Winterfest check in...

“I wanted to post earlier, but I'm a tad under the weather (little play on words).

Rumi (nihilist) left here for his trip to Reno. He crashed at my place along with another friend that was passing through. He said he would post soon and let us know he made it OK.

I want to thank all those that attended... this was the largest gathering of "strangers" (i.e., friends that haven't met yet), we have had in a very long time and it worked out great!. Everyone became family in a very short time. We ended up with around, what, 14 of us? Everyone seemed to have a good time. I got to make many new friends and that is always a blessing. Not a whiner in the bunch. I am looking forward to more trips, snow camping and moonlight hikes with all of you soon.

I will post more later but like Ladyhiker, I still have a garage full of wet tents, one room full of wet clothes, pads and bags, etc and a gear room that looks tossed.

Once again, thank you all for making this such a great New Years.....in each time zone!
last edited: 1/02/05 5:48:16 PM”

“For the sake of continuity, this post from our lovely Ladyhiker.....




Count me in for Winterfest 2006!

“Ladyhiker checking in! My first snowcamping experience was great fun!

Great friends (new and old), MtnSteve and his Tipi (great to finally meet ya Steve! You really know how to put on a party! I actually had leftover Hot Damn... How could that have happened??? :-), perfect snow (well.. maybe a bit more than we bargained for... Next time Sandyann does her snow dance, be prepared!), great stories (Sandyann and I have no choice but to be at Winterfest 2006 to hear the repeat of the Purple Pickle), celebrating 2005 by each time zone and waking up snuggled warm and toasty in my 0 degree bag while the morning snow softly and quietly welcomed in the New year.

Wishing everyone peace, health and great hiking in 2005!

Driving home, I was totally worried about the Siskiyou Summit on I-5, but that was a piece of cake. It was the unexpected snow storm north of Medford in the dark (with no one passing me and letting me lead through the snow probably thinking that the person in the F150 4X4 must know snow.... little did they know!) that made me wish I would have stopped at that Chevron with the facilities!!

Now... back to reality... WET gear everywhere! And then there is that Christmas tree still in the living room..
last edited: 1/02/05 5:14:05 PM”

ladyhiker03
5:12:18 PM
1/02/05”

“A special thank you to Rodney, Tamara, Steve and Susan...it wouldn't be New Years without ya.

The pyrotechnics were great Rodney!”

“Can I just say the worst thing about my trip to Winterfest was the poop that my stove took on me? Thanks to some handiwork by MtnSteve and it is working fabulously again.

I had a fantastic time as I expected I would. I enjoyed everyone and believe I have met a some future hiking buddies. I loved the Tipi, the stove, the Hot Damn, fireworks and not least of all was the back massage I got from Susan. My garage is full of dripping gear hanging from the rafters. Sorry for leaving a little early but it appears as though I beat the holiday traffic and had time to take a nap today.

Happy New Years to All! I will be looking forward to our next adventure together. By the way, I already put some photo's up on Webshots under 'ducsan'.”

“Thanks to everyone. The snow was wonderful, the tipi is incredible and a great place to listen to stories about friendly mountain lions and friendly Ansel Adams. There are no words for Mtnsteve's capacity to lead under whatever conditions come his way. Here's a link to my photos.
[url]http://community.webshots.com/album/243142782CNzzWG?957 [/url]”

“Sandyann, I enjoyed your photos, got to see the midnight festivities I missed......... Next year.”

“More thanks to Icsodiver, SandyAnn , Wannapb and Landscaper for having a camp set up for me to arrive at on Thursday night....especially after that drive in the storm. Being met at the road by hooded, but friendly faces and guided down a nice trail to camp was a welcome treat.

A special thanks to Icsodiver for all his hard work scouting the area out, it took a big load off my shoulders.

It's always fun when new traditions are begun, the story of the Purple Pickle (thanks Brett), the passing of The #&%!$ (I know that will get censored, but it rhymes with....hell, what does it rhyme with?), the question..."Are you gay?" and celebrating each time zone will now be required.

