Mastodawn

Day #5, Breaking trail on Forest "Road" 1310

Exploring new trails! Driving along the Gunflint Trail (Hwy 12) we noticed a side road with a wide plowed out area perfect for parking, but no snowmobile activity beyond. It looked perfect for us, especially now that it's the weekend and the snowmobile trails are busy with stinky, noisy machines.

We were curious why this road had no activity... until we climbed over the plow berm and found this! A shallow stream with no bridge. Fortunately, there was just enough room on one side to squeeze past the alter bramble, one step on the gravel shore, another on a bit of wood pallet someone had placed on the side, and then a hop to the snow on the other side.

We schlepped our skis over first, then went back for the pups...

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Paws to Trail Mar 1

The deep snow has gotten a little firmer, but now has a thin icy crust, so not fun for huskies to break trail on. We took turns laying trail for them to follow. With a bit of trial and error, we managed a lead arrangement that allowed Zeena and Tonttu their own space on the trail without crowding each other out.

While listed as a "road" (even with a stop sign at the bottom!), it's difficult to see more than ORVs making their way up this path in the summer....

#Huskies #Skijoring #BackcountrySkiing

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Paws to Trail Mar 1

The trail was uphill nearly the whole way. Dale broke trail (and a sweat) for the first mile, then switched with Jeff for a break. After a quarter mile, that was enough for Jeff too!

According to various online maps, the road went on for another mile or more, but without any specific endpoint or destination to shoot for, we decided we'd gotten enough exercise for the day and turned back. We also resumed solo-dog skijoring.

It sure was nice to follow a packed trail mostly downhill! Much quicker going back then the trip out!

...aside from one break for Tonttu to point out a red squirrel and another for Zeena to check out some smells along the way.

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Paws to Trail Mar 1

The end!

Here's one parting shot of the trail we left for others to follow, which better illustrates how well hidden the stream crossing was from the road!

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Paws to Trail Mar 6

Interlude: cold morning hunt.
https://mountains.social/@Paws2Trail/116154222123184070

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Cesare Forelli Mar 1

@Paws2Trail Thanks for taking us with you, it’s a gorgeous place and I’ve seen snow just once this year…