The Logistics of Cross Country Skiing

I don't carry my ski pass with me religiously when I go cross country skiing at Hiawatha.  I have had a pass for four years and have never been checked once.  On Sunday, I decided to dress in an ample amount of layers and brave the -30 weather and go out for a ski in order to enjoy the sunshine. While skiing back to the vehicle after I finished the trail, I came upon four young men on skis, all of them adorned in bright orange reflective vests blocking my way on the trail.  Low and behold, the buggers were checking for trail passes!

I kindly explained that I did not have it with me.  The "spokesperson" of the group said they would "really appreciate" if I wore my pass from now on.  I agreed and said that I usually hang it from my rear-view mirror instead of wearing it but- alas, had driven a different vehicle that day (of course).  He also said that they would like it if I stopped by the office on my way out and let them know that I had a trail pass.  I inquired if they would be letting the office know that I would be coming.  He said no.  I asked if they could check later on the computer to verify that I had a trail pass.  He said that he didn't have any way to do so... I thought... "Well, that's odd.  You'd think they could carry a pen and paper and write down some names, and check on it later."  I asked "Why am I stopping at the office if they don't know I am coming and you aren't stopping there afterward?"  He repeated himself "We would really appreciate it if you stopped at the office on your way out."  Has Hiawatha been programming robot trail pass enforcers?  He didn't seem to understand what I was getting at so.... like I always do with robots  stupid people those less gifted in the logic department, I just decided to let it go, smile and nod... and ski away.

"...the buggers were checking for trail passes!"

Contemplating whether or not I should actually go out of my way to stop at the office, I decided it could only add to the entertainment value of the story - so why not?

Approaching the office, I found there were no free parking spaces except for the handicap spot.  Breaking the third law of the day (I had been skiing the wrong direction when the trail police stopped me) - I parked there and zipped inside.  I found no one behind the desk, for the employee was having a leisurely chat with someone in the common area.  He came over to the desk and I informed him that I had been checked for a pass out on the trail and that I didn't have it with me.  I had been told to check in with him and let him know that I had a pass. He looked at me strangely and said, okay I believe you.  I asked him if he could just look it up in the computer.  He verified the information and said "Well, I guess I could give you a day pass in case they check you again".  I said, no I'm done for the day thank-you-very-much.  He asked if the trail police had known that and I said yes - they asked me to stop on my way out.  He shook his head and we both looked at each other - equally as confuzzled.  We both smiled and nodded, and I was on my way.