Crystal Lake Skiers Association

As Good As It Gets

Well, you are only reading this because you just spent (one) (two) (three) or (four) days at Crystal Lake enjoying the best XC skiing any time, anywhere. And I got to enjoy it while sleeping in my own bed! My most enduring memory will be the fact that everyone on the trails greeted all the strangers they met with words saying how wonderful the snow and days and trails are. Here are a few pictures I took which may not duplicate those already on the website.

The masked expert skier, more often seen on a groomer or dreaming of new trails

Anna enjoying her side of the food line

The ski racer/instructor and his daughter meet on the trail

Forest of skis at the dining room

A bit of backcountry skiing where Yo-Yo meets Blue Moon

Your photographer after an unfortunate experience on Superloop

Winter is Back

...and this winter so far is almost (well, not really) worth the wait. Last weekend Crystal Lake's trails were well-covered with base plus four inches of powder. John has mowed the old downhill, and we got to lay a few tracks. (No comment on getting back up hill.) Here's a shot of Kevin cruising down the first hill on upper Zinger.

Just Like Old Times

Today's quick late afternoon ski was from the Old Crystal Lake Days when snow was snow and roads were untouched by the township. First the ski: Wild Rice to Boardpile to Sassafras to Wazoo on three inches of fresh powder over a smooth base. Snow spitting in our faces and hanging from all branches. Surface fast enough to fly but grippy on the uphills. It doesn't get any better. The first few skiers on Saturday will be very lucky and very happy. Here are the old friends I met and joined: Becky and DG, fellow West Branch School parents.

Then the drive down the mountain: dense fog at the Price Estate so thick we had to lean out of the window to see the edge of the road to follow it. Then, near Pine Tree Road, the dreaded flares. Nobody hurt, but three cars in the ditch and the road so slick you couldn't walk, let alone continue. The drivers all from the Highland Lake Lodge and the gravel truck on its way, but what to do? Several guys helped Becky and DG get slid around 180 degrees, and I put on my chains. On the way up to the top I found another skier car in the ditch and dropped the couple off at the Highland Lake Lodge (for a pizza and other succor.) Then our two cars dodged snowmobiles down the Genesee Trail (unplowed, thick snow but no ice) to Huntersville.

But it is 2007. Shrewsbury Township will do a good job on the weekend! And there's always a friendly someone to rescue you on the road.

- Michael