Today I did the “Lakes Tour” on skate skis. On this trip one starts at P16 and cruises trail 50 and vicinity passing as many lakes as possible on the route. These include Harrington Lake, Lac Phillippe, Lac Renaud, Taylor Lake, Lusk Lake, Meech Lake and an obscure beaver pond near the trail 36 turn off whose name escapes me (Lac Trudel?). All the trails I skied had been expertly groomed overnight, giving a firm, compacted surface with just the right amount of corduroy for fast, controlled skating. Unfortunately along most of the route the center of the skate lane had been deeply shredded by a snowmobile, slowing glide. The only icy patches were on the hills above P16, and these were easily avoided. Trail 54 to Lusk was in excellent condition, even on the steep sections. The classic tracks were generally deep and firm with a slight glaze, making for fast descents. The classic skiers I spoke to generally reported good glide but problematic grip. There were small branches jutting out over the classic tracks between Herridge and Lac Phillippe, some at eye level. Trail 36 had been groomed, although the classic tracks were rather shallow. There were no rocks showing on the two hills leading down to Meech Lake. (Just a note- trail 36 is classic only, but I cover the section between Trail 50 and Meech by double poling the flats and skating the hills where there are no tracks). Overall it was a great ski and a great day to be out. By late afternoon the snow was a bit soft, and will probably harden overnight. If there isn't fresh grooming it might be a bit crusty tomorrow.