What do you get when you try to ski Riverside Golf Course on only two inches of snow? Grass, gravel and grit. And "grabby" snow -- extreme clumping problems -- compounded the problem when I skied there yesterday.

Definitely the sort of day for your "rock skis."

The nicest part of my outing was meeting James and Yana Little, a Portland couple who moved here six months ago from Portland, Oregon.

James Little skis across Riverside Golf Course in Portland yesterday
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

Yana Little pushes through two inches of snow

Being new to the eastern Portland, they asked about cross-country skiing in the area. I suggested four good choices: Harris Farm in Dayton, Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook, Pineland Farms in Durham and Sunday River Cross Country Center in Newry.

I should have suggested that they join the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club, but due to a mental lapse, didn't. Hmmmm; maybe the whole idea of skiing in Portland (Maine) yesterday qualifies as a mental lapse.

The nicest part of my visit to Riverside yesterday was meeting fellow ski enthusiasts Yana and James Little

The worst part of my day was the extreme clumping problems with the snow

When there's enough snow, Riverside is a pleasant and convenient place for cross-country skiers, thanks to the Portland Ski Club, which assists in grooming it.

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