When I visited Eastman Cross Country Center on Thursday and was looking at their map, I noticed a complex of X-C trails that appeared to be off by themselves - when I asked about them at the Clubhouse, I learned that the John’s Glen Trails were in a Beginner Level area on the edge of the Eastman Community and were very popular. So I decided to go check them out today. I managed to locate the trailhead (at the end of a gravel road) and got started (1000). The trails were mostly flat and passed through pretty, snow-covered trees - they were also fully groomed (I’d been worried they might be back country) and there were many options. The routes/loops (appeared to be old roads) followed the edges of small lakes and streams - very picturesque! I navigated up and down a few steep hills and felt pretty proud of myself to be able to try so many things. And then I found a tough spot - at one place, there was a long, steep, turning portion that made me stop. I couldn’t see around the bend so I backtracked and looped around to approach it from the other direction. I climbed it and was getting ready to try the downhill when an older guy - skiing with a camera in is hand so he could film - almost took me out! I decided I wasn’t ready and headed off on some other trails. Shortly after this, however, I met two nice ladies (one was named Ruth Anne) who tried to convince me to go back and try the hill again. (I later learned they were 80 years old and members of the Eastman Community Board who had planned the trails). I followed them but, before I had my turn, a huge crowd of skiers showed up - there was a logjam! And I got to hear things like “I fell on this hill yesterday” - needless to say, I chickened out again. There was plenty of other trail to explore and I kept on working on climbs, downhills, turns, etc. Got my diagonal stride going well too, After about 1.5 hours (finished at 1130) and over 2.6 miles, I wrapped up my day with some track skiing - much nicer when warmed up and for a cool-down. There weren’t many people in the lot when I started but the place had gotten busier by the hour - the parking area was packed when I reached my car. Overall, the whole experience was a nice change from the trails near the Clubhouse. I wasn't tired yet, so I drove over to the parking lot for the Heath Forest trails and walked the whole circuit again (1200 to 1330) in my snowshoes. This time, I didn't use a map - but I only got lost once. Best part: I got another chance to win the Five Punch Raffle! I wanted to turn in the punch card before I left and arrived at the Clubhouse just as the Nordic Ski Races at Eastman started. The kids were fast! I was humbled as I watched them race around on Beginner Trails that I've been trying to master... I stayed until 1415 and then headed home. What a day in the snow!
