Short cut to McKinstry cabin

I took advantage of a gap in the "Polar Vortex" to go for a hike/ski to McKinstry cabin via Luskville Falls. It was the perfect temperature at a balmy -10 with a light snow falling! I wanted to try winter hiking in my xc ski boots and McKinstry is just far enough from the fire tower to be a good turnaround spot after the hike and then a short ski. The usual ski to McKinstry is at least 10 K one way and is a bit of a roller coaster of hills along the way. My "short cut" was easier and the 2.5 K ski was great for my first time on xc skis this winter. The Luskville trail is sheer ice below the trail split but the footing got better as there was more fresh snow the higher you got and it was snowing all day. I only saw two hikers on the Luskville trail but it was packed at the cabin which was toasty warm with the woodstove cranked! I forgot to bring a lunch and was envious of those who had their foil wrapped sandwiches toasting away on the stove. The return trip was a breeze other than some slipping and sliding near the bottom.

More pics

Yet another Luskville stroll

Saturday was a good day to head up the Fire Tower trail (again). It was pretty cold and windy out to start but you warm up with the constant uphill and it is always warmer in the shelter of the woods. I was sluggish to start due to a recent cold but felt better once I got up to the Pontiac lookout. A lone skier made the Fire Tower turnaround just as I was taking some photos up there. On the way back down it was much warmer and the sun had come out. I'm glad I went out and earned my spot on the couch on one of the better sports days of the year!