It used to be that winter seemed SO long. Countless snowstorms meant hazardous driving, snow days with no school, and a virtual eternity until spring. That perspective completely changed when our family became Nordic skiers. This year all the snow meant something much different to us. Every storm meant more snow to add to the picturesque trails of Notchview. Every flake meant more time toenjoy skiing as a family. And now as I sit here in the Budd Visitors lodge I feel disappointed at the talk of forty degree temps and rain. This year's Nordic season is coming to an end. BOO! It's already time for Bill Kochers to turn in our leased skis or hang up our owned skis. Nothing fun ever lasts long enough - does it.
As we wrap up this Bill Koch season remember that Notchview isn't just for skiing. The snow will melt away to reveal a different kind of beauty. The perfectly groomed trails we've enjoyed all winter will be transformed into grassy pathways. Ice coated branches will become green leafy canopies. And instead of skiing we can be hiking.
Orienteering was a new venture for many of us this year, but it isn't something that can only be done on skis! I'm thinking we may try to hike to some of the boxes we didn't get to this winter. Maybe pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it. If your interested, a template of the the orienteering cards can be e-mailed to you so you can fill it up this summer.
I've also been told that there are some geocaches located at Notchview. Check out this site to see if it's something your family may enjoy.
So get out there and have some family fun until the snow flies next year! It won't be long until we are back out there skiing once again. This year's new skiers will be veterans, just itching for the chance to learn more. The veteran skiers will have that much more confidence and will be ready to improve their skills even further. I know I'm looking forward to it already. And as of this post there are only 291 days until the first day of winter 2011!
Until then here are a few pictures that haven't been posted yet. Enjoy...
