November 23rd Grooming Report
That’s a New One!
While the grooming department has documented all kinds of avian and mammalian species over the years, one particular specie that has never made the Trail Creek list up to this point is Taxidea taxus or the American Badger. On today’s initial lap of the close field the first indication that something unique was going on was the huge pile of dirt on the far side of the Aspen Bump (image below). As the groomer neared the dirt, what should amble out but one industrious badger, probably in the process of rooting out some tasty morsel. Unfortunately for the badger (but not whatever was living in the burrow), the grooming probably messed up the morning’s hunt.
Even though the badger wasn’t moving too fast, it quickly disappeared down another hole, making getting a really good image challenging. Keep your eyes peeled on your next Nordic outing and you might get a chance to see this unusual resident!
No snow had fallen by the end of this morning’s grooming although there is still a slight chance today. Today’s grooming was mostly a best line Ginzu groom. There are classic tracks in the close field, but not many other places. If you are lucky enough to go for a ski today, you will find firm early season conditions. While more snow would be great, skiing is not too bad for pre-Thanksgiving. Next major chance of snow begins on Wednesday.
Don’t forget that the teams are practicing at 8:30 this week except for on Thanksgiving Day.
Groomer’s choice for today is to see if you can find the badger.
