Video Bombed!

So there I was a couple of weeks ago, minding my own business, skiing down a run at Mt Hood Meadows.  Hoping to capture some action, I was holding my GoPro camera on a selfie pole, my friend following me down the slope.  I thought I heard a skier close behind, but didn't think much of it, as it was a busy Sunday on the hill.  When I finally slid to a stop, my friend pulled up behind me and said: "I can't wait to see that clip!"

Yep - I'd been video bombed.  Unbeknownst to me, some guy got within camera range and started waving his arms wildly as I was skiing along. 

What can I say?  Guess some people just can't resist mugging for the camera!

Hope this footage brings a smile to your day.

Beer in the Bra Tree

My ski bus season got off to a slow start.  The first Thursday of January, the bus was cancelled due to high winds at the resort.  The second week was the day after Portland's huge snowstorm, and crummy road conditions kept all buses in the barn.  The third week, a full load at work forced me to grudgingly stay in town.

By the time the fourth week rolled around, I was more than ready for a midweek ski break!

My "Men in Red" skiing companions

Boy, had I missed my ski bus buddies!  Upon arrival at Mt Hood Meadows, I connected with my good friend and ex-coworker Glen.  Midweek ski days are the only time I get to see him anymore and we instantly picked up where we'd left off last winter.

Hood emerges from the clouds

Glen introduced me to Brian, a new guy on his bus.  Brian fit right in to our little group - he even wore the correct jacket color.  (Yes, I only ski with men who wear red!)

Fantastic view of Hood from Cascade Lift

It was a gorgeous blue-sky morning.  Mt Hood emerged from the early cloud cover, showing off her full snowy glory.  Made for some stunning views from the chairlift.

Our sunny skies did not last

Sadly, after lunch we found conditions had changed dramatically.  Our bluebird skies had vanished, replaced by low, gray clouds. 

It's starting to snow!

 And what's this?  Huge snowflakes began to fly through the air.

Snow-crusted trees

 Well, if you can't have blue skies, some fresh powder would be okay.

Huge flakes began to fall

 My friends and I watched the storm roll in.  The clouds and swirling snow were lovely.

The storm moves in

By now you're probably wondering....why is this post titled "Beer in the Bra Tree?"  Well, a couple of years ago my friends and I discovered a few tattered bras hanging from an old, weathered tree off one of the resort's main runs.  Last year someone (who shall remain nameless) added a few more to the collection.  It became a Thursday tradition to stop by and pay homage to the Bra Tree.

But late last season, all the "decorations" suddenly vanished from it's branches.  (Apparently not everyone shared our sense of humor..... )

Enjoying the beauty

So late that day, as my friends and I made our way down a run, I decided to make our traditional stop at the Bra Tree.  Approaching, I noticed something poking out of the snow on one of it's branches. 

What's in that tree??

Shuffling over to investigate, I realized it was a bottle of beer!  Someone had left their beer chilling in the snow.  And it was nearly full.  I've seen plenty of weird things on my local ski hill, but this was definitely the first time I'd found beer in a tree.

An offering for the Bra Tree

After my friends and I had a good laugh, we left the beer alone (surely whoever placed it there would get thirsty and return!)  It seemed someone had decided the Bra Tree now has other uses.  Maybe next time instead of more bras, we'll find it's branches graced with a round of cold microbrews. 

We certainly hope so!

Another Trip Up the Palmer

As some of you know, I'm one of those crazy people who likes to ski uphill.  Yeah, uphill.

Although chairlifts are nice, once and awhile I get the urge to earn my turns.  So I strap on climbing skins and head to Timberline Ski Area.  Timberline allows uphill skiing on it's upper trail when the Palmer Lift isn't running.

Morning light on Mt Hood

The sun was just lighting up Mt Hood one beautiful January morning as I pulled my car into Timberline's parking lot.  After capturing the tail end of sunrise, it was time to gather my gear and head up her slopes.

My trek begins...

My uphill trek started near Timberline Lodge, elevation 6,000 feet.  Today's goal - the top of the Palmer Lift, approximately 2 miles and 2,500 feet up.

The view behind

Because uphill travelers must avoid the ski trails of the Magic Mile lift, my journey started in an out of bounds area just to the east of the resort.  A wide open area of snowy plains, finding my way was no problem due to the numerous ski tracks and bootpaths criss-crossing the landscape.  And Mt Hood's gleaming white summit anchored the skyline, beckoning me on.

The sun is trying to break through

I'm not the speediest uphill skier, and before long other people began to pass me by.  But I poked along, enjoying the wide open skies and good weather.  Not in any particular hurry, I stopped when I felt like a break, or when a lovely scene appeared, just begging to be photographed.