SandyAnn, you are welcome at my trailer park anytime.

wannapb's photos

SandyAnn's photos

MtnSteve's photos
last edited: 1/03/05 9:16:02 AM”

“Who all went?”

“I wish I went :(

hey Mtsteve if I am really nice this year can I get a ticket to next years winterfest? :D? (is giving the most innocent puppydog face I know how to make)”

“Great photos everybody..... looks like a ton of fun !”

“Looks like you guys had a lot of fun! I'm sorry I missed it. I had a quiet night at home by myself. 1st time in my life, i've spent new years alone. ah well!”

“Hi this is Bob checking in, The trip was great! I can't wait to do it again, nice pictures everyone! It was great to meet everybody.”

“Hikerchic..you were there in spirit.

Ladymaritel...I am sorry you and your son couldn't make it, I do understand though. I appreciate the trouble you went through to let me know. There will be other trips, you are on my short list.

Spirit Coyote...I promise, I will send you a ticket..It will be good for two nights, but you gotta figure out how to get here ;-)

Here is a list of who was there...am I missing anyone?

wannapb
Landscaper
SandyAnn
Icsodiver
Ladyhiker
Rob
Nihilist
Rodney
Tamara
Brett
Steve
Susan
MtnSteve”

“I almost forgot to thank Brandy for the updates and help she gave, sorry we didn't get to meet you. I'll be sure to have Susan keep you informed of our adventures.”

“You wouldn't believe the number of people that were worried about me because of that guy that had to be rescued the other day.

I think my future winter camping trips will be forever found lacking since I can't have a wood burning stove in the Himalayan hotel!”

“Cool trip! Did you guys get drunk and play strip-Yahtzee in the teepee? New Year's Day is also my girlfriends burpday so there's no way I could've made it at that particular juncture in time, basically speaking.”

“Great pictures everyone! Great pic of the trailer park chair of Sandyanns. Added a real touch of class to the burbs...

Here's a few more pics to add...

http://community.webshots.com/scripts/editPhotos.fcgi?action=viewall&albumID=244016480”

“Ladyhiker, Webshots won't let me in, says I'm not the owner of the album. Anyone tell you you're an angel lately? Well, you are.

Steve, there's a guy on the High Sierra thread asking about summiting Mt. Shasta. Am I right you know a lot about Shasta?”

“I've been up it a few times, she's a beautiful mountain.


Buck....Folks did strip down lot, had couple that only had an item or two left to take off.

Note to self, must get bigger stove.”

“Hey guys...

Thanks for a wonderful time. Sorry I didn't check in sooner - I just found this "trailtalk" section.

As some of you know, Kris and I left on Saturday to snowshoe at Castle Crags. Unfortunately, it was raining down there so I headed over the mountains to Lassen... stopped briefly then headed to Reno and Tahoe to snowboard in the morning. Slept in my car in Truckee on Saturday night. When I woke up, it was a white-out. The roads were bad and traffic even at 8am was nasty. Due to the unfavorable conditions on the mountain, I headed home.

Thanks for all the photos. What a fantastic group of people.

Rob "Beetle Bailey" ???”

“You know, now everytime you go out with us you will be expected to bring the Baileys?

Too bad about the weather in Truckee and your wasted day. It was so nice to be home on Sunday and get everything put away a day early. I am glad you came and I had the opportunity to meet you.”

“I am not sure the chair added anything but ruin any photo ops. But I was able to put on my boots outside of the tent and not sit in the snow to do it. :o) I had a great time with you Chris and hope to do it again soon!”

“Try this for ladyhiker03
http://community.webshots.com/album/244016480cIzaLi”

“Thanks, Sandyann. That worked.

I like your pictures, Kris.

Rob, I noticed you TRT trip post and figured that was you. Start a thread to go with it. People don't always look at the trips.”

“Rob, it was great to meet you...hope to see you again.

Great pictures everyone.

I still think your chair was a touch of class Sandy......”

