Parkland Cross Country Ski Club
Web Edition, October 7, 2003

Snow Walkers Gazette - page 2

Trail Work Party Oct 19, 9:00 am Heritage Ranch

With the weather getting a little cooler and the coloring leaves gently fluttering to the grounds I wonder if the thoughts of skiing are beginning to flutter and brighten our mind as well. It is also time to get the trails in order for the ski season and Heritage Ranch will be our main focus this year. Darell, Jenan Goldsack and Dave Richmond will trim back the trails at River Bend with River Bend's big mower and if necessary a couple of us will trim the higher up branches. Mark Meunier who does the wonderful track setting at Heritage Ranch has arranged with the City for them to do the trimming along the paved trails. Our main focus will be to trim the narrow informal trails which meander around the pond so they offer better skiing.

Please bring long-handled pruners, saws, axes, shovels, grass whips, and any thing else which may help. Ruby has kindly offered to handle the refreshments and meal. There will be coffee and a bite to eat at the picnic shelter down by the pond if Mark can get permission to drive our vehicles there. A club member will be at the parking lot to give directions. For those of you who can't make it, your help with chilli, salad, or sweets would be appreciated. Please give them to someone coming or to Ruby at 48 Otterbury Ave. The costs of chilli ingredients could be reimbursed. Any questions call Bob Johnstone at 346-8775.

Proposed Nine Hole Expansion at River Bend

Bob Johnstone attended some River Bend Board meetings as the club's temporary rep after David Miller compleated his term. The club's concern about loss of trails and habitat was voiced. A core group of concerned persons were shown by Hugh Lockhart where the expansion would occur over the present trails area.

River Bend had a public information meeting about the proposed expansion on July 15th. There was a large standing room only turnout. Considerable oppopsition was expressed by those who value this natural area as an important city resource by xc skiiers, cyclists, runners, hikers, and also by private golf club operators. The City and River Bend Board have subsequently decided to hire a consultant to examine the situation in more detail. Our club and other stakeholders will be consulted in this review process. Any questions call Don Wales at 343-2937 or Bob Johnstone at 346-8775.

The First Snow

You don't need a lot of snow
Not a perfect vista of white
To be a winter opportunist.

Dear Lord I pray send me just a little frost
A frozen raindrop on a blade of prairie grass
And ... Yahoo ... I can ski.

My wish list worked. It came after midnight
The first snow ... big belting white gusts
Happy nowflkakes kissed the streetlight
Then danced together to the ground
They huddled tightly on our lawn.

My skis stroke soundlessly over the fluffy snow sheet
I float outside of time and space
What childish pleasure there is
In sliding and gliding
All time seems to stop. I ski!

by Walter Scott (Beccky's dad)

October 2003 Newsletter page 3
Nordic Ski:

A long narrow ski designed to alternately grip and glide over the snow surface when its base is coated with waxes other than the ones you happen to have on hand.

Prof. Lipstand