OUTDOORS | page 23
WINTER IN THE WOODS
Two freshman share their skate skiing experiences on the new Pine Street Woods trails.
Photo Courtesy of Grace Rookey Above: Freshman Grace Rookey (left) smiles with her friends after a race.
Photo Courtesy of Jett Longnecker Above: Jett Longnecker nears the finish line at a race in Canada last year.
By Piper Frank
Outdoors Editor
T
he new trail system at Pine Street Woods accommodates all types of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and nordic or cross-country skiing. With snow on the ground, Sandpoint Nordic Club will begin their season and practice on the Pine Street Woods Trails. The Pine Street Woods trails were added to the community last year and have great Nordic Trails that are highly used and appreciated by the Sandpoint Nordic Club. The Sandpoint Nordic Club, run by Ross and Vicki Longini, consists of both skate and cross-country skiing. Nordic and cross country skiing was originally open to the public at the U of I extension center, but is now open to the public at Pine Street Woods. Anyone of any age can take lessons from the Sandpoint Nordic Club and join the
club or race team. Freshman Grace Rookey, a member of the race team, said “I love Pine Street Woods. A lot of really good hills that are super nice.” Rookey has been part of the Nordic Club for the past few years, but this year is her first year on the race team. The race team travels all over for competitions. Spokane, Wa.; Bend, Or.; Salt Lake, Ut.; Methow, Wa.; and Canada are just a few places they compete. This year, precautionary measures have to be taken because of COVID-19 in order to allow the races to take place. Some of these adjustments include a single person starting instead of everyone starting at the same time and limiting traveling to inside the U.S borders. These restrictions do not stop race team member Jett Longnecker from being excited for the season. “I am most excited about races because it gives
you an opportunity to see new places, experience new things, and make new friends.” Longnecker says. The young skier has been on the race team for multiple years and loves nordic skiing because it keeps him in great shape. Longnecker also loves the new addition of Pine Street Woods. “[Pine Street Woods] is a lot better, and there are hills.” he said when comparing the new trails to the old ones by the U of I extension center. Longnecker says his goal this year is to be invited to the Junior National Competition in Minnesota--just one of many races that Longnecker will be competing in this year. Longnecker and Rookey will both train for their races at Pine Street Woods and are both excited about the hills, snow, and challenges this season will bring them. To stay in shape for the season Longnecker participates in
soccer, while Rookey is a cross country runner. The Nordic Club also provides additional, specialized workouts and roller skiing during the summer so when the snow hits, the team is ready to jump into practicing. Both Longnecker and Rookey have developed a love for the sport that keeps exciting them. “I love Nordic because it’s challenging and I like the challenge,” Rookey said, “and it’s fun, fast, hard work that I am able to push myself at.” Anyone can have the same love for Nordic skiing as Longnecker and Rookey and can experience the great new trails at Pine Street Woods. Whether you want to start skate or cross country skiing or enjoy the scenery on a nice walk, Pine Street Woods is a great place to visit in the winter. The beautiful trails are open to the public and are just waiting to be trekked on this winter.
