Spring Flowers, Round Two

Busy soaking up the final month of what's been an incredible ski season, my blog has been sorely neglected.  But while I've been making snowy turns, a second wave of spring bloom has burst onto the scene - time for the tulips, pear blossoms, and our first rhododendron to show their stuff!

I managed to grab some shots of the colorfest in my yard this morning and thought I'd post a few images for your enjoyment.  No time for many words today. (But I don't think most folks visit this blog for my witty commentary!)   :)

Hope everyone is enjoying the changing seasons in their corner of the world.

Tutu Man

Another Thursday....another ski bus day.  As we pulled into Mt Hood Meadows one February morning I noticed something I hadn't seen for awhile - blue sky!

Yahoo sunshine!

Alright!  Not immediately seeing my "Men in Red" skiing companions from the Vancouver bus, I jumped on the lift and enjoyed a couple quick runs before meeting up with the guys.

Brian models his tutu for me

But, what's this?  Brian was wearing a tutu!  A 6 foot 6 inch tall guy with a flouncy blue skirt hanging below his jacket.  I asked him if he'd lost a bet or something.  Turns out his niece likes tutus and he'd donned the frilly garment just for her.

Sun breaking out of low clouds

Now that's a man who's not afraid to get in touch with him feminine side!  Of course, we gave Brian a ton of ribbing, but I had to admire his spirit - and courage.

Skiing down from the very top

It was fun to watch the other skier's reactions to an extremely tall man in a tutu.  One guy just couldn't stop staring as he passed by.  Finally Glen called out "yes, it's a tutu!"

Descending into the clouds

A sunny, calm day meant the resort's highest lift, the Cascade, was open.  My friends and I eagerly packed into a chair for a scenic ride to the top.

"Let's try this run!"

Although the day had started out sunny, foggy clouds began to swirl in the valleys below.  From the top of the highest lift, it made for some cool views (and photos!)

The guys admiring clearing skies

With a group of four, chairlift discussions often centered around which run to try next.  When someone proposed a trail of questionable conditions, Glen would laugh and say "How bad can it be?"  It got to be such a frequent comment we all started to repeat the phrase.  Pretty soon it became an inside joke - and our group's new motto!

There they go!

Since this year's skiing photos mostly consisted of my friends standing around, I set my GoPro on "burst" mode to try and capture some action (and prove that, yes, we really do ski!)

Tutu man in action

Due to the GoPro's extremely wide angle lens, I learned the hard way that in order to get photos where the skier isn't a tiny dot, your subject must be extremely close.  After shooting dozens of images, I finally discovered this by accidentally capturing Brian as he swooshed by.

Spectacular scenery!

The day's blue skies and intermittent clouds made for some spectacular scenery.  It's weather like this that makes me happy to be outside in winter.

The view from HRM lift

When someone suggested we try the trails off the HRM (short for "Hood River Meadows") lift, the group was skeptical.  The resort's lowest elevation chairlift, it normally had the worst snow conditions.  But we all agreed to give it a try.  (After all, how bad can it be??)

I've never seen the surrounding hills look so good

Surprisingly, HRM turned out to have the best snow.  Not only that, the clear skies and sunshine on nearby snow-dusted hills were absolutely stunning.  I never knew HRM could look so good!  My friends and I made lap after lap until our legs cried for mercy.  Well, that and it was almost happy hour.....

My "Men in Red" ski buddies

Another great day on the slopes with my friends!  Sunshine, good snow, a little goofiness, and lots of laughs.

Glade and Alpine Ski Trails

Although I've been skiing a ton at the resorts this winter, my backcountry ski gear has been sorely neglected.  This past President's Day I decided to change that and revisit a trail I'd done over the same weekend in 2014, the Glade Ski Trail.

Trailhead is at the end of this road

At the base of Mt Hood lies the tiny village of Government Camp.  Consisting of condos, ski shops, and cute vacation chalets, many trails fan out into the woods above this charming hamlet.  A few ski trails connect Govy (as the locals affectionately call their town) with Timberline Ski Area.  Two of the most well-known are the Glade and Alpine trails.

