panhandlenordic : Messages : 80-109 of 140

March President's Message
Panhandle Nordic Club

Mid to late February gives the careful observer the first broad hints of the warm seasons approaching. Earth has swung along far enough on its winter path for the northern latitudes to gain back the tilt away from the sun it lost late last fall. The days have lengthened with daylight coming before 6:15 AM and the sun setting well after 5 PM. The sun is showing some strength when you stop to rest in a field of snow on a clear afternoon.

Those clear nights still chill down the snowpack making travel across it an easy task compared to the deep powdery snows of December. Late February through late March are typically the best times to enjoy a ski or snowshoe.

The hard pack allows you to traverse most terrain, while the snow re-crystallized makes the going easy. Now is the time to break away from the groomed trails and find some adventure and new views out beyond.

Don't worry much about getting lost. At Fourth of July, Skip Truscott has signs and maps posted well out beyond the grooming and if you venture further you can always back track yourselves.

A tour through the Twisted Klister circuit last weekend demonstrated to me that the backcountry and snowshoe use in these areas is on the upswing. Trails that typically have a track or two had been well traveled. Trails newly opened this year are being used to make circuits on this side of the ski and snowshoe area.

As I pulled up out of the parking lot on Monday, President's Day, there were as many cars parked at the Skywalker Access, than down in the parking lot. Those of us who have cleared roads and placed signs out beyond the old limits of the area are gratified to see this uptick in activity.

We only regret that the December run of snow piled up so quickly that we were unable to get the Twisted Klister warming hut completed as planned. We plan to build it this spring as a test and then take it back down. The practice should make it easier to construct as the ski and snowshoe season starts next year.

The March meeting is set for Tuesday March 3rd. As usual the meeting will begin at 7:00 PM at the Forest Service's Fernan Ranger Station. Park in the back parking lot and enter by the lower rear entrance. Our March meeting is the annual business meeting for the club. This year we will have the revised bylaws to place before the membership. The Board is working toward nonprofit status (501c(3)) designation by the IRS. In the process we discovered the bylaws were some ten years out of date. These have been revised to update them. They will be placed before the membership for approval of the changes. In addition it is time for election of officers.

After the business meeting the fun will begin. Awards will be made for those "Ya I Du Ski" kilometers covered. Please get your Ya I Du Ski sheets to Roberta Truscott on or before Saturday, February 28th. I hope she will accept a few late ones from the folks going to Beaver Lodge the weekend of February 28th and March 1st. The annual Liar's Contest will then get started. Here is your chance to share your wildest tale (truth optional) with your fellow skiers. The most accomplished liar will be recognized as the annual champion. Typically, Ole makes an appearance during the contest to share a joke or two and possibly a witty observation. I hope to see you at the next meeting sharing your best story of the season.

#108

From: <ski@...>
Date: Fri Feb 20, 2009 3:43 pm
Subject: Grooming AND Beaver Lake Lodge Trip

yarider

Offline

4th of July groomed Thrs.

Soft snow good classic and skate -- was *36 sunny at 1 pm

Feb 28, March 1 - Beaver Lake Lodge overnight Saturday ski (sowshoe) Frater Lake.

Overnight stay at the very (very) rustic Beaver Lake Lodge. Sunday ski the cross

country trails at 49 Degrees North.

For more info call Jackie Beery 644-4852.

#107

From: <ski@...>
Date: Sat Feb 14, 2009 4:40 am
Subject: Fourth of July Grooming

yarider

Offline

From Van

Feb 13. A little new snow took track well, so skate and classic good.

Fast but not icy today.

#106

From: <ski@...>
Date: Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:12 am
Subject: Fourth of July grooming

yarider

Offline

Feb. 10, From Van

4" new snow. Classic and skate tracks set today.

Temp on hill was *22 so should not be icy but i'm not

the weather person. have fun

#105

From: "phyllis" <pk1214@...>
Date: Wed Feb 11, 2009 3:08 am
Subject: Re: plans for skiing presidents day weekend

pkkayak

Offline

Hi ya'll,

I'm heading over to CDA for the holiday weekend and am thinking about doing a mid-day ski on Monday, like from noon to 3 pm! (Take note Kay & Jackie! I'm giving you a heads up this time!!) Haven't secured any plans really.... just beginning to formulate ideas`

My cell #503-504-7487 if anyone wants to let me know if anything develops by the weekend (I'll be away from my computer after Sat morn)

I'll leave ya'll a message in the hut if I don't see you on the trails`

Phyllis

----- Original Message -----

From: karenjwilliams

To: panhandlenordic@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2009 6:51 AM

Subject: [panhandlenordic] plans for skiing presidents day weekend

I missed the last meeting and wondering if anyone had skiing plans for
the upcoming sat sun mon weekend?

