Methow Valley Winter

Page 1

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Methow Valley

WINTER

2009/2010

Paul Butler, publisher John Hanron, editor Sue Misao, design Marilyn Bardin, office manager Robin Doggett, advertising manager Callie Fink, advertising Dana Sphar, ad design & production Linda Day, ad design Janet Mehus, office assistant

Contributors

Nicholas Ahlfs, Bill Biddle, Joyce Campbell, Dave Dewbrey, Patrick Hannigan, Chris Harwood, Ashley Lodato, Mike Maltais, Ann McCreary, Bob Spiwak, Dolly Stahl, Marcy Stamper, Amy Stork, Carol Stull, Lillian Tucker, David Ward, E.A. Weymuller

A publication of the

Methow Valley News P.O. Box 97 101 N. Glover St. Twisp, WA 98856 509.997.7011 fax 509.997.3277

www.methowvalleynews.com

Page 3

Ah, wintertime Hold on. Here we go into another enthralling season of winter. And this time around the anticipation seems higher than normal due to forecasted promises of a big winter: La Niña. And that is the way it is with winter in these parts. It is the exciting season – who knows what will really happen? Sure, not everyone who lives in the Methow enjoys winter, but those two people generally leave for a few months anyway. So as a homage to this season of snow, we humbly offer our local take on winter in this beautiful valley. We hope you will enjoy the stories and photos in this guide, perhaps next to a pleasant fire while munching some sourdough bread after a fine day out in the snow. –Paul Butler

On the cover:

“Liberty Bell, View from Washington Pass Meadows” watercolor by Maria Coryell-Martin. www.expeditionaryart.com

Contents One must have a mind of winter ..........................4 A darkness lover looks skyward ........................... 5 Climate change outcomes for the Methow ...........6 Full slate on tap with the MVSTA ...................... 8 Live to race: The MOD Squad ......................... 10 A force to be reckoned with.............................. 12 Guns and Spandex ........................................... 13 Big fun for all at Little Buck Mountain ............... 14 High-elevation corduroy ................................... 16 Backcountry skiing: It’s all about the up.............. 17 The Mecca of snowmobiling ............................ 19 One of the few outdoor ice rinks in the West ....20 Shhh... the beautiful season is coming ............... 22 The simplicity of snowshoeing .......................... 24 Yeah, people fish in the winter.......................... 26 What happens when you toss a pinecone......... 28 The winter world comes alive .......................... 30 When it gets cold and dark............................... 32 Nothing like a good fire .................................... 34 Starting with sourdough .................................... 36 This should be you ........................................... 38 Winter calendar ............................................... 40 Directory of advertisers ..................................... 42

Page 4

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 “Some of us... are darkness lovers. We do not dislike the early and late daylight of June, whippoorwill’s graytime, but we cherish the gradually increasing dark of November, which we wrap around ourselves in the prosperous warmth of the woodstove, oil, electric blanket, storm window, and insulation. We are partly tuber, partly bear.”

T

hese lines are from Donald Hall’s long essay, “Sea son s at Eagle Pond.” Donald wrote these words many years ago when he was sojourning (Thoreau’s word) at his grandfather’s farm in New Hampshire. He and I roamed his acres in August 1975, after I had read in The New York Times his poem, “Kicking the Leaves.” It was a meaningful roam for both of us. His essay continues with this line: “But November, although it begins Winter, is only Winter’s approach, with little snow and with cold that announces itself only to increase. November is autumn’s burial.” How hit-at-t he-heart t hese words are for our Methow Valley, particularly this year! La Niña lurks out there in the vast Pacific Ocean, just waiting to open the door to snow, sleet, rain, and sub-zero cold for the Methow. Cliff Mass, at the University of Washington, said recently in his weather commentary on KUOW that ski lovers should not worry when there is little snow on the ground in early December. Be patient. La Niña will jump start the snow and cold battery for the Northwest by mid-December. Batten down the hatches then; we’ve got rough seas for the rest of the winter. This Winter Guide 2010/2011 will start with kicking the leaves of November through skiffs of snow as the valley settles in for a long winter. Who wrote that there are two seasons in this valley: winter and the Fourth of July? Right on, revered scribe! Duane Niatum will take us out of November with his poem, “On the Balcony in Late November.” Duane is an enrolled member of the Klallam

The heart of the cold, dark winter By Bill Biddle

Tribe (Jamestown Band) and is the author of six poetry books, most recently The Crooked Beak of Love. Clouds hide, reveal, hide the thin white tail of dog salmon moon. Wind bounces and weaves, up and down, and in and out of the salvia branches; night, faint dabs of red. I gather petals for tea before the darkness drinks me. Darkness. Donald and Duane see darkness. Long nights, getting longer; cold nights, getting colder. Daylight saving time ends on Nov. 9. Nov. 10 will feel like the start of winter. And well it might be. A skiff of snow will adorn the valley with temperatures in the single digits. Brrrr! The last rendezvous with Indian summer will occur a week later. Take heed. Stack the firewood high and batten down the hatches. Thanksgiving will be deceptively pleasant. Little snow, less cold, but far from the Indian summer of Nov. 17. December. Early December. Still no Arctic blast, still no driving snowstorm. Dec. 12. Here it comes! Robert Frost and the opening lines of “The Onset”:

Photo by Patrick Hannigan

Always the same, when on a fated night At last the gathered snow lets down as white As may be in dark woods, and with a song It shall not make all winter long Of hissing on the yet uncovered ground, I almost stumble looking up and round.

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Bring the firewood in and don’t stumble. The big snows have started. December will end with two feet of snow on the ground. Bitter cold, particularly at Christmas, with sub-zero nights for a week into the New Year. Early January. More snow. The travel writer Bayard Taylor captures the feel of snow in a forest: The beech is bare, and bare the ash, The thickets white below; The fir-tree scowls with hoar mustache, He cannot sing for snow. January will end with three feet of snow on the ground. Nine mornings of the month will have temperatures of 10 below or colder. February. The opening lines of “The Snow Man” by Wallace Stevens: One must have a mind of winter

To regard the frost and the boughs Of the pine trees crusted with snow; And have been cold a long time To behold the junipers shagged with ice, The spruces rough in the distant glitter February will have snow that will turn to rain during the first week – rain that will turn to snow during the second week and a dump of snow during the third week. Snow levels will stay steady at three feet. March will start with cold rain and a smell of lightness instead of darkness. Winter will edge into spring. Read “Spring Pools” by Robert Frost and memorize these final lines: These flowery waters and these watery flowers From snow that melted only yesterday.

M

Stargazing

ost of us tend to gravitate toward the inside of the house on these long cold winter nights watching the Hollywood stars on TV. I know it is a lot of trouble to put on that heavy coat and snow boots, but the brilliant stars on a clear winter’s night are hard to beat. Fi rst of al l, dress warmly. Stargazing is not an aerobic activity and you won’t regret that extra layer after standing around in the snow for a while. Get away from lights even if you have to drive out of town a bit. The subtleties of the night sky cannot compete wit h a street light or your neighbor’s flashing Christmas lights. The brightest stars in the sky can be found overhead in winter and this year, Jupiter, king of the planets, highlights the show. Many of the fa mou s my t holog ic a l characters are up there, including two hunting dogs, a bull, a group of beautiful maidens and the most famous hunter of all time. Let’s start with Jupiter. Look for a very bright,

Page 5

By David Ward

slightly yellowish object in the south or southwest that shines with a steady light. (If it twinkles its a star and if it shines steady its a planet.) Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system, so it’s bright even if it is almost 500 million miles away. On Dec. 13 the moon will be right over it so you can’t miss it that night. Far to the east, or left, of Jupiter, the constellation of Orion can be seen. It is the most familiar constellation in the sky and can be seen from everywhere on Earth. The Greeks saw him as a great hunter and you can see three bright stars in a straight line that marks his belt and even his sword hanging below it. Look below Orion for the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, which is one of his hunting dogs. The other dog can be found due east of Orion marked by the bright star Procyon. A little northwest of Orion, look for a small “V” of stars with one bright slightly reddish star. That’s Taurus the bull and the bright one is Aldebaran, known to the Greeks as the follower of the Pleiades, which it follows across

the sky each night. Look a little northwest for the Pleiades themselves, the beautiful seven sisters coveted by the gods and mortals, especially the hunter Orion. He chases them across the sky each night but never catches up with them. This December we have a special treat in store: a total eclipse of the moon on the night of the 20th and the early morning of the 21st. The eclipse begins at about 10:30 p.m. when the full moon is high in the sky. Totality, when the moon is completely covered by the earth’s shadow, begins at about 11:40 p.m. Look for a striking reddish or copper colored moon. The next lunar eclipse for us will be in April 2014, so don’t miss this one if it is clear. On Christmas Eve, look for the Northern Cross standing upright in the northwest with the bright star Deneb at its head. If you are up before sun rise on Ch rist mas morning stuffing stockings or putting presents out under the tree, look in the east for the brilliant planet Venus. Stay warm out there and happy stargazing!

Page 6

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Climate change offers new winter recreational opportunities

W

hen it comes to the subject of climate change, the only thing anyone can agree upon is that no one can agree upon anything. On one extreme, the denialists claim there’s no way that incinerating all the fossil fuels on Earth in a 150-year orgiastic bonfire could possibly have any effect on the climate. On the other, there’s a delusional faction who believe we can somehow freeze the earth’s climate in place simply by mandating a global carbon cap-and-trade casino run exclusively by the whiz kids on Wall Street. In this story we will not debate the causes or existence of global warming

By Patrick Hannigan

or climate change. Rather, we will examine the four possible outcomes of climate change on winter recreation here in the Methow Valley.

Warmer/Wetter (40% probability) Scientists believe this is the most likely scenario for the Methow. While this would be the end of traditional winter sports in the valley, change always creates new opportunities. Presently, the rafting season on t he Met how River is preciously short and the river usually peaks in early June at around 10,000 cubic feet per second. If t he Met how beca me more of a monsoon climate with downpours of warm rain through the winter months, rafting would be

artful

a year-round activity. You think rafting Black Canyon is exciting now? Just think how wild it would be to run these rapids at 60,000 cfs in December! Unless we buy a huge new refrigeration system, the Winthrop Ice Rink will cease to exist in its present form. Instead of struggling to make figure skating or hockey possible, we could remodel the ice rink into the best roller-skating rink in the region. That would allow the Methow to capitalize on one of the fastest growing sports in the world: Rollerderby. People would come from all over Okanogan County to watch teams such as the Wicked Witches of Winthrop battle the Twisp Trampires, or witness the Ma za ma M i st re ss e s of Mayhem beat down the Carlton Chokecherries. A w a r m e r, w e t t e r climate would be the end of trout and winter steelhead fishing in the Methow, but new game species such as bass, carp, suckers and catfish would create fun new angling opportunities in the valley. Warmer/Drier (35% probability) Th is is t he nuclea r scenario for winter recreation in the Methow. Given that t he Me t how c u r r e nt ly

Photo by Ashley Lodato

Global warming could bring a whole new tropical fashion industry to Methow winters. averages just 13 inches of precipitation a year, fewer inches of moisture coupled with a few more degrees of heat would put us squarely into the category of Saharalike desert. With no snow on the ground during winter, what

Confluence Gallery & Art Center regional art

would people do? The whole Nordic ski economy would be gone, but the Methow could adapt by paving the entire trail system and turning it into the world’s pr e m ie r c r o s s - c ou nt r y rollerblading destination. The warming huts could

education center

community gathering place

“A Tropical Holiday” Event Annual fund raiser and silent art auction Confluence Gallery and Methow Valley Inn Friday, Nov. 12, 6–9 pm, $35 Reservations necessary; call 997-2787

Tropical Holidays 23th Annual Holiday Gift Show Saturday, Nov. 13–Dec. 31

Visit our Roasting Plant & Coffee Bar located at Highway 20 & Twisp Airport Road in Twisp Open Tuesday-Saturday 7:30am-4:30pm www.bluestarcoffeeroasters.com

Umbrellas, Cheryl Wrangle, acrylic

Special Shoppers’ Nights Fridays, December 3, 10 & 17, 5–7 pm

Mixing it up, with Mixed Media Art created with variety in mind January 15–February 26

104 Glover Street, Twisp

509 997-2787

Gallery hours

Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am–3 pm

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 7 change tipped us in this direction, soon the valley would either become a cold, dry wasteland populated solely by penguins – or a Bend-like wasteland of huge empty speculative tract housing developments inhabited entirely by Cadillac Escalade-driving real estate agents transplanted from California.

Photo by John Hanron

As the rink melts, local ice skaters may be forced to exchange their blades for wheels. easily be retrofitted with air conditioners and turned into cooling huts where rollerbladers could relax with a cold drink and escape the blazing glare of the hot January sun. Instead of snowmobiling in the winter, people could race dune buggies and dirt bikes through the fallow moondust-filled fields where crops used to grow. With a warmer and drier climate, the local horse-pack ing season could continue right

through winter, although packers would have to trade in their horses and donkeys for camels, which would be better adapted to the Methow desert. Colder/Drier (15% probability) This is possibly the most inhospitable outcome for the Methow. Presently, Antarctica is the coldest, driest, windiest desert on planet earth, followed closely by Bend, Ore. If climate

Colder/Wetter (10% probability) According to climate scientists, this is the least l i kely outcome for t he Methow. But nobody really k nows for certain how climate change will affect specific geographic areas, and 10 percent ain’t bad odds for hitting the ultimate winter recreation jackpot. Imagine Nordic skiing on the valley floor year-round and hundreds of feet of fresh powder snow each year. Igloos would l i kely replace conventional homes and every household would need its ow n stable of snow mobi le s a nd sled dogs just to get to t he grocery store. Skiing and snowshoei ng would no longer b e r e c r eat ion a l activities, but simply a matter of survival. Deer s e a s o n wo u ld n’t e x i s t anymore, but the ice fishing and caribou hunting would be fantastic. There would be no need to wonder if we were going to have a white Christmas. Instead, the question would be: “Are we going to have a white Fourth of July?” The Met how wou ld

Photo by Sue Misao

Get out your lawn chairs – soon you can sunbathe all winter long. truly be a winter recreation paradise – at least until glaciers buried everything

under thousands of feet of ice. Dare to dream, eh?