LOTS of snow this year!

Although I'd skied up and then down the Glade three years ago, the Alpine was a "new to me" ski trail.  I decided my plan for the day would be to ski up the Glade and then locate and take a trip down the Alpine trail, and return to my starting point via the Crosstown Trail.  A nifty six-mile loop and good bit of exercise for a snowy February morning.

Glade Trailhead

Temps were hovering right around the freezing mark when I parked my car along Govy's main drag and hoofed it three blocks up a residential street leading to the Glade's trailhead.  Giant snowbanks lining the road were evidence of this year's colossal snowfall.  Some homes had barely a slot tunneled into the snow to park their vehicles, while decks and rooftops sported thick blankets of the white stuff.

Ready to start

Heavy wet snow pelted my face as I attached climbing skins to skis and prepared for the day's journey.  After a couple of photos, I shouldered my backpack and was off.

Easy to follow, the Glade parallels an old clearing used for the short-lived Mt Hood Skiway, a unique transportation system in the 1950's that used regular city buses suspended on cables to shuttle skiers from Government Camp to Timberline Lodge.

Action selfie

The heavy, wet snow made for some slow going.  Globs of snow began sticking to my climbing skins, necessitating frequent stops to clear the undersides of my skis.  The warm temps had me sweating in no time.  I made more stops to shed clothing and of course, take photos.  One time I even laid my camera on the snow and used the self-timer to get a few action shots.

Uphill climb through the forest

About halfway, frustration mounting due to the constant sticky snow underfoot, I finally dug a block of skin wax out of my backpack and applied it to the climbing skins.  I'd bought the stuff many years ago, and this was the first time I'd ever used it.  I'm happy to report the stuff worked.  It made the going much easier thereafter, so I guess it was a good investment.

I spot the ski lift

The trail alternated between being mildly steep to navigating a few sharp uphills.  A couple of older cross country skiers passed me (I swear I'm the slowest uphill skier ever!) and I pumped them for information on where to find the Alpine Trail.

And then, just when I thought the trail would go on forever, I spotted a lift tower of Timberline's Stormin' Norman chairlift.  Hooray!

Entrance to Timberline Ski Area

The previous trip, I'd continued up Timberline's ski runs another 1000 vertical feet to it's famous lodge.  But not really wanting to dodge crowds of downhill skiers, I decided today's uphill trip would end at the ski area boundary.

There's the sign!

So I stood in the snow just beyond the rope, changed into a warmer jacket, donned my helmet, and peeled climbing skins off my skis.  Several skiers zipped by, a few stopping to inquire what I was doing.  When I told them I'd skied up from Govy, they were all impressed.

Beginning of the Alpine Trail

Up at this higher elevation the snow wasn't as wet and instead blanketed the ground in a soft layer.  I was happy for this - my gloves and hat were soaked from the wet snow-rain (or as I like to call it, "snain")

Ready for some downhill turns!

I was a little apprehensive about finding the Alpine Trail.  The other skiers I'd met directed me to travel down Timberline's Kruser run for a short distance, and I'd see it.  So I joined the other folks on this busy slope.  Not keen on having to retrace my steps uphill, I kept an eagle eye out for the sign.   And, just as I was told, it didn't take but a minute and I spotted a wide clearing with another sign.  Yahoo!

Lovely path through the woods

After two hours of grueling uphill sliding, it was time to reap my reward!  The newly-fallen snow looked wonderful.  I couldn't wait to sink my ski edges into it. 

Snow-covered fir tree

But these local trails were not groomed, and I found out quickly that the underlying snow was uneven and crusty.  After hitting a couple of surprise bumps and wiping out, I decided to slow down.  Cautiously sliding short distances, I made my downhill trip last a bit longer. 

Tons of moss

That was okay - the adjacent forests were quite lovely.  One section was lined with interesting moss-draped trees.  Another stretch featured a bunch of cute firs, flocked with a coating of winter white.  I felt like I was in a Christmas tree farm.

