Early snow report!

We went around the Tomasi loop today just to check the snow depth out. The snow is a tad shallow for us at this point.

With snow falling, equipment needed to be shuttled to proper positions and ready to go.

Next to an equipment shed, snow looks rather shallow.

Out the roller goes.

And back in it comes.

The 6" of snow was packed to an inch or 2.
Once we get a bunch more snow, we'll be able to pack the system.
Hopefully the cold and snowy conditions will just keep right on going!

Pretty shallow indeed!

Outback post planted. Report #33

In this mild December weather happening here,  4 of us went to the starting point of the Outback trail and got a post planted.   Must give Bob J. credit for doing the hardest part:  digging this hole yesterday.  It was rocks and roots here!

We scraped up a little bit more before planting the post.

Looks deep enough to me!  Lets get it planted.

Arly added a finishing touch.  A map holder will be added here soon.

Some 4-legged helpers always come in handy.

We'll also add junction signs here sometime in the future.
Behind Sandy you can see the trail. Please get out there and check it out sometime.

Martin! We love seeing you out here. You're always good for some ear scratching.

Trail reopening report #32

As stated in past reports, we're reopening the "Outback" trail that starts near the top of Sidewinder and intersects with trail #9 along Mud lake.  On Saturday we had a crew out to remove slash, rocks and cut limbs that were left on Friday.

Carolyn is in the lead here, pulling slash off.

Josh pulls brush, while Sandy lops here.

Gromit found hunting was good along the way.

This crew moved right along.  This will be such a pretty addition to the system.

Bob and Dave worked to pop some rocks off the trail.

Some were quite large!  These were remove so as to not hook implements on them.

These guys rocked at this job!
The couch sized rock will need to be marked so the groomers can avoid damaging
implements on it.

The sun even came out in the afternoon.

Arly, trimming down stumps that are close enough for implements to strike.

Bob is seen in the distance, hauling off slash.  This section passes by few cedar trees.

More corduroy was lain on this wet spot.  Happy to announce that this trail is 80%
ready to be reopened.

This was taken earlier this week, while removing leaners in the gorge.

More sign posts being added.

We are really working hard to improve our trails signage.

 

Corduroy added over yet another, wet spot.

Trail report #31

Trail report of mostly photos.  On Saturday, if a few people would care to help, we'd then work on reopening of the old Outback trail to Mud Lake. Let us know if you can assist.

Parts showed up for the Kodiak.

More trail map posts went in today.  This on St Urho's.

Drainage ditches were dug.  (we dug this yesterday)

Another post was planted on the Pine Loop (aka Snowfence trail).
Old map post seen on the ground, in the back

This one will also mark the edge of the culvert,
 so the grooming machines don't fall over the edge this winter.

What wonderful weather to visit Swedetown creek gorge.
Wait, that would be on any day!

Trail report #30

Trail work of some sort happens each day but trail reports might not.  Here is part of what happened today.  Other things done today was trenching, large rocks moved and corduroy shuttled to where it would help, but no photos of that were taken.

Posts have been going up to better mark our trails.

Over the summer, some very helpful people broke this lock and the
roof that was supposed to protect it from weather. 
They've both been replaced and maybe the roof will be a bit more durable.

A 6x6 that was used on the Middle Bridge project was hauled out
for another project we may start on shortly. 
That would be school yard equipment storage.

It was so darn pretty in the gorge today!

Multi day Trail report #29

Oh, it's been a wet fall...several trenches were dug today to drain down some huge puddles.

This is on trail 8 as it leaves Tomasi Rd and heads north away from the road.

Also on Trail 8, looking to the south. The birch stand is in the distance, the brushy section behind.
This water might have been 12" deep where the ski trail crosses.

More wet sections!  The section of the Pine Loop aka snow fence trail. 

 Today Arlyn and Bob J went to work getting them to drain.  Thanks to John D.
for getting some pics while out hiking.

We got water flowing good now! 
This is why we need a compact tractor with a backhoe.

You can already see the water level coming down.

Also must thank Sandy A. for snapping some pics today too.

Never until this year has water been a problem here at this location.

Hopefully it won't bother skiing over the winter months now. 

Thanks Bob J. for lending a hand again!

Earlier this week, at the junction of trail 3 and 8 near Tomasi Rd.
The old relic had a limb trimmed. Can't believe it hadn't yet fallen onto the trail!
With the UTV still in the shop, Arlyn's Tacoma becomes the trail clearing machine.

Trail report #28

We have been working on trails this week and got St. Urho's loop done which is the trail right at the chalet.  We've also installing corduroy in an attempt to keep the water from washing away our snow, once it starts up again.  No promises but we are working hard to make sure we can get over the many wet areas we have.  With most trails now cleared, we've added posts where signage was needed.   Equipment and trails will cleared or upgraded, as weather allows.

Sign posts went in on trail #2 behind the Old Apostolic church

Another one behind the Old Apostolic church.
Not a bad job when you have the right tools for the task.

Corduroy was added on Trail #2 where we've never seen water in the fall before.

Parts showed up to update the drag we use at Hancock's elementary school.