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

Leg stretcher in the Doldrums

I went out this morning to check out the snowfall in Gatineau Park and get in some first tracks of the season. The goal was to stretch the legs and see if I could remember the technique without pushing thinngs too much. Often after the first ski of the season I end up walking like Frankenstein for a day or two. I can report that there is plenty of snow. Occasionally the poles hit some asphalt but there must have been a good 4 or 5 inches covering the Doldrums. More snow is forecast for next week so the season is on!

Here are some comparison photos of a recent roller blade outing and from today.