Challenging portion of the Alpine Trail

The Alpine Trail was steeper than the Glade and a few of the narrow, uneven segments were quite challenging.  With better snow conditions, I would have had no problems, but today's crunchy snow caused me to take it easy (self preservation!)

Time to put the skins back on my skis

Even with my slow downhill pace, I reached the bottom in about 15 minutes.  The trail's terminus met up with one of tiny Summit Ski area's groomed runs.  After the Alpine uneven terrain, it felt good to glide on a groomer.  But now I kept my eyes peeled for the Crosstown Trail, the final leg of my journey.

Another action selfie

The Crosstown Trail was even rougher than the Alpine.  Mainly a snowshoe route connecting Govy's ski trails, it meandered through the trees behind some vacation homes.  Lumpy snow trampled by hundreds of snowshoers, navigating the track was a challenge.  After a couple of uphills had me sliding backwards, I decided to put climbing skins back on my skis.

Pretty creek

But the scenery was wonderful.  More snowy trees and a cute little creek to cross.  I placed my camera on a tree stump to get a few more action shots, and was surprised by a family of snowshoers, who graciously offered to take my picture.

"Skiville, Oregon"

Ending back at the Glade trailhead, the snowfall was again bordering on slushy rain.  Now soaking wet from being out in the weather all morning, I decided the day's journey was done.  Time to change clothes at my car and find a hot drink in town.

While walking back through Govy's streets, I passed by a cute little cabin.  A sign above the upper door proclaimed it "Skiville, Oregon."  I kind of liked the moniker....maybe Government Camp should consider a new name?

Six miles traveled, and 1000 feet of elevation gain - a great day to be up on the mountain!

Hooray for Spring!

After a long, cold rainy winter, BAM! - two weeks ago everything started blooming at once.  Daffodils opened their yellow faces and all the trees in Portland suddenly burst into full flower mode.

It was actually sunny this morning, so I took advantage of the good light to capture a few images of the flowers now blooming in my neighborhood.

I know you're probably getting tired of my endless skiing posts, so hopefully these photos are a pleasant alternative.

Skiing With the Boys

As I've mentioned before, Thursdays during ski season I play hooky from work and head up to the local ski resort on a bus.  There I meet my skiing buddies Glen, Pat, and Brian.  Or, as I like to call them, "the men in red."

Let's go ski!

All three guys ride up on another bus that hails from Vancouver.  But each week we all manage to find each other at the bottom of the main lift.  Once reunited, it's off in search of the run with the best snow.

My "men in red" from the Vancouver bus

Although I love my ski girlfriends, I really look forward to making tracks with the boys.  These guys aren't afraid to tackle the steep, gnarly stuff.  And they all ski my speed - fast.

It's snowing!

One particular Thursday, wet weather was predicted.  My friends and I were afraid our buses would be rained out.  But after a couple of  hours on the slopes snow began to fall.  Huge, heavy, wet flakes. 

The sky was dumping heavy, wet flakes

We were so happy it wasn't rain!  And the big snowflakes were mighty pretty.

Wet pow

Instantly the ski runs were transformed into a winter wonderland.

We got covered with snow on the ride up

The snow began falling so heavily, the short chairlift ride left us coated us in white.  Instead of skiers, Pat and I resembled two snow persons!

Two snow people

As with many PNW snowstorms, the heavy, wet snow left my friends and I soaking wet, forcing an early quitting time.  Sigh.....guess that means we gotta  hit the bar early.  (It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it!)

Happy faces on the ski bus

On the bus ride home, my bus buddies and I celebrated a late Valentine's Day.  And my friend and co-bathroom monitor Kerry made a cameo appearance.  Bad knees curtailed this year's skiing fun, but he missed his bus friends so much that he rode up anyway and hung out in the lodge.

And just for old times sake, Kerry donned his "special hat" and resumed his bathroom monitor duties.  (Check out the end of this post from last year for the story behind that).

Our bathroom monitor was back!

The midweek ski crowd is a great community.  I always look forward to meeting up with my bus friends on Thursdays, and of course, to ski with the boys.