Page 8

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

La Niña keeps the MVSTA’s dance card full

L

a Niña may be causi ng ma ny groans and moans for some this year but not for those on a ski vacation and certainly not for the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association. As the water around the equator settles into a cold trend, the Northwest is preparing to see a lot of action from Old Man Winter this year. The National Weather Service has predicted a La Niña winter, meaning the possibility of colder, we t t e r c o n d it i o n s f o r Washingtonians. The MVSTA is ready for the good snow year. Looking at snowfall records during past La Niña years, the Spokane NWS has noted that Mazama could expect to see about 132 inches

By Lillian Tucker

Photo by Patrick Hannigan

MVSTA hosts dozens of ski races every winter. of snow this winter. Not bad compared to years past. A good snow year for those in the business can be measured by the number of skier-days. According to Jay Lucas, MVSTA executive

director, the average number of skier-days for the last five years has fallen around the 30,000 to 32,000 mark. Last year was a slow season for the trails with less than 25,000 skier-days. That number is

expected to rise with the guest appearance of La Niña. Even though more snow means more work for the folks at the Trails Association, Lucas can’t help but smile when talking about the precipitation predications. “I hope I can remain within my fuel budget for the year grooming,” he said with a slight grin. Months before the first snowflake floats to the ground, the MVSTA has been busy making preparations for the upcoming season. This year, 60 to 70 easy-toread informative kiosks, some new, some improved, have been installed at most trail intersections. You don’t

have to ski too far along one route before coming to a crossroads. Now you will most likely be greeted by a large colorful map that will quickly send you off in the right direction. “This is going to make navigating a lot easier,” said Kristen Smith, marketing director for MVSTA. When planning for the increased number of kiosks, the MVSTA was careful not to clutter the trails with more than the necessary amount, strategically building only one large wooden map to serve areas that have several trail intersections. “Who wants to see too many of those things?” said Lucas. “Signs are garbage

Photo by Joyce Campbell

More informative kiosks along the ski trails, smaller in size than this one, will help skiers find their way.

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 too.” Kiosks aren’t the only new tool available to help make the most of a day out on the trails. A free application for the iPhone is available at www.mvsta.com. Once downloaded, skiers can see the daily grooming report right on their phone. The app also provides conditions, weather reports and links to the association’s Facebook page and blog. Ski The Methow, at www. mvsta.blogspot.com, is a good place to find fun insider tips. Don’t feel sorry for employees of MVSTA, where part of the job includes taking a morning ski, then returning to a warm cup of cocoa while sitting down to blog about the experience. Joining the staff at the MVSTA office this year is Mike Pruett, who, after many years of lending a helping hand with the start and finish lines of MVSTA events, has taken on the role of events director. Local and returning visitors might also know Pruett from the Loup Loup ski hill, where he is a member of the ski patrol. The new events director has his work cut out for him. This year, the MVSTA’s calendar is anything but quiet with dozens of races, camps and other activities to keep Pruett busy, including the Methow Valley Winter Festival. Shadowing last year’s successful Olympic Fest, the new celebration will serve as a continuation of many of the popular events. Slated for Feb. 1827 the 10-day festival is a

Page 9

valleywide effort to bring locals and visitors together in a spree that combines some of the valley’s best assets: community, arts and winter recreation. “It’s a way for locals and visitors to all get together and celebrate winter,” said Smith. That weekend there will be something for anyone – even t he four-legged members of t he family – from the Tour of the Methow, snowshoe softball, a potluck dinner to guided snowshoe hikes, a junior alpine ski race and the Doggy Dash. (The MVSTA is committed to staying bowwow friendly with several dog-designated trails open all winter. All they ask is that you pick up after your pet. “Our ski groomers are magicians with snow,” said Smith. “But they cannot turn brown snow back into white.”) The festival will not slow down during the week. Former Olympians Leslie Hall and Laura McCabe will be leading a camp for both Nordic classic and skate ski. Women can ski and do yoga with Winthrop Fitness. The Methow Valley Nordic Team will be busy hosting both a youth ski camp and guided lessons in biathlon, which combines skiing and target shooting. At night, the ski trails of Mazama will be aglow with the torchlight ski, presented by the Methow Conservancy. Many of the week’s activities will continue into the weekend with the

Photo by Marcy Stamper

Fun ski events are not limited to winter’s short daytime hours. Here, local skiers prepare for a torchlight ski during last year’s Methow Valley Winter Festival. addition of one final event that is unique to the Methow Valley, the Cowboy Races. On Saturday, Feb.26, skiers of all ages can take a crashcourse in cattle roping from local cowboys. With the feel of the rope still fresh in the newbies’ hands, participants are then invited to jump on their skis and try to catch themselves a cow. For a complete list of upcoming activities visit www. mvsta.com. Registration for events varies and sometimes costs nothing at all. Trail passes can be purchased at many of the valley’s accommodations as well as at sporting shops or directly from the MVSTA. Adults can buy a one-day pass

The Valley’s friendly sports shop in the heart of Winthrop

Methow Winter Fun! Ski and snowshoe rentals Trail passes, maps and local info Hats, gloves and warm winter wear The Valley’s nutritional center Winter Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday - Tuesday 29 Highway 20 • 996-3645 • www.methownordicsport.com

for $20 or a three-day for $51. Season passes are available as well. Even the family dog can get an annual pass. For a voluntary fee of $35 your

four-legged ski partner can get his own photo-ID pass that hangs from the collar. As always, kids 12-and-under ski free.

Goat peak

Mazama

Food • Fuel • fun

ama Maz e Stor

Page 10

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Methow Olympic Development takes skiers to new levels

I

magine this is your life: You rise early, work out hard for a couple of hours, take an ice bath, rest for eight hours, work out again, more ice baths, then sleep. For six months of the year, your trainings begin and end in the dark. During the day you consume close to 5,000 calories. You do this six or seven days per week, 11 months per year. On rare occasions you attend social events. In the winter, your days become a blur. Train, recover, race; repeat. You do this because you are the MOD squad. You’re Sam Naney or you’re Torin Koos; an internationallyranked athlete, and in order to perform at a level that keeps your career viable, you must maintain a strict training regime and an almost single-minded focus on your goals. The Methow Olympic Development (MOD) project started two years ago, when local athlete, skier, and coach Scott Johnston grew frustrated by this country’s inability to properly nurture young, talented Nordic skiers. “I saw that we were able to produce as a community and a country a lot of top-level juniors, but we struggled to keeptheirmomentumheaded in a direction that would take them to international success,“ said Johnston, who was the head coach of the junior Nordic team for a number of years. “We were losing many talented 18-22 year olds who either dropped out of racing or came out of collegiate racing unable to maintain the trajectory they had as junior skiers.” Johnston’s desire to develop elite-level skiers, to compete internationally, began materializing into something tangible when junior skiers Sadie and Erik Bjornsen started busting

By Ashley Lodato

take Torin to an even higher level of performance.” There’s no doubt that skiing at elite levels requires workouts of unremitting intensit y. But recovery, stressed Johnston, is as important an aspect of training as workouts. “To be able to handle this level of physical training requires a real effort to allow your body to absorb the training load,” said Johnston. “You need to be able to do it again and again, and if you’re not properly recovered, you can’t properly utilize the load. The more you can train, the fitter you can get, but you can only train effectively if you’ve recovered sufficiently.” Tra i n i ng f r eque nc y a nd du rat ion mu st be balanced wit h what an athlete can adapt to by the Photo courtesy of Torin Koos time of the next workout, Methow Olympic Development coach Scott Johnston helps young, top-level Nordic so the recovery aspect is skiers become internationally competitive. critical. If you over-train it takes longer to recover, one-size-fits-all approach.” and thus the training was out impressive results at personalized approach. “I work wit h fewer Although both Bjornsens probably not beneficial. junior races around the world. Typically, skiers like at hletes t han t he USST have since decided to ski MOD at h letes work to the Bjornsens would begin coaches,” said Johnston, with collegiate teams, both maintain t h is trainingracing on NCAA teams “so I can design each skier’s had excellent racing seasons recovery balance not by just and then, if they proved training to get the biggest during their time as MOD monitoring how they feel, competitive nationally, they bang for the training buck. athletes, improving their but by employing software might be selected to train I can quickly adapt a skier’s international standings. that uses an equation of with the United States Ski training load to respond With the departure of the resting heart rates and heart Team at one of five training to a need for greater or Bjornsens, Scott had room rate variability to determine centers around the country. less intensity.” He added, in MOD to incorporate whether an athlete is fatigued But instead of taking this “I know the athletes so Leavenworth skier Torin or recovered. “Mostpeopleunderstand route, both Bjornsens, along well that I can adjust the Koos, who, despite nine years on the U.S. Ski thatyourbodycanonlyhandle with Sam Naney, Team and three so much,” acknowledged decided to work Olympics under Johnston, “but now we’re able privately with his belt (including to put a number on it.” Scot t. Fu nds The local community has a n i nt h-place to sponsor finish i n been very supportive of MOD the skiers Vancouver), was since its inception. “We’ve were ra i s ed, not satisfied with had tremendous support and the three t he d i r e c t ion f rom local merc ha nts,” you ng sk ie r s his career was said Johnston, “as well as began training, training on a daily basis. I substantial donations from traveling, and racing on know if they’re struggling headed in. “While MOD’s primary private individuals without international circuits. or dealing with emotional The model Johnston stress. You can do this with goal is still to develop skiers whom we couldn’t be doing i n t r o d u c e d w i t h t h e a small group that you know capable of skiing at the what we’re doing.” As the program matures formation of MOD was intimately, whereas the international level,” noted one w it h a n i nten s ely training camps have to do a Johnston, “we’re hoping to and gains more visibility,

In the winter, your days become a blur. Train, recover, race; repeat.

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Sam Naney

Age: 26 Hometown: Winthrop. First skied: As soon as he could walk. Training music for the weight room? Metallica, Guns-n-Roses (unless he has to defer to coach Scott Johnston, in which case it’s Frank Zappa). Aspect of “normal” life most missed? Epic powder days in the backcountry. Favorite non-skiing recreation? Biking, hiking, climbing and kayaking. Cooking and woodworking for indoor hobbies. Career you would be pursuing if you weren’t in your current line of work? Having focused intensely on a competitive athletic career since high school, Sam hasn’t had much time to think about what else he might be doing. He is currently taking classes to prepare himself for graduate school in physical therapy.

Page 11 community members take the team and project even more seriously. And the presence of a three-time Olympian doesn’t hurt MOD’s public image, either. The incentives for the two MOD members to sacrifice all semblance of a “normal” life seem clear: fitness, personal achievement, and maybe occasional moments of glory. But what’s in it for volunteer coach Johnston? “I get a lot of satisfaction working with highly motivated people,” said Johnston, who was a professional athlete for two decades. “My fundamental motivation is still to demonstrate that our country can develop skiers who can have a place on the world stage. But,” Johnston admitted, “I also have a personal interest in providing, as a coach, something I didn’t have access to as an athlete.” Johnston added, “I see a lot of talent on the MOD team. It gratifies me to help maximize this talent, to not see it wasted.” So what’s in store for MOD in the next few months? Koos and Johnston are in Norway and Finland for five weeks hitting the Scandanavian Cup races. When they return in early December, they’ll work on prepping Koos for the National Championships in Rumford, Maine. Meanwhile, Naney will be focusing on the SuperTour series this winter. And, of course, more of the routine that keeps the MOD dream alive. Train, recover, race; repeat.

Torin Koos

Age: 30 Hometown: Leavenworth. First skied: Age 2. Training music for the weight room? Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dead Weather, Nirvana, the Pixies. Aspect of “normal” life most missed? Staying out late with friends, getting crazy with friends, eating hot dogs with friends, going to the punk show at the Showbox with friends. Friends. Favorite non-skiing recreation? Backcountry skiing. (Um, Torin, that actually still counts as skiing.) Career you would be pursuing if you weren’t in your current line of work? Writing investigative pieces – the truth still with the bark on it – for The New York Times. Making politicians sweat a little.

Mazama Country Inn

4RAILS OUT YOUR DOOR

Page 12

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

MV Nordic team: Starting them young

T

Coach offers free waxing clinic Whether you are a racer looking to shave seconds off your time or a recreational skier looking to enjoy the Methow trail system to its fullest, you need to understand ski preparation and waxing.