Skiing selfie

I had a little fun with my camera's self timer, trying to capture the perfect skiing selfie.

Still a long way to go!

Once past the top of the Magic Mile Lift, uphill travelers are allowed to follow a groomed ski track adjacent to the Palmer Chairlift.  This lift, the highest on Mt Hood, normally only opens for spring and summer ski seasons.  These wide open slopes catch high winds, and are often too stormy to allow winter operations.

Timberline snowcat

But - never fear!  Timberline offers another option for snow-riders who want to ski the Palmer in winter.  When weather permits, anyone purchasing a lift ticket can ride a snowcat to the top terminal.  While toiling up the mountainside, I watched this little yellow cat make a couple of laps. 

Following the Palmer lift towers

But, those skiers were cheating!  No easy ride for me - I was out here earning my turns.  Feeling smug, I continued my slow uphill slog.  But the slopes adjacent to the Palmer lift were steep, and climbing was getting tougher.

Snow-shrouded summit

And, boy, the lift terminus didn't appear to be getting any closer......  But the views looking ahead to Hood's summit were mighty fine, so that helped.

Snowboarder and his dog

About halfway up the Palmer's slopes, I began to encounter skiers and boarders heading back down.  Envious, I watched them gracefully carve up the groomed track.  Some people made slow, elegant turns, while others gleefully bombed downhill.  One snowboarder came tearing down the slopes, accompanied by his dog.

There they go!

The dog looked like he was having as much fun as his master.

The last pitch is steep!

Counting the lift towers, I slowly inched my way upward.  When only two remained until my goal, I looked back downslope.  A steady line of uphill skiers and hikers fanned out below.  The Palmer's lower terminal looked so far away. 

My reward

The last pitch was super steep, necessitating a bit of fancy side-stepping to traverse.  But I'd made it!  Time to grab a seat on the snow, have a snack, and soak in the glorious views.

Relaxing on top of the Palmer

My tired legs appreciated the R 'n R.  And my camera reveled in the stunning mountain scenery from on high.  Not bad rewards for a morning's climb.

Unloading the snowcat

I watched the snowcat slowly motor it's way to the top.  A waiting ski patroller opened the door, and a dozen skiers spilled out.  Again, I felt a glow of self-satisfaction.  Although those folks may have gotten an easy ride, I'd earned every inch of my downhill trip.

Headstand attempt

It was entertaining to watch the skiers all pick up their skis from the snowcat's rack and head downhill.  Deciding to wait until the mob cleared, I busied myself with people-watching.  By now, a steady flow of uphill skiers and snowshoers began crawling over the berm.  A couple of young ladies sat down next to me, and one of them attempted several headstands.  Although she had no trouble getting into position, the weight of her ski boots kept pulling her over.  I did manage one photo before she toppled.

People pushing towards the summit

Looking behind, I noticed many people continuing up from the Palmer's top terminal.  Most were skiers, attempting to climb higher for a longer downhill run.  The mountain climbers had already descended for the day.  (They begin their climbs in the middle of the night while the ice is frozen, and descend in early morning)  The summit didn't look very far away, but I knew that it was still a very tough 2700 vertical feet of climbing.

My skis

Seeing a lull in the downhill traffic, it was time to remove my climbing skins for the final reward - a nice, easy ski down the Palmer's groomed runs.

The Silcox Hut

A most enjoyable end to my trek!  Taking my time, I soaked in the surrounding snowy foothills as I made my way down.  Back at my car by noon, I'd fit in a good bit of exercise, fresh air, great scenery, and exhilarating downhill run into a glorious winter morning.

Back to Bachelor

Mid-January and snow was falling fast and furious in the Cascade Mountains.  You know what that means.....time for a girl's trip to Mt Bachelor!  So one weekend I loaded my car with ski buddies Kim, Young, and Hollie and drove over the pass to Central Oregon.

Rock star parking space!

I love skiing at Mt Bachelor.  Not only do they have drier snow and tons of terrain, Bachelor also offers front row parking to carpools of four or more people.  On the first day, I snagged this awesome spot right next to the lodge!

Young and I are ready to go

Although stormy weather was predicted, the sight of snowflakes whipping in the wind made me giddy.  Who doesn't love a powder day?

Girlfriends on the lift

We all jumped on the lift and took a few runs with Hollie, who's been taking lessons.  After coaching her down a couple of runs, we all agreed she was doing great.  Hollie encouraged Kim, Young and I to go ahead, promising to connect at lunch.

Kim points the way

After meeting up with my brother Dale, my friends and I set out for a few laps down our favorite runs.

