schnauzers.ws

The trail was in perfect shape, as this one usually is in the
winter.  Hard packed and fast, even with the snow.  There
seem to be some foot traffic on it, something I haven’t seen here in a
while, which packed down the snow just enough to make out the
singletrack.

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As it was still below freezing, the melt from the previous afternoon
had frozen overnight.  This created an incredibly beautiful effect
throughout the whole forest.  Tiny icles shimmered like diamonds
in the sunlight.  The fresh smell of pine, the crisp cold air, and
the peaceful surroundings made it a winter wonderland.

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I was alone this morning.  No big deal having the entire place to
myself, but I wish others would have been there to see this first hand.

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At the far end of my out and back, I stop to collect my thoughts at the
pond.  The thin layer of ice that lay across it was tempting me to
through a rock, but I figure I’ll be back again this winter and want to
try riding across it.  So, I’ll let it be to freeze up.

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On the way back, I was coming around a corner very fast and didn’t
realize that I was at the boardwalk section.  I hit the first set
so fast I didn’t even realize it until I hit the brakes. 
Amazingly, I slid into a 90 degree turn on the boards and remained
upright.  I shaking and smiling at the same time.  The boards
were particularly trecherous today.

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A failure here would have meant a very cold seven miles back to the car.

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The sun had begun to melt things on the way back.  It’s amazing
how fast scenery can change.  What was once snow covered an hour
ago, is not anymore.  The icicles on the trees began to melth
creating a tropical rainforest effect in the woods.  It was a
truly beautiful day!

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