This week I've seen sap buckets collecting their precious liquid. I've seen a ski technician working on his motor boat. And I've driven through mud to skate through corn snow. It must be spring skiing time in Vermont!
This weekend has been absolutely gorgeous. I was supposed to be in Colorado, but the clear blue skies and warm sun made me feel like I was there anyways!
The Skimeister and I loaded up the car on Saturday and went to check out Blueberry Hill Inn cross-country center in Goshen, Vermont. It's in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area near Middlebury. They were having a fun "Pig Race" and potluck meal, and we wanted to check out the trails, so it seemed like a good day to go.
The weather did not disappoint. We slathered on sunscreen before heading out for an easy ski tour. The snow conditions were not easy, however, as the trail was lumpy and bumpy nearly the whole loop. We weren't sure why their Pisten Bully couldn't handle the snow. Maybe they just try to pack down the snow rather than tilling it.
We took Trail 4 from the barn that is home to the nordic center. It dips down the open meadow and heads into the woods full of pine trees. After we hit a dirt road and walked about one-tenth of a mile to reconnect with the trail, we entered another quiet wooded area. I think I heard one small-engine plane. Otherwise, it was just the sound of our skis and the wind in the trees.
Speaking of wind, more than 14 trees in one area had been torn from the ground from their roots! There must have been a micro-burst of wind here recently. What power!
With more twisting and turning we came to another road crossing before heading back to the nordic barn for lunch. It was great to munch, share a beer and soak in the warm afternoon sun. Some of the young skiers who did the obstacle course race were dressed in crazy clothing. Everyone was enjoying a sunny ski day.
I'd like to come back to Blueberry Hill again during mid-winter conditions and try one of their higher-elevation trails. There are supposed to be some great views up there.
It was a gorgeous weekend to be outside. I'm hoping to do some alpine skiing early this week. More sun is on tap!