Snow-flocked trees

This year, Mt Bachelor opened a brand-new chairlift - the Cloudchaser.  I'd been dying to try it, so we headed over to the mountain's east side. 

The gang's all  here

We were not disappointed!  The lift was constructed over an area offering interesting terrain and fabulous tree skiing.  Combined with a coat of soft, fluffy snow, it made for a morning of great fun.

Taking Hollie down Marshmallow

After a white-knuckle drive down the mountain, we returned the following day for more skiing adventures.  Kim and I thought Hollie was ready for a challenge, so we took her down the Marshmallow run.  Although she did fine, Hollie decided that was enough excitement for the day.  She returned to the bunny slope for more practice, and Young, Kim and I headed back to Cloudchaser.

Perfect pose!

Although the weather was still overcast, the snow gods had delivered a good six inches of fluffy powder.  Time to make some tracks!

Denise and Chris joined us

Midday, my daughter Denise and her boyfriend Chris joined us for some riding.

The sun came out....and it was magical

And then - miracle of miracles - about 10 o'clock the clouds parted to reveal brilliant blue skies!

Ski track patterns

Newly-fallen white snow against the bright blue made for some stunning scenery.  It was magical!

Looking towards the summit

I made lots of stops and the camera came out again and again attempting to capture it all.

Someone is happy

Is Kim a happy skier or what?

Yahoo!

Yup - nothing better than a surprise bluebird day.  Yahoo!

Sweeping views from on high

Sunshine, new snow. and stunning views.  I was having such a good time I didn't want to leave.

Wave for the camera!

But....we all had to work on Monday, so after a wonderful morning on the slopes, my friends and I packed it in and headed back over the mountains.  But have no fear - Mt Bachelor, we'll be back!

Hike Like A Woman

Hello blog readers!

I'm pleased to announce I've been selected as one of the contributors for the Hike Like A Woman website.  After stumbling across this site a few months ago, it so impressed me that I filled out an ambassador application on the spot. 

Today, the site is debuting my first article.  Check it out here.

Hike Like A Woman is dedicated to inspiring women everywhere to hit the trails.  The website boasts tons of interesting articles about exploring the outdoors, links to female outdoor bloggers, gear reviews, and even a podcast.  I've found it a most supportive community - and hope to get more involved soon.

In the meantime, I encourage all of you to check it out:  http://hikelikeawoman.net/   And tell them I sent you!

Snowmageddon, Day Five

During the rare times when Portland actually receives measurable snowfall, it usually melts away by the following day.  However, during this January's big storm, not only did we see a whopping 9 inches of white stuff on the ground, thanks to below-freezing temps, it stuck around for an entire week.

The park is still snow-covered

As I've mentioned in previous posts, the Portland metro area doesn't have a large fleet of snowplows, nor does it use salt to clear the streets.  So the deep snowpack sat on the roads and was quickly compacted into icy ruts.  After two perilous ski trips to the mountain, I'd had my fill of navigating the slippery freeways through town.  By day five, which coincidentally happened to be MLK day, I was ready for this snowfall to be gone.  Although a holiday off from work, I opted to stay home.

Wintry scene

It didn't take long for cabin fever to set in.  (One can only do so much reading and web-surfing after all!)  Desperate for an outdoor fix, I grabbed microspikes and camera and headed into the neighborhood.

Reflections a tiny patch of open water

Although tracked up by numerous visitors, the local park was still quite lovely wearing it's winter white.  An adjacent water-filled drainage ditch also looked better with a coat of snow on the banks.  I even captured a few reflections in it's ice-rimmed waters.

Mossy fence

I continued down the slippery main road (so glad for my microspikes!) to our local recreation center.  This place not only has dozens of sports fields, it also boasts a lovely little natural area on the outskirts. 

Brown seed pods

I discovered some unusual-shaped circular snow patterns on the surface of this icy pond.

Interesting snow patterns on icy pond

This snow-covered creeklet draining the pond was also especially lovely.

Snow-lined creeklet

I had fun trying to capture some of the natural beauty created by snow and ice.

Snowy circle patterns

Even some of the fence posts were sporting a dollop of snow.

Snow-topped fence

Wandering by the ball fields, I spotted this snowman on home plate!

Snowman on home plate!

And tried to capture the sparkle of snow crystals on this field.

Shadows on the snow

Back at home, I noticed several small birds visiting our feeder for lunch.

Hungry birds

The following morning, a setting moon bathed our backyard in lovely light.  Late for work or not, I couldn't resist capturing a few images of the scene.

Early morning moon

A full week later, warming temps and abundant rainfall finally washed our snowmageddon away.  Although it was fun while it lasted, I'd much rather keep the snow up in the mountains where it belongs.