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!