Cruising

Fresh snow this morning meant we could skijor multiple laps around the historic Iowa Mill on Baldy Mountain!

Iowa Mill to the right. Cool Jack & Rudy in the center :)

Baldy Mountain is one of our favorite skijor outings as it is quite unique. The terrain is VERY steep, so I only agree to skijor Baldy with my pals when there is new snow to (1) slow the kids and (2) give me some "powder control" on the skis. It is too steep to ever attempt without fresh snow!

Anyway, new snow this morning found us heading to Baldy for some fun laps. We alternated skijoring on the main (popular) trail and cruising on a few of the lesser used side trails. Here is a shot from one of my favorite side trails. This side trail starts at Iowa Mill and then leads you away from the main trail and into the forest. It's wide enough to avoid trees but also narrow enough to feel yourself flying right by the trees!

Launching along the side trail into the forest! Wheeee!

The main trail is heavily used and, thus, very packed under the new snow. But, with a little bit of safety powder atop the packed trail, I can let Jack & Rudy open the throttle. Today's top speed on Baldy? 24 MPH - wow!

Jack the speed missile next to Rudy the cannonball!

We also know of a few virtually unused side trails. We almost always find an untouched powder cache on these trails. Powder plowing Jack & Rudy:

Powder cache all to ourselves.

At our high point of the day, Jack & Rudy left the set trail to do a little plowing and exploring. After carving a path in the deep snow, both stopped to stare intensely ahead. What did they see (or smell)? Well, I'm not sure as I did not see anything. But, wildlife we have seen on Baldy before includes moose, elk, fox and snowshoe hare. Which of these drew the attention, we'll never know :)

"Our 'wildlife sensors' are on high alert!" declares the hunting pair.
Nice snow troughs behind the powder kids!

Now on to video fun for the day. Come along as we begin cruising towards Iowa Mill. The mill represents a meeting of 3 different trails and, thus, the terrain is a bit choppy from lots of use from multiple directions. So, Jack & Rudy politely slow through the choppiness until we hang a right around the mill and then take off along the main trail. Zoom!

[watch on youtube if no video loads below]

Another day on Baldy is another day to share 'end of run' treats with our wonderful retired mentor Zorro:

"Ah, Baldy, I remember those fun trails!" says focused Zorro.
"Fun, fun, fun!" adds happy Jack.
"You have my full attention!" declares sweet Rudy.

Baldy fun run: 7.2 miles traveled with 1200 feet of elevation climbed and a top speed of 24 MPH.

2021/2022 Season to Date: 104 days on the trails covering 872.6 miles with 82,700 feet of elevation climbed.