may make your own tracks but bring you old skis.

Photos:

(Roxanne Tea)