McLaren Valley

[john]

Howdy everyone! The Christmas season is quickly up on us and we are getting Christmas Snow!!!!

We have only gotten 6” so far but enough to totally cover any gravel spots and pavement on the Denali.

Temperatures remain mild in the Maclaren Valley the upper teens to low 20’s everyday. Heck, yesterday they hit 32 degrees but it only brought more snow. With the little flakes we have been getting here and there we have a good 10 inches of snow on top of the base we already had.

Since the lack of snow has forced the cancellation of some dog races, there will be a dog race at the Maclaren River Lodge this weekend. Sort of a “come as you are” 50 mile race on Saturday afternoon.

For those of you coming in from the Paxson side of the highway, Paxson Inn will have lodging there and will be expecting you. If you would like to join the race email us at maclarenlodge@starband.net or call (907) 822-5444. If you are coming out to Maclaren by snowmachine, be aware of the teams on the trail for the race will be going on Saturday afternoon. 10 teams have already signed up with more expected so there will be lots of teams on the trail between Paxson and the Maclaren Valley.

Paxson to Maclaren Valley – fresh snow has covered the pavement and the trail has had snowmachine traffic on it already, with wide heavy sleds.

Maclaren Valley to Cantwell – fresh snow has covered the gravel in the Mile 60 area and there was dog team traffic and snowmachine traffic on that yesterday.

7 Mile Lake – The trail into 7 Mile Lake has been put in all the way through Glacier Gap, it is in good shape but there were a few rocks still showing and some brush between Glacier and 7 Mile. Until last night the lake was swept clean of snow and a couple of small overflow spots were showing.

Maclaren Glacier Trail – we have had one rider take that trail. It is good, especially when you get off the trail and get high. There is some overflow and some open water in the Valley, but good otherwise.

Lake Louise Trail – until the snow gets deeper and the weather a bit colder to freeze up some spots, the trail has not been traveled.

Take Care and we look forward to seeing you on the trail!!!!

Alan Echols