Start of Winter and a New Year

The (much-delayed) start of winter and a New Year seems like a good time to put some life blood into the ol' blog.

I kicked off winter '15-'16 skiing with the MWSC crew at their Thanksgiving week camp in Québec. We were on a 2.5km human-made snow loop at Foret Montmorency, about an hour north of the city. This is one of my absolute favorite places to visit. Something about the vast forest and feeling so far away from everything makes me happy. And the beautiful trails, of course. 

The boreal forest gave us some great sunsets and great views.

The loop was covered with snow that was made at the end of last winter, then saved in a giant pit under a blanket of wood chips. It was in great shape.

A couple weeks later it was off to Craftsbury for the opening NENSA Eastern Cups. It was very fun to be back in my old stomping grounds, catching up with friends and seeing all the new things going on at the COC. Their new Touring Center is beautiful! This was more skiing on human-made snow, until it snowed Saturday night and we got some fresh stuff for Sunday. 

Then it was back to our delayed-start winter. On Christmas it was 55F in Monmouth, so after a run with the dogs we were hot and decided to jump in Annabessacook! The water was cold and scream-inducing, probably mid-30sF. We warmed up in the sun again and went in one more time. 

Swimming on Christmas day... first time for everything, I guess. 

Finally, snow has arrived chez nous. (Knock on wood it stays!) Daniel and another local volunteer spent the last few days getting a new grooming drag in operation. It will be easier on them because it's wider. Now we need a bit more so they can set classic tracks. 

So happy my friend Abby got to come up and see some of my favorite local spots! Here we are at the Caribou Bog Trails today. 

 Let's see if I can keep this rolling. 

I've got some adventures in the North Woods coming up later this winter!