Champions - Everett Ravens Annual Ice Hockey Tournament

My 2007-2008 winter season with the Seattle Women's Hockey Club and the Castle Ice Friday Night League are both coming to a close. So, that can only mean....tourney time!! This past weekend, I was asked at the last minute to play defense on a team that was made up primarily of women from my SWHC league (they're also the defending champs). Initially, I only committed to sub for a couple games because I really wanted to get in a long bike ride on Sunday. But, three things changed my mind: a) snow (in March - I know...freaky weather this year); b) revenge, and; c) I was having so much fun playing with this team.

We kicked off the tournament late Friday night against the host team, the Everett Ravens. I think the puck dropped at 11:45 pm (yes, pm, not am), and we were done by 1:15 am. Wired from skating really hard that night, and from the post-game chocolate cupcakes, I think I finally fell asleep at 3:30 am. We won that first game 3-2 - the score should've been more but their goalie was on fire. She stopped 66 shots on goal. Kelly, our goalie took about 12 shots on goal and every now and then we would let the other team breakout just to keep her awake :-)

Thank goodness our second game the following day was at 2:30 pm. It was against the Portland Phoenix and we knew that they were likely going to be in the finals. Our game was close up until the last 5 minutes and the final score was 3-0. But, shots on goal was close (26 vs 21??) and the teams were pretty close, skillwise. So, revenge was on our minds and we wanted a rematch.

I didn't play the third game on Saturday because I agreed to sub for another team in another league with most of their players out for the Everett tournament. I just wanted some ice time and I got it - only 7 players showed up and NO GOALIE. But, we won! Something about not having a goalie makes people step up their game and play more aggressively. Meanwhile, my team in the tournament won their game with a score of 12-0 (I think they had 60+ shots on goal again) so we were in the finals.

Sunday, the final game was at 11:15 am and my team was totally pumped up (fresh from their morning cup of java??). Seriously, I've never skated with a team that had so much energy, intensity, and skated 110% *every* shift. Our coach, Patrick, was also awesome....he had this quiet intensity on the bench and reiterated throughout the tournament that the winner will be the team that wants it the most. We were hungry - we came out of the gates and peppered their goalie with shots, made great passes, and held the blue line...it paid off and we scored first. But then, a few minutes later, Portland tied and the score remained 1-1 until the end of regulation. We were definitely getting opportunities and were spending more time in their zone. By the end of the game, we had 33 shots on goal compared to their 12. It was also the end of the tourney so it boiled down to who was less fatigued (and this is why I drag my ass to spin classes and bike for 4+ hours). Portland's "ringer" was losing her edge a lot so it was clear she was tired. We hung in there and it was Mel's backhand shot over the goalie's shoulder that won it for us 2:30 minutes into overtime. Woot! What a game - what a tourney! Next tournament is in Victoria, BC next weekend. I'm looking forward to it, but unfortunately, I will be playing against a lot of the women I played with this past weekend.

Bring it on!
Buttercup #19

My gig as a Ski Instructor - a post-mortem

I just got back from turning in my ski instructor uniform at the Summit at Snoqualmie. A lot of you have been asking me how my ski instructing at Alpental went. Well, it was the first time I've ever been a ski instructor and also the first time where I was handling a group of kids ages 8 - 12. Let me tell you - it's no different than running meetings in the corporate world (LOL). The program that I taught was an 8-week consecutive program which meant that I had the same group every weekend. Initially, I was only in it for the free ski pass and the chance to ski up high in the fresh pow before lessons started. But in the end, I found it to be one of the most gratifying things I've ever done.

