The winning candidate of the naming contest is Blew Through, suggested by Peter Manchester, who wins a free self propelled trip to Sugar Brook Lodge via the circuitous Blew Through segment. Two votes behind was the Slow Gentle “Yavash”, with several of the Blue themed names close behind. With the new falling snow we are going to delay grooming until tomorrow. Glide will be down to 2-2,5 in the open but still around a 3 under the conifers, so be wary of sudden changes of speed as the flora changes. As the flurries get compacted the track will speed up. And as temperatures are just below freezing, sticking is a possiblity, especially before the flurries get compacted. A couple of safety issues while I (possibly) have your attention: 1. If you are going skiing alone, especially late afternoon or after dark, be sure someone knows you going and when to expect you back. As most of you know, there are lots of places where there is no cel reception- generally best when you are higher up. Most places without reception say there is SOS communication available but I do not know if or how this works. I someone from the Search and Rescue crowd will enlighten me and I can pass on the wisdom. 2. When passing people from behind you should let them know you are coming and what the plan is- Classically calling out “Track” or “Piste” asks the skier in front to move aside and allow the faster skier to pass. It is also acceptable for the faster, usually more skilled skier, to get out of the track and call out “passing on your Right(or Left))”, expecting the slower skier to tuck in their poles to avoid entanglement. If you are on a downhill, it is best to *await a flat section *as our trails are not wide enough and most skiers not skilled enough to negotiate passing maneuvers in this setting. Again, the key here, as in life, is clear and audible *communication*. Have a safe ski and enjoy a good “Blew Through”.
