Weekly Update Jan 27, 2014

We just got back from 3 days of fantastic skiing at Mount Bachelor.  Magnus and Uhuru raced the Junior National Qualifiers, turning in impressive races on the hilly courses at 6300ft elevation.  Salma, Tess, Jib, Apollo and Nils also made the trip and enjoyed the skiing.  Jib gets the most improved award- she was flying (and smiling) down the big hills by the end.

Did we mention the snow was great, and it was warm and SUNNY!?  Jealous?  That's what I'm going for- next time we make a trip like that you won't want to miss it!

And we have SNOW in the forecast for Tuesday evening.  A few inches could really help things out at Cabin Creek.

WEDNESDAY SKATING at cabin creek.  Meet at EHS at 3:20 to carpool.  Return 640.

SUNDAY 10AM-NOON Cabin Creek.  Classic.

Upcoming events and changes (get out that Family Calendar and mark it up!)

February 8th (Saturday) Jente Loppet.  2.5k race for all 18 and under boys and girls.  5k and 10k females only.  Information at http://www.snoqualmienordic.org/jente-loppet---2014

Presidents day weekend: The Junior National Qualifier has been moved from Cabin Creek to Spokane.  We'll probably have some folks heading over Fri-Sun and also Sat (after all state music) evening to ski Sunday.  Depending on snow it might be worth staying to ski Monday.  More later. 

Feb 22nd Hog Loppet- not a race, but a grand tour from the top of Mission Ridge to Blewett Pass (about 30k, but a net downhill- but not all downhill).  The event is $55, but the price goes up to $75 on Friday.  The Hashimoto's will probably do it.  Check it out at http://www.skileavenworth.com/events/hog-loppet 

Feb 28th-March1st Ski Weekend.  I had rented a place in Winthrop, but got worried because of the lack of snow there.  I am working on an alternate location where we can walk out the door to ski (perhaps White Pass).

Weekly Update January 20th

We had some great skiing this week!  Despite low snow, conditions at Cabin Creek were surprisingly good.  It was great to get above the fog and see the sun on Mt. Amabilis.  It was inspiring to me to see everyone's enthusiasm in making the climb.  This week we'll ski Wednesday.  Jeff is taking some people to Mt. Bachelor this weekend, while Carey is representing skiers at a Washington Winter Recreation (Sno-Park) meeting.  We encourage those who are able to meet Sunday, even though neither of us will be there.

Wednesday: SKATING.  Meet EHS @ 3:20, ski till dark, return 6:30.  We had plenty of seats last week, so parents you don't need to drive unless you want to.

Sunday:  Sunday- if people meet at 10AM then a bunch of kids can ski and enjoy the snow.  Again, Carey and Jeff will be away.  If anyone wants to bring snacks, I'm sure they'd be appreciated.

Mt. Bachelor: we could fit another person or two if interested.  Leaving after school Friday, Returning Monday afternoon (no school that day).

Weekly Update Jan 12 2014

Hill Bounding in Reed Park Wednesday

"Bound like a deer!"

Tumwater was great- a real highlight was the obstacle course.  And of course Jib and Katja's first cross country ski.  We had an enjoyable hill bounding/capture the flag game as well Wednesday.

Wednesday:  Meet EHS front parking lot 3:20-return 6:30 for skiing at Cabin Creek.  Skate or Classic (skiers choice).  The road is groomed for skating, but it's pretty thin and there are no tracks.  If conditions deteriorate, we'll opt for another dryland session.  We'll try to hit the road quickly so we can maximize our use of daylight.

Weekend: Gunnar Hagen Race will likely be canceled or changed to radically different format (like a 1+ hour hillclimb!)  Probably not the best for juniors.  We had planned a youth race Monday but will likely change this as well.  One idea is to go to White Pass Monday- they're open and report good conditions.  We'll have to play this by ear!  We'll do something Monday.

Weekly Update for January 5-12

Do your snow dances!

Ski events this week: Wednesday dryland training & Sat/Sun Leavenworth Races

Wednesday Jan 8th @ Ellensburg High School Room E105 3:30-4:30.  Bring poles and wear running shoes.  We'll go up to Reed Park and work on some dryland drills.  ALL AGES WELCOME- We'll split into older/younger groups.

Saturday/Sunday There is no snow at Cabin Creek, except up on Mt. Amabalis.  Mt. Amabalis is pretty steep.  There is no snow in Leavenworth, although there is skiing 15 minutes towards Stevens Pass at Tumwater Campground.  Leavenworth is holding races Saturday at Tumwater for those born 2002 or later.  Leavenworth is holding races Saturday and Sunday at Stevens Pass Nordic area for those born 2001 or earlier.  Details on the races are here.  Let us know if you are planning to race these races- we can help with wax and support.  Jeff will be at Stevens Pass both days.

WE ARE ON FOR SUNDAY:  Carey is going to teach a lesson from 10AM-noon at Tumwater campground.  The terrain is beginner friendly and a great place to get used to skis.  It's about 90 minutes from Ellensburg.

Again, do your snow dances!