Christmas Day Ski 12.25.07

These fun folk from GPNSC and SONC took a Christmas ski through 4 inches of new powder along Silent Creek up and down to Diamond Lake. After returning to the vehicles, the crew rode to Diamond Lake Resort for a Christmas Dinner Buffet. As you can see above, it was a wonderful day.

Billie Creek 12.22.07

This photo was taken by Stefanie Ferrara, president of our sister club SONC who joined us along with two of her other club members. 23 skiers in all made the tour on this lovely ski through the Southern Oregon Cascades which heads North off Route 140 and up the east side of Billie Creek. After meeting the Canal Road and skiing west for a bit, skiers head down along the west side of the creek through beautiful large Douglas Firs in a winter wonderland.

First Ski of the Season 12.01.07

Pictured above are 6 of 14 happy skiers that ventured out to Crater Lake today for the first ski of the season. The temperature was 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Following an hour of sunshine with great views of the lake, they skied down to the lodge to play on the meadows. Breaking trail through 14 inches of fresh dry snow, the group skied for another couple of miles through meadows and woods before heading back to the cafe for lunch.

After checking out the observation and meeting room on the second floor, this hearty group headed out on the west rim drive to Discovery Point where thankfully the trail was broken. As the wind picked up in the afternoon, everyone was ready to head back. What a great day to be out in our spectacular backcountry.

Chetco River 08.10.07 - 08.12.07

Pictured above are four of eight members of the GPNSC who spent a pleasant, windy weekend on the Chetco River. After leaving our vehicles at the end of a Siskiyou National Forest road, we waded across the river and hiked in about 2 miles. We traveled first through mixed deciduous and conifer forest; the last mile of primeval, fern-covered hillsides led to a beautiful campsite with a sandy beach right on the river near a rushing waterfall. The clear water made for great swimming among the newts.

Following a short hike to the next creek up river, a crew took Thermarest pads and swam, walked and floated back down to the campsite. Companionable chatter around the campfire and an early bedtime prepared the adventurous little band for a float and paddle down the Chetco River to Nook Bar on Sunday. Sadly, cloud cover greeted the couple who arose in the middle of the night to check on the Perseid Meteor Shower.

Sunday, six of us floated downriver past the Chetco Inn, through the forest accompanying a great blue heron for a spell. The weather was excellent, but the wind was strong in the wider river areas and consequently the tribe was really hungry for fish and chips at the Chetco Seafood Company after the 3.5 hour paddle.

Wagner Butte Hike 06.16.07

16 members of the GPNSC and the Southern Oregon Nordic Club hiked up Wagner Butte on a beautiful, cool spring day. Leaving the trail head about 9:45, the group climbed through varied terrain including second growth forest with a number of old growth fir and Ponderosa pine, small meadows, a large grassed-over landslide, sagebrush meadows with numerous wild flowers, an aspen glade and a finally a rocky promontory to reach the summit for lunch. They were treated to great views of the Rogue Valley and Ashland area. The companionship was pleasant, the weather fine and boy was it quicker coming downhill!

Spring Picnic 05.19.07

A pleasant spring day was perfect for a hike in the Butte Falls area on the homestead of a couple of our club members. Camas lilies were in bloom along with many other wildflowers. Following the hike, the rushing waters of Big Butte Creek provided a gentle background for the conversation and camaraderie at the pot luck. Kudos were given to our hosts and officers by our president, Janice Ebel and a number of awards were given out.

Spring Skiing 04.22.07

Yes, there's still snow up here! These skiers enjoyed a day of bright sunshine and snow on the Union Peak Trail southwest of Rt. 62 near Crater Lake National Park.

Crater Lake 04.15.07

Seven of ten GPNSC members who skied out toward the Watchman, playing on the hills along the way. Following a lunch stop, this group headed down the Lightning Springs trail a ways to practice turns in the soft snow. What a crystal clear day with great views. Morning presented dry, wintery conditions which turned to spring snow as the temperature warmed. We passed at least two groups who were snow camping and circuiting the lake.

Putting on the Ritz 03.31.07

These happy members of the GPNSC and the Southern Oregon Nordic Club were a few of about 2 dozen skiers who participated in a Formal Ski at Mt Ashland. Great Spring conditions made for smooth glides and mostly sunny skies provided excellent vistas. The party at Grouse Gap Shelter included great conversation and a wonderful spread of hors d'oeuvres. Toasts could be heard to the weather, the snow, the beautiful mountains and our great good fortune.

Mt Shasta 03.23-25.07

This smiling group spent the weekend in Mt Shasta City and enjoyed great Spring conditions under bright skies, skiing at Bunny and Sand Flats, walking tours of the town, eating out together and hiking along the McCloud River.

Union Peak Ski 03.17.07

On St. Patrick's Day, under clear skies with temperatures in the 60's, Murf Karns (in yellow) led the group (half of whom are shown here) on a wonderful run up the Pacific Crest Trail to a beautiful meadow with great views of Union Peak. After lunch the downhill runs through the trees were spectacular; ask anyone who went.

Minnehaha Creek 02.24.07

Four of 15 participants on an exploratory ski tour in the Rogue River National Forest. The tour by-passed Hamaker Campground, crossed the Rogue River and then followed the Minnehaha bike trail along the north side of the creek. Skiers passed by marshes, broke trail up a ravine through old growth forest and enjoyed great views of the creek before a fast ski back down and a party at the Claude Lewis Shelter on Highway 230.

Buck Prairie

Bruce Evatt and Joan Finney led a wonderful backcountry ski from Buck Prairie to Hyatt Lake on February 17, 2007. Sunny skies, spring snow and excellent views of Mt McLoughlin, Mt Ashland and Mt Shasta greeted the 13 skiers. After connecting with the snowmobile road, the group left the marked trail to explore and enjoy numerous downhill runs as they wound their way down to Hyatt Lake Resort for food and refreshment.

Yellowstone Ski Trip

Ten members of the GPNSC went backcountry skiing in Yellowstone National Park at the end of January with Yellowstone Expeditions. The skiing was great, the weather was fine (only one night of 18 degrees below zero) and the wildlife viewing was exceptional. Thanks to our guides, we had many close up opportunities to see bison, elk, foxes, coyotes, eagles, swans, geese and other waterfowl. Skiing along the rim of Yellowstone Canyon provided great vistas. A four mile ski to Violet Creek one day gave us an opportunity to warm up in a geo-thermal creek heated by Mother Earth to about 110 degrees.

Hemlock Butte Shelter

A few of the skiers who came up to Hemlock Butte to ski over the New Year's holiday. What a great place for an overnight. The night time skiing was good as well.

Glasgow Loop

Great skiing continues as 18 hardy skiers glide through powder in the winter wonderland of Glasgow Loop on Saturday, January 6th.