#104

From: "karenjwilliams" <karenjwilliams@...>
Date: Tue Feb 10, 2009 2:51 pm
Subject: plans for skiing presidents day weekend

karenjwilliams

Online Now

I missed the last meeting and wondering if anyone had skiing plans for
the upcoming sat sun mon weekend?

#103

From: <ski@...>
Date: Wed Feb 4, 2009 5:04 pm
Subject: Fourth of July grooming

yarider

Offline

Message from Van

New snow made grooming good tues afternoon.

Skate deck is set and a classic track around the loop

It was sunny *35 mid day so get up there.

#102

From: "VAN D BENNETT" <trivan7@...>
Date: Sat Jan 31, 2009 12:25 am
Subject: 4th

trivan7@...

groomed today fri still hard but took some tracks

skating good

should be o k for sat event v

#101

From: "Panhandle Nordic" <ski@...>
Date: Wed Jan 28, 2009 4:05 am
Subject: Panhandle Nordic Club News

yarider

Offline

www.panhandlenordicclub.com

February President's Message

As of late January, we have seen several weeks of cold ice fog in
the valleys and sunny days and cool nights in the mountains. The
generous snowpack of December and early January has turned to
cast iron, or so it seems by skiing the groomed routes. However,
no condition of a snowpack is a bad condition.

The trick is to find the right activity to enjoy the snow. For
example, I'm told the hard packed groomed surfaces on the Fourth
of July Area, while a challenge to the traditional diagonal
skiers, are a boon to the skate skiers. One club members
informed me last week that now was the time to skate the groomed
routes at the area.

The hard pack this early gives an opportunity to the snowshoers
and back country skiers to fan out into less travelled country.
There are new marked snowshoe trails to be explored up in the
Twisted Klister Area. Signs have been posted to guide your way.

Most of these routes can be skied, even though they are not
groomed.

For the more adventurous, the backcountry beyond the Eagle Run
Junction is easily travelled right now. The ski to the top of
Killarney Mountain or out to Rose Saddle is wide open and not
that far beyond the junction.

If you planning to venture into the Elk Mountain Country beyond
Rose Saddle or into the western side of Cedar Creek, you might
consider a partner or two should trouble ensue.

There are beautiful views and of course, the stories written on
the snow surface, such as tracks and other sign. If the week
brings a dusting of a few inches of snow as forecast, conditions
for the track skiers will improve, but conditions beyond the
tracked areas will be all the better. Consider skiing out beyond
the confines of the five mile loop and enjoy a whole additional
Fourth of July experience with a friend.

January is not quite over before the club has its primary
fundraiser of the year, the Best Hand Fun Ski on January 31st.
As in past years, participants will ski the five mile inner loop,
while those traveling by snowshoe traverse a section of
Jeanette's Jaunt. Teams will be stationed along the routes to
pass out cards.

The top winners will have their choice of the top three prizes, a
night at Stoneridge, a ski boot bag and the ever popular fully
catered dinner by a group of the clubs experienced epicureans.
Several other prizes will be drawn after the top prizes are
claimed by the best hands.

The entry donation is $7.00 for club members, $5 for youth
skiers under 13, $10 for non-members and $25 for whole families.
Check-in time is from 11 AM until 12:15 and the event begins at
12:30. After 1:00 PM no one will be allowed to start so that the
event can end by 2:30 when prizes will be awarded. There will be
food and hot drinks at the Panhandle Hut and an enjoyable ski out
on the course.

Our February meeting will be Tuesday, February 3rd. at 7 PM at
the USFS Fernan Ranger Station in Fernan Village. After a short
business meeting, our program will cover tracks and other winter
sign that was mentioned above. We all see them along the trail,
especially the deep moose tracks. However, bobcat and coyote
tracks are common along the trails, but how many of us can make
this easy distinction? To assist us our February program will be
wildlife specialist, Jenny Taylor of the WREN Corporation. Jenny
will discuss animal tracks and other winter sign commonly seen
along the trail. If you are not familiar with the stories
written on the snowy canvas of winter, this is a good opportunity
to learn and if this part of the winter landscape is already part
of your experience, it is a chance to brush up your ability to
read them.

