Road condition update as of 2-25-21

Entrance to Shimek Forest 

Oh the weather outside is delightful. I'm so ready to go riding it is frightful. 

Oh wait - winter is not quite over yet!

It's so hard to wait!  Here is want the conditions look like at Shimek Lick Creek right now.  We better think twice before hooking up and heading out.

Update on the status of Lick Creek Roads - Road and Equestrian Campgrounds in Shimek as of 2/25/2021.  As the snow turns to icy slush, road conditons are, if anything, even worse that earlier as the mud season creeps even closer.  John Byrd, Forester said: "The roads are VERY SLOPPY."

This is the entrance view to Lick Creek Unit. 

 As you can see it is still snow, ice, slush, and then mud covered.

And then there is the Concrete Hill to manipulate.  I'm pretty sure this would be a very challenging endeavor to maneuver this hill with a trailer in tow and actually make it safely up the hill.  As the saying goes, things that go up must come down.  One way or another.  

The campgrounds do look so lovely and peaceful though - at least for the moment...but looks can be deceiving as we all know.

Lower campground

Upper campground

The campgrounds looks so lovely and peaceful.  I could envision a few snowball fights and a couple snowmen scattered throughout the camp sites.  A hot campfire would be enticing. We could be sipping on warm coffee or hot chocolate to take the chill away.

Oh, but it would be best to wait until all the road conditions are safe, ice and snow has melted away, and the muddy sloppy mess is a bit more solid.

In due time, we can enjoy a nice hot campfire, hot coffee and chocolate, and the ever present merriment of fellow campers.

Spring is coming - the geese are heading North.  It won't be too long before the trails will be buzzing with riders and hikers.

Until then - May the sun shine brighten your winter spirits, may you find peace in the clear blue skies and warmer weather.

Photos courtesy of Patrick Thomas, DNR Technician. By the way- he was not pulling or attempting to pull a trailer on these road conditions.

Kathy

Editor

Shimek Forest Road Conditions

 

Ready to get the horse loaded up? The weather will be great!

But --wait a little bit longer!

I am just a eager as the next person to hit the trails.  I'm ready to get some fresh air after being cooped up all winter.  We need to be a little bit more patient.  Hopefully, we will get this snow melted, the trails firmed up, and  ready to ride once all the conditions are more favorable to ride.

Start making that list of things to do once the weather allows us to be out in the woods.

I can hardly wait to see everyone along the trails.

Until then - be safe - be healthy.  

Spring is just around the corner.

Happy Trails are coming!

Kathy

Editor

Shimek Camping Fees have changed

 

It's February!

Is anyone ready to load up the camper and go camping?

Check out the fee changes before you head to your favorite camp site.

It will soon be time to hit the trails.  Let's start planning the ways we can help with trail maintenance.  We need to be mindful of down trees, briars that are hanging out in the trail, and the always ongoing trash that accumulates along the trails.  Our forest is a beautiful place to ride and enjoy it's serenity.  We all need to pitch in to keep it that way.

Winter will soon be over.  Spring is around the corner.  Trail riding is coming into focus.

  Until we meet on the trail, be safe!

Kathy 

FOS Editor

Photo and fee update by

Lora Conrad