A trip we remember forever! Day Five, a Keweenaw expidition

 We slept like hibernating bears in the Ski cabin at the Lake of the Clouds Resort. It was nice to not have to get up and feed the fire or go outside to cool off at 1 am. The bed was comfy and I had my incredible little Fiancé in my arms so all was good in the world. Not sure exactly what time we finally woke but I do remember it was still very cold outside.
 Since I had ordered way too much food the day before at Porkies, we split my Lumberjack burger and fries for our breakfast. It was really good even warmed up and I had more than enough to eat. Our plan for the day was to head up the Keweenaw to Houghton and Hancock in search of antique stores and whatever else we might find along the way. We were taking our skis along in hopes we would find some trails to ski as well. It was a great day with no set schedule. I love days like that.
 The drive up to Houghton was very pretty and as we made our way north the snow continued to increase in depth. We stopped at a small store on the way up for a snack, yes, I was already hungry. If I remember right the real reason was to get a map but they had fresh hot  pastries so how could we say no. The also had a white fur trappers hat that I thought would look super cute on Cindy so I got it for her. No map, but a new hat and tasty treats, all was good.
 As we approached Houghton from the south we were on top of a large hill and as we neared the town the road started down the north side of it. In the distance we could see the channel that separated the north part of the Keweenaw from the south part. It is a natural waterway that actually makes the norh part its own island that they call Copper island. We could also see the hill on the north side of the channel and all of Hancock sitting on it. It was snow covered, with smoke coming out of chimneys and cars moving on snow covered streets. We both thought this must have been where Norman Rockwell got his inspiration. To the east side of Hancock there was a downhill ski slope with a lot of trails. That hill looked so step compared to what we are used to down in southern Indiana. Had we been there today I am sure we would have been on the slopes but we had not down hilled at that point and neither one of us felt like going down that hill for our first downhill ski in ten plus years. We were not chicken, just not stupid either LOL!
 We made our way across the lifting bridge that separates the two towns and ventured into Hancock.

 

 I just started to say that we did not get a picture of Hancock but I guess you can see it in the distance. To the right side of bridge is one of the downhill ski runs. Why is it pictures just do not do justice to what you are really seeing? It was really a very pretty bridge and hillside.
 We drove around on their snow covered streets, I loved that part, before parking downtown and heading to a sporting goods/ gun shop to look around and ask about any antique stores. The shop was really nice and of course they carried everything one would need for any activity in that area. So that meant there were many items I was not used to seeing. A lot of items for ice fishing, something we don't get to do much of down here. The owner was very nice and friendly and he told us were to find the antique shops.
 We followed the instructions and found a nice antique store with lots of neat items. Cindy shopped while I worked on getting my new phone programmed. Even in the largest town area on the peninsula cell coverage still was not that good. As I waited on my phone to do it's thing I strolled around and saw several neat things myself. There was a really neat miniature wood stove that I am guessing was for a ice shanty. They had a really nice all one kitchen set that would have been ideal for a small cabin. It had a stove, sink, refrigerator, and countertop with cabinets all in one unit. It was very nice and priced very reasonably. Cindy found several small items that she bought and then we were off to go back across the river in search of a jewelry store in hopes we could get Cindy's ring sized while we were in town for the day.
 No dice on the ring sizing as it seems I am not the only guy who erred on the side of caution and got the engagement ring a bit big. While there we found several really nice shops and had to check them out. By now my phone was programmed and the task of figuring out a new phone had started. Since it had been four years since I had upgraded phones I had some catching up to do but I did figure out the camera!