My groups on both Sat and Sun were all Level 1 skiers with little to no ski experience. I immediately thought - oh "*#@!....8 weeks of daycare so their parents can go up Chair 2/Edelweiss and have fun. At the end of our first session on St. Bernard (the bunny hill), I promised my groups that I was going to take them up to Sessel which was an intermediate run - I remembered each kid looked at me with their big saucer eyes and said 'no way!' They all just wanted to stay on St. Bernard where it was safe. Ha - not if you're skiing with me. By the third session, I convinced them to follow my tracks down the steeper hill. After we finished our first run down Sessel, they all looked at me in amazement that they made it down all in one piece and it wasn't as hard as they thought it would be. A couple of sessions later, they were ready for a more advanced run off of the Armstrong chair which we did the last 2 weeks of the program - they totally exceeded my expectations. At the end of the program, it was so satisfying to have their parents come up to me and thank me for getting their kids past the fear factor and showing how much fun skiing was. There were a few times where I tried to move my students to other groups that I thought was more appropriate for their level but each time, the parent would come to me and ask me to take them back because their kid was having so much fun skiing with me.

There were definitely challenges. I had kids lose their equipment from the chair, one kid almost fall off the chair (I had to catch him from 10 feet off the group), another kid throw a tantrum and after I side-stepped 100 yards up the hill to deal with him, he threw his poles at me (yeah - I talked to his dad immediately afterwards....little punk), and wayward skiers. I'm sure there were more but I can't remember because I'm just really happy that I accomplished my number one goal....that these kids have fun (oh yeah, and that they learned some good skiing techniques). Most were already looking forward to their lessons next year.

Things I learned as an instructor:
-Pick out a student who can be your 'go to' person in a pinch. Someone who can lead a group to a meeting point and keep them there while you chase down a wayward student (which was almost every other run - I started calling him 'Bode').

-Have the students take turns being the 'leader' each time down the hill. Not only does this help keep your group together, but it also gives some of the quieter students a little nudge to lead their peers and build some confidence.

-For individual student attention, take turns riding up the chair with them. It was really cute how they would fight over whose turn it was to ride with you. But, they wanted to know: a) if you were paying attention to them as they skied down the hill, and; b) how they were doing and if they were getting better.

-And, the 2 rules I always enforced on the hill: ski in control, and most importantly: HAVE FUN!!! I created a fun zone at the bottom of Sessel where after skiing the run together, at a certain point, we would all turn around and ski backwards to the chair line. That was so much fun and the kids got a huge kick out of that. And, the 'adventure zones' through the trees with bumps and jumps were also 'fun-time.' But, both of these exercises played an important part of ski instructing (rotating ankles to use different parts of the ski for control, balancing body over boots, confidence, etc.) - they just didn't know it. At the end of the program, *they* were leading me through the trees.

In the end, would I do it again.....ABSOLUTELY!! Thanks to my little rock stars: Christoph, Hans (yes, these 2 are destined to be skiers with names like that), Quinn, Lauren, Joseph, Brooke, Chase, Nolan, Andrew, and Casey (my one kid who did a black diamond run....inadvertantly....LOL). See you on the slopes!

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

Here's a festival that reminds me it is, indeed, spring....even as the snow continues to come down (there was a fresh dusting of snow at the top of Cougar mountain this morning). It's time for the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival up in Mount Vernon, WA which is about 60 miles north of Seattle. The festival kicks off April 1 and runs the entire month because you can't control the blooming schedule of the tulips. In the past, I've planned my trips toward the middle or latter part of the month but you want to time it when the fields are bursting with the brilliant colors of the tulips. And, we're not talking about a little patch of land with a few tulips. Oh no...we're talking *acres* of red, yellow, white, orange, and purple tulips....daffodils and irises are also planted in the same area but I think they bloom earlier in the month.

How is this an adventure? Well, you park your car on the outskirts of the field route, preferably towards Mount Vernon and close to the freeway exits. Then, hop on your bike and meander - here is a map of the fields and you can see that it's laid out in an easy grid so you can't get lost. For lunch, head into La Conner which is a little town that sits just southwest of the grid. Because it's in the valley, your route is flat - the only thing you'll have to watch out for are the cars and headwinds which can be strong at times (and they seem like hurricane force winds after an extended stopover in La Conner and a full stomach). There is also an organized bike event held at the beginning of the festival - The Tulip Pedal which has a 20-mile or 40-mile route option. Or, you can hook up with a local outfitter for a full-service experience. Check out Tulip Country Bike Tours. The biggest downside of cycling the route is you can't buy the fresh cut flowers by the armload - unless you have a pannier or trailer for your bike. I am a minimalist when I ride and will only carry things that I can stuff in the three back pockets of my jersey. Maybe I should get a little basket for the front of my carbon frame Trek 5200, and a little bike bell to go with it, oh and streamers for the handlebars. Ha!

