right on time (almost)!
As I predicted, Upper Mystic, On The Rocks and Lord of the Squirrels opened on July 16. For keeners raring to battle the mountain and its currently apocalyptic mosquitoes, make sure you are prepared for fast changing weather. On Monday, after a pleasant bluebird commute, the air quickly chilled and the skies darkened. We were hammered by cold rain and hail for an hour as thunder roared. We were fortunate to be working in sheltered areas below tree line. The alpine rangers spotted a grizzly bear on the Pot of Gold trail so we encourage you to travel in groups and carry bear spray. There are still a few patches of snow along On the Rocks so please follow the flagging THROUGH those patches rather than trampling sensitive vegetation off trail. On your way down, you’ll see that the trail crew managed to pick up 99% of the flagging tape that the Michals and I laid out along LOTS/LESS this spring. The tape indicates spots to repair: drain and berm enhancements for smoother swoops or brake rut fills, pointy rock smashing and root armouring to conserve energy. There are only a few strips of flagging left near the lake that we should be sorting out next week before we move the tools back down to the flank. In other alpine riding news: Top of the World also opened this week! Enjoy!
See you on the Trails!
Dan Raymond
WORCA Lead Trail Builder