By Paul Butler

h e M e t h ow Valley has a vibrant ski culture, much of which obviously revolves around cross-country skiing. The evolution of the ski trail system in the valley, the enduring and colorful history of local skiing along with the continued growth and popularity of skiing, especially Nordic skiing, all contribute to this contagious, “sliding-on-skis” way of life. No ot her ent it y symbolizes the spirit of this ski culture more than the Methow Valley Nordic Team. They are a force to be reckoned with out on the trails. Make no mistake, whether it is the merry-goround bustle of dozens of kids on skis at the Chickadee Trailhead or the blur of their matching jackets and hats as they whiz by, you’ll know when the MVNT is out on the corduroy court. “Heads up if you see a bunch of kids,” said David Lawrence, a fourth-year staff member and the team’s new head coach and program director. The team celebrated its 20th anniversary last year. With more than 100 skiers in the program, ranging from 6 to 19 years old, the team

has come along way from its humble beginnings. The staff of paid and volunteer coaches nears 20 in number in order to facilitate all the skiers from the younger hopefuls to the older veterans. The season starts with dry-land training practices in early November, then moves to practicing on snow as conditions allow. Early season races like the Ski Rodeo in Mazama allow team members of all ages to participate. As the season progresses, the older team members typically enter in or qualify for races held regionally, nationally and internationally (up in Canada, eh?). The opportunities are plentiful for all the skiers. The program, despite its rural roots, has produced some national champions. According to coach and junior program director Annie Budiselich, the team is unusual because, while it is based in a small valley, it is still being able to compete “with the big programs in the West, at the upper level.” Impressive performances aside, the team strives for more than competition and medals. Training and practices are fun and social, held at various places throughout the upper

Scott Johnston, coach of the Methow Olympic Development project will be hosting a free wax and ski preparation clinic. Photo by Ashley Lodato

Forget the hokey-pokey. Local skiers Wyatt Albright, Amelia Bondi and Elka Wathen know that having fun while skiing is what it’s all about. valley. Skills are honed, physical fitness is emphasized and game playing is popular and frequent. In addition to the usual slew of races, back this season after its successful debut last year are two scheduled holiday camps for 6 to 11 year olds. The camps attract local and visiting skiers for Nordic training and fun – “where friendships are made,” said Budiselich. This year’s camps are slated for Dec. 29-30 and Feb. 22-24. Immediately on tap this year is the annual Ski Ball, the major fundraiser for the team on Nov. 13 at the

Winthrop Barn. The Nordic team operates under the larger umbrella of the nonprofit Methow Valley Ski Educational Foundation. The public – skiers and non-skiers alike – is encouraged not only to come to the Ski Ball as well as other ski events and gatherings throughout the year, but to support the team as it strives to inspire kids to develop personal and athletic skills. “This is a performanceba s e d pr o g ra m ,” s a id Bud isel ic h. “We coac h ever yone to t heir best performance, whatever that may be.”

0(7+2: 9$//(< 6., 6&+22/

Topics:

q Base prep: machine and hand structure and why you need them. q Brushing: what kind and when. q Glide wax: selection and application. q Flouro powders: selection and application. q Cleaning the bases: why and how. q Kick waxing theory: KISS principle (not Gene Simmons!). q Klister is

not a four-letter word: can you say

5(17 683(5% *($5

“transformed?” q Harries &

/($51 )520 7+( %(67 ,16758&7256

in your quiver?

(;3(5,(1&( 7+( -2< 2) 6.,,1*

/2&$7,216 681 02817$,1 0$=$0$ -81&7,21 0(7+2: &<&/( 63257

ZZZ PHWKRZQHW FRP VNLVFKRRO

the new “zero” skis: should they be The clinic is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 10 at the Mazama Community Center.

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 13

Biathlon: fun for participants and spectators alike

M

ethow Valley biathlon – a growing youthcentered winter sport – is disproving, at least locally, an old adage that “guns and Spandex go together like oil and water,” claims Betsy DevinSmith, program founder and coach. About a decade ago, Dev i n-Sm it h, a for mer Olympic ski competitor, decided it would be fun to try this challenging variation on cross-country skiing. The successful competitor must combine conditioning with discipline as he or she alternates between hardcharging skate skiing and the concentration and precision needed for target shooting from a prone position. To begin, she enlisted

By Carol Stull

family and friends in the goal of bringing one more element to the valley’s winter wonderlandbylearningabout this ancient ski and shoot competition that remained relatively unknown in North America. Biathlon roots go back several thousand years to winter hunting and battle skills practiced primarily by Scandinavians. Twentiethcent u r y m i l ita r y u n it s staged demonstration races during the Olympic games at Chamonix, France, in 1928. Norwegian sk i-shooters resisted Na zi i nvaders during World War II, and the U.S. Army has trained the 10th Mountain Division for combat on skis. But biathlon did not become an official Olympic sport until 1960, at Squaw Valley, Calif. Devin-Smith, a local

veterinarian, admits that 10 years ago she knew nothing about rifles when she began acting on her fascination with modest biathlon beginnings at ski areas around the Northwest. An early family practice session – involving husband Skip Smith and then-9-year-old son Casey – resulted in an encounter with the law. Officers responding to reports of shooting at the Winthrop town trailhead found that the trio was only playing biathlon using BB guns. Orig i nal biat h lon competitors shot large-bore rifles at glass disk targets after skiing a loop track. More recently, smaller 22-caliber rifles have been employed. Length and number of ski rounds depends on age and type of race – sprint, pursuit, relay or individual. In most cases, each racer takes five shots. Missing a target means adding an extra ski lap penalty or a minute time penalty. Devin-Smit h and interested parents Rick LeDuc and Dale Caulfield formed the Methow Valley Biathlon program in the fall of 2002. Their aim was to promote the new/old sport and offer junior cross-country team members another extension of their skills. All participants are first members of the Nordic ski team, and biathlon activities come under jurisdiction of the Nordic Ski Education Foundation. Teaching everyone to shoot skillfully and safely was the new education topic. Devin-Smit h has become a certified instructor sanctioned by both U.S. and Canadian biathlon sports. For her efforts, last year the U.S. Olympic Committee honored her w it h t he “Biathlon Volunteer Coach of the Year” award. Ot her volu nteers who helped get the local

Photo by Paul Butler

The Methow Valley biathlon program has its own range in Mazama. biathlon ball rolling have included Jim Gregg and Dalton Dulac. Early on, they invited members of the National Guard to come and demonstrate biathlon skills. Later, locals Kenny Carwile and Roger Townsend led a 4-H shooting program that helped kids practice their marksmanship. D e v i n- Sm it h w r o t e grants in order to secure special biathlon rifles – no scopes, only a peepsite – plus carrying-harnesses and metal targets. She credits the National Rifle Association with “generous financial support” to help with equipment purchases, building a biathlon range at Mazama and conducting rifle safety classes. Funds also have come from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Adult volunteer interest has tended to wax and wane as their biathlon kids have grown up. But Devin-Smith perseveres with the program, which has grown from about five youngsters to a team of 25 in 2009. According to their leader, Methow Valley’s is currently the “largest junior [ages 9-19] program in the West.” Youngsters come to the Methow from around the Northwest to learn about biathlon at clinics, camps and to participate in competitions. The local team travels to races in Canada (Silver Star and Whistler, B.C., plus Canmore in Alberta) to

compete against a field of 60 to 80 kids. In effect, the Methow Valley racers are “the U.S. team” in these Canadian events, and Devin-Smith notes this experience has instilled a sense of pride and patriotism in these youngsters. Overall, she reports biathlon teaches “wonderful life skills” – such as precision, discipline, focus, hard work and self control – to its youthful followers. Another exciting recent development, said DevinSmith, is biathlon’s emergence as a popular spectator sport. In Europe, where entire stadiums and courses have been built strictly to feature biathlon events, many excited fans rank this as a top winter attraction. Electronic targets now give spectators immediate scoring feedback as several biathletes ski into the arena to shoot, then head out to speed around various tracks. This winter, Methow Valley folks may catch some of that excitement by heading out to the Mazama biathlon range, on the Foster Loop of the ski trail, and enjoy their own biathlon spectator event as part of the New Years Blast, Jan. 2, 2011. For more information, contact Devin-Smith at 9963159 or e-mail her at biathlon@ methownet.com. Or visit the website methowvalleynordic. com and click on biathlon.

Page 14

A

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Loup Loup: little hill with a big heart By John Hanron

t the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, it’s the little things that make a big difference. The area, carved out of the northeast face of 5,348-foot Little Buck Mountain, has seen its share of changes in its 52-year history. Many of those changes have been simple, but all have helped make the Loup what it is today – a friendly, down-home ski and snowboard hill that brings together folks from two valleys for winter fun. This year, the biggest change that skiers and boarders will encounter are a new rental shop – owned and operated by the non-profit Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation – and a newly remodeled food concession area in the humble base lodge. “The kitchen is going to be a big visual change,” said Sharla Lynn, the Loup’s general manager. Aside from a new service counter, the kitchen now sports a new commercial refrigerator, a new grill and a new deep fryer. Jim Rogers of JR’s Bar and Grill in Chelan will be operating the food services this year, including grilled-to-order fare and beer and wine. Over in the rental shop, skiers and boarders will find new faces and a new selection of equipment. Last spring, the 15-member board of directors of the Loup decided to not renew the contract for operating the shop, and decided to take on the task itself. “Ninety-nine percent of ski areas do that,” said general manager Lynn. “It’s part of the

Photo courtesy of Loup Loup Ski Bowl

Little Buck Mountain and the Methow beyond.

Photo by Chris Harwood

Even with fresh snow on the slopes, some folks still like to take to the air.

business model.” A short-term loan allowed the Loup to purchase an inventory of new and lightly-used rental skis and snowboards to stock, and they hired Okanogan-native now Twisp-area resident David Conn to manage the shop. Lynn and the board are hoping that the increased revenue stream will help the non-profit area pay some of the bills. “Every cent matters,” she said. To that end, the Loup hosts a handful of fundraisers each year, including the wildly popular Taste of Two Valleys benefit auction, which this October attracted nearly 600 people to the Okanogan Agriplex. “The pass holders are our staple,” said Lynn. “That’s how we make our insurance payments and basic utilities.” Day passes pay for the wages for the 16 or so employees in the lift, maintenance and administration departments. In addition to those mostly part-time employees, the hill is supported by about 16 ski instructors, who work on commission, and more than 40 ski patrollers, who all volunteer. “We couldn’t operate without them,” Lynn noted. Out on the hill, things will look mostly the same, save a cleared area to skier’s left of the bunny hill. This will be the new trailhead for Nordic skiers, and will also have a foot trail for folks

heading over to the tubing hill, keeping traffic off the beginner slope. In the clearing process, Lynn said, about four truckloads of scrap metal were brought to the Methow metal recycling drive. Lynn said she is talking with the Forest Service about future thinning of some of the thicker stands of trees on the north side, many of them beetle-killed. “Slowly we are cleaning this place up,” she said. The Loup is overseen by a board of directors that includes people from the Methow and Okanogan valleys and Chelan. “We have board members that go way above and beyond,” Lynn said. “They really love this place.” And what’s not to love? While the area is not impressive in acreage (300) or vertical (1,240 feet), it offers skiers and boarders a variety of terrain and no lift lines at an affordable price. The humble terrain park will host the annual Slopestyle competition March 5. “We have a great little mountain for the little amount of acreage we have,” Lynn said. As for what is in store this winter, a predicted La Niña is giving Loup enthusiasts hope for a good winter. The weather makes or breaks us,” Lynn said. “We’ve got our fingers crossed.”

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 15

Loup Loup Ski Bowl

• Base elevation: 4,080 • Vertical rise: 1,240 feet • Lifts: One fixed-grip quad chairlift, junior Poma platter pull, beginner rope tow • Runs: 10 major runs with assorted glade skiing • Terrain park • Day lodge with full food service • Rental/retail shop • 73K of groomed cross country trails • Tubing hill • Hours of operation: Wednesdays (January and February), Fridays, weekends and holidays, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Open all of Presidents Day week and the Christmas/New Year’s holiday weeks (except Christmas Day). • Website: www.skitheloup.com • Snow conditions: (509) 557-3405 • Office: (509) 557-3401 • Toll free: (866) 699-5334

Photo by John Hanron

Local skiers are often a blur at the Loup.

Page 16

Nordic high

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

By Marcy Stamper

Photo by Marcy Stamper

Great views, trails and snow await Nordic skiers at the Loup Loup summit.

