Successful Social Sunday Snowshoe Follows-up Thursday’s Evening Trek

Written by admin on 23 January 2012

Plenty of snow on incredible trails with new and returning friends - that's a winning combination! Photos courtesy Kim & Leslie Ransom

Photography courtesy Kim and Leslie Ransom

MARATHON, ON – “Perfect snow, perfect temperature and perfect company. Thanks for the walk everyone” posted Kim and Leslie Ransom on the Marathon Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Club’s Facebook wall after their Sunday Social Snowshoe today.

Having enjoyed fresh snow at Thursday’s weekly social snowshoe walk which had begun on the green venturing off onto the blue trail for something new and wonderful. Those content to do only the 3km green trail (or the 1.5km), had the option of parting ways at any of the short cuts to have their own tailor-made snowshoe. Of course, the chalet waited to relax in afterwards with a hot chocolate (as well as coffee, pop or juice) and even some cookies for those in need of a little fuel after the hike! Following such an wonderful evening, the Ransom’s couldn’t resist the opportunity to return to the trails for another group walk when the snow continued to fall through Sunday – fresh, deep snow on the trails again. This time the powder was accompanied by bright skies and mild weather. Kim and Leslie, active volunteers with the club, put out the word that there would be a group walk in the bush Sunday – a Social Snowshoe – and all were welcome.

The pair had planned for their group to do the outside lower trail, connect with Goliath, have a fire and snack break, before continuing through Cascade and Big S trails. Though the fire fell short of their expectations, it took nothing away from the leisurely stroll which unfolded as mapped (with short cuts pointed out along the way for any preferring a shorter route) and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. “It was tonnes of fun!” reported Kim & Leslie quickly adding that it would be a fun afternoon to repeat.

Kim and Leslie had hoped, and asked, for a crowd and found themselves among a group of more than a dozen enjoying the day. Originally the offer had also been put out to those with energy to spare to “Slap on the boards and put in a few kms on the ski trails” though whether that call was answered by the Ransoms or any others is unclear.

Marathon residents, and their Northshore neighbours, are reminded of the Marathon Cross-Country Ski & Snowshoe Club’s weekly Thursday Evening Social Snowshoe Walk and that “the campsite is ready when someone is feeling adventurous!” What can you expect when attending? Leslie described an evening for us “Imagine, a lovely walk under the lights with the snow falling gently all around... heaven”. Snowshoes are available to rent at the Chalet (aka Marathon Golf Club) or check out a wide variety of snowshoes available at Freehawk Enterprises in Manitouwadge, Owner Louis Berube will help you choose a style perfect for your skill, experience and budget. the Ransom’s suggest that you