Interesting

Laying fresh tracks in a light layer (maybe a 1/4 to 1/2 inch) of fresh snow this morning.

Zipping along laying fresh tracks. Wheeee!

We went to the upper elevation trails of Breckenridge Nordic Center this morning. We were quite pleased to see that there was a light layer of new snow on the trails and no pre-existing tracks! It was also snowing lightly as we started the outing, making for more & more fresh snow on the trails. We did not see another soul on the trails until the very end of our outing. In fact, the only tracks we saw all day were our own when we redid a few sections of trail to add distance to the outing:

Flying along laying fresh tracks down the middle of the trail.
Look closely to the left of Jack, the ski tracks you see are from my skis on
our first pass of this section of trail.

The forecast called for "light snow". Ha, did they get that wrong. While it was snowing lightly at the start, it was DUMPING partway through our outing. No complaints here, we love new snow; but what a difference from the forecast to the reality!

All the white speckles you see against the trees are active falling snowflakes.
Yay for snow!

Today's skijor had a very interesting twist to it that you'll see in the following video clip. We start the clip on a very innocent trail, cruising along with moderate snow falling around us. Then, about 10 seconds into the clip, we turn right to connect to the main trail back to the trailhead. But, look at what we encounter... For some reason the nordic center has set THREE classic tracks in the trail! One track is common and two tracks (on each edge of the trail) is not unheard of. But, THREE tracks I've never seen before. Now, I cannot put my skis in the classic track as I then have no ability to slow Jack & Rudy or even stop. So, watch as I am continually navigating to the most "open area" between the tracks as Jack & Rudy continue running along. Finally, the clip ends when we encounter two loose dogs on the trail with no human in sight. For everyone's safety, I need to stop for this type of encounter. But, what an interesting "three track" navigation experience!

[watch on youtube if no video loads below]

Of course the comedians, Jack & Rudy, are always good for at least one comedy skit on every skijor outing. From snow angels, to wooing to wildlife interactions. Well, today we found lead comedian Jack lunging off trail to dunk for rodents under the snow. Not to be out shown, Rudy follows with one of his beautiful, high arching rodent dives to join Jack in the search for rodents. Silly kids :)

"Hello, hello, anybody under here?" asks Jack dunking in the snow.
"Incoming!!!!" joins rodent diving Rudy.

Finally, celebrating another fun, fun skijor with end of run treats at the trailhead:

"Glad you made through that 'classic track obstacle course'!" says my great partners.

A nice "fresh snow" skijor this morning with a very interesting obstacle course near the end of the run: 9.8 miles traveled with 1100 feet of elevation climbed.

2022/2023 Season to Date: 94 days on the trails covering 825.8 miles with 76,300 feet of elevation climbed.