The intent was to skate from P16 to Taylor Lake and sit in the sun at the lake. Almost made it but opted for the sun at Lac Renaud instead. Conditions on #50 were as good as could be expected after the recent warm spell and rain. The classic tracks looked quite firm and well-formed. The skating track had no ridges but did have many waves - I expect early this morning there was still warm snow under the frozen crust above causing a wavy track in many places - once I got used to the rhythm of the waves it proved to be quite restful. The connector trail to Healey’s had not been groomed and was quite uneven - with the frozen crust it looked like a quite nasty descent to the shelter. #55 shared has not been groomed and is icy and uneven - also it has been quite walked on - it’s not a pleasant trail to ski on for any distance and this is why I gave up on Taylor Lake and settled for Renaud. There’s less snow in the Lac Philippe area and on #50 than on the ridge - many of the usual thin places are showing gray and brown while elsewhere there is adequate snow.

The classic skiers were having variable success: some were doing fine; others were spinning. Many people were skiing on waxless which made a nice musical accompaniment to the wavy skating.

I expect the grooming tomorrow morning will be able to flatten out the waves and skiing on #50 should be great - hopefully the tracksetter will make a pass on the Healey entrance to make the shelter more accessible. Éric Rouleau told me Ridge Road is great and that’s probably where I’ll be heading tomorrow. Tomorrow, wherever you go, go early for the skiing - stay late for the sun.