Avalanche

Dave and I are privileged to work with a great group of high school kids - SPYteam the Willamette Pass Jr. Ski Patrol. After a full day and evening on Saturday, Sunday these guys took on the Herculean task of creating an "avalanche" on the ski area's out of bounds SDN (steep, deep and narrow) run. The avalanche was for a Ski Patrol final exam. Pictures don't really show how steep this run is. Every inch of the 200' slope was dug and trampled to look like an avalanche had been there - which was not far off. We did create several slab slides during our work.Then we dug deep holes to bury our "victims" - the avalanche beacons and squares of carpet. Unfortunately the beacons had been left back in the patrol room so we waited... and waited...and waited. It was blowing 40 mph freezing, snow laden gusts up the slope at us during our 45 minute wait. Everyone had gotten sweaty while digging and slogging in snow. We were freezing.The beacons were hurriedly buried and everyone was off to warm up with lunch and cocoa then hit the several inches of new powder.

Trade-off

The three day heat pump installation has now stretched into - I have lost count. I was supposed to be hitting the slopes but alas, finally getting heat trumps skiing.

Even with 60 degree weather, we still have patches of snow. Cedar supervises getting the old heat pump off the roofMcKenzie checks out the new agility equipment

More Snow

Yesterday's sun, rain and hail pretty much put an end to all snow not in the shadows. Sometime last night it snowed again. What's a girl to do when there is no electricity, no heat and new snow? Why take pictures of course. Breakdancin' Willy.
They love to lick the fresh snow. Our new agility courseElectricity is back on and it is snowing hard as I type.

Sunday Morning

Today the sun was not only shinning on the back patio but it was relatively warm. Still got snow. I am measuring the depth on the top of the fire table. It is undisturbed except for rain and sun.This morning was the first outdoor breakfast for 2012. Lazy morning. Lazy day...

with a little Chinook tag thrown in.

Still Got Snow

This afternoon I went out to the same, southern exposure, spot I measured a couple days ago. Since then it has rained heavily and we even saw some sun. That is never going to fit in there! Heat pump crew is very happy about the sunshine. Two days ago the snow was level with bottom of the brown wall. That is until I shoveled it all off.
tulips Scarecrow Anne. Snow in the garden but toasty in the green house.The backyard orchard is over 100 years old. The trees took quite a beating.chillin' Willylike wise McKenzie Koyuk While McKenzie, Willy and Koyuk were hanging around the house, Cedar disappeared only to come home with a cow hoof. Where did she get a cow hoof?

I have been busy

Actually all I have been doing is shoveling snow so the heat pump crew could work but had I thought of it... Maybe next season.

Lupin Came to Play

Late yesterday afternoon, Lupin and her human family came to play in the snow. McKenzie loves children. Though her kisses are not always appreciated.
Koyuk also gets in the kissing act as the family makes a snowman.Kisses from WillyKoyuk. Lupin, Cedar and Willy chasing around the pond.Anna tried out her new sled on the steep side of the pond.Willy snuggled onto a free lap. Mom held Klara from going into the pond as she threw snowballs to break the ice. Like wolves and foxes, the dogs love to pounce through the snow and catch voles."got it!" "let's see!"

Lupin and her family