L

ast winter, when the lower-elevation Methow ski trails were soggy from rain, many cross-country skiers headed 1,000 feet higher to the trail network at the Loup Loup summit, where fresh snow was plentiful – and other skiers weren’t. The Loup’s recorded trail conditions boasted that they had no rain all winter, and it was true – the Loup, at 4,020

feet, was just high enough to get a generous dusting of snow when the Methow got drizzle. But even in a more typical snow year, some Nordic skiers look to the Loup for variety and views, for a place to ski extended loops with their dog, and for an affordable trail system with a longer season. There is some awfully good skiing just 12 miles up

the highway that is part of the state Sno-Park program and another 23 kilometers of gentle loops and an extensive mountain tour on Bear Mountain, across the parking area from the Loup Loup Ski Area downhill slopes and managed by the Ski Area. There are minor changes in the trail system at the base of Bear Mountain, where the easy loop has been rerouted to avoid the tubing hill. More ambitious skiers can head to the top of the mountain at 5,450 feet for stupendous views and an exciting descent on the Gabion run or a more gradual one via the Bear Mountain trail. Aptly named Nirvana is one of several routes to a broad viewpoint that looks west over the Methow Valley and toward the Cascades. Skiers with dogs or in

groups where some may want to snowshoe will enjoy the mixed-use trails at the South Summit, where all trails west of Forest Service Road 41, accessed directly from the Sno-Park, allow dogs, and several spurs permit snowshoes and even snowmobiles. Those who prefer not to dodge canines (or evidence thereof) have a good half of the trails to themselves. Sk iers at t he Sout h Summit can choose from a series of gentler loops that stay near the top of the pass, a more ambitious run down to Polepick and back, or another downhill along the powerline trail. Longanecker said he first started grooming at the Loup in 1987, when he agreed to take over the grooming at the South Summit if they would

the hill from Twisp. True, the grooming is not quite as state-of-the-art as on the Methow trail system, in part because funding from the state Sno-Park system keeps the schedule lean, but dedicated volunteer groomer Dale Longanecker maintains the trails in fine fettle. Nordic skiing at the Loup consists of two separate trail systems – a 50-kilometer network on the south side of

0LNH 6FKPLGW

6QRZPRELOH 5HSDLUV PRUH

:LQWKURS :$

Between Twisp & Okanogan on HWY 20 1,240 vertical feet with a chair & 2 surface lifts Lessons, rentals, food & beverage

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 let him establish a trail system near the Alpine hill. “It’s still a work in progress,” he said. “It’s my hobby. Some people collect coins or stamps. I ski.” Over the years, others have also donated their time and efforts to grooming and maintaining the trails. This year, Longanecker won two grants for new grooming equipment, which will supplement the heavy Cat he uses for his weekly Friday grooming at the South Summit. The grant will help purchase a snowmobile and tracksetter, which, because they cost less to operate, should enable Longanecker to get out more often to touch up the trails after a fresh snow. Across the highway, the Bear Mountain trails generally receive more f requent grooming and, with the new equipment, Longanecker expects to be able to get out whenever conditions warrant. Most trails at both areas are groomed with classic tracks and a skating lane. Unfortunately, the Loup is on a waiting list for the new high-tech snow machine, so it is unlikely it will be pressed into service until January. Sno-Park permits, good for the whole season, are $40 and available from local vendors including the Methow Valley Community Center, Hank’s Harvest Foods, Pardners Mini Market and Winthrop Mountain Sports (with a $1 service charge) or online at www. parks.wa.gov/winter. The trails on the north side require a day pass, available at the Loup Loup ticket office: $15 for a full day; $10 for a half-day and for teens and students; and $5 for children and seniors. The Loup does not rent any Nordic equipment. The Loup is also hoping to start a Nordic ski patrol, primarily to help with backcountry rescue. Advanced skiers with firstaid skills (or those wanting to learn first aid) are invited to call general manager Sharla Lynn at (509) 557-3401 for more information or to volunteer.

Page 17

Backcountry skiing: Loving the up

W

By Paul Butler

it h pr om i s e s of a big winter forecasted for the Pacific Northwest and the Methow Valley primed to receive its fair share of the white stuff, local backcountry ski aficionados are beginning to prepare for a long and rewarding ski touring season. With visions of mountains cloaked with untracked powder dancing in their heads, these intrepid skiers (and a few snowboarders) have been pulling out the equipment during these dog days of the shoulder season, waxing skis, regluing skins and making other preparations for the first turns of the year. But as any backcountry snow traveler will tell you, it isn’t all about Photo by John Hanron the down. The uphill mantra: “We are having fun, we are having fun.” Thoug h c a r v i ng t h r oug h u nt ra m meled powder i s t he delightful sensation that makes up backcountry skiing. So not only motivate to alternate layers depending memories of many an outing, it is the climb uphill that takes up much should you make the best of it and on conditions and the situation. Many of the time. Ascending, often several enjoy all that uphill effort – for the people tour with too much clothing thousands of feet a day, is a factor of exercise, for taking in the views, for on, especially on the legs. Unless touring that has to be reckoned with, chatting with companions, etc. – but the snow is deep, the weather hot or also by making this task as painless when negotiating steep terrain, you for better of for worse. While vary rarely will one, when and efficient as possible. How? Here shouldn’t be sweating very much while touring uphill. speaking about backcountry skiing, are a few pointers: regale in tales of how enjoyable or • Track setting. Do yourself a • Conditioning. It almost goes “sweet” the uphill portion of their day was, let’s face it, the ascent is a huge without saying: The better in shape favor and take it easy. The steep track part of a backcountry outing. If you you are, the more you’ll enjoy your doesn’t get anyone to the top all that are going to ski tour, you better enjoy touring experience. And what is the much faster for the effort. Just because some part of going up – unless, that is, best way to get into shape? Stay in you can jack up your heel lifts al the way, doesn’t mean you should. Work you ski in the Midwest or somewhere shape. Really, touring uphill is like the terrain in your favor. On big that is defined by that unfortunate word: flat. This is not an issue in the hiking uphill. Breaking through the powder day climbs, you’ll need all powder you are looking forward to the angles you can get. North Cascades. No, here in the hills and mountains shredding ups the ante. Fitness pays • Revel. Take in the experience surrounding the Methow, there isn’t off, especially on the lung-buster of touring in a beautiful mountain a lot of flat – much to the delight of efforts. range. You are outside, breathing in those who utilize gravity in order to • Minimalism. Reducing your the crisp air, earning your turns. slide downhill. And that sliding time generally speeds by more quickly than gear and pack weight is key. Be Ah, the turns – the clearest reason one likes. Who hasn’t finished a run picky about what you carry in your in good conditions and wished that touring pack, judicially selecting why we go backcountry touring. If gear that is really necessary and you didn’t climb up to go down then it just kept going and going? Yet, even with the best attitude, practical. Take advantage of the why go up at all? So on the up, do what you can to it is usually the uphill slog that lighter, technologically advanced love the up. Because in the end, no keeps going and going and going, equipment available. one minds when the up ends and the particularly when the battle is • Layering: Avoid overheating down begins. tough, like with deep trail breaking. Happy touring! But that is par for the course with with savvy clothing choices and

Page 18

H

ave you ever wondered just how many snowmobilers there are in the Methow? They don’t wear radio collars and they aren’t part of any seasonal migratory count. Yet, every year along about December when the mercury drops and flakes begin falling, they just sort of appear from out of nowhere. So, just how many are out there? The answer is quite a few, actually. According to Bev and Jerry Schultz of the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association, there are some 140 members of their group – and a number of those are migrants from the westside, Wenatchee and other parts. Whenever that many people

Snowmobiling nirvana

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

By Mike Maltais

come together in one pursuit it usually means two things: lots of fun and camaraderie combined an abundance of good works. What draws them to the Methow is the scenic and extensive network of groomed trails that wind through 175 miles of valley backcountry. And as good as the Methow trails are they also tie into others from bordering areas. The Boulder Creek run on the East Chewuch Road north of Winthrop and the North Summit trail at the top of the Loup both hook up with Conconully routes – Boulder via Lone Frank Pass or Baldy Pass and the North Summit over Buck Pass. The Twisp River loop

Photo by Dave Dewbrey

The late Brendan Griffiths ripping it up in his element. leads into the Buttermilk Butte landscape and also hooks into the Gold Creek drainage further south and trails into the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. Th e ap p e a l of t h e Methow’s winters and winter recreation has been felt as far away as Skagway, Alaska. That’s where Richard and Dolly Sta h l hung t heir parkas before relocating to the Methow about six years ago. Originally from Port Townsend, the Stahls honeymooned here in the

1970s and got a taste of what the area had to offer, particularly in the form of snowmobile resources. “In a Yukon border town, snowmobiles were a means of survival and transportation,” Richard Stahl said. There was lots of terrain for sightseeing and wilderness excursions but groomed trails were about as abundant as coconut palms lining Main Street. “Nobody had ever heard of one,” Stahl said. Once arrived in the

valley, the Stahls began building the Methow River cabins – soon to include the Methow River Lodge – in Winthrop and joined MVSA. “We get quizzed a lot about snowmobile opportunities her e,” St a h l note d. “I describe the Methow as the easiest winter on Earth,” he added, recalling what is was like to endure 60-degreebelow-days farther north. So, how does snowmobiling here compare with the wilds of Alaska? “One of my favorite trips

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 here is that I can ride five miles on my machine, throw on my snowshoes and walk into an area where I’m totally alone to enjoy the wildlife, scenery and quiet,” Stahl said, comparing the two experiences. Stahl underscored three additional trends that point to the growing popularity of this winter pursuit. One i nvolves t he mac h i nes t hem selves. Tha n k s to improvements in technology, “the days of smoke and noise are virtually gone,” Stahl said of the new sleds coming off the assembly line. “And it’s a gal’s sport,” Stahl added. “If a girl likes motor i zed rec reat ion, then she’s going to love snowmobiling.” Citing his own family as an example, Stahl said snowmobiling is also a great way to introduce the younger generation to a group sport and, through organizations like MVSA, com mu n it y s er v ic e. It seems like something new is always going on with the Methow Valley Snowmobile Association. “A new function for us this year was providing the food concessions at the Labor Day rodeo,” said Bev Schultz. “We also do the warming barrels for Christmas at the End of the Road each year.” They support other events like ‘49er Days and are a local contact for an annual college scholarship through t h e Wa s h i n g t o n St at e Snowmobiling Association. The association’s popular Christmas dinner held at the

Page 19

Photo by Dolly Stahl

Sweetgrass Butte is just one of many powder playgrounds near the Methow Valley. Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp is open to anyone who needs a filling and friendly holiday meal. Developments on the trail network will see at least a couple of additions this year. One is a new parking lot at the Buttermilk Butte trailhead. Intersection signs will once again be up at key junction on trails so users will know which route goes where. And a new grooming

machine is due to make its debut any day now. Ji m Va n n ice of t he Mountain Trail Grooming Association will be putting the new equipment to work to ensure that the Methow can continue to lay claim to “the best groomed trails in the state of Washington,” in Vannices’ words. The MTGA was founded in 1999 and works hand-in-glove with MVSA to provide the trail

maintenance users have grown accustomed to in this area. “We need a minimum of 12 inches of snow in the Sno-Parks before we can begin grooming,” Vannice said, “and we can continue through the end of March.”

All trails are maintained on a rotating or as-needed basis and users can view the schedules in The News or online at www.methow. com/groomer/index.htm, where printable Sno-Park maps and other information is available.

Photo by Dolly Stahl

Bill Imes has served up plenty of hot dogs over the years for hungry snowmobilers who take part in the MVSA’s weekly outings.

Page 20

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Winthrop Ice Rink is a hub of activity

W

By Carol Stull

inthrop Ice Rink – “created by the community for the community� from a temporary makeshift unit behind the Winthrop Barn nearly a decade ago, to a permanent rink at the Town Trailhead, today heads firmly into the future under new leadership. An enthusiastic new volunteer Winthrop Ice & Sports Rink board split apart from joint management with Methow Valley Sport Trails Association last summer. MVSTA had been assisting with operations of the four-year-old town/communitybuilt facility through its early stages. Jay Lucas of MVSTA notes the local ice skating dream dates back to at least 20 years ago, when winter sports enthusiasts would sweep the snow off frozen lakes and ponds to enjoy their passion. And he credits Anne Joslin Webster for being just about the biggest longtime fan – so much so that she donated the tractor and Zamboni attachment used to groom the ice today. Scott Dinham heads up the current WISR board as president. He describes the nine-member group as “re-energized� and ready to go for a great 2010/2011 season. And he stresses their aim is to strive for a new-and-improved operation run in a business-like manner that sustains the facility on a firm foundation. Th e i r a m b it io u s m i s s io n statement is to maintain “a community sports hub, trailhead, meeting place and multi-use facility promoting outdoor recreation, health, fitness

Photo by Joyce Campbell

Ice skating in the great outdoors is one of winter’s rare but beloved charms. and fun for visitors and residents alike.� To that end, the group has hired Ryan Marshall to be rink manager, charged with providing the public access to a more dependable operation. With him on the job, there’s no need to rely on volunteers to build and maintain a good ice surface throughout the season. The rink’s open season remains

weather dependent. According to Dinham, that’s roughly after Thanksgiving until March. He noted the earliest opening has been around Dec. 10, and the goal is to be ready for holiday recreation no later than Dec. 20. That means as soon as the ground is frozen and 24-hour temperature averages remain below freezing, the manager will be out spraying water

on the rink with a fire hose. The process of building up ice continues gradually over several nights until a good three-inch thick surface is ready for skating. Daily maintenance includes running a snowblower plus the Zamboni conditioner over the ice at least a couple times as needed. If temperatures warm up above freezing more t han t wo days in a row, the rink could close

The Weatherman is saying it’s going to be Very WET and Very WHITE — Are You READY? SINCE 1926

ST 27 LE Deluxe 27� Width 2-stage Electric Start

Located 2 1/2 miles north of Olds Station Bridge in Baker Flats Industrial Park, East Wentachee

t

www.ValleyTractor.com

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 21 Saturdays and Sundays. Focus is on figure skating for beginners and intermediate students. Din ham notes t he seasonal schedule is subject to change as the winter gets busy. He advises folks to check the updated schedule weekly. Go online to visit the WISR Facebook page. Check the MVSTA schedule. Or call the rink at 996-4199 for more information. To date, the Winthrop Ice Rink project – a joint Photo by Joyce Campbell

Winthrop’s ice rink offers a variety of activities for all ages, and is a great place to meet friends. temporarily. The new board is conducting a feasibility study to determine whether installing a refrigeration unit to prevent thawing might be possible. Dinham estimates such a purchase would require another round of intense fundraising to raise perhaps $300,000. Early rink discussions also proposed adding a roof covering. Dinham says the only benefit would be to keep snow off surfaces and people. But, he warns that besides a big price tag, that could be a big mistake aesthetically. “Part of what makes our rink special is skating outside. You want your kids to have that experience. It’s all the rage now. There are not many places left anymore with outdoor rinks.”

