The weather was fine, actually, about -7 degrees Celsius, sunny, and windy. The wind was a bit uncomfortable, but that was alleviated in the shelter of the Corkstown Road Forest.

But the trails were horrible. The great dump of snow had gone soft with the warm spells on Wednesday and Thursday, and had all frozen into solid crust for Friday, making it practically impassable on skis. Well!! a trail was set anyway and five intrepid hounds formed the pack. Three skiers and two snow snow-shoers did the trail. Snow-shoes were not necessary though. You could walk right on top of the crust. The skiers hacked through on solid tracks laid during the warm day before.

Down-downs: Delhi Belly, for finding enough water to have a swim in on this frigid day. Bobbit t, the hare, for believing the sun would warm up the surface enough to soften the crust to run the event - - - it didn't, - - - now he has to find a day to pick up all those wee flags. Pony M. for perseverances and showing up. It was good to have him join the Perogie pack. He also got a down-down for missing the check-markers and especially the false-trail flags. Deflowered and Wet Wenis for meritorious support of the Perogie HHH and finding a way to traverse this rather difficult trail.

Afterwards the pack retired to the March Road Royal Oak, to drink and eat from the remnant of the Saint Patrick's Day menu. With the depth of snow now on the ground, and its frozen condition, it is entirely possible that another X-C ski run can be set in April. It is not probable though, as this day amply proved the uncertainty of Spring weather and skiing on un-manicured trails.

On On and perseverance. Bobbit t.