Overall, this was as good as it gets.

A little icy from the cars at 9.00am for maybe the first km, but then the snow was really nice, fast and cold. Trail packed by skidoos servicing the Shadow Lake Lodge and all recent trees removed from the trail. Right now, NO track setting. We made to the lodge for lunch about 12.30 - 13.00 and then visited the actual Shadow Lake which was quite pretty in the sunshine.

Start of "crux" ascent to Shadow Lake from Red Earth Creek Trail

Ramblers on Shadow Lake Bridge. Mt. Ball behind

Mt Ball near Shadow Lake

Coordinator David at Shadow Lake, Mt Ball in background

Trail near Shadow Lake

We set off back from the lodge about 2.00pm. Most of us walked the steep hill down to Red Earth Creek trail.

Bob descends the steep section of trail to Shadow Lake Lodge

Toshiko descends the steep section of trail to Shadow Lake Lodge

Skidoo passes Toshiko on the steep section of Shadow Lake trail

Ramblers at the junction of Red Earth creek and Shadow Lake trails

As expected Red Earth Creek Trail (old road) provided a fast descent to the cars by 4.15pm. We were each using touring skis with metal edges. Temperature varied from -5c at the start to -2c at the finish. It dropped to about -10c near the campground but was about -5c at lunchtime in hazy sunshine.

Thanks to all for their great company, photos and chocolate.

Stats by my BC Navigator GPS to lake and return: 27.6km, 560m elevation gain in 7:15 hours (data base gives 27km and 430m to lodge).

Participants: David C,S&P, Phyllis,Damian photos,Shirley,Bob,Inge,Jane,Toshiko photos and chocolate. .