What is the deal with packed/groomed "snowshoe" trails? Why do agencies, including the one I work for, insist on grooming for snowshoeing? I went 'shoeing in one of our nicest state parks (NOT the one I work in, but wish I did!) because I was in the area, they have about twice the snow we do, and it should have been a very scenic walk with great views of the St. Louis River Gorge. (Figure it out, Riley?) The trail I was supposed to use was so packed down I had a had a hard time on it with my traditional 'shoes, and did not have my crampons with me. I ended up walking around the trails in the woods. How can anybody truly experience the joys of snowshoeing on trails that are so hard you don't even need the snowshoes?

Rant, rant!
Hans

agreed! its popular here in Utah for the nordic centers to do it because a handful of the XC skiers prefer it. I guess that it is a decent way to make the sport ultra acessible to families and people new to the sport, but it makes for pretty dull snowshoeing. I guess the only silver lining is that it is yet another excuse to get off the beaten path and start an adventure all your own.

Stay Safe.
-Trav

Just started working again this week (FINALLY) so haven't been checking the board too much...

I thought you said you were comin' down this way. What're you doin Up by the St. Louis?

We've had beautiful nights for shoein here (lots of powder on the cornfields, too), but I just haven't made it out... Gettin back to work can tire out a fat old man.

But I'll come work for you if you get a job at Jay Cooke!!

Happy Shoein'

~Riley

You guessed right!
I was in Grand Meadow for about 30 hours and was teaching for 16 of that. The snow was, at the time, pretty minimal, and I figured I would hightail it home, since it was (and did) going to snow down there that night.

As for why I was up north? When I was up there at New Years, I left my glasses at Embers in Duluth. Wednesdy was the first chance I had to go get them. Fortunately, I can see well enough without them.

Send me some fresh snow, would 'ya?!
Hans