#100

From: <ski@...>
Date: Sun Jan 18, 2009 1:38 am
Subject: Fourth of July Report from Friday.

yarider

Offline

Report from Van.

main trail still hard pack

skating good

trails have been opened out to warming hut an to top of skateaway

need some new snow

#99

From: "Panhandle Nordic" <ski@...>
Date: Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:11 pm
Subject: Fourth of July

yarider

Offline

Quick Grooming Note From Van:

trails still hard pack

we were able to flatten them more an set track past

the Y would be good for skating thur Mon. van

www.panhandlenordicclub.com

#98

From: <ski@...>
Date: Sat Jan 10, 2009 4:14 am
Subject: 4th of July

yarider

Offline

From Geoff:

From Van: the ski trail is open and large tree removed. They worked all day and flattened the trail but couldn't pack it due to the condition of the snow.

However it IS skiable, so Rock Soup should be a go.

Hilma

#97

From: Nancy Mertz <kayakids03@...>
Date: Thu Jan 8, 2009 6:16 pm
Subject: Re: Jan 1/09 4th-of-July Pass Grooming report

kayakids03

Offline

What a sad little winter it has been so far...thanks for all your efforts. Nancy Mertz

--- On Thu, 1/8/09, Glenn Truscott <glenn.truscott@...> wrote:

From: Glenn Truscott <glenn.truscott@...>
Subject: [panhandlenordic] Jan 1/09 4th-of-July Pass Grooming report
To: panhandlenordic@yahoogroups.com
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 10:44 AM

Jan 1/09 4th-of-July Pass Grooming Report

Hi All;

The good news: The parking lot was nicely plowed in the morning and BIG the tree across Loose Moose has been removed.

The other news: It rained all day turning the snow to wet concrete, thus we could only pack to the "Y" and up Loose Moose. No tracks were/could be set on these trails. Tracks on the remainder of the trail system are covered with snow, however a couple of people have made their own, how far they went is unknown.

Next planned grooming: Monday, January 12th, 2009, after the weather, and thus the snow, cools and sets up some.

----Glenn

#96

From: "Glenn Truscott" <glenn.truscott@...>
Date: Thu Jan 8, 2009 5:44 pm
Subject: Jan 1/09 4th-of-July Pass Grooming report

glenn.truscott@...

Jan 1/09 4th-of-July Pass Grooming Report

Hi All;

The good news: The parking lot was nicely plowed in the morning and BIG the tree across Loose Moose has been removed.

The other news: It rained all day turning the snow to wet concrete, thus we could only pack to the "Y" and up Loose Moose. No tracks were/could be set on these trails. Tracks on the remainder of the trail system are covered with snow, however a couple of people have made their own, how far they went is unknown.

Next planned grooming: Monday, January 12th, 2009, after the weather, and thus the snow, cools and sets up some.

----Glenn

#95

From: <ski@...>
Date: Fri Jan 2, 2009 4:12 am
Subject: Panhandle Nordic News

yarider

Offline

REMINDER: You can email the whole group at
panhandlenordic@yahoogroups.com if you have information to share
-- especially about trail and parking conditions. Note: it must
be sent from the same email address you received this with - or
the email will get rejected by yahoo.

January 2009 President�s Message

One would hardly have thought a few short weeks ago that too much
snow would cause the tardy opening of the Fourth of July Winter
Sports Area. However, the too much snow card has been dealt to
us by the always unpredictable Mother Nature.. About five inches
came in the first coating of the area.

A few of us with �rock skis� afoot were able to get a little
skiing in before the skies let loose with three feet of very
cold, dry snow, followed by a procession of lesser storms. The
Department of Transportation was unable to uncover the lot until
last Friday, December 26th. The weekend followed with another
approximate foot and a half of snow and a closed lot again.

These conditions have made it very difficult to get equipment
into the area to groom the deep snow. Slow progress is being
made as this is written, but it will remain to be seen if the
snow gods will let us have a free ski day as scheduled for
Saturday, January 3rd.

Skiing is available at Farragut State Park, but the snow has
come so fast that their staff is packing it as best they can, but
are not setting much track. I have skied 15 kilometers at
Farragut this past week and only about one hundred yards have
been on trail with a track set.

On the bright side, one needs to go no further than their front
door to put on the skis for a trip. A recent news photo featured
two of our members doing just such a ski around downtown Coeur
d�Alene. I have actively skied the roads along Hayden Lake�s
south shore, typically one step in front of the road grader.
Much like last winter, these heavy snows give us the opportunity
to ski and snowshoe places typically not available.

Of course, you need to have some energy left after shoveling all
that snow from the walks, driveways, and roofs. This deluge of
snow will end and we�ll have the area in shape for our typical
winter activities, just a little later than I could have imagined
a short three weeks ago, when I was wondering, when oh when, will
it ever snow.

