I went classic from P16 to the intersection with #52. First, a commendation to Demsis for getting #50 into skiable condition so fast - given the conditions I didn`t expect it to be ready for a week or so.

It`s still a bit on the rough side with a lot of debris and it appears that the snow was wetter in that area making the trail much harder than the powder on the parkways. With the overhanging trees there was less of the trail to groom with the result that the classic tracks are close together and the skating track is narrower. The classic tracks are reasonably good with the exception of debris and overhanging trees.

I had a very good classic day. I don`t think I would have a good skating day - the skating track is quite narrow and the amount of debris would have required quite a bit of concentration. Also a number of people have used the skating track as a walking trail between P16 and Herridge leaving significant holes in the surface.

Two trees have fallen on the trail since the tracksetting was performed. One is on the hill out of Meech Valley; the other is between the intersection with #36 and Healey`s.

Demsis has made an interesting addition to the tracksetting schema. At the steep hill 1 km east of Herridges they have groomed the bush road that goes by the entrance to the PM`s cottage to provide an easier detour for those that prefer gentler climbs and descents. Much appreciated!

Nothing has been done to #36 or to #52. However, one person with an ambition to be a real-skier had slogged through #36.