Word that Winthrop has an outdoor rink is getting out. Besides prov idi ng winter entertainment for locals, folks are coming from around the state. Teams and individuals come to play or practice hockey or just hone their skating skills in the great outdoors. WISR organizers have put together a full schedule of ice-rink activities. Amateur hockey tournaments for men and women, plus a growing USA Hockey program for boys and girls, ages 5 through 15, represent the organized sports aspect. But there’s plenty of opportunity for just plain play during open-skate periods. Don’t k now how to skate? Anne Sprague offers learn-to-skate sessions on Thursdays after school, plus

Photo by Sue Misao

Some folks like to practice their hockey skills at the ice rink.

vent ure built by g ra nt funds from and ownership by the town of Winthrop, plus volunteers, donations and management through MVSTA and WISR – is substantially complete. Lighting is installed. A multi-functional structure sits next to the skating rink. The building offers a skate rental shop, indoor restrooms and viewing room – a good place to warm up and watch the outdoor action. The facility is available to rent for

special events. But t he volu nte er board is not finished. They hope to keep upgrading t he Wi nt h rop Ice R i n k experience. And they intend to advertise, get the word out and thereby bring in more revenue to benefit the economy – of the rink itself and the community as a whole. “The more we have to offer, the more people we can bring into the valley,” states Dinham.

Winter’s

Page 22

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Photo by Lillian Tucker

Photo by Paul Butler

Photo by EA Weymuller

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 23

Photo by Sue Misao

Photo by EA Weymuller

silent

beauty

Photo by Marcy Stamper

Photo by EA Weymuller

Page 24

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Go anywhere on a pair of snowshoes

W

hether y o u want to climb to the top of a mountain for a panoramic view, or amble along a river looking for animal tracks, snowshoes offer a great mode of winter transportation. That’s what a growing number of people are discovering. Snowshoeing has been gaining in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. “We really like it, mainly because it’s very peaceful and it’s great exercise,” said Nick Ahlfs of Winthrop, who snowshoes regularly with his wife, Patti, during the winter. “You can go just about anywhere you want…and you don’t need a ton of specialized gear,” said Steve Bondi, owner of the North Cascades Basecamp lodge in Mazama. Snowshoeing also offers entry into a sport without a big learning curve. Firsttime snowshoers generally get the feel of cruising along on top of the snow within a short time, said Eric Burr, who has been leading snowshoe tours for decades. “With snowshoeing, it happens right off the bat. There’s a little anxiety at the very beginning about which foot to put the snowshoes on,

By Ann McCreary

Photo by Nicholas Ahlfs

No learning curve here. Just put on your shoes, grab the dog and go. Anywhere!

and how to attach the bindings, but once they get going, they’re fine,” Burr said. “And when you get little kids on snowshoes, they’re just a natural. It seems to spark something in them,” he said. In addition to being easy to learn and family-friendly,

snowshoeing is a relatively low-cost sport, especially compared to Nordic or alpine skiing. Snowshoes are much less expensive than skis, and trail and lift passes aren’t necessary. And snowshoeing is appealing to older baby boomers who are looking for a lower impact

sport to replace skiing. The Methow Valley offers an array of opportunities to experience the outdoors on snowshoes, ranging from organized tours to wilderness ventures. On the organized side, The Nature of Winter tours offer a great way to learn more

about the Methow Valley, and how its resident plants and animals adapt to winter. Trained guides share their knowledge of wildlife, tracking and winter ecology while leading tours on snowshoe trails. The tours leave from Sun Mountain Lodge and the North Cascades Basecamp in Mazama, where snowshoes are available for rent. This winter is the first time that the tours will be hosted at the Basecamp in Mazama, and Bondi looks forward to introducing people to some beautiful trails that wind around the lodge. “One trail runs right along a beaver pond and open wetlands. Another loops through a big cedar forest that is one-of-a-kind in the valley,” Bondi said. “It’s pretty flat and family friendly, because you’re never going too far from the lodge.” Because the area is mostly level, it’s a good place for people with young children to tour, Bondi said. Tour guide Burr likes to lead more ambitious snowshoers up a steep trail behind the Freestone Inn in Mazama. “The Inn View Loop takes you to the top of a cliff where you look down at the inn and around the whole upper valley.”

methownet.com homepage for the methow valley

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 People don’t need to join a tour, however, to explore the snowshoe trails around the valley. A $5 snowshoe trail pass from Methow Valley Sport Trails Association provides access to 15 snowshoe trails that are packed

Page 25

down after each snowfall to make traveling easier. Burr recommends that visitors stop at the nearest inn – either Sun Mountain or the Basecamp – to get a map of the trails around them. “For a self-guided trail, the

Beaver Creek Loop at Sun Mountain is probably the best,� Burr said. The Sun Mountain snowshoe trail system has expanded a bit this year with the addition of a two-kilometer trail that is accessed from the Magpie trail, said Jay Lucas, director of MVSTA. One of the great joys of snowshoeing is the ability to explore without being constrained by trails or boundaries. Ahlfs and his wife have a few favorite

destinations that provide solitude, beautiful scenery and, unlike the groomed snowshoe trails, allow them to bring their dogs along. Because they aren’t plowed in winter, the Beaver Creek Road above Pearrygin Lake and the East Chewuch Road beyond the Boulder Creek Sno-Park make for good snowshoeing, Ahlfs said. And Patterson Mountain offers a good aerobic workout with great views at the top. Imagination and energy

are about the only limitations for touring around the valley on snowshoes. For long tours, it’s advisable to dress in layers and bring snacks, because snowshoeing can be strenuous. According to the trade group Snowsports Industries America, snowshoeing burns up to 45 percent more calories than walking or running at the same speed. Unlike skiing, Burr said, “you don’t get the downhill trip for free.�

When it comes to xc ski gear... we’ve got the Methow Valley covered!

Dynafit Photo Photo by Nicholas Ahlfs

Ambitious snowshoers can choose from a variety of groomed and ungroomed trails throughout the valley, or just blaze one of their own.

Winthrop, Wa.

SKIS – 'JTDIFS t 4BMPNPO t 1FMUPOFO t %ZOBÜU t #MBDL %JBNPOE POLES – 4XJY t 'JTDIFS t -FLJ t #MBDL %JBNPOE WAXES – 4XJY t 5PLP t 3FY t 3PEF BOOTS – 'JTDIFS t 4BMPNPO t "MQJOB t %ZOBÜU t (BSNPOU

We custom fit skis using our Slegar ski tester.

3JWFSTJEF "WF 8JOUISPQ 8" r 0QFO %BJMZ XXX XJOUISPQNPVOUBJOTQPSUT DPN r

Page 26

Winter fishing:

the other white meat By Mike Maltais

Photo by John Hanron

Nothing is cozier than sitting around the fishing hole with your buddies in the middle of winter.

W

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

i n t e r angling comes in two basic flavors around these parts: walkalong-the-river-bank-fishing and sit-out-on-the-lakeice-fishing. If the latter fits your pistol, then you’re Zach Austin’s kind of bait flicker. The Twisp resident is one of the go-to guys for throughthe-ice rod bending. Austin’s ice fishing destination of choice is Patterson Lake and his object is yellow perch. He’s on the ice as soon as it’s stout enough to safely carry his weight, or about eight inches thick. Equipment requirements are minimal. No boat or trailer, no outboard or trolling motor; just an auger, available at hardware stores, a madeto-order rod, a little tackle and you’re in the ice fishing business. A six-inch hand-operated auger is Austin’s pick, and for a rod he prefers an ultralight 18-inch model – small by warm-weather angling standards – and light tackle with a few crappie jigs. He tips his two-pound line with a sinker and ties on a plastic crappie jig with a sizefour hook. Six inches above the first jig, he adds another. Both hooks are baited with meal worms. In fact, Austin has become so enamored with these critters – the meal worms – that he now raises these beetle wannabes for

Multiple Listing Service

MLS

Photo by Joyce Campbell

If you’re looking for whitefish in the Methow River, high noon is your magic hour. But don’t tarry – you’re only allowed to catch 15 a day. his own use and for sale to other ice fishermen. He starts in the middle

of the lake, straight out from the boat launch in the deeper water. As the season

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 advances and the bite drops off, Austin moves closer to shore as perch seek shallower waters where they spawn in early spring. Perch hang near the lake bottom and tend to move in schools. Their bite can be light to sharp, and Austin says a good-sized specimen can measure 12-plus inches while the average size run is six to eight. A big side benefit of winter fishing is a liberal catch limit, and in the case of perch, no limits.

The piscatorial palate will thank you for the flaky, tender white meat. Looking for some different white meat? Try the river in winter. “Mountain whitefish probably make up the biggest biomass in the Methow River. They can run to 20 inches and that’s about as big as you will find anywhere.” If you want an invitation to try winter fishing in the valley, that one from

Page 27 Charlie Snow, Washington Department of Fish and Game biologist, is as good as they come. Snow is not just a casual observer of this fine cold-weather diversion; he’s put in the water time with rod, reel and his own hometied wet flies, so he knows whereof he speaks. And you don’t have to careen around your cabin at oh-dark-thirty so you’ll be on the water before first light. Whitefishing is a topof-the-morning pursuit, best practiced at the warmest part of a winter day, say, noon to 1 p.m., Snow advises. Gearing up isn’t particularly complicated either. You can tote along a 10-pound tackle box if that’s your style, but the business end of your fishing line will do just fine with a six-pound-test fluorocarbon tippet towing a wet fly like a Copper John or a Prince Nymph. That’s what Snow recommends and he adds a few customizing touches to his setup, including a tungsten bead and a bit of copper wire to give the lure enough weight to hug the bottom. Finally comes the strike indicator – in Snow’s case, a Lil’ Corky with a wedge of toothpick that rides the surface of the water. And, once again, what is one of the bonuses of winter fishing? Right! Liberal catch limits. The daily quota of whitefish is 15 and the season runs from Dec. 1 through March 31. However, whitefish aren’t the only species that call the Methow River home. Three

threatened species – native steelhead, cutthroat and bull trout – also cruise this blueribbon stream. A special extended steelhead season was opened Sept. 8 on the Upper Columbia River system – including the Methow River – to give sportfishermen an opportunity to harvest the bumper crop of hatcheryreared steelhead – those with their adipose fin clipped. As of Oct. 30, some 12,500 steelhead had been counted at Wells Dam, according to WDFW Region 5 fish biologist Bob Jateff. And many of those are destined for the waters of the Methow. The daily limit is four steelhead and anglers are required to keep the first two hatchery fish over 20 inches. Natives must be released without removing them from the water. How long will the special season last? Not even the WDFW biologists can forecast at this writing. Special fishing gear rules have been instituted to protect the threatened species, and those rules extend to whitefish anglers as well. No bait is allowed, so it’s artificial lures only with a single barbless hook. The 2010/2011 Sportfishing Rules Pamphlet regulations should be consulted studiously – Page 26 for special gear, Page 28 for species identification, Page 81 for the Methow River – since they are detailed and strictly enforced. To check online visit wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/ regulations/.

