Bloated Skiing

Oct 31, Paradise, MRNP

For Francine's birthday we made the drive to Paradise and started our ski season! Day numero uno of the new ski year, with freshies! Anticipation increased as the snow on the side of the road slowly increased. By the time we made it to the parking lot there was over two feet of snow along the road. Coverage was excellent. One did have to be wary of buried rocks on certain aspects up high. Made it up to about 7,200 feet then skied back down into the sunshine. Best ski was off the back of Pan Point, where the wind had not effected the snow. Perfect start to the season. Greg you should have got out of bed!

Visitor Center

Eric and buddies pass us by.

Francine headed up

And Down

Kevin scouts our line off Pan Point

Francine gets first powder turns of the year

Lunch with a view of the Tatoosh range

Francine with West side of Pan Point in background

Oct 22, Taneum Dirt biking

Hooked up with Eric for a little Taneum adventure. Found a couple of trails that I may not need to repeat. From Cle Elum took Northridge trail (steep, rooty) to Manatash Ridge(lots of fun) to Blowout Mt. trail then down Goat Peak trail. Of course after walking our bikes around the switchbacks on Goat Peak trail and Eric losing his bike over the edge we decided to cut out on a private road. When we got to the gate (with new barbwire) we opted to slide out bikes under the gate, rather than continue down the black diamond trail. Full day adventure! Racked up 65 miles including some road time.

Eric, after that rock, in the foreground, popped his bike off the trail

Oct 12, Esmerelda Again

Big Bro Kelly was switching jobs and actually had a couple of days off. Decided to take him on something new to him. Esmerelda Loop, short on miles, big on scenery and tough on the legs.

Kelly - Better than a day at the office!

Sept. 10, Miller Time Again

Miller was so good last week, that I hooked up with Eric Smith and did it again!

Sept. 4, Miller Peak

Hooked up with my neighbor Matt Karaus, and got off the pass for a ride. Seems like every time this summer that I went riding with Matt it seemed to rain. Well me made up for all the rain today! Drove past Liberty on Blewitt/97 highway and unloaded the bikes for 32 miles of excellent riding. Took Teanaway Ridge trail to Iron Bear, to Miller Peak trail, and then back down County Line making a lollipop loop.

Steep switchbacks and excellent scenery on the way to the top of Miller Peak

Hanging out below the summit of Miller Peak Matt keeping it on the trail.

Kevin Matt

Aug. 25, Circumnavigation of Esmerelda Peak

Hooked up with Rich H, Francine and Anna to do the 14 mile loop around Esmerelda Peak. Beautiful scenery and an exciting descent made up for the tough climbs in the 90 degree heat.

Francine

Rich

Anna

Aug 15 - 20, Lake Entiat, Columbia River

Well, I usually consider my vacations fairly active. But this was going to be a nice family vacation on Lake Entiat. However, It quickly became apparent that this was not going to be some nice, relaxing, beer drinking, hanging in the sun kind of vacation with my Sister's family, the Webers. The days started with the morning coffee at 7, then it was time for the early crew to do our best to add a ripple to the early morning glass surface of the Columbia river. This was followed by the wakeboard session, and the rock jumping session. By the end of the first day my body was wracked from one high speed waterski wipeout, and too much time behind and in the boat. Forced to slow down, I realized I was going to have to pace myself to survive this week.

Len carves up the morning glass

Jack waits for the rest of the group. Bike riding in the hills above Wenatchee

Maddie show the boys, who has the most guts.

Kevin getting his morning workout

Francine on the wakeboard

August 13, The Tooth

Hooked up with Frank, Don and his daughter Wendy for the classic Snoqualmie Pass climb of the Tooth. Weather was perfect and company excellent. We left the parking lot at Alpental shortly after 8am and made it back to the car at 5:10. A full day adventure. We managed to be the first party on the route, with three other parties arriving before we finished. Frank did the first roped pitch, then alternated with me up the four pitches. Don led his rope the whole route with Wendy cleaning the gear as she went.

Don and Frank heading towards our objective, The Tooth

Don belays Wendy on the final pitch

Wendy on the summit

Frank begins the rappel back down

Wendy

Lisa get's married - Nelson B.C.

Lisa and David walk towards the honeymoon suite

Mike rides the log

Kevin

Rafting - 3 Rafts, 6 Kayaks

Noah, whose family owned the farm where the wedding was held.

Stopped in Rossland on the way home and got in acouple of rides with Stephanie and Rich.

July 14 - 18, Kettle Crest Fest

Headed to the Snow Peak Shelter on Kettle Crest Tr.

The annual Evergreen Mountain Bike Assoc. trip to Sherman Pass organized by Tim Bannister. This year was four days of trail riding and one day of volunteer work on the trail system. We had a great group of people and perfect weather. The trails in this area see hardly any use and suffer none of the ill effects of overuse. The stunning scenery and great trails continue to remind us why it is worth the six hour drive to Republic, Wa. and Sherman Pass. Thanks Tim for another excellent adventure!