 This is the first pic I took of Cindy with my new phone. Who doesn't love a big stuffed moose wearing a Yooper shirt??? Gotta love the saying, "Yoopers party like there is SNOW tomorrow!" Cindy has the fur hat on we got on the way up to Houghton. Isn't she just the cutest in it? I thought so too.
 Everyone was really nice and answered all our questions. We stopped in a outdoor supply store and asked about where we might be able to xc ski. Well turns out Michigan Tech University has a xc ski trail system with like 75 km of trails right on the south edge of town!!! They were getting ready to host a big xc ski competition so they said some of the trails might be closed. They suggested we got to Nara Nature center which is the access point for the far eastern edge of the trail system. They were pretty sure they would still be open. So after a quick snack, yes, hungry again, we headed off to find the trails.
 We had no idea what to expect but were really impressed with the warming center and the trail maps. Then we actually got on the trails and holy smokes, were they nice! The trails were made with xc skiing in mind as the sole use so they were wide with large radius turns that could actually ski around instead of the trails we ski around here that are narrow and have tight 90 degree turns we have to stop and basically pick our skis up and step the turn. All the trails had classic ski tracks set in them and then they had a large area next to the classic tracks that was snow combed for skate skiing. We had no idea where we were going so the first loop we skied was really short but once we kinda got the feel for the place we decided we need to explore more of it. I miss read a trail sign and sent Cindy down a snow shoe trail. FYI, snow shoe trails there are not suited for skiing. Just ask Cindy, she will agree LOL! Back on the ski trail we made our way around the Nara loop and had a awesome ski. Cindy really enjoyed skiing the groom trails and our waxed Asnes skis where right at home on them as well. For the most part the trail we were on was pretty tame right up to the point that we hit the hill from hell. We stopped at the top to read the cautions. Seems there is a bridge you want to make sure you go over and not hit, it is steep, fast, and has a tight turn at the bottom. How hard can it be? Just to be safe I sent Cindy down it first LOL! All was looking good so I started down. Bad idea, as just when I started picking up speed I saw Cindy do a big face plant! I went down to keep from running over Cindy at the bottom. Then I went down again trying to get back up. By the time I made it down to where Cindy wiped out she was back up and dusting off. That hill was a bit of challenge, especially on xc skis. Had we been on downhill skis it would have been a piece of cake but not with our wooden tooth picks strapped to our feet!
 We made another lap and when we got back to the hill from Hell I went down first this time. I started wide right, cut the curve tight left and used all the groomed area there was to make the turn. Once I was slowed and turned around I hollered back that I was good and waited, with the Go Pro running, on Cindy to come down. As you can see in the video below she was really humming down the hill and you can see her leaning on her skis trying her best to get them to turn. Just about the time I thought he had it made she ran out of room! Just before she shot off into a drifted over ditch you can see her pop up and prepare to meet her maker. Well, just watch the video and you will see what I mean!

 I know laughing that hard at my new Fiancé's wipe out was probably not the wisest thing I had done but OMG it was so funny! The camera did not capture the wall of snow Cindy sent flying in front of her when she went in the ditch as I was too far away but it was a hoot. It was a very quite wipeout, with just the sound of the soft snow sucking her in. Sounded like a loud PUUUF! As you can tell I laughed so hard I got myself coughing. It was the best wipeout of the whole trip by far. The best part is that the snow was soft and other than getting snow in places I am sure Cindy would rather have not had snow she was fine and laughing herself by the time I got to her.
 We finished our lap and then skied back to warming center before heading out. We really wished we would have had more time there as it was an awesome place to ski. We are hopeful that we will get to return with more time and explore more of their wonderful trails.
 It was dark as we returned to Houghton as Cindy wanted to stop a get a pair of Ugg boots she had seen in one of the shops. It was so pretty looking across the hill side at Hancock as we drove out of town on our way back to Silver City.
 If you have been reading all the post then you might remember me mentioning the town of Rockland and how we return there later? Well the lady who owned the Lake of the Clouds resort cabins told us about a place to eat there that had a big seafood buffet on Friday nights. Did someone mention seafood buffet??? We were down for that for sure!
 With the GPS programmed, still no map, we headed south to Rockland for a place called Henry's Never Inn. We wound up coming down the same hill we came down on Monday night on our way up but again we were unable to get a good pic. We were surprised to not see any snow mobiles when we pulled up to park but we would later learn they all parked around back. Walking in, there was just barely room to shuffle step our way in through the door. Guess everyone else in the UP had heard about the buffet as well. The place was full of snowmobilers and locals who knew about the cold beer and buffet. Again, everyone was really friendly and we started talking to some people who were waiting for a seat as well. There was one man who was up snowmobiling all the way from Louisiana! He said he came up every year to ride with his friends and family. Seems they ate at Henry's every Friday night when they were up. They all said we would enjoy it and to make sure we had come hungry.
 We finally landed two chairs at the bar and got beverages ordered. I guess the best way to describe this place was borderline chaos. Even the girls working behind the bar seemed to have a look on their face that even they were not sure what was really going on. We made our way to the food ad oh my, it was a fried seafood lovers nirvana There were 5 different kinds of fish, including a poor man's lobster which was cod steaks in butter sauce. Did I say butter? Cindy was on that nothing flat. There was just a ton of food and while it was not the best meal I had ever eaten, for 12 bucks a head it was pretty darn close! I am not sue how many trips back to the food was made but it as several. As we were leaving the people we had been talking to as we waited hollered for us to see if we had enjoyed dinner. We sure did and now it was time to waddle our way back to the car!
 Returning to our Cabin at the Lake of the Clouds we made one more stop at the Americinn that we stayed at our first night. Off all the places we had shopped at they had the nicest shirts and sweatshirts and we both wanted to get a couple. They were just closing their gift shop when walked in but I remember our conversation with Julie Tuesday morning when we were checking out so I reminded her about being long lost sisters with Cindy. Seems they both put ice in their wine and beer, even when it is below zero outside. She said she would open back up for her Sister and new Fiancé. We made it her worth her while as we bought several shirts and sweatshirts. They had a really nice blanket made from a real heavy fleece material that I thought we needed as well.
 Soon we were back at our little Ski cabin as snug in bed under our new blanket watching some TV as the wood stove got warmed up. It had been another wonderful day of exploring in the UP. I wish we had more time to go further up the Keweenaw as it looked just like what I had in my mind the UP should look like with snow three feet deep. I think the next winter trip we make to the UP we will head straight to the Keweenaw where the real snow is found. It was not long before we fell victim to our exhaustion and sleep overcame us in our snow covered little cabin...

