It has been a crazy September of flooding in Pennsylvania and several eastern states. Today more flash flooding took place, a soggy addition to storms Irene and Lee. What does this mean for cross-country skiers? There has been a lot of trail and park damage. As skiers prepare for a new cross-country ski season, one item that should be included on the checklist is trail maintaining. Checking now on favorite ski trails could prevent a wasted trip in winter. Bridges and roads have been damaged, trails washed out, and trees downed in a lot of locations, especially in the eastern half of the state. Consider becoming a trail volunteer with a local trail authority and make a difference by helping restore your favorite ski trails. Reporting damage to forestry officials and park superintendents will also help identify what needs to be repaired. If damage is severe and a repair cannot be accomplished any time soon please share it with crosscountskipa.com. The damaged trail, park, or road can be published on the site and save someone a trip this winter. Looking forward to a great new season of skiing in Pennsylvania. HP

Paddling a school playground in State College, PA