Hit the big 5-0 today. Not fifty years but rather 50 days on snow this season. The lagoons at Barkhausen were fast and smooth, albeit (Dean) a little brisk at 14* but the bright sun made it feel better than that. 50 sounds like a lot but it is far from the times of 140+ days. With commitments, global warming (don't tell Dubya) and creaky joints those days are gone but I can really say I enjoy it more now. I notice a lot more now, see things that I used to miss. Stop and chat with folks and not feel guilty. Today I skied with a different brand of ski on each foot. I was expecting a big difference; it was not there. At least on flat good snow I could hardly feel any difference and quickly forgot about it. There was more to see. The wounded deer I tracked on the lagoon yesterday is probably coyote snack by now. The geese now let me ski by within 50 feet, not too bothered by that skier dude. The other day I noticed  boot sized tracks in the snow but in the middle of the ponds with no tracks leading to them. Turns out to be the geese skidding into a landing and hopping a few steps at touchdown. Without the snow these litle drama's would go un-noticed. 

Last night I thought went really well. We ramp down now, save a little tune up at the Stump Farm Race on Saturday. Scott says the trails are looking good and knowing Scott it will turn out great. Just remember:  Hi Ho up the hill we go!!  Try that on Bitch Hill and see if it does not make it feel better. Dan was almost giddy over last nights diddy. Weather for the Birkie is cloudy with a high of 34* with a SW wind at 10mph. Humidity at 60% and with Pigs living in trees.

Corie nailed the STC last week: Ski jump and certain Alpine suits are plumbed to test for air permability.

STC: VOX means what to a XC skier?