Winterfest check in...

“... got 20 inches of new powdah today. Face shots and over the head powdah shots were the norm there today. Geeze, I think I know where I will be on Tuesday. Fun in the snow!!!

nihilist






last edited: 1/07/05 7:08:32 PM”

“Looks like Sandyann is dancing again.........”

“I was last night....but I swear it wasn't the patented version. :o)”

“... do the snow dance on Sunday and Monday, directing it towards Mt. Baker. Please!!!”

“It's official - Sandyanns dance kicks ass! I drove up to the Sierras this morning and ended up spending about 5 hours on the road. The conditions up Hwy 80 are unbelievable. I left early, so the roads were open. On my way home, Hwy 80 was closed Eastbound toward Tahoe but open Westbound. I couldn't see ANYTHING! Complete whiteout for about an hour over the pass!

I think I'll let the gear dry out and take next weekend off ;)

Rob”

“... snowdancer!

nihilist”

“just done shake any hips towards the midwest. No more snow.”

“Ok, you guys are giving me way too much credit. But I kinda like the new name. I am hoping the snow slows down so it doens't affect my trip next week to Glacier Point. Snow is a good thing for the sled....but I want to barbecue salmon and that is difficult in a white out.

Sandyann aka 'snowdancer' ;o)”

“I like skiing. Seriously. I also like snowboarding and snowshoeing. I'm not just saying that.”

“It's a beautiful name, and you earned it fair and square. Welcome, Snowdancer!”

“Sandyann aka Snowdancer - I have the visual!

Nihlist - Are those pictures of you? Awesome powder! Absolutely, we need to get together for some more backpacking! You didn't even have to leave something at my house. (Thanks for the insight... I can start leaving some things around myself!). I will even promise to not keep you waiting!

Steve - I'm ready for a full moon hike!

Wannabp & Landscaper - Wish I could join you at Loon Lake! Make a snowangel for me!

I'm really getting my snow driving experience this winter.. Snowing right on the beach Friday while driving north from Brookings on Hwy 101. then Saturday driving back to Eugene. All fo this was at sea level or close! Bring on the snow!”

“Hey all...

Since the last 2 weekends haven't allowed much snowshoeing due to extreme weather conditions, I'm planning (once again) a trek on Jan 22 and 23. If anyone is interested, let me know. I'm not sure of location, but would be willing to find something that is midway for all of us!

Rob”

“By the way... what's the possibility of making a phone list of all the winterfest members for future connections.

I'd be glad to be responsible for it. if interested, email me at robertritchey@sbcglobal.net

Thanks
Rob”

“Rob, you've got mail.”

“Rob - I will send you my information. I am interested in possibly doing partof your TRT this summer if I can get the schedule to synch up with mine.

Only 4 more days and I will be snow camping again up at Glacier Point. Alas, no Tipi with wood burning stove! Steve has forever changed winter backpacking for me...;o( However, there will be Hot Damn!”

“The Loon Lake trip is considering a move to Glacier Point. Are you still going? Are there permit quotas? And most important, what's the slope like there? Are avalanches an issue after all this fresh snow?”

“We are still going up on Saturday. Plan on self registering at Badger Pass. I know there are daily limits as to how many people are allowed to backpack in the wilderness but I don't know that those limits apply in Jan. As far as avalance danger I guess depending on where you are at you might find yourself sliding down a slippery slope. One of the reasons we are not camping right at Glacier but somewhere between Badger Pass and Glacier Point is due to conditions and distance. Even though the road is groomed, it is 10 miles....on snow shoes!

We have a very large group going up so you will either see us or hear as at some point. I will look for you guys.”

“Rob...you have mail.

I get to put on my Ranger hat this Saturday...I told my wife I had to go to work, she gave my that funny smile and said..I bet your going up Loomis, huh?

It's not my fault the Rangers want to learn the back way into that area...is it, nope, not my fault at all......

They finally opened the road into Bunny Flat a couple days ago.

Snowdancer, why does that name just seem soooooo right?

Have fun this everyone weekend...be safe.”