A trip we remeber forever!!! Day four, New Year's Day!

  Day four arrived about the same time as the day before.  Cindy was still asleep with her head on my chest which is where she says she does her best sleeping. I laid there stroking her hair back from her face as she continued to sleep a bit longer. I was excited to be waking up with my fiancé in my arms but saddened with the thought that our time in the Whitetail cabin was coming to close. We had to be all out by 1 pm this afternoon. I had gotten up once to feed the fire a few more sticks of wood in the night but we slept much better last night than the first.
 I finally slid out from under Cindy and got up to feed the fire again and get breakfast going. I had planned ahead and premixed pancake batter in a Ziploc so all I had to do was add the milk and eggs to it. I had planned on using our small camp skillet we normally keep aboard the Memory Maker but it turned out that the cabin was really pretty well provisioned with cookware. So I used a larger skillet I found in the cabinets. Cindy was up stirring around by now and she took up position at the table as she started to text everyone the good news. I mixed up two mimosas for us to enjoy on this fine New Year's day morning in the UP! As I turned to take Cindy her drink I noticed the tears were flowing again as she texted everyone. I really wanted it to be a special moment when I asked her to marry me and from the response I kept getting from her I think it was.
 We shared our last meal in the cabin looking out over the lake through the big window by the table. The ice flow that we could barely see when we first arrived on Tuesday was now almost to the shoreline. It had been really neat to watch the lake through the window. It is almost like it is alive as it was constantly changing. From the waves crashing down below our cabin to the 20 footers crashing on the eastern shore that sent water spraying many more feet up in the air the lake had been very entrancing to watch. We would both miss this view long after we were back home.
 We had slept in a bit so I needed to get started packing up all our gear so we could haul it back out. Granted the haul out was going to be a bit lighter as we were down 5 bottles of wine and a bottle of Champaign but it was still probably going to take 4 sled loads. Knowing that Cindy was still tired and her muscles were probably a bit sore I made the offer to ski out two loads early so Cindy would just have to ski out with one light load when we finally left. It was an offer that was eagerly accepted. So I started out loading up my pulk with the heavy items that would go on the bottom of the pile in Pearl. Cindy helped me carry the sled outside where I hooked up my belt and with one final kiss took off up the trail.
 The ski out was really nice. The sky had cleared again and it was just simply beautiful in the woods. We had gotten maybe another 3" of snow overnight and it was very light dry snow that made for excellent ski conditions. I skied right along till I got to where the hill really started to pitch up. I slowed a bit climbing the hill but made it to Pearl without incident. With a quick unload I was on my way back for load number two. The ski back was even better as the weight of the pulk had packed the new snow down and my wood skis glided effortlessly across the new snow. I could barely tell the pulk was even behind me. The fact I was going downhill again I am sure helped the glide.
 Back at the cabin Cindy and I loaded up more large items and I was soon off again. I met several people who were skiing the Superior loop on my way out this time. Close to the uphill climb I met a family of four with a cute dog who were skiing in. We said hello and wished each other a happy new year as we all continued on our separate ways. Back at Pearl I continued to organize the load the best I could before heading back. I took the time to put the Go Pro on my head and filmed the final ski to the cabin. I tried my best at narrating the trip and I think it did not turn out too badly. I met up with the family I met on the way out at the turn off for our cabin. I stopped to talk with them and they were curious about the cabins so I invited them down to see ours. I was pretty sure Cindy was not waiting on me in her birthday suite so I figured it would not create any embarrassing moments LOL! Plus the company would help divert my attention away from the fact that we were leaving the park. Had Cindy not came into my life I could totally see me living my life some place very similar. I just enjoyed every moment of it so much, even the overheating the first night. It had been everything I had hoped for and even more as I never dreamt I would have taken this trip with my best friend who happens to be a little hottie who I am now engaged to! Cindy being by my side or skiing in front of me, I love the view, really helped make this trip more than I ever dreamt it could be.  The family finally made it down to the cabin and we showed them around as the kids went down to see the ice on the lake. They seemed very nice and were very happy to get to see the cabin. I gave them some tips if they got one and wished them a happy new year again as they skied back up the trail.
 The time to go had arrived and I tried my best to hide my sadness. Cindy was excited to be heading to place with running water but I think she really enjoyed the stay once the cabin warmed up. I helped Cindy get her pulk hooked up and then hooked up my own. With one final look around we headed up the trail on our way back to civilization. Funny thing as when we first arrived at the cabin there was sign to the east that was partially snow covered. It read "Dum as  s here" I thought it was kinda ironic as some people had told me only a dumb ass would want to go to the UP in the winter. Well I noticed as we were leaving that today I could read the whole sign. It said "Dump ashes here". Made a lot more sense now that I could read it all LOL!  Cindy quickly recognized how much nicer the snow was on the ski out as we made our way up the trail and we enjoyed our last ski in the Porkies.

