Darn, I forgot to take a photo! It was raining torrentially at 6:00 pm at just the moment when folks had to decide: do I hike in the rain or stay home and get some stuff done? Eight of us hiked anyway. It stopped raining by 6:30 and the forest had that summery, misty, steaming jungle like feel to it. Up to radio tower and home on Y5 and Y7 - back to the workshop at 8:45. Nice hike. Thanks for coming out :-)

If you are on the emial list, then you know some of what is happening, if you are not, send me a message and sign up! Right now we are Hiking on Tuesdays and biking on Thursdays and Sundays. The last few outings a lot of the pics are on Facebook. Add me if we are not friends yet! All my info is in the “about bikeski” page above.

Here is a partial sample of today’s email message …

Sat May 23 — Clean up Canaan Rd Party! Many of you already know Raylene and I bought the property across the street from us. We are getting a huge dumpster and we need help filling it! Details to follow, but here are the basics: Main clean-up starts at 2:00 pm and will go as long as folks have energy. Bring gloves! Music in the evening would be great! DIRECTIONS http://www.ludgatefarms.com/tocanaan.htm

Waterfront Trail - Important meeting tonight. See http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1333#1333 and or comments here http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeskiblog/?p=924#comment-635

There’s a 1 page write-up about Ithaca on page 22 of the June issue of Bicycling Magazine.

Our group: Come join us!  Bike ride trails Thursday May 7th 6:30 pm. Sunday Bike ride trails 11:00 am. Hike Tuesday May 12th 6:30 pm.
May 09 Ithaca Athletic Gear Swap Meeting - Sat, 5/9 (1-5pm, Cass Park Pavilion, Ithaca) DETAILS http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1336#1336

Gas Drilling: 19 cattle found dead near a hydraulic fracturing gas drilling rig … http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20090429/NEWS01/904290368/1060

Who are the guys in camo? Spring Turkey hunting season May 1st to May 31st — DETAILS http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeskiblog/?p=929

Cell Towers - Recent News article here http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1318#1318 EDITOR’S NOTE: What we are seeing is the tele-comm companies taking advantage of this public utility status. Instead of providing service in rural areas like the public utility status law originally intended, the tele-comm company’s are going for hi-profit neighborhoods with lots of potential voice and data customers like Ithaca Northeast

The Shindagin Hollow Association of Trailbuilders has regular trail work sessions — DETAILS!! http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1322#1322

Local Phoebe Study asks for YOUR help in locating nests! http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1313#1313

Marilyn is starting a new series of hikes on Thursday’s — she is calling the “hill hikes”. Info about the first hike is here http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1310#1310

Brenda is leading women’s mt biking rides Tuesdays this started May 5th DETAILS http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1330#1330

Meeting May 6th! Cayuga Waterfront Trail NEWS There is a key meeting and vote coming up on Wednesday May 6 at 7 pm regarding the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, and it’s very important for supporters of the trail to attend the meeting.  The meeting will take place at the City Hall in Ithaca, Common Council Chambers,  108 E. Green St. (across from the library).

The Cortland County SPCA “Paws to Taste” fundraiser May 30 http://canaaninstitute.org/bikeski/viewtopic.php?p=1319#1319

It’s late January and the collective we are getting ready for the next snow storm.  Six to nine inches of fresh fluff is on its way.  It is at once peaceful and quiet, falling softly from the sky laying blankets of white everywhere, and noisy with its accompanying school closing announcements, event cancellations and the various plowing machines it sets in motion.  For some it is a time to run in and hibernate.  But for the snow bunny genus, it brings a gleam to our eyes signaling it’s finally playtime! One way to enjoy this weather is to get out and cross country ski.  Believed to be developed in Sweden, which boasts ownership of a 4500 year old fossilized ski,  cross country skiing was once a form of transportation.  It is more of a recreation sport now and if you are an Ithaca snow bunny, you are blessed with a wide variety of habitats and many playmates.  A great place to connect with other bunnies is through the Cayuga Nordic Ski Group.

Per the group treasurer, Joan Jedele, “The ski club was founded in the mid 80’s and one of the founding members is Tob deBoer. He was the president of the club until 2003 and still is an active member in the club.” From the by-laws, the club promotes “Nordic ski events suitable for skiers of all abilities. These may include tours, races, ski technique clinics, racing clinics, waxing clinics etc.”  Having been a member for two months now, I can attest to the wonderful community the group is and the fun to be had.  Group outings happen as regularly as the weather allows, which this year has been pretty much since Thanksgiving.