“Hi, Steve, I finally did what you asked me to do on the phone, but I didn't say it was from you :) Is Loomis the same as the Manzanita area?
Snowdancer, we'll look for you. I think we may be headed more toward Dewey Point.
We'll be careful, Steve.”

“So, is this official, I guess I will have to log the new name and go through the whole 'troll' thing. Or you can all just keep referring to me as Snowdancer on the sly?

Steve, You know, those Rangers have to learn something, and unfortunately, I guess it has to be you this time huh? ;o) have a great time this weekend and I hope you are back to 100%. Record Snowpack in Yosemite....Wooohooooooooo”

“... a beautiful name for you Sandyann. Yes, it fits you in many ways.

Ranger Steve, be kind to the other rangers. Heck, I know you will. Just enjoy your time at work. {grins}

To all the rest, feast on your bounty of snow. I will be out Sunday thru Tuesday enjoying it Cascade style. Technically Lassen and Shasta are in the Cascades also, but you know what I mean. Anyway, I hope to get thru this winter without ripping or tearing any soft connective tissues while skiing and snowboarding. {smile}

nihilist”

“Sorry to stall... I'll get on the contact list and send them out. Unfotunately, I only heard from about 4 people. I was expecting more therefore awaiting patiently ;)

A couple of notes...

1. There's a 3-day weekend coming up for some of us - Presidents Day. I'd like to make it a wilderness adventure - some deep snowshoe / hikes in and camping. Anyone interested?

2. I'm headed in to Desolation Wilderness this weekend - snowshoeing into Rockbound Valley from Eagle Lake / Emerald Bay trailhead. Company is welcome if you're interested.

Hope you're all doing well.

Rob”

“Rob, did you see the Snowshoeing Among the Giants trip? We're going to be there.”

“I'll check and see if I get Pres Day off...I doubt it though.

I have been so busy I can't see straight, that and my computer keeps crashing. I don't get to log on as much as I would like. I will have to catch up on your trips, I'll start with Snowshoeing Among the Giants . Did Sandy post anything about her Yosemite trip?

I have to < grin > work for the park again this weekend...Last weekend the Ranger I was suppose to go out with had to go to the South side for something, sooooooo, they hooked me up with another volunteer. We had to put up signs for one of the trails and ski the loop to set tracks. It was a lot more fun then skiing with the Ranger.


I'll see how much I can catch up on before this damn thing crashes again......
last edited: 1/20/05 12:40:18 AM”

“not to many people are still up in my time zone”

“OK...the giants trip is coming up.

The reports and photos from the Yosemite trip are way cool. Looks like everyone had a ball. Sandy didnt have her tent up on blocks did she?

Happy Birthday Rockman.”

“Did you look at my pictures Steve? You might have noticed the picket fence outside my tent made of poles....gotta know how to use things for more than what they were made to do.”

“Thanks for the reminder about the snowshoe trip during Presidents weekend. I reviewed the info, but I may pass. As much as I want to see you all - I'd like to use my 3 day weekend for a longer trip - one I can't do in only 2 days.

Rob”

“Hi All...

I just got back in from an overnight snowshoe in Desolation. It was beautiful - only crossed a few people also. I hiked in from the Summit to Lake Aloha. I was going to go a bit further, but caught my snowshoe on a root on the incline and slammed down onto a rock on my patella. YOUCH! I decided to set up camp since I couldn't walk very well. Got up early this morning, took a pain pill, and hobbled out.

I'll post some pics when I get them developed.

Anything going on next weekend? I should feel better by then.

Rob”

“Can't wait to see the pictures. Glad you made it out OK.

Hows the knee doing?”

“Steve,

Thanks for asking - the knees doing great. I actually madeit back in this weekend for a 10 mile round trip snowshoe in Molekumne Wilderness off Carson Pass. This was probably my best trip yet - having cut about 4-5 miles of the trail myself with a 1500' elevation gain.

Any thoughts on a get-together this winter as we discussed during Winterfest? I know the Presidents weekend trip is coming up at Sequoia.

Hope you and everyone else is doing well

Rob”