Nov 30, West

Did a few laps at Summit West with Francine and Tom.  Francine had new skis, with the new dynafit radical speed bindings.  Francine, instantly, liked the new setup.  She couldn't believe how much easier it was to tour with the dynafits over her Fritschi bindings.  Another sucessful dynafit convert!  Skiing was actually quite good, with 4-5 inches of soft mush over softpack.   Could have had a little sunnier weather.

Classic Summit West weather

Francine likes her new skis!

Tom Davies

The new bindings, sweet.

Nov 21, Alpy

Wow, what a year.  7 days of touring already.  Mixing up the ski partners, I got out with Greg Louie, Don Hecker and Francine.  I guess if you can't have bluebird weather like last Saturday, snowing hard is a good alternative.  Snow was getting deep with 6 -10 inches of new.  Snow was definitely a little thicker than this weekend, but we all enjoyed getting out.  Skied one run down Nash and called it a successful day.  Probably the longest tour Francine has done since she blew her knee.

Francine Zigs up Schluct.  

Etta - Future Patrol Dog

Greg slashing down International

Don

Francine, first International lap of the year

Greg

Nov 19, Alpental



Kevin -  Lower Rollen

 Wow, what a great day.  Hooked up with Seth to power out about 5,000 feet of powder.  We were somewhat suprised to find about a dozen skiers at the top of the mountain.  Despite following them down Nash there was plenty of powder to enjoy.  Lap 2, we couldn't resist laying first tracks into Edelweiss bowl proper.  Then another quick shot on Lower Rollen before another sweet run down International.  Today was the most skiers I have ever seen touring at Alpental.  Pretty obvious that this earn-your-turn thing is catching on.




Seth - Edelweiss Bowl

 



Seth - First Tracks!

 

Nov 18, Hyak

Struggled to keep up with Frank.  He was on fire.  Still waiting for him to get old and slow down a little.  Also dragged out Scott Sumner for his first day on snow this year.  Pretty nice first day with almost a foot of new.

Nov 17, Hyak

Nice to be able to ski in the backyard again.  All the brush work over the summer has really paid off.  Made one backside run and a couple on the frontside with Frank and Tom.

Frank and Tom at the top of Hyak

Frank cruising the backside

Nov 16, West

Area a little more skied out today.  Patrol was out putting pads on the chair towers.  Made two quick laps with Francine and Tom Davies.

Nov. 14 Summit West, Snoqualmie Pass

First ski day at the pass, thanks to about 6 inches of new over the previous rain soaked foot, the snow was actually pretty good.  Coverage looks excellent already, and Summit West should only get better as the week progresses.

Nov 11, Moto - Sasse Ridge Trail

Scott with Cle Elum Lake below

Hooked up with Scott for what looks to be the last motorcycle ride of the year, in the Cle Elum area.  Despite temperatures  just above freezing, the trail was in great shape.  The snow was falling by the time I reached home.  Hopefully ski season is starting next week.

November 2, Tokul East

Francine in the Woods,  Tokul

Francine had the day off work, due to transformer work at the pass.  Made the best of it, with a loop at Tokul.  The trails were in great shape.  Unfortunately, the loggers, look like they are getting ready to cut another swath of destruction.  Ride included Tether Ball, Safety First, first section of Golden Spike, Middle trails back to bottom, then up to Crazy Ivan.  Nice.

Nov. 1, Taneum Motorcycle Loop

Got out with Eric, Mike Reimer, Matt Karaus and young guy Ben.  I think Ben was only 28, which had to be the reason he was so much faster on his Honda CRF 250.   Rode up Woods n Steel, East on Cle Elum Ridge Trail to catch N. Fork Teanaway trail from the bottom, all the way up past the Taneum Shelter to Windy Pass and back on the ridge trail.  I managed to pinch flat my front tire, right before windy pass.  I was planning to ride home with a flat front tire, but luckily Eric had all the tools, including a spare front tire and air cartridges to inflate it.  Our Pit crew managed to change out the flat in under 20 minutes.  Sure made the ride home a lot more fun!  Thanks Eric.

Eric fixing my flat                                                             Photo by Matt Karaus