 The only thing I had hoped we would get to experience on this trip that we missed out on was hearing a wolf. I thought seeing one was too much of a long shot to even hope for but I had hoped we might at least hear one. But the howling winds would be as close as we would come to that on this trip.
 Arriving back at Pearl we loaded up the remaining items, the pulks, and racked our skis before heading off down the road. It was  beautiful day and we enjoyed looking out over the ice as we started off in search of a place to grab a bite to eat. We drove back up to Ontonagon but did not find any place that looked open so we returned to the Americinn to have lunch at Porkies Pub and Grub. It wound up being a great choice as the food we got there was all really good. I ordered a nachos for an appetizer and a lumberjack burger for my meal but once I saw the nachos I just asked to get the burger to go as I knew there was no way I could eat both.

 Cindy used the restroom while we waited on our food and returned talking to a lady who obviously had ridden a snowmobile in. Cindy told me how the lady said she really liked Cindy's hat she was wearing to which Cindy replied to her that she had just spent two nights in a rustic cabin with no running water and there was no way she was getting that hat off her head! I had to laugh at that one.
 It was short drive down the street to our next place of lodging as the Lake of the Clouds resort was maybe a half mile west of the Americinn. We pulled up to the Ski cabin and went inside. Again it kept with the theme of UP by giving us the feeling we had just stepped back in time. The cabin was built in the 50's but was really nice inside and it too was very well provisioned with everything we would need to be very comfortable and my new phone was sitting on the table waiting for me. Talk about service! Tonya, the owner was super nice and had delivered my new phone to the cabin before our arrival.  Cindy wasted no time in heading to the bath tub while I brought in everything we needed. I got the fire going in the woodstove and my new phone charging before jumping in the shower myself.
 I had noticed while I unpacked all our food and put in in the fridge that I had packed away more than we needed as we had not eaten much at all. Now with out belly buttons popping out from lunch at the Porkies Pub and Grub there is no way we would be eating any of it tonight again. Always better safe than sorry. It was still really cold out, maybe 8 degrees and the wind was howling again, so it took the stove a bit to warm up the cabin. There was a nice flat screen on the wall opposite the bed so we just snuggled under the covers and watched some tv. Still no cell phone signal but I was able to pick up the wifi signal so I took the time to email Bre who was back at home with the boys and give her the news. Not sure who feel asleep first as it was too close to call. Another day in a winter wonderland with my wonderful little fiancé had come to an end all too soon...