Our January meeting will be Tuesday, the sixth. The program
promises to be excellent. Noted outdoor sportsman and writer for
the Spokesman Review, Rich Landers will be presenting a talk on
his last winter trip to Yellowstone Park. Some folks in the club
have skied Yellowstone during the winter season, but I suspect
not to the areas Rich visited and likely not with the quality of
photographic documentation. Rich is an entertaining speaker.
This is a chance to see backcountry skiing in a beautiful
setting. If you have friends interested in skiing or the winter
beauty of Yellowstone, you might want to suggest this talk to
them. My intention is to keep the club business to the bare
essential reports and trip organization in order to maximize the
time for this program.

#94

From: <ski@...>
Date: Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:30 am
Subject: Nordic Club News

yarider

Offline

President's Message (Mid-December):

Panhandle Nordic Club

Christmas appears that it will be quite merry with the snow
falling over the area. A great depth of snow is falling over the
area as this is written, but some expectation should be tempered.

The snow is occurring during a period of very dry cold
conditions. Hence the snow is great in depth, but short on
moisture content.

As a result, this snow will not pack well, and setting a track
will be problematic for Van and the groomers until the weather
warms up.

Van plans to groom with the help of the Forest Service on Friday,
December 19th. It will not be a easy matter to pack this dry
snow and a track is likely out of the question. It is expected
to warm up Christmas week and Van will make his traditional
Monday grooming to have the area ready for those new Christmas
skis .

Snow shoeing doesn't require grooming, but until the pack warms
and settles. expect your snowshoes to go deep into the snow, and
the going will be tough if you are the fortunate person breaking
trail.

On another note, the January meeting will feature well known
writer and respected outdoorsman, Rich Landers who will speak
about his ski trip last year to Yellowstone Park. Those of you
who have listened to Rich speak know he is as interesting as the
great trips he is able to make. Invite, or at least tell, your
friends about this program. It will be one of the best of the
season.

Geoff Harvey

web page www.panhandlenordicclub.com

#93

From: "Panhandle Nordic" <ski@...>
Date: Wed Nov 26, 2008 1:38 am
Subject: Panhandle Nordic Dec. News

yarider

Offline

www.panhandlenordicclub.com

Panhandle Nordic Club
December 2008 President's Message:

When the clouds lift during these last days of November, snow can
be seen adorning the tops of Mount Spokane, Rathdrum and Chilco
Mountains and even Canfield Butte. The sight of snow gets my
"blood up" for skiing along the mountain trails.

Hopefully, it will be but a short time before sufficient snow
coats the trails at Fourth of July and the grooming equipment can
make its rounds. The area is nearly ready for another season of
winter use. Sure there will be last minute signs and ski racks
to mount, but the prep work is nearing an end.

Many members contributed to the preparation during the earlier
work sessions. However, Glen Truscott and Van Bennett this year,
as every year, seem to contribute the most. A new porch on Ian's
Eagle Hut, a cover structure at the benches, an expanded area for
grooming equipment, and a new warming hut over on the Twisted
Klister trail system round out the list of improvements they have
had a large hand in completing this year. The club members, and
all those using the Fourth of July Area during the winter months,
owe them a debt of gratitude for their efforts to improve
cross-county skiing and snowshoeing in the Panhandle.

Some trips are forming up for the Martin Luther King weekend:

Carol Ridge is leading a trip to the Lost Trail Pass area near
the south end of Montana's Bitterroot Valley. This is a combined
Nordic ski and Alpine ski trip. The opportunity is there for one
or both at the Joseph Pass Nordic Ski Area and the Lost Trail
Pass Area just across the road. Accommodations are planned for
the Sula County Store Cabins at Sula, Montana.

Dwight McCain is leading a trip the same weekend to the
Northwest's premier Nordic and Skate Ski Area, the Methow Valley
at Winthrop, Washington. Call Dwight for details and potential
accommodations for this trip. Both are excellent trips in
excellent areas. As the snow begins to fall and we know where it
will be , a few day trips should show up on the sign-up sheets at
the December and January meetings.

Don't forget the annual Panhandle Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club
cookie exchange which is a large part of our December meeting!
Cookies will be exchanged and a few may find their way into the
annual basket we make up for the Idaho Department of
Transportation crew who plow out the lot at Fourth of July. The
plow crews really appreciate our annual thanks.

The December 2 program will feature a review some basics of the
winter sports, the equipment, how to ski (classic and skate); how
to snowshoe and how to dress for it. Three of our most
experienced members will give short presentations on the
equipment used and methods of skiing and snowshoe use. Our
fourth member will give the key pointers on proper dress to keep
you safe and comfortable during winter outings.