Photo by Sue Misao

Page 28

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Get in shape now for winter activities

G

et a crowd of people together here in the Methow, toss a pinecone in any direction, and you’ll no doubt hit a cross-country skier. There is more to winter than skiing, believe it or not, but for now we’ll begin at the top: Mount Everest. Mazaman Midge Cross has been there, done that and many others and is certainly qualified to discourse on training for snow activities, especially skiing. Midge is a classic skier, not a skater. She is not one you will see on roller blades bopping down the road as the skaters do to get in shape for their winter activities. Her pre-season workouts involve striding uphill with modified hiking poles,

By Bob Spiwak

working hard to simulate classic cross-country activation of mind and muscle. “I move into skiing as much as I can [before the snow falls] and the best advice I can give is don’t get out of it,” she states. In the gym, she teaches a strength-promoting striding class. And in the warmer season, she keeps her trim body in shape by climbing mountains, hiking and biking. Pete Dickinson, owner of Winthrop Fitness, notes that “Walking is the premiere fitness activity.” He advocates an hour a day of physical activity, at least walking, and declares this has been shown to prevent the negative effects of aging, and lessens the chance of heart disease and even some

cancers. He believes in what he refers to as the 10 percent rule, gradually working into activities by increasing these by a cumulative factor of 1/10th each week. Muscle strength training, lifting and pushing are a key part of this aspect, and echoing Cross’s thoughts on climbing, Dickinson notes, “That’s why so many people hike Maple Pass in the fall.” His wife, Jan, has her own prescription for getting in shape: Train the muscles that will be used for a particular activity. Prepare the body to accept repeated motion in that realm, but overall, the most important thing as she sees it is to avoid bodily injury. Get moving, she says, echoing the 10 percent rule. Use sustained heart-exercising activities that increase the heart rate, and, with these, also increase breathing. Another important aspect in preparing the body for winter activities is diet. Assuming you have abandoned the couch for something more stimulating, don’t make too many trips to the refrigerator as part of your walking regimen. Focus on protein and carbohydrates and limit fats. Fats, claims Dickinson,

Photo illustration by Mary Sharman and David Chantler

Intrepid writer, golfer, kayaker, photographer, and now cross-country skier Bob Spiwak in his latest gig: male model for unhealthy products. are the last things the body burns for energy; carbs are at the top of the list. Check the labels on foods and read what percentage of the product is calories and then what percent is calories

from fats. For example, while speaking with the couple, I was eating a mini Reese’s peanut butter chocolate cup. It contained 80 calories, half of which were derived from fat. This is a bad thing for the body – the lower the percentage ratio, the better it is for you (again stressing proteins as the best food source). Early day protein fixes like breakfast are a good all-day foundation; meats and eggs are a great beginning. All the above are not only for skiing or skating or snowshoeing. Even those who don’t involve themselves in those pursuits still can benefit from the physical fitness trainers’ advice. There are many prosaic winter activities that might

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 29 into which you will sweat – they will freeze you when you rest. Dress in layers, with wool or synthetic underclothes, a fleece or wool vest next, covered with a windbreaker that has breathability, and, finally, if cold enough, an outer garment of down or wool. If you have to hit the pavement in any of our towns, products such as Yaktrax, “chains” that easily slip onto the bottom of your boots, will help prevent a

Photo by Sue Misao

Careful shoveling of snow, particularly around random works of art, is a good way to get exercise in winter. be less strenuous or injurious with preparatory physical training. At the top of the list is shoveling snow. Even if you have a blower or plow, shoveling is inevitable. Heart attacks are common among people who are out of shape, grab the shovel and dig and fling away. Start slowly and delicately, lifting small amounts, rather than full shovels of snow, especially if it is wet stuff. Get that lower back in shape before the snow deepens. Firewood is a staple among the locals. As I have

Photo John Hanron

Indoor workouts will pay off during those long, strenuous snow activities you know you will not be able to resist this winter.

learned the hard way, don’t load your arms too heavily when getting and transporting the fuel. A crackling fire is great; a crackling lower

back is misery. Wear the right clothing when doing any physical activity outdoors. Cotton is a no-no, even T-shirts,

damaging slip and fall on the ice, and you can safely bet on there being ice on the streets. Literally “hitting the pavement” is a real bummer! Another consideration in preparation and getting in shape is that before the snow arrives, grab a tire chain and install it on one of your car tires. Better to learn the procedure now than trying to figure it out under the car in a ditch or along the highway. Just a thought. Enjoy the winter.

Page 30

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Follow the trail: a glimpse into the ephemeral

T

he delicate impressions on the surface of the snow were initially hard to read – faint, diagonal strokes set several feet apart – but after some study a story emerged. We were clearly looking at the traces of the wingspan of a large raptor, which had alighted on the ground, snatched a rodent and taken off again. The first set of impressions included talon prints; then the brush of wingtips grew progressively fainter before the bird literally disappeared into thin air. This was amateur wildlife tracking, but it nonetheless provided a thrilling glimpse into the ephemeral. Developing your observational skills makes it possible to get more than a glimpse, helping you to

By Marcy Stamper

Photo by Sue Misao

Wildlife tracking can offer an understanding of the behavior of some of nature’s most elusive creatures. read these tracks, to identify them and to understand the behavior of some of nature’s most elusive creatures. “You don’t realize how alive the winter world really

is,” said Kaliope Creighton, a volunteer leader of the Nature of Winter tours for the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association. “It’s putting together a puzzle and

figuring out what it is, piece by piece.” Experienced observers of winter wildlife look for clues and patterns, said Creighton. They look at the gait, differen-

tiating between walkers such as deer and coyotes, hoppers like the snowshoe hare, and bounders like weasels, and to compare hooves and paws and canine and feline prints. “One of the first skills to learning tracking is to ask questions,” writes Gabe Spence in an article about interpreting signs in the snow. Spence, who teaches tracking through the Methow Wilderness School, starts with six main questions – who, what, when, why, where and how. Answers come from various signs – chewed branches, piles of pine cones, scat and droppings – and a good field guide that helps you understand what creatures you can expect to find in a particular area. “A lot of tracking is paying attention to the weather and heading out at the right time to see tracks,” said Mary Kiesau, program coordinator at the Methow Conservancy and organizer of the tours for MVSTA. Most animals tuck themselves away during a snowstorm, so waiting until the snow stops is important, she said. There is also more activity at dawn and dusk and, because some animals are nocturnal, setting out early in the morning is usually

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 most rewarding. Timing is important not only for seeing fresh tracks, but also for understanding when the animal left them, according to Spence. For instance, have the prints filled with snow or melted and re-frozen? You can also guide your wildlife observations by choosing where to go. Large, open slopes draw coyotes, deer, rodents and members of the weasel family, while snowshoe hares and cougars favor forested areas, said Kiesau. Riparian areas can be particularly fruitful, since most animals seek out water. Beavers will emerge from their dams from time to time in the winter, and you may see foot and body prints of otters, said Kiesau. Cougars and bobcats also tend to follow river corridors, taking advantage of nearby tree cover. Even as the snow wanes in March, you can see evidence of animals in the mud or sand along riverbanks, she said. The length of an animal’s stride is also important. While a cougar and a lynx leave footprints that are about the same size, the lynx has a much shorter stride, said Creighton. Spence will even get on all fours to better understand how the animal was moving and why. “The key to tracking is to simply follow the tracks,” said Kiesau. “They will take you places where humans don’t go – beneath the brush, up and over downed logs – and they may lead to a cougar kill site,” she said. When trailing in difficult terrain, “put yourself in the animal’s skin and become the creature, …[which] allows the tracker to predict where an animal is going and to pick the track up after losing it,” writes Spence. Even if you don’t want to crawl around on all fours, you can glean a lot of information just by honing your observation skills. “We point out little things that are easy to miss,” said Creighton. Delicate mouse

trails – tiny feet surrounding a sinuous line left by the tails – begin to emerge. While chipmunks generally hibernate until the warmer days late in the season, squirrels remain active and can be spotted near the piles of dismembered pinecones they leave behind. Another opportunity to learn about wildlife tracking comes in January when natural science educator Bruce Thompson comes to the valley. In a program sponsored by North Cascades Basecamp and the Methow Conservancy, Thompson will give a presentation on reading the signatures of animals in the snow and thinking about winter wildlife through the mind of an animal tracker. Thompson will also lead a more in-depth outdoor workshop about identification and interpretation of wildlife tracks and the interrelatedness between plants and animals. See the Winter Guide calendar of events on Page 40 for details.

Page 31

Custom the Methow MethowValley Valley CustomHomes Homes in in the

Photo by Sue Misao

Every animal track tells a story. Some of those stories become legends.

wsaconstruction.com wsaconstruction.com

ESCAPE

DISCOVER

FREESTONE INN &

TO THE THE

MANY PLEASURES

It’s all waiting just outside your door

WSACOI*081M9 WSACOI*081M9

OF

WINTER

Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful seclusion as you glide through spectacular scenery on more than 175 km of groomed Nordic trails. The Freestone Inn features a fireplace in every room, cabin and luxury lodge. Relax and enjoy soaking in our steaming outdoor hot tub overlooking Freestone Lake. Complete your day at our fireside restaurant featuring a sweeping view of the lake, sumptuous gourmet fare and casual dining.

BU!XJMTPO!SBODI

509.996.3906 ~ 800.639.3809

www.freestoneinn.com

31 Early Winters Drive, Mazama, Washington (just 15 miles west of Winthrop)

Page 32

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Stay cozy on a cold winter night By Patrick Hannigan

A

Photo by John Hanron

Sometimes you just want to stay home and cozy up to the fire.

Mountain Majesty

Sun Mountain Lodge offers over 65 km. of beautifully groomed cross country ski trails right from your door. Plus all the amenities of a AAA Four Diamond resort. Full service spa, award-winning dining, extensive wine list, cross country ski shop with a complete line of rental gear and PSIA certified instructors, game room, gift shop, exercise room, hot tub and more. And all at surprisingly affordable prices! Check out our winter packages online or call for more information.

800-572-0493 www.sunmountainlodge.com sunmtn@sunmountainlodge.com Winthrop, WA

s the articles in this Winter Guide illustrate, there’s plenty to do outside during the cold months in the Methow. But when its five degrees outside and the snow is blowing sideways, sometimes it feels great to hunker down and do a whole lot of not very much. After a non-stop summer season of tourist madness and a crazed fall spent rushing around finishing up home and garden projects, many locals look forward to winter – and not just for recreation. Once the ground is blanketed with white, we have the perfect excuse to take a deep breath, exhale, relax and postpone many of our responsibilities until spring. A warm fire and plenty of firewood is a prerequisite for hunkering down during

winter, according to most Methow residents. “I have a 1905 potbelly woodstove in my studio that really puts out the heat,” said artist Ginger Reddington. “Sometimes it gets so hot in there I have to take my shirt off to work. It feels great.” While Reddington finds

“Besides a good fire and a fat book, somebody to cuddle with is nice,” said Renda Grim of Twisp. With or without a partner in cuddling, people read much more during winter said Ken Libby, owner of Trail’s End Bookstore in Winthrop. “December is our busiest month and January and February are right up there,” said Libby. “When the weather is bad, people head to the bookstore.” In the old days, cabin fever must have been worse than today, when there are so many different indoor entertainment options. With videos, satellite TV and Internet, people can lose themselves in their favorite shows or stay in touch with others. “Netflix and making beef stew, that’s about it,” said

“I pretty much hate the winter, but I guess it’s nice to have permission to kick back and watch a lot of TV.” she does much more painting during the cold months than during the busy months of summer, Reddington said her husband Don’s favorite indoor wintertime activity is napping. Good company to go along with a good fire is a necessary part of hunkering down during winter.

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11 April Delbrook of Winthrop. “I pretty much hate the winter, but I guess it’s nice to have permission to kick back and watch a lot of TV.” Twisp plumber Dwight Filer agrees that kicking back is a nice part of winter, although he prefers bean soup to beef stew. “Things aren’t as busy during winter and just to get a day off during the middle of the week is something I value like gold,” said Filer. “I’m looking forward to just being home and making pots of five-bean soup and cornbread.” Still, there are always things that should get done, even in winter. “Every winter I tell myself I’m going to go through my garage and organize all my recreational equipment, but it just doesn’t seem to happen,” said Filer. Games are a good way to pass time and be social during the dark months, according to 74-year old Arlene Arneson. Although she still trains for marathons during winter, she also spends more time with friends. “I like to play bridge with the ladies – it’s exercise for my brain,” said Arneson. “I also enjoy volunteering at the senior center. It keeps me in touch.” For Pi Dombernowsky, winter makes it easier to focus on schoolwork. “I love skiing, buts when it’s dark outside, it’s easier to study,” said Dombernowsky, who is currently enrolled in a nursing program. People have the chance to socialize more during winter and it seems there is a potluck or party nearly every weekend. Human connection is apparently more important than ever when it’s cold and dark outside, but watch out. “If you hang around here too long in the winter you start drinking and making babies,” said Corey Barnes. “By the end of January, it’s time to go somewhere and get

Page 33

Photo by Joyce Campbell

People tend to be more social in winter, gathering often for parties and potlucks. some vitamin D.” Barnes’s favorite cure for the wintertime blues is a warm-water diving trip to Cozumel. Judging by the annual peak of local babies being

“I’ve been here 30 years, and every winter I tell myself if I have too much time on my hands, I’ll learn to knit,” said Mari Ann Applebee. “So far it hasn’t happened.” For those agriculturalists like Applebee who spend much of the spring, summer and fall pruning, planting, weeding, harvesting and canning, winter offers a welcome break from the seasonal routine. “It’s the absence of so much work that’s nice,” said Applebee. “By winter, I’m ready to do a lot of nothing.” When the temperature drops below zero degrees, outdoor recreation is just not very appealing said dentist John Nickell. “It’s nice to be inside and keep the fire going and look out the window. It’s very peaceful,” said Nickell. “I’m comfortable and I feel like I can survive, even thrive in this weather.”

“By winter, I’m ready to do a lot of nothing.” born each fall, conceiving children is indeed a popular wintertime activity in the Methow. Crafts are a popular way to pass time and do something productive in winter. There are several local groups of women who gather each week for knitting night, although sometimes the occasion is more about drinking wine and talking about relationships than actually knitting. For that reason, these gatherings are sometimes jokingly called “stitch and bitch.” But knitting isn’t for everybody.