Finally!! Snow in southern Indiana!!!!

 Oh my, where do I start? Since returning home from our trip to the UP of Michigan we have been suffering from snow withdraw as it has been a snow drought in our area. January was for all purposes snow free and February was looking like it might be a repeat of January. The weather had been cold all month and the ground was frozen so if we could just get some snow I knew we would hang onto it for some time. Then finally around Valentines day the forecast had some promise. Snow finally started falling Sunday the 15th and by noon Monday we had enough to finally break out the xc skis and make some tracks.
 Cindy and myself stopped by to pick up our good friend Libby and off we went to the refugee to give it a go.

 The snow was very pretty, but also very light and powdery. While we had 4" or so in the woods it was so light it could not support our weight and we drug our skis on sticks and rocks in several places. We did get to see a baby otter hopping through the snow so it was not all for loss.
 The next day it was killing me to think that the ground was white with 4 plus inches of snow and it was not good enough to xc ski on. After talking over our options with Cindy we decided to go try downhill skiing at Paoli Peaks. It had been ten plus years since both of us had been downhill skiing and with Cindy having just recovered from her broken ankle I was a bit concerned about taking her.  I sure did not want her to re injure her ankle. Cindy agreed with me that we should stick to the family trails and take it easy to reduce the risk...
 We made a few tame runs down the family runs before Cindy started looking at the intermediate runs. One more run down the easy hill and off we went! We had taken our Go Pro along and used the chest mount for the first time so now know what it feels like to wear a bra!

 I have to admit that it took a while for me to get anywhere near comfortable on downhill skis again but Cindy was doing great from the start. I did feel like that as the afternoon went on I was starting to figure it out, just a little. That is not saying I did not find the snow several times, on the same run a few times!

 

 

We kept at it and before the night was done we had progressed through the intermediate runs and soon we were eyeing the black diamond. Each time we rode the lift back up we were going up over the black diamond run and we both started thinking how hard could it be? We had to give it a try and while we both had unexpected impacts with the snow, we both managed to make it to the bottom in one piece. Not discouraged by our spills, we had to try it again as we both thought we knew where we messed up. Sure enough we made it down without incident! The third pass down the black diamond resulted in myself making a great standup recovery to a nasty spin out, all captured on the go pro!
 As you can see in the video we had a blast and we could not wait to go again!!!

The temps stayed cold all week and while the snow was not ideal I broke out my old xc skis and used them on the trails across the road and managed to ski every day in less than ideal conditions. My birthday was coming up and Cindy asked me what I wanted to do for it. I did not have to think twice as I had so much fun downhill skiing I wanted to go again! About the middle of the week the weathermen started talking abut a big winter storm heading our way for Friday night and just luckily I had already bought our tickets for the twilight ski for Friday night. Cindy and I were both really hoping we could get to ski in fresh snow as it feel down on us.
 Friday came and with it brought more cold temps. By the time we got to Paoli it was 15 degrees with a stiff and cold south wind. Luckily the slopes are on the north side of the hill and we were able to stay out of the cold wind all the time except when we were riding the lift back up. The cold temps must have kept a lot of people away as it was not nearly as crowded as we thought it might be. We continued to make run after run and in my mind we were getting better the more we skied. It was not long before I got probably a bit too cocky and decided to try to take a few small jumps. Lets just say the results were not good! We both had a few wipeouts but luckily we both skied away unharmed. Cindy took a nasty spill on the biggest ski jump as she went to ski over it and had to ride out a gnarly slide down the side of it. I was glad to see her still able to move when I got to her. I helped get her all put back together and away she skied.
 We tried out the pole mount for our Go Pro and got some cool videos from it.

 You have to love how the image Youtube pics for the thumbnail just happens to catch me landing on my butt!!! You have to give me credit for great camera control though. Can't control my skis but the camera hardly moved LOL!!!
 As the night progressed we noticed there were fewer people skiing so before long we decided to go play in the terrain park. As you can see in the following video we both took on the ski jump, all be  it the baby jump that 4 year olds probably cut their teeth on!

