I headed to P8 mid-afternoon planning to skate up the parkways to Mulvihill Lake, expecting a slog through the 5cm of fresh powder that fell in Chelsea this morning. I was getting ready to ski when a groomer left the shed and headed along the Doldrums towards P9, setting a skate lane. I changed my plans and did a couple of laps of the Doldrums, at one point making the first tracks in the lane. Skiing wasn't super fast but it was very enjoyable. The North Loop has been so crowded lately I've stayed away from it, but on this grey afternoon with a little light snow falling I didn't have a lot of company. Thanks to Demsis for grooming at an unexpected time. I expect the parkways should be in pretty good shape for anyone skiing this evening.