Community members host weekly night skis, such as that out at Hammond Hill led by Mike and Raylene Ludgate, of Ludgate Farms.  Breaking trail with the local store owners comes with the added benefit of enjoying gourmet chocolates at frozen forest intersections.  The CNSG also has a presence at area races and organizes trips for those interested in going further north for winter fun.  In February there is a fun trip to BREIA, the Black River Environmental Improvement Area up in the Tugg Hill plateau region, for two days of groomed trails and camaraderie.

At a recent group ski out at Yellow Barn State Forest in Dryden approximately a dozen of us, ranging in age from 3 to 77 skied a 4 mile loop of gorgeous (Ithaca is!) terrain.  The group divided into fast and medium skiers with the former racing circles around the latter as we made our way out and back.  With check-ins at every intersection and a designated sweep to bring up the caboose, no one was left out for slowness or lack of ability.

So, what do you do upon finishing a good ski? Aprés-ski, but of course! Similar to the 9th hole celebration at a golf game, aprés-ski offers a chance to unwind, enjoy some heart and body warming treats and get to know your fellow bunnies.  An essential part of all events, group members contribute goodies such as trail mix, hot cocoa and oranges.  When there is nowhere to drive après après-ski, glögg, or mulled wine, makes a fine drink with a salute back to the Swedes.

Other bennies for the ski group bunnies includes discounts at businesses throughout the area such as Cayuga Ski and Cyclery, Podunk Ski Shop and Eastern Mountain Sports.

For more information go to:  http://www.cayuganordicski.org/site/.
See you on the trails!

Glögg

1 bottle of red wine
½ a liter of brandy or vodka
2 cinnamon sticks
10 cloves
2-3 dried figs (optional)
Sugar to taste
Raisins
Sliced Almonds

Throw the first 5 ingredients in a non-reactive soup kettle and place on the woodstove.  Bring to a simmer, but do not boil. Place a trivet under the pot and allow to cook slowly for about an hour.  Taste the glögg and sweeten to your liking.  When ready to serve, place a teaspoon or two of the raisins and almonds in the bottom of a teacup.  Ladle glögg over and serve with a spoon for scooping.

Adventures of an Upstate NY Snow Bunny
Joey Diana Gates
POB 441, Ithaca, NY 14851
joeydianag@gmail.com (607) 351-0664

Sunday morning March 15th 2009. Click on the photo for a larger image. This was up on porcupine ridge. That is the north south running ridge east of and parallel to Hammond Hill ridge … there is very little snow left in the open areas where the sun hits, however.

From BikeSki Outings

The last few outings we have been hiking on top of the frozen snow pack with yak trax. If you live in town it is hard to believe that there is still snow “in dem dar hills”. But it is still here! I would not recommend skiing on it, but it is here. Below is a pic from last night; up on porcupine ridge. The temp now as I write Friday morning is +12 F

From BikeSki Outings

Mike and Marilyn snow shoed on Tuesday night from Canaan Rd with 3 dogs.  We went up the sauna trail and took the snow mobile trail to Red Man Run.  There is still full coverage except for a very few south facing spots. In areas along side the drainage ditch along RMR, we could see that there is still well over a foot of base.  The base is hard with a 1/2 inch of powder on top.  I wouldn’t recommend skiing but if we get a few inches it should be skiable again soon.    It was 10 deg. F when we finished up around 8:15 pm.

From Snow Pics for Canaan Institute Outdoor BLOG - BikeSki Group

Five of us snow shoed on the frozen base. Hammond Hill is still 99% covered. We probably could have used Yak-Trax or similar (Raylene did) because the snow was so firm! We hike to the radio toer and back via sauna, FLT and back on R2. The photo shows Jon checking out Megan’s primative survival shelter.

From BikeSki Outings

Despite the vast patches of brown, mushy grass in town with occasional remants of snow plow piles of white, there is still full coverage at Hammond Hill.   While Brenda reported that conditions were near perfect on Tuesday, I can’t say the same for tonight.  You could still get a good ski on soft snow in the woods, but the open trails were setting up after being in the sun all day.   Brenda, Pam, Steve, Mike, Raylene, Cindy, Marilyn and 3 dogs skied up the sauna trail, down R1. When we hit Red Man run, Marilyn was havin sock malfunctions and turned back with Mike for a fast ski down Red man. The rest of the group took y5 to y7 and got in about 15 minutes after we did.  They said it was good in the woods except for one bare patch at the bottom of y7.  Pam has been coaching through some more interesting photo poses. Notice that we spelled out M-I-K-E with the skis. With temps forecast upwards of 50 on Friday but around freezing on the weekend, conditions may suffer.

