On Sunday, the 21st of December, after a foot of new snow had piled up, master groomer Davinius and his neophyte apprentice Timmy, once again ventured into the snowy wastes of the Alturas Lake ski area in an attempt to locate buried ski trails. The Trail to the Lake was roughly packed and snow stakes were placed at strategic points. Timmy alternated careening through the trees, hanging on for dear life, with digging deep pits to drive the snowmobile out of, and while this may not have accomplished much, he did show great spirit and the indefatigable devil may care attitude necessary for the grooming life. On Monday, Timmy drove off in his Mercedes hippy van for Christmas in the Oregon woods and broken, old Davinius retreated to his cabin to lick his wounds and pet his cats. With Timmy gone for a week and Davinius afraid to go out in the woods alone, heavily medicated and strapped to a heart monitor,  do not expect great ski trails at Alturas until the new year. If we can find a caregiver to ride along with Davinius, we will report any grooming progress made. Until then, the ski trails at Alturas are not recommended.