“Steve, are you all well now? I could listen to wildcat stories forever. I hope you've got more for next year. Shucks, by next year, I won't even know if they're the same ones with my memory.”

“I had a major relapse by Sunday, bout knocked me down...I'm a lot better now though....this bug really hangs in there..lol

I've got lots more kitty story's, three years worth...don't worry, I'll save em for ya ;-)”

“Wannabp... I'm pretty sure that is not the usual description of me I've heard! Most people are at a loss of words to describe me! Thank you! By the way... I left off the description of your delicate condition in the stop sign picture...

Rob... Glad you finally checked in! Was wondering how your trip to Tahoe went. Give me a call/email when you have some time to explore the cascades... Maybe you can drag some of the other Winterfesters (Sounds like something that Susan would say, doesn't it?) up here with you. I know of at least "2" great hotsprings to warm up in after the day in the snow! The trail name is official! Rob Beetle Bailey's!

Next year.... who is in charge of bringing the Yahtzee game? :-)”

“Steve,
I had an opportunity to attend a 'Winter Backcountry' seminar at REI. I am kinda proud to say that I think I know what I am doing since I didn't learn anything from this guy. I will admit, that he didn't go too far into avalanche etc, but as far as basics, equipment and know how, I do okay! Wait till I bring the barcalounger (spelling?)for a chair on the next trip. Hope you are beter soon!”

“I've seen folks who were "taught" everything they could possible need to know, still screw up so badly in the mountains that I wouldn't recommend them as hiking partners to anyone. It's not just what you know, it's being "mountain smart". I think you , much like Susan, Amy and Rodney, have the gift. Perhaps in a past life you were hiking the high passes.

Actually, all the folks I met over New Years, seemed to have more mountain smarts then most..... perhaps the Hot Damn brings it out ;-)”

“I didn't mean to sound pompous or a know it all. I meant to say I went to the seminar tonight and when I go over what he covered I think I do okay. I do appreciate your vote of confidence though.

The guy is with NPS Ski Patrol up in the Sierras around Dodge Ridge. I think the presentation was geared towards beginners. So I guess I am not quite a beginner anymore.”

“Sorry??

Your not the least bit pompous. I didnt read that at all. You should be proud.

and you do have the gift.
last edited: 1/05/05 1:11:11 AM”

“Anyone hear from nihilist (Rumi Dude) ?”

“Sandyann... Barcolounger? Too funny! I have this visual of you lounging in your chair(s) outside your tent in 3 feet of snow reading the latest "Snow Enquirer" in your down booties sipping Hot Damn while the rest of us are bundled up in layer after layer of fleece standing (note - STANDING) around coveting your seating arrangements. (I'm looking around to make sure that that old broken down washing machine isn't on the other side of your tent!)”

“Ladyhiker03- hahaha! That is so good. No, look for the old tent up on jacks with the missing fly.

I haven't seen a post from Rumi or Nihilist. I thought he was going off to Reno for some fun in the sun?”

“Nihilist (Rumi, AKA Richard) left Reno today...he said he would get in touch with the Winterfesters soon (it does sound like something Susan would say...lol)”

“Hey Nihilist... Rumi... Richard.... WHATEVER... I ended up with your radio.. It's not my fault... I specifically gave the responsibility to Sandyann to remind me to give it back to you.. Not my fault...

hahaha... too funny!! Tent up on jacks??”

“Sandyann... Next time we go hiking, I'll be looking for the lady with the old mattress strapped on the top of her pack with the bailing twine..(who needs a thermarest?)”

“er... I mean back from Reno. What a loooong strange trip it's been.

Ladyhiker, you will just have to go BPing with me to return the radio. You know of course, that is an old trick of us fellas to leave something at the lady's house as an excuse to return. heh heh I just wish I was that smart. Yea, I'll blame it on Sandyann also. No problem about the radio. {big smile}

Sandyann, Reno had about two plus feet of snow. Yikes! I don't think they are accustomed to that much snow in Reno. The streets were horrible. Geeze, I don't think they have a snowplow in Reno.