Our panel of Glen Truscott, Dwight McCain, Van Bennett and Carol
Ridge have many years of experience with the equipment,
techniques and dress for winter sports. They will be open for
questions and answers during and after the program. The
information should be a good introduction to those new to winter
sports and a good review for those with more experience. They
may have a novel tip or two for the veteran outdoor enthusiast in
the crowd.

As a preview of coming programs -- Rich Landers, well known
outdoor sports writer for the Spokesman Review, will present the
January program on a ski trip to Yellowstone last winter. In
February, we are working on as presentation by Fish & Game's
watchable wildlife expert on reading tracks in the snow and
winter wildlife viewing.

Goeff Harvey

#92

From: <ski@...>
Date: Fri Nov 14, 2008 2:16 am
Subject: Warren Miller Ski Film at NIC

yarider

Offline

Warren Miller Ski Film
Sunday, November 23, 6:30 p.m.
Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center

North Idaho College
Information: (208) 769-7809.

#91

From: <ski@...>
Date: Sat Nov 1, 2008 4:54 am
Subject: Panhandle Nordic News

yarider

Offline

Panhandle Nordic Club. President's Message

Welcome to the 2008-2009 ski and snowshoe season. The mountain
maple and tamarack have taken on their yellow fall color. A
deeper chill in the woods foreshadows the coming winter, while a
few inches of snow have cloaked the high Bitterroot ridges. Ski
swaps are underway with the Lookout Swap at the Kootenai County
Fairgrounds, November 1st. All sure signs of the coming season.

A lot of work and new additions have been completed or are
underway at the Fourth of July Ski and Snowshoe Area. On
September 27th a crew of about thirty cleared and marked trails,
completed warming hut maintenance, filled holes in the groomed
trails, and hauled out old materials. Additions to the area have
been completed are under construction. The Jeannette's Jaunt
Snowshoe Trail has been completed up to the Peaceful View
facilities, creating a lunch destination. A roofing system is
under development for the benches on the Elderberry Trail, that
will give everyone a new rest stop between Peaceful View and
Ian's Eagle Hut. Two new snowshoe trails and a ski route have
been added to the Reserve trail system. The ski trail offers a
telemark opportunity. A new warming hut is planned for the
Reserve Trail system at its hub. This warming hut will serve
snowshoers and skiers using this more backcountry area. All of
these additions and grooming of the Skywalker(614) and Eagle Run
(1575) will increase the ski and snowshoe opportunities for all
users. New maps and an updated brochure will be available by the
time the snow flies.

As the ski, and especially the snowshoe, opportunities have
expanded at Fourth of July, many of the trails have been
designated with road numbers. Unless you studied the Forest
Service Road Map, it was confusing to many, where the 905 Loop
was. The club membership named many of these routes last year,
with the Road 905 becoming, Twisted Klister. The new maps of the
area will carry the trail names and these will be signed out on
the ground. The new ski and snowshoe trails will have a similar
member participation naming process this year.

The November meeting will be an opportunity to meet up with
friends on the eve of the winter season. Some winter ski trips
are already planned, while others will take shape at the November
meeting. Park N Ski stickers will be available for purchase.
After a short business meeting, the program will feature Don
Garringer of the U.S. Forest Service. Don will talk about the
Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District's Forest Access Plan, which
covers the Fourth of July Area. Don will explain how the plan
covers summer, but not winter travel by motorized vehicles and
the current status of the Park N Ski Area and motorized use.

I look forward to seeing you during at the November meeting.

Goeff Harvey

#90

From: <ski@...>
Date: Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:44 pm
Subject: Nordic Club Schedule

yarider

Offline

Panhandle Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club

preliminary
Fall - Winter Schedule 2007- 2008

Weekend of Oct 25 -- Usually the Spokane Ski Swap

Weekend of Nov 1 -- Kootenai County Fairgrounds and
Fitness Fanatics ski swap weekend.

November 11 -- First meeting at US Forest Service Building,
Fernan Ranger Station in the basement around back at 7pm.
At this meeting volunteers are needed for Free Ski Day, Best
Hand Fun Ski, and Rock Soup. Board meets at 6 pm, same place.

December 2 -- Second meeting with cookie exchange and
program, Fernan Ranger Station 7 pm; Final arrangements for
Free Ski Day. Board meets at 6 pm.

Jan 3 Free Ski Day -- 4th of July Recreation area; Nordic Club
provides volunteers and cross country ski instruction.

Jan 6 -- Third meeting. Fernan Ranger Station, 7 pm. Final
preparations for Rock Soup and Best Hand Fun Ski.
Board meets at 6 pm.

Jan 10 -- Rock Soup at 4th of July Ski Area.

Jan 31 -- Best Hand Fun Ski, 4th of July Ski Area.

