Escapades at Machickanee

BY RICH PALZEWIC

Sometimes what you read on the internet isn’t true, but in this case, I

should have listened to the advice heeded.

The northeastern Wisconsin area received about 5 inches of snow in

mid-January, which finally opened the area cross country ski trails.

The trails had been open a few days here and there earlier in the

season, but I didn’t ski for the first time until Jan. 20 at the Barkhausen

Waterfowl Preserve in Suamico, a northern suburb of Green Bay.

Reading the trail reports for the Machickanee Ski Trails in Oconto

County the weekend prior to my first ski, it said, “The trails are groomed, but

the parking lot is not plowed – bring a shovel just in case you get stuck.”

I didn’t think much of the comment, but I should have, especially

considering I would be using a vehicle that didn’t have four-wheel drive.

Driving north on Highway 41/141 from Green Bay about 25 miles, plenty

of signage directed me to the trails.

I wasn’t quite sure where to go, so I pulled off on a road near the

trails that wasn’t plowed very well but had other vehicle tracks.

Long story short, I got stuck – not bad but enough to derail my plans.

I scraped the snow away as best I could, but it was to no avail.

I even tried rocking the car myself and got the back wheels close to

the pavement.

I knew I was only a small push away from being back in action, and I

was happy when an approaching truck stopped to help.

My enthusiasm turned to disappointment when the elderly man said, “I’d

love to help, but I have a doctor’s appointment I need to get to.”

I explained it would only take 30 seconds, but he was gone faster than

my car got stuck.

Frustrated, another vehicle stopped five minutes later and pushed me

out.

I was correct – it only took one heave and about 30 seconds.

Turning around, I saw a parking lot I had passed up that had more

vehicle tracks entering.

I sat there for a good minute thinking to myself, “Can I get in there,

turn the vehicle around, ski and get out without getting stuck?”

Being the stubborn person I am, I went for it … and promptly got stuck

again.

I was able to ease myself out of the lot and felt lucky to be in one piece.

I stopped at Barkhausen on my drive home and skied for about an hour at

a nice easy pace – it was a wonderful time to be on the trails. I didn’t see

another skier that day.

I also went back to Barkhausen the following day, skied some new trails

and saw only one other skier during the time I was there.

I will definitely go back to Machickanee soon with the four-wheel-drive

pickup truck and have a great ski – and not get stuck!

Machickanee is a classic-only trail and has about 12 kilometers of

marked trails.

According to the trail’s website, skimachickanee.org,

the trails lead through a series of forest types,

including red pine plantations, coniferous swamps, oak ridges and birch and

aspen stands.

They undulate through

topography ranging from creek bottoms to ridge tops.

Numerous hills and

curves of various slopes and lengths make this course a challenge for the

intermediate to advanced skiers.

The trails also include a beginner loop that can be

enjoyed by skiers of all ability levels.

The day before my first ski of the season, I took my

daughter Francesca to a local disc golf course and met my brother-in-law Kevin

for some snowshoeing.

We opted for the disc golf course instead of

Barkhausen because we wanted fresh snow to tromp through. Barkhausen is heavily

used for snowshoeing during/directly after a snowstorm and gets tramped down.

Our plan was to walk all 18 holes, touching each

disc golf cage upon completion of the hole.

Most of the course is wide open, so we had deep snow

for most of the trek.

I compare snowshoeing to a slow jog – more aerobic

than walking but not running.

About halfway through, we took a break to relax and

catch our breath before continuing.

Toward the end, Francesca showed her strength by

running ahead – oh to be young again!

I plan to cross country ski as much as I can to make

use of my $40 yearly pass for the Brown County Ski Trails, but I’m guessing by

the time you read this, I’ll be on the road biking with the warmer weather.