Now that I have read all the messages about the east side trails, I will put my other two cents worth into the discussion. My experience with the east side trails the last few years has been: -Gov. Nelson could be a very nice trail system for both skating and classical but the grooming needs great improvement. -Cherokee south is very good classical skiing when it is groomed every week or so. Apparently they only groom this trail after a major snow, like Olin-Turville. It was in good condition in December, but they have not groomed since early January and the trail is full of footprints that are frozen in. Really some tricky skiing. Would definitely need to be widened to accomodate skating. -Token Creek is flat and boring; also very noisy. The grooming is good, so it's better than nothing. -Olin- Turville is a fun little trail but it needs more frequent grooming. Would also have to be widened for skating. -Lake Farm - I haven't skiied there but I know a couple of people who do and they are very happy with it, but I'm told it's pretty flat. It seems like we have the start of some good trails and the best idea might be to work with the city, county, and state people who are responsible for the existing trails to improve them. I can't think of any place there could be a new ski trail as hilly as Elver on this side of town. But it certainly would be nice to have a place that you could rely on being in good condition when the weather permits. Denise Smith
