The weather is offering its happy challenges. We are likely to have enough snow at Dutchman to put out blue poles this week, but conditions are stormy enough and trail breaking deep enough that I think we’ll put it off for now. The memory of the epic we had putting poles out in a storm last year still sticks with me.
Instead we’ll ski the Ridge Loop to the Shelter tie and down toward the shelter, checking for downed trees and overhanging limbs that obscure the markers. We’ll also put up the You Are Here sign at the Crosscut junction and raise the ladder board sign at the trailhead.
This will be the first trail work outing on skis for the year! This ski is a moderate one, requiring some ability to ski downhill through trees, and there will likely be trail breaking involved. The weather is forecast to be snowy, and between now and Wednesday there may be upwards of 18” of new snow.
What to bring: Ten essentials, Extra gloves (since they’re likely to get wet), storm gear, water, snack/lunch. Hard hats are required and can be provided if you don’t have one. Bring a hand saw if you have one.
Carpooling: We’ll be switching to our winter meeting location - Bend Parks and Rec headquarters off Columbia, near the Kayak Roundabout.
Contact person: Sue Sullivan
The Central Oregon Nordic Club, PO Box 744, Bend, OR 97709, is chapter of the Oregon Nordic Club, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.Email: conordicclub@gmail.com
