High Lakes Ski 02.21.09

Pictured above are three of 10 skiers who skied a nine mile run from the Great Meadow, generally following the High Lakes bike trail, up and down to Fish Lake. Two additional skiers helped shuttle cars and stuck to the gentler terrain around the two lakes. In this photo you can see dark clouds to the west of Mt McLoughlin potentially indicating a coming change in the weather. Mild temperatures and partly cloudy skies accompanied the skiers as they passed by Boy Scouts practicing first aid and sled rescues between Lake of the Woods and the McLoughlin Scout Camp. After the ski, the group enjoyed curly fries and drinks at the always friendly Fish Lake Resort.

Summit Ski 02.18.09

GPNSC skiers gather after a 6 mile ski from Summit Sno-Park up Canal and Big Mac trails to the Summit Shelter. After a snack in the sun, the troop headed down Petunia and Pitt View trails to the Powerline trail. They enjoyed playing on the hills along the way and everyone appreciated the mild weather, great snow conditions and chance to be skiing in the Cascades.

Brown Mountain Exploratory 02.14.09

Pictured above are about half of the 27 skiers who completed the Brown Mountain ski. Starting at a punchout off Dead Indian Memorial Road south of Lake of the Woods, the group climbed on a National Forest road through beautiful snow-covered forests taking turns breaking trail in 12 inches of powder. The new snow made for a slower pace and plenty of time to chat.

Following the couple mile climb, they joined a trail groomed by snowmobilers and glided gently down toward Hwy 140, then took a left on the High Lakes Trail, skiing around lava flows and through some old growth. After hitting a snowmobile road, the hardy band headed west along 140 back to Summit Sno-park, getting some good views of Brown Mountain. The total ski was about 9 miles and even the newer skiers exhibited their stamina and fortitude up and down some steep hills and in the final half mile slog along the noisy road.

Silent Creek Ski, 02.07.09

Seven of sixteen GPNSC skiers near the shore of Diamond Lake in the Oregon Cascades. Mount Thielsen, looking like some otherwordly stronghold from the Lord of the Rings, is in the background. They skied down one side and up the other of Silent Creek, a quiet, meandering stream filled with bright pebbles that sparkle like gems in the sun. The clear skies and mild temperatures made for a wonderful outing on the six mile ski tour.