The volunteers who run the Township
of Greater Madawaskas cross country ski trails are extremely excited
about work to be done by the 33rd Combat Engineers Regiment to expand the ski trail network.
Pam Cunningham, co-founder of the group, says "We have three rewards
planned for the trail expansion: to add some links that change
dead-ends into loops, to add a destination that leads to a lookout with
a view, and to add a more technical trails that incorporate a big
downhill run."
Madawaska Nordic was founded in 2005 and currently has about 10 km of
groomed and track set cross-country ski trails. Each year small
improvements in the trail system have been made using fees from skiers
but this year's expansion could not be done without the strength and
energy of the Combat Engineers.
The Engineers will be adding 2-3 km of trails over very rough terrain
and will be building a bridge to link the new trail to the existing
trail network. As Ian Cunningham says, "The Engineers wanted a project
for training purposes. Man, do we have a project for them. Its scary
what 60 young men and women reservists can do in a weekend
compared to 3-4 retirees working a half day a week!"
Madawaska Nordic will now be able to offer both nice undulating trails
for those skiers who just want to go out and have a gentle ski and
enjoy the fresh air and for those who want something more demanding and
perhaps getting air-borne as the trees flash by—a real adrenaline
rush.
The trail expansion has been several years in the planning and has
require many hours by Peter Westlund, Johm Parnell, and Pam and Ian
Cunningham, thrashing around in the bush on skis, snow shoes and hiking
boots searching for possible routes.
Councilor, John Pratt, deserves a great deal of thanks for seeking out the 33rd
Combat Engineers to work on this project. Madawaska Nordic is providing
approximately $500 from user's fees for material for the project. We
also have support from the township's Council and Roads Department,
Murphy's Landing who is providing meals back in the bush and the
assustance if several local ATV owners. This is a real community team
effort!
Madawaska Nordic invites everyone to come out and ski the trails
next winter. The day fees are low and trail conditions and directions
are available at MadawaskaNordic.org
Contact: Ian and Pam Cunningham. Ph 613-432-6735 E-mail pamc@sympatico.ca September 12, 2008