Feb 3 -- Fourth meeting at Fernan Ranger Station at 7 pm.
Board meets at 6 pm.

Feb 8 -- Langlauf Ski Race at Mt. Spokane Ski Area, NE of Spokane.

Mar 3 -- Fifth meeting at Fernan Ranger Station at 7 pm. Liar's
contest and awards. Board meets at 6 pm.

Apr 7 -- Sixth meeting at Fernan Ranger Station at 7 pm.
Summer Planning for hiking, biking, canoeing.

#89

From: "Timothy Garb" <garbtim@...>
Date: Mon May 5, 2008 7:48 pm
Subject: Re: Help! Need trip leader June 7 or 8

hikerbiker4

Offline

If you are at a dead end for a hike leader and I'm in town, I'll lead this hike Hilma.

Tim

----- Original Message -----

From: maria

To: panhandlenordic@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Sunday, May 04, 2008 8:27 PM

Subject: Re: [panhandlenordic] Help! Need trip leader June 7 or 8

Hilma,
I can lead the trip, I know the trail pretty well
my phone number is 208-699-0095
Maria Fromdahl

Panhandle Nordic <ski@manurehappens.com> wrote:

Panhandle Nordic Club Members:

Help. I signed up to lead a Liberty Lake hike on Sunday, June 8.

BUT I have a conflict.

Would anyone be willing to lead a trip that weekend, either Saturday

or Sunday. Could be Liberty Lake (100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest book)

or any other trip.

Please let me know.

Hilma Volk

667-3779

cel: 660-9712

"Most people do not remember what you said, they remember how you make them feel".

#88

From: <ski@...>
Date: Mon May 5, 2008 7:05 am
Subject: Hike this Tuesday, May 6

yarider

Offline

First; Maria Fromdahl has agreed to lead the Liberty Lake Hike.

Also there is some interest in redoing this mid-week hike:

Meet 9:30 AM Near Jack In The Box by old Albertson's on Ironwood.

Car pooling suggested due to limited parking.

Hike will be on BLM land on the between Wolf Lodge Bay and Blue Creek Bay.

Driving distance probably 15 miles or less - one way.

Hike will be mostly on trail with short distances off trail.

Leisurely pace. Some small hills, but generally easy walking.

Hiking Distance approx 3 miles. Can be made shorter or a little longer.

Hiking boots suggested (not sneakers).

Hilma Volk

667-3779 home - for messages

660-9712 cel

#87

From: maria <blu3trek@...>
Date: Mon May 5, 2008 4:27 am
Subject: Re: Help! Need trip leader June 7 or 8

blu3trek

Offline

Hilma,
I can lead the trip, I know the trail pretty well
my phone number is 208-699-0095
Maria Fromdahl

Panhandle Nordic <ski@...> wrote:

Panhandle Nordic Club Members:

Help. I signed up to lead a Liberty Lake hike on Sunday, June 8.

BUT I have a conflict.

Would anyone be willing to lead a trip that weekend, either Saturday

or Sunday. Could be Liberty Lake (100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest book)

or any other trip.

Please let me know.

Hilma Volk

667-3779

cel: 660-9712

"Most people do not remember what you said, they remember how you make them feel".

#86

From: "Panhandle Nordic" <ski@...>
Date: Mon May 5, 2008 3:23 am
Subject: Help! Need trip leader June 7 or 8

yarider

Offline

Panhandle Nordic Club Members:

Help. I signed up to lead a Liberty Lake hike on Sunday, June 8.

BUT I have a conflict.

Would anyone be willing to lead a trip that weekend, either Saturday

or Sunday. Could be Liberty Lake (100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest book)

or any other trip.

Please let me know.

Hilma Volk

667-3779

cel: 660-9712

#85

From: "Janice Purdy" <janicepurdy@...>
Date: Thu May 1, 2008 9:09 pm
Subject: Re: Hike Monday April 28

janicelynn1948

Offline

I would have liked to have done this hike also-Please let me know if you do it again, or send directions for it-thanks-Janice

----- Original Message -----

From: jsbeery

To: panhandlenordic@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 6:46 PM

Subject: Re: [panhandlenordic] Hike Monday April 28

I wish I could have done this hike---are you interested in doing it again---next week maybe--let me know--or do you know som,e other interesting place---
On Apr 27, 2008, at 5:09 PM, <ski@...> wrote:

This is last minute. But is an invitation to join me on a hike Monday, April 28.

Meet 10AM Near Jack In The Box by old Albertson's on Ironwood.
Car pooling suggested due to limited parking.

Hike will be on BLM land on the between Wolf Lodge Bay and Blue Creek Bay.

