sibhusky

I'm woikin on it!

Well, I knew we'd been dumped on, but I didn't really understand how much. The mountain was saying five inches of fresh yesterday and it had been a terrific day on most trails. They said they got another 6 inches by 6:30 AM and it was still coming. I went up the chair expecting some nice snow. So, I decide to start on one of the backside groomers to warm up. Naturally, my powder skis are on and I look at the board and they're saying just about everything's been groomed. I head down towards this one trail, expecting the six inches of snow to be over some corduroy. WHOA, babe!!! Thigh deep stuff on the groomer!!!!! Face shots if you could get going fast enough. But, since it was a blue I couldn't get going on it and it took 10 minutes to get to the lift. I vowed to stick to the steeps for the day. There was not a "groomer" on the hill, let me tell you. And it was dumping, so by noon anyone who wanted a clear day on corduroy had left. Everywhere I went, at least boot top, with lots of whales of powder thigh deep. Light and fluffy, you just sailed through it. Hit multiple lines down the Face, North Bowl Face, Elephant's, Good Med, Bad Med, Powder Trap, and things with no name at all, just directions to get to them. Last run of the day was CROTCH DEEP freshies on Gray's into some trees, wow! Just wonderful stuff. What a day! I will put together a "March 2008" page later for those who want pictures.

I haven't seen any. I am sure the Park website would say. The most reliable goat viewing is the Hidden Lake Overlook trail up at Logan Pass.

Yes, we ate at the Belton Chalet one time after hiking the Highline Trail. It was a LONG hike and we were finally getting to the Park exit around 8:30 or 9 at night (the days are LOOOONGGG) so it was the easiest choice. The food was good and the structure is charming. It's a historic building because it was one of the first hotels built for the area (prior to the actual park). It is modeled after an alpine chalet. You'll love this area in July. Low humidity and long days. I hope you'll go hiking in the Park. The most popular trails (with good reason) are probably to Avalanche Lake or the Highline. Pictures from various hikes: Highline Siyeh Pass Logan Pass and elsewhere

Are you flying into Kalispell? Great airport. Clean and only three gates. If you miss your flight, the whole place knows within an hour and the janitor is kidding you about it.

On my calendar. More than likely I'll be working most of those days, but as the time gets closer, I'll try to think of something that an old lady can do with a youngster she doesn't know that well...

Sib is an old married lady and only knows "hotspots" by reputation. The Great Northern is apparently THE bar to hit. And the Bulldog Saloon is supposed to be great for burgers...and the bathrooms. I hear they have naughty wallpaper or something. The Blue Moon is the place for country dancing, it's half way between here and Columbia Falls. I have been to NONE of these places. But I would have been in them if I were 30 years younger. When are you going to be out here?

Where are you going?

Gee, I'd have thought they'd have hit that back in the 80's at the rate they pack people on the slopes.

A couple more from yesterday. Siblet was bombing the slopes on her race skis: No pictures from today. We had fresh powder and it was coming down pretty hard, so the visibility was, well, typical.

Did anyone notice that ski4food got over 73,000 vert in the Greek Peak 24 hour challenge? All I can say is WOW! Legs of steel!!! Can he walk or is he laid up for a few days?

Here's their latest promotion: "From now until the end of the season, you can ski & stay in an on-mountain condo for $99 per night. This is good 7 days a week from now 'till the season ends. It's based on double occupancy, and there is a three night minimum stay, but that's pretty much it for restrictions. You can visit our specials page for all the details." And aerial photos here: http://media.skiwhitefish.com/WMR-aerial-photos/

Yes, on those days without fog, the sky is an unbelievable DARK blue. And you'd fit right in. There's tons of Ron Paul lovers around here.

I never heard the nursery rhyme.

After reading Into Thin Air, all I can say is all those guys are NUTS!

There's a sign where I work: That which does not kill you only postpones the inevitable. I'd buy it, but it would upset Siblet. I'm 56, I'm not gonna climb Mt. Everest.

Two views down Langley on Feb. 22: Views of Elephants' Graveyard and surroundings on Feb. 19:

Her rate of velocity through the trees is about quadruple mine. I won't go in with her because she leaves me stranded and lost in an unknown forest. I'd be better off by myself. I only go in the thick stuff with people who have patience. And I've scaled back a lot this year. I've only done some of the places once, for instance, and always with a buddy. Last year I'd go off into the trees by myself, I guess relying on my cell phone and consciousness for survival. This year I only do trees that have a high level of popularity or are clearly visible from a popular trail. I just want SOMEONE to notice that my red jacket ISN'T MOVING. On some of the snowy days (in fact, MANY) visibility was so bad that you could barely see the chair ahead of you. That's not a day I want to ski alone on the less frequented trails. Your body would be covered in an hour and they'd find you a day later when they hit the "mogul" and it shifted.

Kind of, but my life has essentially happened and it's just a question of whether I die of old age or skiing.

What's an NF?

Times three. I feel like I lost a friend. Skimom, if you're out there, let us know!

Thank god Siblet isn't racing anymore. Now I just have to worry about the fact that she wears a POC helmet (see discussion on the Ski Racing forum and Epicski) and has decided her new interest is off piste in the powder and trees.

I noticed he's not racing USSA this year?

Why is Hosp "our girl", when Vonn, an American married to a guy from NY, not?

If you're driving from Jackson to Schweitzer, you might want to swing by here. A bit more acreage than Schweitzer, but the same weather systems.