IF - a big IF - there's a skiers heaven and IF - again a big IF - this vieux bonhomme would qualify for entry then, in this skiers heaven, it will always be the third weekend of February 2014. But, in the event that one of those IFs isn't valid, I felt that I had to honour this special weekend two ways. Yesterday I skied from the start of #36 to Herridge watching the classic loppet; today I did the Wakefield triangle (there's only so much you can work in when you are in paradise).

From this vicarious observer the classic loppet was a complete success. Everyone, regardless of ability, seemed to be enjoying the new course very much. I asked a fiftyish couple if they were having a good day - they answered, in a Scandinavian accent "yes and the tracks are SO good". I've done the loppet many times in years past: my memories are of bitter cold, high winds, abrasive ice, rain etc. - my view has been that god hates loppets. Perhaps Yan Michaud and the loppet committee have a direct line to a deity or have made a pact with the devil but they have had a very successful weekend - congratulations.

Today I did the triangle clockwise - the only way on such perfect powder conditions. Perfect snow, perfect temperature, perfect sun, perfect tracksetting! This wasn't a performance day - there were many stops to take in the beauty along these trails. Again the Wakefield Triangle is:
P17 > #53 > #51 > P19 > #50 > #52 > #53 > P17.

And! Tomorrow looks just as good.