Driving distance probably 15 miles or less - one way.

Hike will be mostly on trail with short distances off trail.

Leisurely pace. Some small hills, but generally easy walking.

Hiking Distance approx 3 miles. Can be made shorter or a little longer.

Hiking boots (not sneakers).

Rain possible in afternoon, plan for it, but hopefully we'll be done by then.

Hilma Volk
667-3779 home - for messages
660-9712 cel

I won't be home Sunday night.

#84

From: jsbeery <jsbeery@...>
Date: Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:46 am
Subject: Re: Hike Monday April 28

jsbeery@...

I  wish I could have done this hike---are you interested in doing it
again---next week maybe--let me know--or do you know som,e other
interesting place---
On Apr 27, 2008, at 5:09 PM, <ski@...> wrote:

> This is last minute.� But is an invitation to join me on a hike
> Monday, April 28.
> �
> Meet 10AM Near Jack In The Box by old Albertson's on Ironwood.
> Car pooling suggested due to limited parking.
> �
> Hike will be on BLM land on the between Wolf Lodge Bay and Blue Creek
> Bay.
> �
> Driving distance probably 15 miles or less - one way.
> �
> Hike will be mostly on trail with short distances off trail.�
> �
> Leisurely pace.� Some small hills, but generally easy walking.
> �
> Hiking Distance approx 3 miles.��Can be made shorter or a little
> longer.
> �
> Hiking boots (not sneakers).�
> �
> Rain possible in afternoon, plan for it, but hopefully we'll be done
> by then.
> �
> Hilma Volk
> 667-3779� home - for messages
> 660-9712� cel
> �
> I won't be home Sunday night.
> �
> �
> �
> �
>
>
>

#83

From: <ski@...>
Date: Mon Apr 28, 2008 12:09 am
Subject: Hike Monday April 28

yarider

Offline

This is last minute. But is an invitation to join me on a hike Monday, April 28.

Meet 10AM Near Jack In The Box by old Albertson's on Ironwood.

Car pooling suggested due to limited parking.

Hike will be on BLM land on the between Wolf Lodge Bay and Blue Creek Bay.

Driving distance probably 15 miles or less - one way.

Hike will be mostly on trail with short distances off trail.

Leisurely pace. Some small hills, but generally easy walking.

Hiking Distance approx 3 miles. Can be made shorter or a little longer.

Hiking boots (not sneakers).

Rain possible in afternoon, plan for it, but hopefully we'll be done by then.

Hilma Volk

667-3779 home - for messages

660-9712 cel

I won't be home Sunday night.

#82

From: <ski@...>
Date: Tue Mar 25, 2008 4:04 pm
Subject: April 1 meeting & News

yarider

Offline

Reminder. April 1, is the planning meeting for the spring -
summer trips (see below).

April President�s Message

Winter is hanging on tough this spring. Last weekend (March
22nd), I skied through 16 inches of powder snow up Road #614.
The day length speaks of late March and April, but winter has not
received the message. For those of you wishing to stretch your
legs and stay in shape, I�d guess there will be skiable snow on
the 4th of July Area for another 2-3 weeks, while the high slopes
of the Bitterroots and Selkirks will hold snow well into May and
probably June, barring a quick melt.

We enjoyed two great day trips during March. A second trip to
Frater Lake in NE Washington had several participants. Five
inches of fresh snow greeted us and the Forest Service had just
completed grooming as we arrived. A warm sun made the ski and
lunch at the cabin enjoyable. Sixteen people participated in the
ski to Settler�s Grove up the West Fork of Eagle Creek. Twelve
people made the round trip ski into and out of the Grove. We do
this trip every other year to enjoy the spectacular trees at the
grove locked into the cold deep winter snow.

The spring that is shaping up as late will have an impact on our
summer schedule. Unless we plan a May snowshoe or ski, the late
snow will keep us down at the lower elevations a bit longer than
usual. High water may also affect us somewhat. Such worries
should be behind us by mid-June or early July. The mountains
should be lush this summer and the huckleberry crop has the
potential to be more robust than in recent years.

We will be planning our summer hiking, biking, and canoeing
schedule at the April 1 meeting. The meeting will be at 7 pm at
the Fernan USFS station. Park in the back lot and walk down to
the meeting room in the basement. Bring your nomination(s) for
hikes, bikes or canoe trips that you would like to have
considered. If you can supply maps and/or pictures, it helps
others understand the trip better. If you want to lead a trip,
that counts in the trip�s favor.

