Cross country skiing in Waldo County in the past month has been a study in contrasts. A little more than 3 weeks ago, we had some of the deepest, lightest, most ski-able snow we have had in years. Yet now, less than a month later and still in what should be the epicenter of winter, we have endured a snow drought that has found us using our beater skis and scraping across all kinds of terrain including leaves, pine needles, hay fields, dirt roads, and rocks. Ever try crossing a stone wall on skis? I don’t recommend it.
The map at above approximates the route of our Skyscraper Hill ski trip 3 weeks ago, when the snow was still deep and powdery. We headed 
west from Route 203 on a snowmobile trail that led us to Ellis Pond. Once there, we skied out onto the pond and then picked it up the trail again on the other side. North of Ellis Pond where the trail splits, we turned north toward Lake Passagassawakeag . We skied the length of the lake and then continued to follow snowmobile trails north to top of Skyscraper Hill in Brooks. The day was cold, but snow conditions were excellent; we had plenty to eat and plenty of clothes, and we stayed out as long as we could.
Our more recent adventure involved a trip from the Ducktrap River Preserve on the northwest side of Route 52 in Lincolnville. Just a few dozen yards from the road, we crossed a 30 foot stretch of frozen mud. Further up the trail, the track was so littered with pine needles, twigs, and other debris from pine trees that we could do little more than trudge.
Beyond that the snow surface was more skiable, but still “very thin” in places. After another half mile or so of frustrating conditions, we decided to look for something better. We doubled back and took a tracked trail that led northeast and then northwest again up the long shoulder of Gould Hill. Some of the best snow conditions of the day were on the lower part of the hill. The crust was soft and the cover was consistent. However, as we continued upward, there were more of the expected “thin spots.” I wondered if skiing downhill over patches of leaves would lead to a sudden deceleration and spills. I am happy to report that my skis handled the mixed surface of maple and beech leaves quite well, and while they did result in a lost of speed, for the most part you could ski right through them.
Once you’ve crossed your first dozen yards of dry ground on cross country skis, whole new worlds open up. Why accept a lack of snow as a limiting factor? We crossed a ten acre hay field (almost entirely sans snow) on our return trip. The downhill runs weren’t very fast — but heck the late afternoon light was real pretty and it felt good to be out.
Just to prove that we are not the only hardcore skiers out there: a short leaf skiing Youtube video is here.
Meanwhile, the daylight grows and the rivers and bays will soon start beckoning. The St. George River Race is in a little more than a month. Online registration for the April 17 Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race is now open.