TSJ took the above photo at Ribbon creek and sent this information with it:
“No grooming tonight. Looks like it’s the 3 w’s Windy,Warm and Waxless skis.”
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Training grid at Canmore Nordic Centre
Canmore Nordic Centre
Later tonight I’ll be posting my update from Mt Shark. On the way, I stopped at the Canmore Nordic Centre. The air temperature at 1:45 pm was +2, but the snow was still nice and cold. I think VR45(-2/-8) would have worked well.
Take note, there are Alberta Cup races occurring this weekend at CNC. Trails are always open to recreational skiers, but parking lots will be crowded.
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I have a lot of photo entries to load on the Emerald Lake Lodge contest page. This is one which came in today from Simona…
Spruce grouse on Pocaterra. Photo by Simona
You may have read this already on the Trip Reports, but here’s the explanation from Simona to go along with the photo:
“In Peter Lougheed Prov Park – PLPP, like in years past, there’s a spruce grouse staunchly defending his stretch of the Pocaterra trail. This particular (same?) guy has staked his claim a little further south than before, now closer to the Packers junction. Yesterday, we met him going both ways, hours apart, standing guard in the middle of the trail. He’s a feisty little guy! It’s hilarious to watch him size you up, then put his head down and charge at you like a bull. His photo is in the contest.”
Speaking of temperatures, I’m thinking of getting a snow thermometer. However, looking at the options at our local outdoor stores, it seems that the glass ones aren’t the greatest choice (potential for easy breakage), whereas the digital ones seem to retail for $26 and up (even into the $70s!). So, I’m thinking of getting a digital food thermometer, available at lots of local stores in the $4 – $11 range. Before I get one (and as I’ve never used a snow thermometer before), can you guys think of any reasons why this would be a bad choice? Temperature range is generally around -50C to +300C. And as it’s for food, it’s obviously moisture proof, so I figure good for snow as well. Just looking for something that gives me something better than a complete guess (and a small thermometer that hangs from my pack) on those multi-day trips.
Hi Barbara,
I use this type of thermometer for snow and I also use the same one for cooking my Christmas Turkey. I like the old school dial style so you never have to worry about batteries.
http://www.campsaver.com/dial-stem-celsius-thermometer
Digital food thermometers are near identical (if not from the same factory) as the ones in the outdoor/ski stores – they are just simple thermocouples. I have two I use – one for snow temperature and one for air temperature. The first set of batteries lasted 2 seasons. Digital thermometers will get you consistently within +/- 1C whereas dial versions are a bit more guesswork (i.e. +/- 5C) – especially if they get ‘sprung’. Could also use the Swix/Toko digital version for cooking if so desired.