An Afternoon of Cross Country Skiing

Summary

The web content describes a personal account of cross country skiing at Bowman Lake State Park in New York, detailing the ideal weather conditions, the state of the park's trails, and the affordability of the sport.

Abstract

The author shares their enthusiasm for cross country skiing, emphasizing the tranquility and beauty of the winter landscape at Bowman Lake State Park. The article recounts a recent skiing experience in late December, with optimal weather conditions in the mid-twenties, a stiff breeze, and occasional snow showers. Despite a previous heavy snowfall that melted, there was enough snow cover for a smooth skiing experience on the park's roads. The author notes that while the park offers several trails, they prefer skiing on the roads when snow cover is insufficient to mask rocks and other obstacles. Cross country skiing is presented as an inexpensive hobby, with the author using the same skis since 1980 and only upgrading boots and poles a decade ago. The article encourages readers to try cross country skiing, touting it as excellent exercise and a low-impact workout that ensures a good night's sleep.

Opinions

The author expresses a strong personal passion for cross country skiing.
Ideal skiing conditions are described as crisp, cold weather with fresh snow.
The author prefers skiing on the roads of Bowman Lake Park when there is less snow cover to avoid obstacles like rocks.
Cross country skiing is considered a cost-effective hobby since the equipment lasts long and most skiing areas are free.
The author believes that cross country skiing is great exercise, offering a low-impact workout that promotes good sleep.

From Bowman Lake State Park, McDonough NY

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Another passion of mine is cross country skiing. There is nothing like being out in the clean crisp air to take in the quiet scenery of the woods. Living in NY State, I am lucky to be surrounded by many areas of State land. It can be used for camping, hiking, biking, and of course skiing.

Today was a crisp day in the mid-twenties with a stiff breeze and occasional snow showers. For me, that is ideal conditions. There was 4 to 6 inches of snow on the camp roads at Bowman Lake Park. A week before Christmas we had a 30-inch snowfall which promptly melted a week later. However, we have gotten back 4 to 6 inches over the last few days.

Bowman Park has 3 or 4 trails through the woods but those are best navigated when the snow is deeper to cover up the rocks, etc. When there is less snow cover I stick to the roads which provide a smooth terrain.

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Cross country skiing is also a fairly inexpensive hobby once you have your skis, boot, and poles. I have had the same skis since 1980 with an upgrade of boots and poles about 10 years ago. Most areas are free to ski with the exception of some areas that have groomed trails.

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So get out there and give it a try! It is great exercise and a low impact workout. I guarantee you will sleep well after skiing!

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