I was mostly just curious about the conditions on this creek system. I wore my snow boots with grippers. I quickly discovered that it was fine for walking but would not have been good at all for skiing. It was about half and half ice and packed snow. The ice was very rough, and the snow was heavily tracked from walkers. Bella and I walked about 2 1/2 miles round trip. I ran into 2 ladies on very odd skates that were attached to their cross-country ski boots. I was immediately fascinated as they told me about them. I love to ice skate on the lakes and creeks in winter. But I usually need really good conditions. I stopped at Back Country Bike and Ski, a ski shop in Palmer and asked about them. They are for use on ice that is wilder versus lakes that are plowed and set up for public skating. Of course, I immediately bought myself a pair. I will try them out tomorrow and then look for some good places to use them. They just clamp right on to my ski boots. I can imagine going skiing but bringing them along so I can switch to skates if I encounter large sections of ice. Right now, we have ice everywhere because it has been a high wind and low snow year. I could imagine taking a long skate hike along a frozen creek. It will be nice for Bella too. Most of the popular skating places are crowded with lots of people. But out here on the slough, we mostly had the place to ourselves. She could run loose and enjoy the place while I hike, ski or skate. It will be fun to practice with a new toy!
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