Page 34

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Stay warm without burning down the house By Patrick Hannigan

Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice. –Robert Frost

N

obody can agree on how the world ends, but one thing is for certain: Winter in the Methow is mighty icy without fire. A good fire begins with dry, seasoned, quality wood. In the Methow, that means either Douglas fir or western larch. A cord of either is the best wood these parts can offer and will produce a lot of heat while burning fairly clean. Cut, buck, haul, split and stack it yourself, or expect to pay around $160 per cord for the job. Lodgepole pine, which is straight grained and easy to split, is preferable to ponderosa, but pines in general put out about 20 percent less heat per cord compared to larch or fir. Like rock stars, pines tend to burn fast and fade away, leaving your chimney coated with creosote. If you burn lots of ponderosa and don’t clean the chimney, suddenly you’ll have a house fire instead of a fire in your house. No serious person who heats their home with wood burns cottonwood or aspen. If you are reading this and haven’t put up firewood for the winter yet, go get three or four cords of free paperback books at the Twisp Senior Center (leave a hefty donation, please) and hope you can read trashy

Photo by Sue Misao

Woodstoves kick out the heat, and, when you’re done reading, you can use these pages as fire starter, if you can bear to part with them. novels fast enough to stoke the stove and ward off hypothermia. There are lots of ways people

use fires to stay warm during winter in the Methow. Fireplaces sure look sweet but, since they suck all

the heat in the house up the chimney, they are basically useless for anything besides a bearskin rug romance. Electric-powered wood pellet stoves are pretty cool, except when the power goes out for a week during a blizzard in January, which is precisely when a fire would be really handy. Propane stoves are extremely convenient because making a fire is as easy as flipping a switch. Still, wildly fluctuating gas prices make propane as a primary heat source an expensive gamble and a gas flame will never feel as warm as a real fire. Wood stoves are popular heating devices in the Methow and for good reason: They kick out the BTUs while burning locally available fuel very efficiently at a fraction of the price of electricity. In case of a munchies emergency, you can also fry bacon and cook quesadillas on them. Although modern primitives make fires with nothing more than a piece of flint and their front teeth, most people these days use matches or a lighter to ignite newspaper that is strategically placed underneath some kindling. The Methow Valley News works well every time. There is some disagreement about the best way to kindle a fire. Early on in the Methow, the Native Americans always stacked their

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 35

FIREWOOD RATINGS AND INFO Species

Heat

Easy to Burn

Easy to Split

Heavy Smoke ?

Throw Sparks?

General Rating

mbtu/cord

Low Low High

Yes Yes Poor

Yes Yes

Med Med

No No Few

Fair Fair Med

14.7 13.5 26.5

High Low Med

Yes Med/Exc Yes

Yes Yes Yes

Yes Med Med

No No/Mod Yes

Good Fair Fair

20.7 15.2 20.8

HARDWOODS Aspen Cottonwood Apple

SOFTWOODS Douglas Fir Ponderosa Pine Tamarack

In general, softwoods light and burn easily and quickly with a hot fire which tends to make a lot of sparks. Hardwoods are usually harder to start but burn more evenly and quite a bit longer. Source: U.S. Forest Products Laboratory kindling using the “Teepee” method. Then the European settlers showed up and insisted everyone use the “log cabin” technique, where kindling is stacked in a symmetrical, ordered square. Today there are proponents

of both methods. Modern building codes require that all new wood stoves have a dedicated outside air source so they burn outside air instead of inside air, which can lead to back drafting and fill

the house with smoke. This wasn’t so much of an issue back in the old days when log cabins had cracks in the chinking wide enough to see through. Wintertime is bonfire time in the Methow because it’s the only time of year we can have a real outdoor blaze without the risk of wildfire. A great way to prepare a bonfire is to build a sizable teepee (or log cabin) out of dry brush, branches and logs during the fall and then tarp the structure until the snow falls and it’s winter party time. This method is far preferable to the alternative, which involves excavating soggy wood, gasoline, road flares and a trip to the hospital. A good fire brings

Photo by John Hanron

Cut it, load it, haul it, unload it, split it, stack it, chop some kindling, tear up the weekly paper, build a pile, then light it and hope it starts. Ah, nothing like a fire. warmth and light into our homes during the long snowy months of winter in the Methow. A good fire is

functional, but also satisfies some simple primal element of our human nature; a good fire just feels good.

Page 36

Sourdough: It’s alive!

O

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

By Amy Stork

ne of my goals for the winter is to learn to make sourdough bread. I asked Thomas McGregor at the Okanogan Bakery to help me get started. Thomas and his wife, Joelle Hartke, launched their company last year in the old flour mill in downtown Okanogan. Hoping to create a sustainable family business, the Chelan natives returned to the area after working food and beverage management jobs all over the Pacific Northwest. They sell their loaves at area farmers markets, provide bread for events (some of which they also cater), and hope to begin selling at retail outlets soon. Sourdough baking is all the rage, and hundreds of books, blogs, websites and

Photo by Amy Stork

With just four simple ingredients, freshly-baked, just-out-of-the-oven sourdough bread is difficult for anyone to resist. classes bubble over with endless detail and disagreement on how to best approach this traditional practice.

Mary Kiesau

Because a place this amazing doesn’t happen by accident.

Methow Conservancy Your local nonprofit working with people to protect the best of the Methow Valley. Learn more about our conservation projects and classes www.methowconservancy.org 509-996-2870

Though sourdough is definitely an art, McGregor says I shouldn’t be intimidated by the hullabaloo.

“Remember, you’re talking about four ingredients: flour, water, yeast and salt.” All bread that rises relies

on living single-cell organisms called yeast. Yeast, in combination with lactobacillus bacteria, eat the sugars found in flour. The digestive process produces bubbles of carbon dioxide and alcohol, causing the dough to expand. It also creates strands of protein, called gluten, that give the bread its structure; and it lends flavor by breaking down the carbohydrates in flour into simpler molecules. In sourdough baking, the yeast comes from a culture – a mass of flour and water that is home to living yeast and bacteria. A sourdough culture, or “starter,” first forms by allowing flour and water to capture wild yeast from the atmosphere; the baker then keeps the starter

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 37

Basic sourdough bread Makes two 24-ounce loaves of bread 1.5 lb flour .8 lb warm water .6 lb sourdough starter .35 oz salt • Using a bread mixer on low to medium speed, or by hand, mix all ingredients for two minutes to incorporate. • Let dough sit for 15-20 minutes. • Continue mixing at low/medium speed or knead by hand for about three minutes or until gluten develops and the dough feels “alive” – it springs back when you touch it. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. If it begins to creep towards 80F, stick alive by continuing to feed it. With regular additions of flour and water, a starter can live indefinitely. The yeast in the atmosphere is different everywhere, so where you live influences the flavor of your sourdough bread. It’s this localism, and the idea of cooperating with a living thing to create basic food, that lends romance and mystery to the sourdough process. I also want to learn how to use sourdough because it’s somewhat unpredictable, and as Thomas McGregor says, it requires having the courage to fail – something I need to cultivate. “Good bread baking takes patience and observation, and not taking yourself too seriously. You learn from your mistakes,” he reminded me. McGregor gave me about half a pound of his sourdough culture, which he’s had for nearly 20 years. He’s happy to share with anyone, or you can order starter online. You can also create your own by leaving a mixture of equal parts flour and water (by weight) on the kitchen counter until the yeasts develop – though McGregor says it can be hard for the novice to tell when that process is actually complete. For the basic care and feeding of the starter, and many other details of sourdough baking, McGregor referred me to the websites www.thefreshloaf.com and

the dough in the fridge for a little while. • Set out in a covered bowl 3-4 hours or until the dough doubles in size. • Divide into halves. • Tuck the sticky edges over gently to make the basic loaf shape. • Let the dough sit another 20 or 30 minutes until it feels elastic again. • Meanwhile, rub flour into several linen dishcloths. • Fold the edges of the loaves over again, wrap loosely in the dishcloths and place into two loaf-sized bowls or baskets. • Cover lightly with plastic to keep the bread from absorbing flavors from the fridge. • Refrigerate 8-12 hours, then remove and let

www.sourdoughhome.com, and the books The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart and Breads from the La Brea Bakery by Nancy Silverton. The other things the sourdough amateur needs are a kitchen scale (most baking recipes are by weight); two to four dedicated linen dishtowels; a few baskets in the desired loaf shape; a thermometer; a pizza stone or other heavy, ovenproof flat surface on which to bake the bread; and an old pan for steaming. I asked McGregor to help me prioritize among the many recommendations found online and in baking manuals. He offered these tips to go along with his own recipe (see box) or any other: • Quality ingredients are paramount. Use filtered water when possible, and flour – specific to bread baking – with more protein than an all-purpose flour. • When you begin making the dough, stir flour, water, salt and starter together until just mixed, then let it rest about 15 minutes before mixing it the rest of the way. • Don’t over mix the dough. “Oxygen is the worst enemy of flavor,” says McGregor. • Use warm water, but not so warm that it pushes the temperature of the dough above 80F – and remember that mixing creates heat, too.

• Let the bread rise or “proof” slowly, away from the stove or other heat source. • Creating steam in the oven at the beginning of baking is the key to a good crust. Want an easier option? Right before I visited the Okanogan Bakery, local

sit about 2 hours longer. The dough is ready to bake when you poke it and it takes about a minute for the divot to pop back out. • Put a pizza stone in the middle of the oven and an old pan on the bottom rack. • Heat oven to 450F. • When oven is hot, add ice cubes or water to pan, then quickly shut oven door to allow steam to form. • Once the oven is back to temperature, quickly slide the loaves onto the stone using parchment paper, a spatula or other tool. • Bake for about 25 minutes. Recipe courtesy of the Okanogan Bakery.

foodie Jim Salter sent me a link to a YouTube video called “Breadolution.” Made by former Twisp resident MacLeod Pappidas, the short video tells the charming story of how he learned to make a lovely, crusty loaf of bread in just five minutes (plus 18 hours of waiting), without kneading. Salter says he uses the same process, but substitutes sour-

dough starter for yeast. Besides patience and courage, McGregor thinks there’s another lesson to be learned from baking bread. “The bread is like a person – the more you stress it out and try to force it to do something, the less it will turn out the way you want. You have to let the bread do its own thing.”

Winter

Page 38

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Photo by Sue Misao

Photo by Paul Butler

Photo by Paul Butler

Photo by Dolly Stahl

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

in

Page 39

Photo by EA Weymuller

Photo by Lillian Tucker

Photo by Sue Misao

motion

Photo by John Hanron

Photo by EA Weymuller

Page 40

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

NOVEMBER

12: TROPICAL HOLIDAY: Caribbean music, snacks, drinks, & art at Methow Valley Inn, Twisp. $35. 6-9pm 12: OPEN MIC: Hosted by RT Junior at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 12: COMEDY NIGHT: Comedian Nick Theisen performs at the Twisp River Pub. $5. 997-6822. 9pm 13: HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW: Opening day of “Tropical Holidays” at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. 997-2787. 10am-4pm 13: JEWELRY CLASS: For kids (noon -2pm $45) and adults (3pm - $65) at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. 9972787. 13: SKI BALL: MV Nordic Team benefit ski ball & auction with dinner & live entertainment at the Winthrop Barn. $35. 341-4400. 5:30pm 18: ARTIST BOOKS: “Exhibition of Artists Books” talk by Robin Doggett & Laura Gunnip at Door No. 3, Twisp. RSVP 997-2044. 7:30-8:30pm

26: VICCI MARTINEZ: Acoustic folk & soul music at the Old Schoolhouse brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 27: COFFEE CUPPING: “Brewing Methods” at Blue Star Coffee Roasters, Twisp. Free. RSVP at 997-2583. 11am-1pm

4: CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Local vendors of arts & crafts at the MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-2926. 9am-4pm

27: ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: Holiday gift exhibition at Winthrop Gallery. 996-3925. 5-7pm

7: PENGUINS: Holiday social & program on “Emperor Penguins: Elite Divers of the Bird World” at Twisp River Pub. Free. 996-2870. 5pm

27: JAZZ & ROCK: The Family Dog performs at the Twisp River Pub. Free. 997-6822. Jazz set beings at 7:30pm, Rock & Roll dance party begins at 9:30pm 28: CHAMBER MUSIC: “This Just Might Be Really Good” concert by cellist Kevin Krentz & pianist Christopher Hahn at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $18. 996-9969. 3pm

4: ARTIST OPENING: Reception for “TEGO Premier” solo art show by Tania Gonzalez Ortega at The Studio, Twisp. 997-0211. 11am-4pm

7: OPEN MIC: All welcome to perform on stage at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. Free. 997-PLAY. 7pm 10: MUSIC & SHOPPING: Music, snacks and holiday shopping at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. 997-2787. 5-7pm 10: SKI WAX: Free clinic on ski prep & wax at the Mazama Community Center. 996-8080. 7pm

19: DANBERT NOBACON: Release of new CD, Woebegone, featuring music & spoken word at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $10. 997-2044. 7pm

20: JAZZ: Avant-garde jazz performer Amy Denio at Tappi Restaurant, Twisp. Reservation 997-4004.