Nadia, Marilyn, Pam, PJ, Joan, John, Mike and I headed out for a cold, yet fun ski last night.  Conditions were absolutely perfect; it was one of the best nights of skiing yet this season due to a 2-4+” layer of fluffly powder that fell onto the hard-packed base the last couple nights.  On nights like last night, I am always reminded of a paint-by-number painting my sister did when we were little girls, of Bambi in the snowy forest, because the snow was overlayed with a layer of glitter-stuff in the painting, and that is exactly how the snow looked, all glittery and sparkley.

We headed up sauna trail to do the lollipop route, which I haven’t done in quite some time.  We broke trail until we reached the snowmobile trail, then broke more trail going up old FLT, and then headed back via R2, which had already been broken in by other skiers.  The snow was perfect.  We didn’t stick, but there wasn’t much sliding, either, going up the hills.  Skiing felt somewhat effortless, as many stretches just required a double-poled push and you were off!  Yet, going down steep hills was highly-controllable because of the perfect amount of fluffy snow to catch the ends of your skies on.  Due to this, we came back to Mike’s via the Sauna trail, which we haven’t done in quite some time.  It was difficult to quit skiing, but unfortunately most of us have to work the next day and can’t afford to spend all night out skiing.  Bummer.  I don’t know that conditions will be quite this fantastic for quite some time with the current weather prediction for Friday.  Get out there while you can!!!

Still lots of snow at our place which adjoins Hammond Hill State Forest, although I grow weary of trying to convince folks!! We have a 1-2 foot base with 2-9 inches of powder. Less powder on the trails of course, but plenty of base. Another 2-4 inches of fresh fluffy stuff Monday am. MORE Tues am!! This is nuts!

From Snow Pics for Canaan Institute Outdoor BLOG - BikeSki Group

Sunday, Five of us (Steve, Raylene, Tammi, Brenda and myself) skied a long loop up sauna across porcupine ridge, up FLT to to Radio Tower where we saw Stu, down Dan Karig … across on Y4 then over to mogle (water bar) trail, to blue and home on snowmobile. We also saw Eric and Gillian and their new baby! I was experimenting with taking a video as I was skiing. Steve and Tammi were in front of me, coming down snowmobile to Canaan …

From BikeSki Outings

We were thinking what a great winter it has been. Many, many outings, sometimes in sub zero weather with no gear failures, not even a headlamp! Well last night, Murphy noticed us and attempted to make up for it …

Six of us gathered at the workshop, got our gear together, adjusted our headlamps and layers then started to head out. We had Tammi, Pam, Anne, Dan, myself and David who was a few minutes late. David was excited to test his new back country, light weight tele gear …

We crossed the long skinny 10-feet-up-in-the-air snow covered bridge (you can see it it the snow pics). And started a meandering route up the hill across the private land (our ‘back forty’) … David stopped to adjust his new bindings … I waited … he said “no worries, I’ll catch up” …

At the top of the ‘back forty’ hill near the sauna we paused for a bit. Anne took this as opportunity to help Tammi with her skis. The temperature had dropped considerably and her wax wasn’t right. Anne applied some softer kicker, so Tammi could make it up the big hill with out total exhaustion. David finally showed up as we were wondering where he might be. He was wearing different skis! His new gear had failed him … well the bindings were not adjusted right … rather than trying to do that in the 18 degree cold and dark, he put on his other pair of skis.

We all started up the big hill … David was fussing with his 2nd pair of skis as we headed up. Same conversation occured “I’ll catch up” I gave it no further thought - he always does.

At the top of the big hill we paused where we usually do before the long flat haul along porcupine ridge. I counted the headlamps … hmm one missing. David again. OK, let’s wait (we always do, it is sort of our group motto) … we waited and waited … no headlamp .. we waited … we grew impatient (well I did) … We decided to ski back a little an holler … no answer. I dug out my cell phone and called him: just voicemail. We talked about it some more and decided we would all ski back and find him … hopefully not lying in the woods with a busted leg!

We found him at the top of the back forty between the igloo and the sauna, walking. His 2nd set of skis had failed, he was walking home. He had tried to call me but could not get a signal and then lost his cell phone in the snow. [ that reminds me; we should carry more of those walkie talkies I have for BikeSki)! ] … David was ready to give up skiing … not just for the night “for good” … but we convinced him to walk back to the workshop where I found him a pair of skis that fit his boots.

No one wanted to climb ’sauna hill’ twice … so we went up Canaan Road and climbed Y7 and came back down the same way just for the fun of it. The skiing was excellent!

So now we have had all our gear failures for the ski season in one night all on one guy … better luck next outing David, if you are still skiing?? -m

Still plenty of snow. The warmer days and cooler nights are causing the base to crust up a bit … so the downhills are bit scary. Steve, Dan, Bianca and I did a loop to the radio tower last night. There was still enough powder stuff on the frozen base for a nice glide on the flats.

From BikeSki Outings