by Tom Hakala, Bruce Ski Club newsletter editor
I was skiing at Sawmill the other day and decided to take a shortcut between trails. The transition trail I was on ‘T’s into a main trail right at a curve. For whatever reason I had my head down as I merged into the main trail. Immediately I sensed someone coming up fast in the skate lane and luckily he deeked around me at the last minute. I yelled, “Sorry!” and fellow said, “Aren’t you Tom Hakala?” I said, “No, I’m Martin Kerr.” But by that time he was around the bend and didn’t hear me. So there I was not only embarrassed that I did such a doofus move, but that I was called out as well. So I came up with a new mantra, ‘ALWAYS KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!’
This applies to most situations on the trails. For instance, if you are skiing fast and you come up to a slower skier from behind, keep your head up and let them know you are about to pass by yelling, “Track – Hello there – On your left,” or something. Just so you don’t scare them and they jump out of the track and fall over as you go by. On the other hand, if you are going at a leisurely pace and skiing side by side with your BFF while gabbing about the state of your love life and someone behind yells one of the afore mentioned salutations, heads up and move over to let them pass.
Also, Keep your head up and look at the signs that our volunteers took the time to hang at each trail indicating whether the trail is an easy, moderate or difficult, then decide if you are up to skiing at that level. Look for signs that say, “DO NOT ENTER” as these are one-way routes and because of curves, hills or other obstacles have been designated as such. Do not go backwards on these routes.
Lastly, just as a ‘heads up’, no dogs are allowed on any of our trails. That goes for Colpoy’s, and both the ski and snowshoe trails at Sawmill Nordic Centre. Have fun skiing or snowshoeing … And keep your head up.