This past weekend I joined a group for a hike in Glacier National Park. We thought we'd take a pleasant little walk to No Name Lake. It's only about 10 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet. My goal was to get some exercise while enjoying the company of good friends.
When we reached the trailhead we found the winds blowing around 40 mph. Spitting rain added to the excitement. None of this deterred any of the group and off we went.
The fall colors were just spectacular. I was immediately reminded of some fall days I spent in Northern Wisconsin.
I'd drop in for a visit with Bert and LaNora Kleerup (owners of Eagle River Nordic). After chatting for a while in the ski center we'd often head out onto the ski trails for a walk in the woods.
We'd talk, bring each other up to date on the summers' happenings, tell jokes, laugh and have a great time. All the while we walked though we'd kick sticks off the trail and move fallen logs. Some times we'd carry a saw to clean up the bigger stuff. All this had the greater purpose of getting the ski trails in shape so they would groom up better with the first snow of winter.
Turns out we often ended up working pretty hard. But when the day was done we had accomplished something, got some good exercise and enjoyed each others company. And the warm glug LaNora made tasted all the better.
Many ski areas ask for volunteers to do similar tasks. I just got an email from West Yellowstone where a new trail is being built. Volunteers were being recruited to walk the trail and "pick up sticks." Why not give your local area a call to see if they are organizing any work days on the trails. It's a great way to get into the skiing mind set.
Back on the trail to No Name Lake I was brought bake to reality when I felt a sharp stinging on my face. Whoa! Snow pellets were flying through the air. It was a great feeling knowing that winter will soon be here.
