Ray’s Retreat – January 30
Beautiful trails. (Photo taken before the warm-up)

So quickly things can change. As we headed to Traverse City this morning the trails were beautiful. Freshly groomed, smooth. The trees were frosted.
It was a totally different scene when we came home. Traverse City reached 52 degrees. Gaylord was 46. The sun came out about noon and started the melt down. The trail along the Mancelona Rd was showing alot of dirty mud. Still snow in woods and the trail right out in front of us is still looking like snow, but melting, soft.
The forecast shows mild temps for the next week and sunshine. Its not looking good.

Things are certainly looking up around here. After our surprise 4-6′ on Friday, we got another little bit here and there yesterday, and in a strange little band another 4′ on Castle Rock Rd! Since I have the Iggy groomer parked for drag maintenance for a couple of days, Wayne brought the Brevort groomer to town last night (and learned how long that Round Lake-Castle Rock trail actually is!) He reports that things groomed up wonderfully and our trails are in good to very good condition everywhere. Yes things are a bit thin, but for the snow we have, there is no gravel showing, and things a flat, smooth and fast. There are 3 or so slush holes on West Burma, West of the hot dog stop (restrooms) all the other holes froze up, or drained over the weekend. The RR Grade is in better condition then all of last year.

It is 35d today, and is forecast to be around 32 all week, but trails should hold no problem for the weekend. Unless we get some more surprise snow, we are holding the groomers until Thursday or Friday night, and will touch things up for the weekend. Still watch for ice in teh corners, and the occasional slush hole, especially on West Burma, but otherwise enjoy the trails.

For the latest St. Ignace Reports Click Here