Took the storage wax off the skate skis yesterday and skied the shoreline on a couple of local lakes. Not much snow on the lakes so grip was slick for much of the journey. Still, nice to glide and skate and pole; dog was overjoyed that I could actually move enough the make him run. Only 7.5 miles, but it's a start.

I got in my first strides Saturday and today at Hidden Valley. Beautiful weather and great snow. I only classic skied last year and am back to skating this year. Its great to get going.

Skied the North Arm Trails for the first time this season yesterday. Snow depth was good, only came into contact with a few rocks and that was while breaking trail (most of the ski was breaking trail) when the "float" of the ski is less. Cold (-3) but bright and beautiful. Occasional water hazards on the trail a legacy of the December rain deluge.

I skied the short skate race at the Vasaloppet. I had a lot of problems this year with training. I eventually learned that I have two arthritic hips. A shot of cortisone in each hip at least allowed me to do the race, though it was difficult given the lack of conditioning.

I guess the journey continues, with cortisone being a necessary step at the beginning of each year. More classic skiing might also be a good move soon, which is OK.

Congratulations on the race.

Though skiing might be the one constant in my post-college life; the thing I cannot imagine going without- I've only raced once.

I did ok but cannot imagine infusing my greatest escape with all the tension, stress, clutter, competition and worry of, well, work. Never again.

This year the skiing on the North Arm Trails has been so good I've only skated a few times (on lighted trail at night) since enough snow has fallen to get off the lakes and into the woods. Skiing to excess when the opportunity presents.

Easter Bonus; Three days of classic skiing on the North Arm Trails. Beautiful and just enough glide to make it worth while. Surface was slow but solid- generally somewhere between damp powdered sugar and toothpaste.

Banksiana: "Easter Bonus; Three days of classic skiing on the North Arm Trails. Beautiful and just enough glide to make it worth while. Surface was slow but solid- generally somewhere between damp powdered sugar and toothpaste. "

I was able to ski the Tower Trails over the weekend and I encountered the same conditions. Fun to be out on Easter!