We generally do day trips every other week from late April into
September. However, some of us do overnight backpacks and canoe
trips other times during the summer. Some trips will have
separate sign up lists, so please bring those ideas and be
prepared to put together another summer of club-sponsored trips.

Goeff Harvey

#81

From: <ski@...>
Date: Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:45 am
Subject: Moose, Safety, Fourth of July

yarider

Offline

Note to Fourth of July users.
For your safety and the well-being of the moose Please Read:

Take Care of the Moose

The prolonged winter and this year�s deep snow pack at Fourth of
July has created a situation with our resident moose that can be
very dangerous. The groomed trails are the only hard surface
that will support the moose�s weight. Hence travel on the groomed
trails is much easier and energy saving for the moose, than
travel out in the surrounding forest. As the winter prolongs,
the moose are becoming ever more stressed and less inclined to
yield right of way to human users. In the last week no less than
three moose encounters that could have resulted in injury have
occurred. Make no mistake about it, moose are very large animals
fully capable of seriously injuring people, if they feel
threatened or take a mind to do so.

We strongly recommend that those using the Fourth of July core
area, where trails are groomed, be very vigilant of moose along
the trails. Should you encounter a moose, give it plenty of room
and do not attempt to herd it off the trails. The result could
be a charging moose that you will not be able to outrun. If you
receive any body language that includes the moose pinning back
its ears and hunching up its shoulders, it is telling you to back
off now. We recommend that you do so immediately and ski another
part of the area until the moose moves on of its own accord. The
moose live year around at Fourth of July and we simply visit it.
Under most circumstances they are remarkably understanding hosts.
Given the current deep pack conditions, this is not a time when
they are understanding. So let�s give them a break until
conditions ameliorate. Thanks

Goeff Harvey

#80

From: <ski@...>
Date: Sat Feb 23, 2008 12:20 pm
Subject: March Newsletter

yarider

Offline

March President�s Message:

January is supposed to be the month of looking back and looking
forward, but March more fits this bill for the Nordic Club. We
look back on a winter season blessed with ample snow and great
ski conditions. Fourth of July and Mount Spokane afford great
skiing almost every year, but this year Farragut, the Trail of
the Coeur d�Alenes, local golf courses and even the road out
front of my house have held consistent snow for skiing. There
have been some great overnight trips to the Methow Valley and
Rossland and several day trips to Priest Lake, Frater Lake, with
one more coming to Settlers Grove. We enjoyed each other�s
company at the Rock Soup ski and dealt the cards at the Best
Hand.

The use of the Fourth of July area this year has increased. The
area has been well signed and well maintained, even though much
of the winter went by with one groomer either lame or out of
service. Snowshoe use has increased again this year. The two new
bridges encouraged the use of the lower snowshoe trail, while use
of the 905 and 614 systems was heavy as well. One can tell from
the tracks that users are traveling farther out these systems
than in years past, possibly because map boards are out there to
show them the way.

With the current snow pack we can expect to ski and snowshoe on
through March and possibly into April. But in March we start to
look forward to the spring, summer and fall seasons of hiking,
biking and canoeing. The April meeting to plan this schedule is a
little over a month away. So it is not too early to be looking
forward and thinking of trips that you would like to take or even
lead this summer. Be ready to bring these forward at the April
planning meeting.

We can report a little progress on replacing our old groomer.
The club received a grant donation of $200 from Tri-states
Outfitters. These funds were put away in our savings account
specifically designated to help us match a State Parks &
Recreation grant to garner the funds to replace the groomer. We
are aware of the keen competition for these funds, so offer our
thanks to Tri-states Outfitters for this grant.

The March meeting will be held Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00 PM. at
the Forest Service Office in Fernan. Park in the rear parking
lot and come down the steps to the meeting room. The March
meeting is our traditional awards and Liar�s Club meeting. Those
tallying their �Ya I Du Ski or Snowshoe� kilometers should get
your sheets to our official score keeper Roberta Truscott by
Saturday, March 1st. The March meeting will include the election
of officers. The club badly needs somebody to step up and cover
the secretary duties. Certificates and awards will be made at the
March 4th meeting. After the awards and other business are
transacted, our band of storytellers will take the stage. There
is no telling what we might hear masquerading as the truth.
However, I have heard rumor of a story concerning an inglorious
�face plant� and a couple involving close encounters with moose.
Who knows that old Norseman, Ole, may show up to spin another
yarn and tell a few Norse jokes? Hope to see you at the March
meeting.

Goeff Harvey

------------------------------------------------

Note: List of Prizes and their Donors to the Best Hand Fun Ski
have been added to the website. Find it in the March News below
the President's Message.

5 New maps and descriptions for other ski area opportunities have
been added to the Maps and other Information Section.