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Scenes from the Town Trailhead

One of my volunteer ‘jobs’ is to be an ambassador for the Methow Valley Sports Trails Association (MVSTA). Today I was at Town Trailhead in Winthrop. It’s always interesting to visit with the skiers and give them a hand as needed and find out where they are from. During the holiday season, it is especially busy.

Last night we had a nice snowfall but then rain fell on top of it. The groomers did a pretty good job, turning the new snow into the famed corduroy surface that everyone loves to ski on. The sun came out and it was nearly like spring skiing! Too early. More snow is in the forecast this week.

There were lots of Bald Eagles and Pygmy Nuthatches for avian entertainment, two birds on opposite ends of the size spectrum.

But first, before I left the house, there was a valley-spanning rainbow (snowbow?)

The parking lot was a little bit sloppy

Early skate tracks in the corduroy

And the classic tracks ready for skiers

Skiers of all ages in their colorful outfits

And the new pedestrian bridge so you can ski to downtown, the rental shops, the pub, the art gallery and various other establishments

More Signs of the Seasons

Solstice has come and gone and days are getting longer! Christmas is just around the corner and soon it will be New Years. We are firmly in the grip of winter with cold temperatures and ice and snow all around us. More ice than snow as it’s been weeks since we’ve had any substantial snowfall. ‘They’ say it’s in the forecast though. The tourists are already arriving for winter time fun in the Methow and our Christmas cards are, at last, in the mail!

Winter Sunrise

 

Christmas Cards

 

 

Santa’s Elf

 

The Elf likes Whiskey and Icicles

 

I prefer Champagne

 

 

 

Another Solstice Bonfire Celebration

 

And our Christmas Card to Everyone

 

 

Solstice and the Return of the Light

For people living in the northern latitudes, the Winter Solstice is a significant event. It marks the end of the shortening days and looking forward to longer days coming. We celebrated with a campfire and fireworks here and from our friends across the valley. The darkest night sky was illuminated with countless stars. There was a little music, a bit of tequila and whiskey with icicles for Ken.

Inside, light reflected off of our Christmas tree, casting twinkles and sparkles and stars around the room.

 

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At the Ice Rink

Finally, I am well enough to get outside and DO something! What a relief. Today I went skating for the first time this winter. Let it be known that I am a total beginner skater. I did skate the last two winters but still, not enough to feel competant on the ice.

Today was a stellar day in the Methow and our outdoor rink is situated near the river with a perfect view of Mt Gardner. Bald Eagles perch on nearby cottonwoods and complain in their funny voices whenever a raven gets too close. I arrived just as the ice opened right after lunch and lucky me – I had the whole place to myself! Soon two other women arrived, both friends – one is my neighbor and the other teaches skating. I managed to not fall and remembered most of what I could do last winter.

 

All that untouched ice

 

Mt Gardner, just beyond Spring Creek Ranch

 

Passersby

 

My tracks!

 

I always wanted to be tall

 

 

 

 

Visions of Sugarplums

The tree is up. It has lights on it. Does it need more lights? Do you think I should stop now? What about the ornaments? And where’s the ladder? I’ll need that if there’s going to be star on top.

They’re Dogs. What do you think they dream about?

 

Christmas cookies at our house