 Cindy was not going to let that monster of a jump get the best of her and before long she stuck her landing!!!!
 Our hopes of getting to ski on fresh snow as it fell down on us started to look like it might work out as about 11 it started snowing while we were inside warming up. Just as we were heading back out to start skiing again it changed to a really wet sleet!!! Sadly our skiing for the night was done so we headed for home.
 It sleeted the whole way home and I really did not think we would get to ski anymore as I was worried the sleet would beat down the snow. As we laid in bed and laughed about all the fun we had skiing that night Cindy noticed it was snowing outside! I woke up early the next morning and raced to look out the window. We got snow!!!! Letting the boys out I was able to see we got another 4" on top of what already had and this snow was much better snow for xc skiing.
 I knew Cindy was wore out so I let her sleep in a bit. After a yummy breakfast we finally headed out about 11.We headed over to ski one of our favorite trails at a woods we named Remy's woods in honor of the little raccoon we raised a few years back. We released Remy by Buckskin pond in this woods so it will always be known as Remy's woods to us. We had a great ski as the snow continued to fall down around us. After a very nice 4 mile ski we returned home to discover that Juicy the Jeep would not climb our driveway. Finally after 3 tries we made it up and I got busy installing the snow blower on the tractor so I could clear the snow off the drive. I had intentionally not installed it earlier in the season when it was warmer as I did not want to jinx our chance to get any snow.
 Sunday found us driving up to Indy to take Cindy's grandson sledding on the saucer sled we had gotten him for Xmas. Luckily Miles did not seem to remember his last sledding adventure with us as it did not got so well. He was a bit apprehensive about the whole sledding idea when we arrived and he saw all the people sledding down the hill. Fortunately we were able to convince him to give it a try so we started him off on a small hill.

 It just took a few passes down the small hill and Miles was having a blast! Soon he was ready to take on the big hill!

 We were very glad that Miles had a good time and enjoyed his saucer sled.

Hopefully we get another chance to take him sledding again this season. Maybe next time he can even try out the skis we got him last year.
 After arriving back home we grabbed our skis and headed across the road to ski before dinner. Temps had warmed up a bit and with the sunshine the snow had softened up a bit. In an attempt to keep the snow from sticking to our skis I had applied Rain X to the fish scales on our xc skis. After Cindy fell for the fourth time she asked me not to put anymore Rain X on her skis!

 The next few days the temps remained in the deep freeze and the snow was lasting much longer than we were typically used to. Monday evening we got to go back to Remy's woods and ski again. This trip we skied down to Buck Creek pond and enjoyed the sunset as we skied back. Yes, it was cold, but a birthday evening ski with my fiancé was well worth it!

 That Tuesday we were finally able to get the Gang out to Remy's woods for a ski. The snow was much softer than it had been the night before, especially on the drive into the parking area. I think everyone really liked the trails, especially since Cindy and I had already made two sets of tracks so we could all ski side by side most of the trail.

 We all had a great ski and then played dodge the deer as we took a Jackson county short cut to the Brick in Jonesville. We all filled up on delicious burgers and chili. Always a great time with Gang!!!!
 Wednesday finally saw Cindy heading back to work as the roads had gotten good enough to have school again. I had to ski the next tree days by myself as Cindy had to work late. It is just is not the same skiing without my best friend. I downloaded the Endomondo App to my new phone to track my ski and discovered that the trail across the road at Dottie's was exactly 1 mile long. The other surprise was that it took me 14 minutes plus per lap. The trail has some pretty good hills that we have to herringbone up and it seems like no matter how many downhill sections there are I just could not make up the time lost climbing the hill. So the next two days I spent my time skiing trying to beat the 14 minute lap time. Finally Friday evening I only had time to make one lap. The snow was not as soft and the tracks had survived the sunshine very well. I felt like I was running I was skiing so hard. I made it back to the starting point in 13:47! I felt like I had won the Olympics LOL. I actually had a better time than that as I had forgotten to step into my ski bindings before I started the app timer.
 We rose early yesterday morning and despite it only being 8 degrees outside we headed back to Remy's woods to ski the trail before the temps warmed up. the temp was forecasted to get into to the mid 30's which would make the snow too soft to ski on. Cindy and I had a great ski and we were getting some really nice glide out of our skis. Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Lincoln Square restaurant with Cindy's soon to be new daughter in law.
 Wanting to make the most out of the snow while it was with us, Cindy and I dusted off our snow shoes later in the afternoon and headed west to the Hickory Ridge trails near Maumee IN. We had hiked the trail once before and we were both curious if we could ski those trails. We had only snow shoed once before and did not really care for it but this time we both really enjoyed it and discovered it to be a great workout. We shoed our way down to Grouse Hollow lake

 By the time we got back to Juicy the back of my pants legs were soaked! Lesson learned, don't wear blue jeans while snow shoeing!! I had forgotten how much snow flips up on the back of your pants legs.

