Cross country skiing

We sure have been having fun learning to cross country ski.  Today's conditions weren't that great--the snow kept sticking to the bottom of our skis.  Once I was sure that I was glued to the snow.  Really, I couldn't move my ski.  I didn't get much sympathy.  Sadly, tomorrow is supposed to be rainy so this may have been our last time out for this year.

And just to let you know it's not all fun and games, Dad spent quite a while cleaning the pine needles off the roof and out of the gutters.  He rigged up a rake attached to my long sweeper wand using duct tape and a hose.

Some new discoveries

 This is Buck Creek right down by the little cabin.  The open water just started showing.  That's a deer path right in front of me.

Snowshoeing on a trail by Falls Creek...

 Not sure how many shots we've taken of this, but it is still amazing!

  Last night's sunset...

We just discovered how great it is to ski on the lane behind the cabin.  Great conditions the last few days so we just keep the skis handy.

 Can you see our trail?

I took this picture because I think it's so neat how there is no snow under or around the trees.  It doesn't show real well, but the snow is probably 24-30 inches up around the tree.

The next few pictures show another change, but you may not notice a big difference.  Dad cut down a tree to the west of the cabin and it gave us a much better view of the mountains.

Holland Lake walk...

Entrance to Holland Lake Lodge

 Looking from the lodge parking lot area across the lake...

 We started down the trail to Holland Falls and walked down toward the lake.

Dad tested the ice on the lake and we started across to the island, but when he slipped through the ice into the water (there was actually ice below), we decided to turn back and just snowshoe along the trail.

Amazed every day...

 Dad's favorite place to study...

 Do you recognize this?   It's taken from the bridge at Holland Lake.  To the left is where we launch the canoe.

View from the kitchen window last night...

Big Mountain

We went to Whitefish for a day trip.  It was rainy and mild.  BUT then we decided to drive up to Big Mountain Ski Resort.  Partway up it started to snow...and it just kept snowing.  So beautiful!

 They have had 240 inches this season and they expect around 60 inches more.

Photos from last week

The snow is definitely melting, but there's still plenty on the ground.  We had an inch or two last night again.

 Dad is checking on Rumble Falls area.

 On one of our afternoon walks...

 The Swan River behind the house...

The view from Zach and Amanda's bedroom window...

Yup, more snow!

We may be the only ones in the valley who still LOVE this snow.  We spent a long time just sitting watching it snow yesterday.  Twelve inches this time with a forecast for more snow every day this week.

 Recognize this place?  The Hungry Bear.  Look, Sophie!  Icicles!

Look who came for a visit.   And since there is so much snow, we all pile into the front of the pickup to go anywhere.

 Movie night in the basement.  And who can guess which western we are watching?

 Not hard to wake up in the morning when you know Sandy's cinnamon rolls are waiting.