Saturday on the Farm








Photo 1: A good time was had by all on Saturday morning at the first annual ORN Club Kids' Carnival. In beautiful mid-winter conditions and on superbly groomed trails (thanks Morse groomers!), kids and parents frolicked in the snow. Above, ORN regular kids program attendees [#101], Bryn, Meredith, Georgia, Eleanor, Henry, and Christiane pose for a photo in between games.

Photo 2: A rousing game of Sharks and Minnows started off the morning's activities.

Photo 3: Karina playing a little 'ski limbo'
>
Photo 4: Meredith tries out the hula hoop on the obstacle course.









Created by Dave on 01/26/08 at 11:45pm.

Ski Tips in Repose


We're on track for another busy weekend at the Farm. Three school groups Friday and the Onion River Nordic Ski Club kids carnival on Saturday. Point those skinny tips downhill and let 'em rip!


Created by Dave on 01/24/08 at 08:27pm.

Rest Day


This is how the illustrious Morse Farm Ski Touring Center staff members spend their days off. We don't get many when the snow's good (cuz we're workin' at the farm!) so we have to make them all worthwhile. Groomer John, above, exits Burt Trail Thursday in fine style. Dave and Janette were a bit unstylish by comparison. At least we learned a few things from the backcountry specialist. I was thrilled to finally coax my knee low enough to scrape the frost layer. Now I need knee pads.

Thanks, John, for getting us off track and between the trees. Now back to the old kick and glide.


Created by Dave on 01/24/08 at 08:08pm.

After, after the storm - it got better!
So now that we've all seen how messy it can be after a melt, followed by a wind storm, there's good news. All trails are open and back to nearly normal. Maybe not as they were in December when we enjoyed record snowfall, but very good nonetheless. And getting better.

Thanks to John, Molly, Mark and the partners for cutting trees, removing debris and filling holes with hay and snow.

After Harry's got a grooming Sunday morning, everyone returning from that lovely stretch was delighted. We even got compliments from the Sugarbush groomer (who also groomed at Ole's) who skied it today. Now that's trail cred!

Dude!


Created by Dave on 01/22/08 at 04:17pm.

After the storm






As promised, here are pix of the storm damage. On top is a large tree precariously propped up by two dead trees. John and I cleared that one and three more. Before that, I cleared another four trees that were smaller and on the ground.

The second pic is the aftermath that is now covered by four inches of snow. The wind blew down all sorts of junk in every wooded section.

Third is one of ten wet spots that resurfaced on Harry's Heaven after the thaw. Molly and I filled them with hay the day before the water froze and two days before the much-needed snow. But that wasn't enough so John, Mark and I took turns shoveling them full of more snow. One pass with the Bully whipped that trail into shape. These wet spots are all summer projects. Spending a week diverting water on Harry's this summer or fall should eliminate wetness all winter.

Ski everywhere!


Created by Dave on 01/22/08 at 03:37pm.

Welcome to the SkiBlog

This blog is the first of its kind at Morse Farm Ski Touring Center.

First I'll introduce the editor: me. Yep, I'm the guy taking money, handing out skis, reporting conditions, fixing trails, scheduling groups, answering the phones and e-mail, and now ... editing the blog. My name is Dave and I've been here since Dec. 1, 2007. I'm the first full-time Morse Farm Touring Center manager, a function formerly performed by Onion River Sports staff members. Usually that was Chris Hrenko. Chris is still involved giving lessons by appointment on Saturdays. ORS still provides the rental skis and snowshoes which are new this season.

Although Morse Farm is a small touring center a lot is happening throughout winter. Too much to describe in the tiny comments section on the Snow Report page. Thus, the blog.

A lot sure has happened this season starting with a dump of snow after Thanksgiving. That jump-started ski operations and kept us going through The Big Melt of January 2008. Fortunately the melt came after the busy holidays. It wouldn't have been so bad but then high winds followed and blew down about eight trees onto our trails. One of those trees required two people to remove. (I'll post some photos later.) Despite the snow melt and winds our trails prevailed. About 75 percent opened following new snow while the remaining quarter needed help in the form of water diversions, pine boughs or hay fills. The final repairs took place last week and all trails are now groomed. More snow is predicted this week and that should make everything better. Until we get another big dump we'll practice selective snow farming with shovels.

Back to the blog. It's more of a journal than a blog because I'm the only one who can post. To make yourselves heard, use the mail link on our site and I'll cut, paste and attribute accordingly. Keep it civil, though. This is also the place where I'll load current photos. Today's photo is not so current, but it's a test anyway. If anyone has Morse Farm ski photos send them and I'll post those too.

Now go out and ski!



Created by Dave on 01/21/08 at 09:41am.