Training Log Archive: ernst

Cold-weather "warm-up" for the loppet which was postponed to Sunday due to temperature and wind conditions. It is likely going to be the same at the start (0 F, 20 mile wind) but warmer at the finish. It does not really change the waxing strategy (Start Green for me). Today was 2 - 8 F with on and off brisk wind. Good opportunity to test for optimal clothing for tomorrow. I wore face mask and multiple layers. Glasses froze quickly, and fingers got cold, so returned to yurt after 35 minutes for a warm up and chat with the Melinikov's, then out again for another 25 minutes. Meanwhile Ken had arrived and we connected. Nice dinner at the forks.

Tried one more time skating. A rather long walk to the beginning due to no snow on the S facing slope- nada. Two days of spring-like temps just about killed it for me. Old ice from December is showing again, lots of vegetation out. The only snow worth mentioning is the 700m long access road which is well drained and sun protected. Waving goodbye to winter...

On Clyde's trails for monthly check delivery. ~ 44 F but a well consolidated pack where there was snow left, which was almost all trails except a 200 m strip over the causeway which had melted. Excellent conditions. Basically just skied on untouched snow.

Then I had to go for skate over at Spruce Hole. Nice conditions, a bit on the soft side, which is good for a power workout. Did about 60/40 V1/V2. Some curving around the vegetation which started to show its face again. Still up to 7 inches of snow in protected areas, none on S facing hills and bumps. Dressed down to one T shirt - balmy! An energizing mid-morning jaunt!

Went to Bear Notch Ski Touring with Eric. We first met at Jackson, but they did not groom or had no intention to groom for the day. In spite of considerable rain and subsequent freeze-up. Temps were going to be in the low 30's so not much softening except in the very sun-exposed slopes. Bummer. But WMWV announced that Bear Notch was grooming, so there we went. And it was fabulous. Fast crunchy corduroy which turned soft later in some places. About 80% of their trails were newly groomed and it provided needed stability and slow-down on the downhills. Super outing, and Eric is a strong skater. We did stop on occasion for short chats.

Another couple loops around Albany Brook side after switching boots and a quick snack. After this one we both were beat, and called it a day. I went for the soup and the fresh bread at the barn (lodge). I should organize another Ski-O here sometime. (My Ski-O map from 2013 is still prominently posted by the entrance). The Garlands are extremely friendly and accommodating.