And now that I'm back in Seattle, just arrived, It is cold and supposed to snow tomorrow or something like that. Wow, it is cold here. Just hope we get a good snowpack this winter. It's good for winter play and makes the summer hiking easier because of plenty of water, though the mosquito population does benefit also.

Anyway, I will add more thoughts tomorrow after some much needed rest. I had a great time at Shasta with all the Winterfesters. I met some interesting people and hope to get to BP with them again soon!

Steve, you were a great host at Winterfest and your personal help to me aftewards was above and beyond. Thanks!

nihilist”

“Welcome back, Nihilist.”

“Hey all...

I'm still learning to navigate the message board. I guess my navigational skills need improvement in a number of way.

Thanks for the advice regarding starting a thread for my TRT hike. I'm doing a little work now planning for it. I have the topo maps with all the amenities avialable along the way, the itenerary for goals per day and such. It should be a lot of fun.

I was really excited to head back out to the snow this weekend - perhaps for some overnight snowshoeing but seems that tons more snow is on it's way tomorrow. Perhaps I'll hit the foothills and if it's not too bad, head up to the high country.

By the way, REI is doing Avalanche Lectures here in the Sacramento area. I'm not sure if that applies to your area or not. Keep your eye out.

Again, great to meet you all. I already feel like I've known most of you for a year or two!

Rob”

“Hi, Rob. I saw your TRT thread. We'll be doing the HST at the time, or would think of joining you.”

“... winter play. We are supposed to get a big dump of snow tomorrow in the
Cascades. There has been a steady accumilation of snow the last few days, so I guess I will do some skiing/snowboarding next Tuesday. I will also visit my little hideaway in the Cascades and do some snowshoeing.

If I didn't say so to you all before, I was very glad to have met all of you. Everyone seemed to have a great attitude and love life. Being a bit on the shy side, it sometimes takes a while for me to feel comfortable with people, but I felt right at home with all. On Saturday, I was kinda bummed about having lost my wallet, but I got over it. Oh, and thanks again Sandyann for buying me lunch. You are a classy person. You too, ladyhiker. Anyway I actually had such a good time, I am now considering trying to do one of the trips with some of you.

nihilist”

“Ladyhiker - A tent on jacks is a BP'ers equivalant of a White Trash Trailer park home with a car on jacks in front that is broken down. (remember, I speak from somewhat experience)

Nihilist - I had a great time with everyone the other night. I am sorry to hear you did lose your wallet; I was hoping you would have found it in the truck. You are welcome for the lunch - eating after the trip is always part of my agenda so if I had to spend a couple bucks so you could join, then I was happy to do so.

Rob- I would love to do the TRT with you but I think I might be a little too old to bust out that kind of mileage.

Everyone else, when are we going again?”

“No way, Sandyann, you're only old when you think old.

Going again? There are lots of CA opportunities posted..........”

“I'm gonna be setting up some full moon trips in a month or so...I'll keep y'all informed.

Right now they are calling for snow in the foothills of Redding, with possible snow in town later tonight. Chains are required heading in any direction except South.

I'm going skiing Sunday......”

“It's snowing in Redding.”

“I was up there at my sons last year during the snow and ice storm. Snowed in in Redding '04.”

“... we didn't get any snow in Seattle but heck we are at sealevel. But I just checked and it is currently snowing in the Cascades. I will go up skiing/snowboarding on Tuesday. It should be fun!

Steve, when I returned to Seattle on Wed, it was snowing from Lassen NP all the way to Shasta. I drove across 89. Couldn't see much because of the low clouds, but I did stop at one point and run out into a meadow just as a last fling near Shasta. I wasn't wearing boots, just my running shoes. My shoes were wet as well as my pants up to mid-thigh. Oh well, it was worth it! I soon dried out once back in the truck. OBTW, say "Hi!" to Frankie and Molly for me.

nihilist”