19: FOLK ROCK: Terrapin performs at the Old Schoolhouse brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 19: HARP & VOCALS: Bronn Journey performs at the MV United Methodist Church. $5-$15. 997-9292. 7pm

25: CHRISTMAS DINNER: Free dinner at the MV Senior Citizens Center, Twisp. 996-2220. Noon-2pm 26: SNOWSHOE TOUR: Local naturalist leads snowshoe tours in Mazama & Sun Mountain Lodge. $5 plus rental. 996-3287. 11am

20: CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Local vendors of arts & crafts at the MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-2926. 9am-4pm

28-30: KIDS’ SKI CAMP: Nordic ski camp on the Mazama trails. www. mvnordic.com. 9:30am-12:30pm

20: WREATH MAKING: Class with Bob Burns at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $65. 997-2787. Noon-4pm 20: MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATER: Performances of The Wizard of Oz at the MV Elementary School. $5-$7. 997-4004. 3pm & 7pm

18: COFFEE CUPPING: “Demystifying Home Espresso” at Blue Star Coffee Roasters, Twisp. Free. RSVP at 9972583. 11am-1pm

DECEMBER

2: ART CLASS: “Holiday Luminarias” with Tamera Abate at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $60. 997-2787. 3: MUSIC & SHOPPING: Live music, refreshments and holiday shopping at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. 997-2787. 5-7pm 3: SINGER SONGWRITER: Brody Blackburn performs at the Old Schoolhouse brewery, Winthrop. Free. 9963183. 7pm 3-19: THEATER: A Christmas Carol performed at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$15. 997-PLAY. 7pm (Sundays at 2pm)

10: OPEN MIC: Hosted by RT Junior at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm 14-16: CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Cascadia Chorale performs holiday music in the MV Community Center gym. Free/ donations. 923-9367. 7pm (Thursday’s show is for children). 16-19: SKI CAMP: MV cross country ski camp at Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop. $360. www.mvnordic.com. 17: MUSIC & SHOPPING: Live music, refreshments and holiday shopping at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. 997-2787. 5-7pm 17: ACOUSTIC MUSIC: Alyse Black performs at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

29: SNOWSHOE TOUR: Local naturalist leads snowshoe tours in Mazama & at Sun Mountain Lodge. $5 plus rental. 996-3287. 11am

JANUARY

1: SKI RODEO: Ski races on the Mazama ski trails. $20. 996-3287. 10:30am 1: SNOWSHOE TOUR: Local naturalist leads snowshoe tours in Mazama & at Sun Mountain Lodge. $5 plus rental. 996-3287. 11am 2: WINTER BIATHLON: Cross country skiing and rifle marksmanship at Mazama Biathlon Range. $15-$25. 9963159. 11am 4: CLIMATE CHANGE: “Predicting Climate Change in the Methow Valley” at Twisp River Pub. Free. 996-2870. 7-8:30pm

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Page 41 Nordic skiing & target shooting (for ages 9 & up). $5. 996-3287. 11am1pm

22: HUUN HUUR TU: Tuvan throat singing with native instruments from Mongolia at the Winthrop Barn. 9974004. 7pm 27: LECTURES & SLIDES: “Venice as a Work of Art” six week-series with historian Bill Hottell begins at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $50. 997-2787. 7-8:30pm 31: CONSERVATION COURSE: Six-week course in conservation begins at the Twisp River Pub. $125-$150. 9962870. 6-8:30pm

FEBRUARY

5: DRAWING CLASS: “The Art of Drawing” begins with Michael Caldwell at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $110. 997-2787. 1-3pm

7: WINTER ECOLOGY & WILDLIFE TRACKING: Presentation by naturalist Bruce Thompson at the Mazama Community Center. Free. 996-2870. 7-8:30pm

5: FIRES OF 1910: “A Perfect Conflagration” with Bill Moody at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Free. 997-2787. 7-9pm

Twisp. 997-2787 $75. 10am-1pm 12: CASINO NIGHT: Games and entertainment at the Winthrop Barn. Benefit for MV Community School. 7pm 13: OPEN HOUSE: Dog & cat photo contest exhibition at Winthrop Gallery. 996-3925. 11am-2pm 18: JET CITY IMPROV: Shortform improvisation at the Winthrop Barn. 997-4004. 7pm 19: TOUR OF THE METHOW: Noncompetitive 20-80K ski on Methow Valley trails. 996-3287. 19-20: WOLF CHASE: Junior alpine race at Loup Loup Ski Area. 9963287. 19-20: SNOWSHOE SOFTBALL: Tournament at the Winthrop ballfield. 996-3287. 20: DOGGY DASH: Six-legged ski

22: SCREEN PRINTING: Workshop to make T-shirts, posters or cards at Door No. 3, Twisp. $50. 997-2044. 10am-2pm 22: ART CLASS: “Ceramic Animal Relief” class with Robin Nelson Wicks at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $90. 997-2787. 10am-1pm

26: MEXICAN FIESTA: Chicken & vegetarian enchiladas, rice & beans, margaritas for the adults, and piñatas for the kids in a benefit at – and for – the MV Community Center, Twisp. 997-2926. 5:30pm

MARCH

5: TRIATHLON: Run, bike & ski race at Winthrop town trailhead. $40$80. 996-3287. 9am 5: ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: Opening night of “Lacuna” at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. Refreshments. 9972787. 4-8pm

18-27: THEATER: The Hobbit performed at the Merc Playhouse, Twisp. $5-$15. 997-PLAY. 7pm (Sundays at 2pm) 26: SINGER SONGWRITER: Carolyn Cruso performs at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Winthrop. Free. 996-3183. 7pm

15: COFFEE CUPPING: “Coffee from Farm to Cup” at Blue Star Coffee Roasters, Twisp. Free. RSVP at 9972583. 11am-1pm

22: MV PURSUIT: Ski race. 9963287.

26: ART CLASS: Mixed media collage with Susannah Young at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $110. 997-2787. 10am-2pm

12: ART CLASS: Make copper and silver bracelents with Jenni Tissell at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $95 9972787. 1-4pm

15: ART CLASS: Art assemblages with Bruce Townsend at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. $95. 997-2787. 10am4pm

15 & 16: SNOWSHOE TOUR: Local naturalist leads snowshoe tours in Mazama & at Sun Mountain Lodge. $5 plus rental. 996-3287. 11am

26: MAKE BOOKS: Class at Door No. 3, Twisp. $40. 997-2044. 10am1pm

5-6: BALLOON ROUNDUP: Hot air balloons in the daytime skies, and glowing at night in Winthrop. 9971700.

8: WILDLIFE TRACKING WORKSHOP: Naturalist Bruce Thompson leads winter ecology & wildlife tracking at the North Cascades Basecamp, Mazama. $75. 996-2870. 8:30am-4pm

15: ARTISTS’ RECEPTION: Opening reception for “Mixing it Up with Mixed Media” at Confluence Gallery, Twisp. 997-2787. 4-8pm

25: TORCHLIGHT SKI: Night ski at Mazama Community Center trailhead. Free (with trail pass). 996-3287. 8pm

5 & 6: RACE OF THE METHOW: Classic & freestyle race for adults & juniors at Liberty Bell High School. Junior Olympic qualifier. 996-3287. 6: BLOCK PRINTING: Valentine class at Door No. 3, Twisp. $45. 9972044. Noon-3pm 8: NORTHWEST WILDLIFE: “The Hidden Lives of Northwest Wildlife” at the Twisp River Pub. Free. 9962870. 7-8:30pm 9: SECRET VALENTINES: Make cards at Door No. 3, Twisp. Free. 9972044. 3-6pm 12: PAPER MACHÉ: Class with Jody Olson at Confluence Gallery,

race at the Winthrop Trailhead for humans & dogs. $20. 996-3287. 20: BUCKET RUN: MV Snowmobile bucket run at Goat Creek Sno-Park. 996-2220. 20, 23, 26: SNOWSHOE TOUR: Naturalist-led snowshoe tours in Mazama & at Sun Mountain Lodge. $5 plus rental. 996-3287. 11am 22-23: SKI CAMP: Skating & classical skiing taught by Leslie Hall & Laura McCabe in Mazama. $180. 996-3320. 23-25: KIDS’ SKI CAMP: Coaching & fun with MV Nordic team on the Mazama ski trails. mvnordicteam.com. 23 & 26: TRY BIATHLON: Try

Methow Valley Winter 2010/11

Directory of advertisers

Photo by Paul Butler

Page 42

Architects Bjarko Serra Architects ...............30 Johnston Architects .......................5 Antiques/Consignment Red Hen Trading Company.......32 Robins Egg Bleu ..........................26 Automotive/Gasoline King’s Pacific Pride & Car Wash .............................32 Twisp Chevron Sub Shop ...........28 Bakeries Breadline Café..............................15 Cinnamon Twisp Bakery ........... 37 Rocking Horse Bakery ..................7 Sweet River Bakery ..................... 8 Builders & Contractors Common Sense Custom Homes .......................28 Doug Haase Excavating ...............5 Palm Construction ........................8 Stopwater Construction ...............7 WSA Construction .....................31 Building Supply All Valley Insulation ..................27 Bear Creek Lumber ................... 43 Cafes/Dining/Espresso/Spirits Blue Star Coffee Roasters .............6 Boulder Creek Deli .................... 19 Breadline Café .............................15 Carlos1800 Mexican Grill & Cantina ..................................2 Cinnamon Twisp Bakery .......... 37 East 20 Pizza. ...............................24 Freestone Inn ...............................31 Hank’s Harvest Foods ............... 11

Cafes/Dining/Espresso/Spirits, cont. Heenan’s Burnt Finger Bar-B-Q Co. .............................27 Hometown Pizza ........................12 Mazama Country Inn ................ 11 Mazama Store ...............................9 Old Schoolhouse Brewery ...........7 Sun Mountain Lodge .................32 Sweet River Bakery ......................8 Twisp Chevron Sub Shop ...........28 Twisp River Pub ...........................2 Wesola Polana ..............................36 Winthrop Tipi Dinners ...............33 Clothing & Apparel Retaliers Loup Loup Ski Rental .................31 Mazama Store ................................9 Methow Cycle & Sport .................9 Rawson’s.......................................15 Winthrop Mountain Sports ........25 Concrete Services Cascade Concrete .......................29 Doug Haase Excavating ...............5 Entertainment Breadline Café .............................15 Old Schoolhouse Brewery ...........7 The Merc Playhouse Theater ....19 Twisp River Pub ...........................2 Excavators Doug Hasse Excavating ...............5 Galleries/Arts Events Confluence Gallery & Art Center .............................6 The Merc Playhouse Theater ....19 Grocers Hank’s Harvest Foods ................ 11 Mazama Store ................................9

Health/Medical Facilities The Country Clinic .....................16 MV Family Practice ....................33 Internet Methownet.com ..........................24 Lodging Blue Spruce Motel ......................37 Central Reservations ..................44 Cottonwood Cottage .................30 Freestone Inn ...............................31 Mazama Country Inn ..................9 Methow River Cabins ................25 Methow Valley Inn ......................35 River Run Inn ..............................26 Rolling Huts .................................36 Spring Creek Ranch ....................30 Sportsman Motel ........................27 Sun Mountain Lodge .................32 Organizations Aero Methow Rescue Service .... 11 Brewster Chamber ......................43 Confluence Gallery & Art Center .............................6 Loup Loup Ski Education Foundation .............................16 Merc Playhouse Theater ............19 Methow Conservancy ................36 Methow Valley Snowmobile Assoc. ...............18 Methow Valley Sport Trails Assoc. ............................35 Okanogan County Tourism Council .....................43 Omak Chamber ..........................21 Pateros Chamber ........................43 Twisp Chamber ............................3 Winthrop Barn Auditorium ......18 Winthrop Chamber ......................2

Real Estate Adventureland ...........................26 Blue Sky Real Estate......................8 Re/Max Valley Life .....................13 Windermere, Methow Valley ....15 Recreation Loup Loup Ski Bowl ..................16 Methow Valley Ski School ........12 Methow Valley Snowmobile Assoc .................18 Methow Valley Sport Trails Assoc..............................35 Morning Glory Balloon Tours ...31 North Cascade Heli ....................29 North Cascades Mountain Guides ..................34 Rental Equipment & Sales Valley Tractor and Rentals ........20 Recycling Methow Recycling Roundup ....27 Ski/Snowboard/Snowshoe Rental & Sales Loup Loup Ski Bowl ...................16 Loup Loup Ski Rental ................31 Methow Cycle & Sport .................9 Winthrop Mountain Sports ........25 Snow Removal Cascade Concrete .......................29 Palm Construction ........................8 Snowmobile Repair/ Rental/Sales Highmark Repair .......................16 Omak Marine ..............................18

BEAR CREEK LUMBER Top Quality Lumber for the Best Value

BearCreekLumber.com (800) 597-7191 (509) 997-3110 A beautiful building deserves quality building materials, this is why Bear Creek Lumber specializes in superior lumber products. We offer a wide range of unique recycled, reclaimed, and exotic building products in addition to your usual lumber options. Price your whole house package with us, and we can offer you deep discounts!

Friendly & Affordable

Open for Adventure! The Inside Scoop Find all the special events, things to do, places to stay and specials in Okanogan Country. You don’t want to miss something as unique as our famous Outhouse Races! Check out our website, “like” us on Facebook, “follow” us on Twitter—and make this your best visit ever!

www.OKANOGANCOUNTRY.com OCTC is funded entirely by lodging taxes and the fees of its membership North Central Washington State | Okanogan County Tourism Council

Disco ver the Methow Va lley

Grea t vaca tion s s ta rt here! Contact us today and let us help you choose your perfect vacation lodging in the picturesque Methow Valley. We feature an extensive selection of accommodations for short stays or longer. Our personalized service assures your satisfaction. Finding lodging for your stay in the Methow Valley couldn’t be easier. Just go to our website and follow the simple steps.

Kudos for our persona lized ser vice “The people at Central Reservations have been so helpful, generous, and exible with us! I so appreciate how responsive they are to my questions.â€? – Janice / Seattle, WA “That’s what I call GREAT customer service! I appreciate you going the extra mile.â€? – Lisa / Puyallup, WA

ook in b e n on li y s a E

g

Central Reservations for the Methow Va lley Your local source for inns, hotels, vacation homes, B&B’s, cabins and condominiums

Did you know that we also have vacation homes in Leavenworth and Stevens Pass?

s WWW CENTRALRESERVATIONS NET

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.