Hi Leo,

This sounds like a great time. I would be very interested. I skate ski,
tele, and I also have a split board that I would be more than willing to
loan out to someone.

Thanks

August Wheeler
208 315-2063


>From: idmtnguy@...
>Reply-To: jughandlehut@yahoogroups.com
>To: Nordictrips@yahoogroups.com, idahooutdoors@yahoogroups.com,
>jughandlehut@yahoogroups.com
>Subject: [jughandlehut] Idaho City Area Yurt Trip, Feb, 17-20th
>Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 19:04:05 -0500
>
> Are you ready for a mid-winter vacation? I have reserved the Banner Ridge
>and Elkhorn yurt for President's weekend February 17-20th. I am looking for
>a few fun loving people to fill the two yurts . The yurts are free for you
>because I am using them to host the Outdoor Idaho TV show producer and his
>cameraman. Outdoor Idaho, the PBS TV show wants to do an episode on the
>Idaho City yurts so I am looking for a good mix of people that can
>snowshoe, skate ski, telemark ski, backcountry snowboard and traditional
>ski. I also would like a mix of experienced yurt users and newbies, Your
>stay can be one, two or three nights depending on the type of users we need
>for the filming. I can accommodate up to 12 people per night in the yurts.
>One half of the group will be staying at the Banner Ridge yurt that has
>spectacular views of the Payette River drainage and Sawtooths. The other
>half will stay at the Elkhorn yurt that has views of the Trinity Mountains
>and Pilot Peak. Both yurts have great telemark slopes nearby.
>
>I plan to leave from my office in Boise located at Warm Springs Ave next to
>the Shakespeare Theater at 2:00 pm. on Friday, February 17th and will be
>returning to Boise by 2:00 pm on Monday, February 20. Car pooling is
>encouraged. Drivers will need a $7.50 Park N' Ski pass or annual to park at
>the Banner Ridge Park N' Ski area. I will be snowshoeing in to the yurt
>with a sled but you could ski if you want. If you are not comfortable going
>up and down steep hills with a backpack on skis the best choice would be to
>snowshoe. If the conditions are right for skiing, I plan to bring in my
>backcountry or skate skis in on my sled.
>
>Recommended equipment: daypack, backpack or pulk sled, gaiters, poles,
>snowshoes, tele skis, skate skis, traditional skis, split-snowboard, trail
>lunches, snacks, beverages of your choice, lightweight sleeping bag, small
>pillow, sunglasses, slippers/booties, one water bottle, headlamp, emergency
>supplies, toothbrush/paste, wicking underwear top and bottom, a light
>weight polar fleece or down coat, wind/waterproof shell jacket and pants,
>warm hat, pair of lightweight gloves, and a T-shirt and cut off short to
>change into when we get to the yurt. I can provide for a following
>equipment of a few people: pulk sled, snowshoes and poles.
>
>I will bring the following group gear: first-aid kit, paper towels, propane
>and maps. I would like to plan a group supper, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
>night and hearty group breakfasts on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Lunches
>are on your own. The kitchen is fully stocked so we can cook gourmet meals.
>Expenses such as group meals will be shared. Once I finalize who is going I
>will come up with menu and assign people to buying, preparing and serving
>certain meals.
>
>To get to the Banner Ridge yurt, you should expect a 2 mile ski/snowshoe
>climbing 800 feet. It could snow just before we go so you could be breaking
>trail. It can take up to 1 to 1.5 hours to get in when we have a foot or
>more of new snow. To get to the Elkhorn yurt you follow the same route as
>the Banner Ridge yurt but you travel 1 mile beyond it on generally level
>ground. Each day we will come up with a plan to video and play. Example:
>One day we may need a couple of shots of skate skiers on a freshly groomed
>trail and then later we will video of someone cooking dinner. Each yurt
>will have a radio so we can plan each day the night before. You are not
>required to volunteer to be filmed but I hope a few of you are willing.
>Those that are not camera shy please bring your brightest clothing. Reds,
>yellows and purples are nice contrasts with the white snow, green dark
>trees and the light blue sky. If you prefer to relax you can just curl up
>on the futon bed and read a good book or yurt log. The yurt will be warmed
>up to 80 plus degrees so do not worry about being cold. After supper we can
>play table games or just socialize around the glass fronted wood stove. The
>camera crew is not expected to be there all weekend so I will likely have
>time to lead a few off-trail adventures to interesting places. If the group
>is in the right mood I am willing to lead a late night snowshoe to a secret
>meadow.
>
>Sorry but dogs are not allowed during the winter at the Banner Ridge and
>Elkhorn yurts. If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask me or look
>on the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation website: Idahoparks.org
>under backcountry yurts and then winter yurt manual. The manual is a
>planning guide that covers all the details. Contact me as soon as possible
>if you would like to go. I plan to keep each yurt group small (6 persons).
>Day guests are welcome if you can not spend the night. I hope to hear from
>you.
>
>
>Leo Hennessy
>Non-Motorized Trails Coordinator
>Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
>PO Box 83720
>5657 Warm Springs Boulevard
>Boise ID 83720-0065
>Work: (208) 334-4180 ext 228
>Work Fax: (208) 334-3741
>Cell: (208) 866-6471
>
>