Wilderness Trails
Fall 2011
Lots of news! Starting with water control on K/C Cut, an extension of High Road and a new entrance to Central Avenue, you will see some new features. Normally , changes made during the summer go unnoticed. A small tree removed here, a turn widened, lots of work but little to see.
Mid-summer we rented an excavator and while we did some work lodge side (including a new bottom to Wildcat Hollow) (which we’re betting most people can’t find), most of the time was fixing all the drainage problems on K/C Cut. This trail had been getting more attention, plus we were really tired of shoveling the run-out at the bottom. Now, we are planning on keeping the back side of the hill in better shape.
While working in the area, we explored a short hook between Ryan’s Run over to the top of Doc’s Hill. With about 80 to 100 yards of work, the connection was made. Now you will be able to run High Road connect to Ryan’s, Doc’s, back to K/C, the Peak Trail, and start the loop over at the High Road. We haven’t figured the distance, but this will be an interesting, rolling adventure.
We suspect that Nelson has been planning to open the East entrance to Central Avenue since Jack was a small boy (inside joke)! Single handedly, he dug, cut, shoveled, pulled, hauled and created this new trail off from North Field!
A line of trees near the lodge had to be cut down. It was dangerous. It wasn’t any fun, but it got done.
Ned, Jerry- as construction foreman, and a group of dedicated volunteers from the Wildcats youth program built a new set of stairs down to their room. Great job people! Seeing Melanie with a hammer was a treat, but honestly, she should stick to swimming.
The last few years, we made an increased commitment to provide the highest quality product for our skiers. Last year, the addition of a new snowmobile, combined with a state-of-the-art Yellowstone groomer, allowed us to groom flatter, faster trails. By snowfall, we will have another smaller Yellowstone groomer complete with an articulated track setter. Our goal is to get more work done with less effort.
Last year, Saturday mornings were tough! The groomers were out during the week and by almost every Thursday, we were ready for the weekend. We’re not complaining about snow but 6 to 8 inches on Friday meant that we were starting over. Often, we would be following boot deep skate tracks left by Mike and Chris. Every time we caught up to them, they were smiling. That’s what cross country skiing is all about!
As a reminder, season pass forms are available at the website: thewildernesslodge.net and discounts end December 15th. You can also find the newly updated Wilderness Wildcats site. Great pictures of the kids!
We’re looking forward to another great season, with flocks of rubber chickens and more smiles and laughter on the trails. We welcome all of you back to the Wilderness.