The forecast for Saturday night was all over the place. Some were saying we were going to get rain, some said 2-3" of snow, while others said 4-6". But it seemed that everyone was saying that temps were supposed to rise above freezing by dawn. I was really hoping we could get one more ski in Sunday as that would make 14 straight days we had skied locally. When we finally went to bed about 1 am it was snowing lightly with maybe a fresh inch. I went to sleep hoping to wake up with enough snow to ski on. Luck was on our side as we wound up getting almost 3" overnight. Temps were just below freezing and it was still snowing. We hit the trail early and skied one lap at Dottie's. The thing that surprises me about xc skiing is how much the snow conditions affect the skiing quality. We had plenty of snow on the trail but by the time we started the second lap the new snow that fell while we skied the first lap was super sticky and starting to stick to the bottom of our skis. We turned back around and by the time we made it home we were ski walking  due to all the snow stuck to the fish scales on our skis

 One of the many things I love about Cindy is how willing she is to do things at the spur of the moment. By the time we walked from the garage to the house we had decided to take a Jeep snow adventure to see what kind of snow conditions we could find.We loaded Juicy up with our skis, snow shoes, and a sled so we would be ready for whatever we found.
 I let our boys, Edward and Wilson, out to play for a bit before we headed off. There is no way you cannot enjoy snow with a goof ball like Wilson running around acting silly in it.

 While Wilson loves to play in the snow you have to keep a close eye on his paws as he has really larger pockets between the pads on them. He develops snow toe pretty quickly in wet snow. He will keep playing till you make him stop and that is usually when he realizes he has some issue with his feet. If it is very bad I have to get the ice ball out between his toes and I have seen them get as big as ping pong balls. He sounds like he has tap shoes on when he walks in the shop. If he is tapping across the floor I know I have to help him get the ice balls out.
 With the boys fed and resting comfortably inside we headed west back to the Maumee area of the Hoosier National forest. I had always wanted to drive Tower Ridge road all the way to 446 and today seemed like a good day to do that. I really wish that road was paved as it would be a awesome short cut to Lake Monroe. The drive was beautiful and pictures just did not do it justice. It is called Tower Ridge Road because it leads to the fire tower south of Lake Monroe. Never having driven this road I did not realize it went right past the fire tower. Once we saw the fire tower we had to climb it!

Cindy and I had to take a selfie up in the cab of the tower.

 We both were feeling the burn in our legs as we climbed the stairs up the tower and we both blamed the snow shoeing the day before. I was very glad Cindy mentioned feeling it first as I did not want to seem like such a big weenie but I sure was feeling it. The view down from the top looking down at Juicy with our skis on top of her was pretty cool.

 

By now the temps had risen above freezing and a steady drizzle was falling. We both knew that meant our chances of playing in the snow was over but neither of us admitted it. Turning north on 446 hunger pains were making themselves known to both of us as we were in such a hurry to hit the trail this morning we had skipped breakfast. Luckily, the Log Cabin was open and we both ate like we had not eaten in days. When they set the first platter down in front of me I thought it was a lot of food then they set down the other platter down in front of me! We both made valiant efforts to eat all the food they brought us and somehow we had enough room left over to split a big dish of blackberry cobbler with ice cream.
 By the time we made it back to the lodge the temps were still above freezing and we could tell the snow depth had really taken a big hit. Rain is forecasted for Tuesday with warmer temps to follow. I am not ready to put the skis away for the season but we both know living this far south it could be the end of our ski season. If it is we have had made a lot of fun new memories and discovered we both love to downhill ski. I am not giving up hope just yet though, as back in 2013 we skied the day after Easter, so here is hoping we get to ski again in March!!!!