With some fresh snow falling during the week I managed to convince Mike and Bryan to dig their skis out of storage (yeah, like they’ve already gotten around to storing their skis) for one last ski. While the snow was probably the best around P10 and P12, the guys seemed intent on one last mission up to Lusk cabin… and who am I to argue. Sunny day, beautiful cabin by the lake…. let’s go! Seems like Lac Phillippe got a lot less snow than further into town near Fortune Lake but there was still skiable snow (after a short walk from the parking lot). It was a little cool when we started (-2C) and the snow pack was icy fast. It was also pretty badly chewed up by a truck that must have driven up the campground roads… but there was still good snow along the sides. Cruising along we found a few spots we had to portage but they were mostly short and painless. It was clear that some of the walks were likely going to be a little longer on the way out though as the snow was melting fast. Once at the turn off to Lusk cabin we had good snow all the way up to the lake – nice frozen base and skidoo/ATV tracks compacting the snow to give some easy skiing. In fact we met the ATV coming down from the cabin as we skied up. He had a big box of birdseed on the back so I guess today was time to refill the feeders. Clearly the birdseed they give to the birds at Lusk cabin must be like crack for birds as the chickadees at Lusk seem to be the most aggressive birds I’ve ever met at looking for handouts. Not just “Will you feed me? Tweet, tweet…” but more “Hey, buddy! Hand over your sandwich… and anything else you got in your pack. Do it now and no one gets hurt!!” Kind of like getting mugged by little birds.

Marauder demanding his due
Once up to the cabin we took up positions on the deck and enjoyed some lunch and the warm sunshine. Beautiful spot to spend a little time, read the cabin log book, eat (quickly before the birds steal your lunch) and enjoy a beverage. Finally it was either head back to the car or stretch out in one of the bunks for a nap so we strapped on the boards and headed down. Things were much easier on the descent. The warmth of the day had turned the top layer of the icy base into a nice layer of velvet. Quick stop at Renaud and then we headed back to the cars. Lots of people on foot along the campground roads – even a family on bicycles (walking them across the snow) and we came across the ATV again, this time hauling baggage into one of the huts (the guests don’t carry their own bags?). Longer stretches of asphalt on the way out but the warm sunny day made these seem like no big deal. I expect I’ll get out for some skiing tomorrow but, if today was any indication, this weeks last blast of winter is melting fast.