Reminder the Rock Soup is this Saturday Feb. 3

 

Club Meeting is Tuesday, February 6

 

See end of the letter for details on both.

 

Panhandle Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club
Newsletter for February 2007

President’s Message

The other day, while navigating my way back to the car on what was
an icy course of the inner loop at Fourth of July, I came upon two
ladies walking in their ski boots. Given the icy conditions, they
had abandoned their skis at the snowmobile shed, deciding that
walking was a safer proposition.

 

Ironically I was skiing in from the huge area beyond the inner
loop, where conditions were great. The snow pack has “set up”
early this year no doubt due to the many bouts of rain we endured
earlier in the winter. When the pack sets up, some of the best
skiing of the season is at hand. The pack now has the strength to
bear your weight and you can ski along its surface.

 

Last Sunday morning, the several days of cold and fog had covered
the pack with a thin layer of hoar frost crystals and decked out
the trees with a similar frosting. The woods dazzled in reds
yellows and oranges, when the morning sun broke over the ridge.

 

It is time to roam a bit beyond the confines of the inner loop. A
track is not set, but the ten-mile loop from the top of Loose
Moose, up Skateway to road 614 and on to road 1575 is groomed all
the way to the path going down the hill to the new hut.

 

From the hut it is groomed all the way back Elderberry to Peaceful
View on the inner loop. Watch out for that trail down to the hut,
it is narrow and often icy, so many times it is better to walk. It
is only an eighth of a mile down. You may not want to take the
turn on to 1575, but rather ski out towards Killarney Mountain or
Rose Saddle on road 614.

 

There is typically a lot on untracked snow out that direction. So,
as winter moves towards spring, consider expanding your skiing
horizons and seeing some other places in the ski area. Just
remember where you came from so, if necessary, you can follow your
ski track back.

 

The Panhandle Nordic Club has two events coming up.

 

On Saturday, February 3rd, the annual ROCK SOUP event is
scheduled. By 3 PM, two kettles of broth will be on the stove at
the warming hut. Those who want to participate should bring
something to add to the soup. A can of beans will do, or a can of
tomatoes or whatever is edible and your imagination can conjure
up. You may also want to bring some bread (or whatever) and
something to drink. Put your contribution in the pot and go off
for a ski. Around 5 PM, as dark is gathering and the skiers
return, the soup will be served. Bowls and spoons will be
provided. All are invited to enjoy the skiing, the rock soup and a
dinner with your fellow skiers.

 

The February CLUB MEETING is scheduled for Tuesday, February 6th,
at 7 PM at the Fernan Ranger District Office (1200 Sherman
Avenue).

 

(The board meeting will be at 6 PM at Fernan Ranger District)

 

The PROGRAM for the club meeting will be given by a few of our
club members (Jim, Jackie, Kay, and Carol), who made a trip to
China late last fall. They will present pictures and insights on
their trip.

 

We will also be planning for the upcoming BEST HAND FUN SKI in
late February. I hope to see you at the Rock Soup get together and
February club meeting.

 

Remember our web page is www.panhandlenordicclub.com