Extend your adventure by heading west on Highway 20 and hopping on the Anacortes ferry. Lopez Island is a favorite destination for the casual cyclist because of its easy terrain and scenic route. You can sign up for the annual Bike Tour of Lopez Island which is held the latter part of April. Or, just go on your own using their handy-dandy map for three route options: 10, 17, or 31 miles.

Anyway, this is a fun excursion for the entire family - just be ready to deal with crowds if you plan on heading out on the weekend. And, don't forget your camera!! Enjoy!

Giddy-up!

My first weekend free from ski instructing! I was looking forward to it all week and the most prominent thing on my mind was getting back to my bike rides on the weekends. Up to now, I've pretty much kept to indoor spin classes or quick 2-hour rides when it wasn't raining so I was looking forward to a change of scenery and an opportunity to meet some new people who love to bike. I also needed to get some group rides with Cascade Bicycle Club under my belt if I still want to be a certified ride leader.

So, I woke up this morning to blue skies and....frost on the grass....brrr. The route today started on the northern part of Lake Washington and then up into lower Snohomish county. Total trip was going to be about 35 miles....the perfect length for early in the season and I needed my legs for my hockey game tonight.

The group (I think there was 20-25 of us?) was a little older and slower than I'm used to but it was fine with me - especially when they feed me compliments like "you look to be about college age." What?! That compliment alone fed me more energy than the two packets of Gu in my back pocket could ever give me (hahaha!). Inevitably, with any group ride, there are some riders who are faster than the rest and on the first hill climb, a handful busted out ahead and that was the group I was going to be riding with the rest of the day. Besides, I had to check out the Orbea Orca that one of the guys was riding - beautiful bike...one day I will own an Orbea. But, Orbea guy almost got me lost a couple of times so I decided to chase down "Beer Man" (he was wearing a Dos Equis XX jersey) who also happened to be a former racer. We took turns pulling each other up hills and leading our own paceline...all the while having a debate on what was the best Mexican beer. I was "Giddy-Up Girl" because of the jersey I was wearing. Ladies, you have to check out Dude Girl and their line of "Giddyup" cycling gear. I got my dividend check from REI with the full intention of buying a new bicycle computer but I saw the jersey and shorts and *had* to buy it. So, I still don't know what my average speed was on my ride or how far I rode, but on the climbs, I felt like I earned those red polka dots - haha! (The red polka dot jersey is given to the King of the Mountain on the Tour de France). Anything to motivate me on the climbs.

Not a bad start to the season. I don't know if I'll do that route again (not very scenic and too much traffic) but that's why I'm riding with the club - to check things out and find my new 'Paradise Loop.'

Climb on!

This past St. Paddy's Day, I wasn't doing a jig at a local Irish pub...been there, done that :-) Instead, I headed out to REI with my friend, Kate who I met while ski instructing at the Summit at Snoqualmie this past winter. Kate also manages a local kayak company, Alki Kayak Tours, which I'll write about in another blog - as soon as I get out there for a paddle.

That night at REI, we spent a few hours with climbing instructors on rock climbing techniques. It has been over 6 months since I climbed...that was up at Squamish, British Columbia. Through Tantalus Adventures, we were set up with Squamish Rock Guides and Jeremy was our guide for the day. I was there with friends who had never climbed before that day. But, by the end of that day, they were excited about the routes they finished and how they were able to overcome their fears. Click here for my blog about that trip - I'm too lazy to transfer it all over to blogger. But, if you climb, a visit to Squamish is a must!! Even if you want to try it out, let me know! It's a great place to learn (much more scenic than a smelly gym).

OK, back to St. Paddy's at REI. I was with people who had little to no climbing experience so it was great to watch their progression and their confidence build as we tried out different techniques and routes. For me, it was great to get back on the wall and use different muscles. The instruction was so helpful and I am really excited to head out to some local gyms and practice some of the new moves I learned. I even got to do some overhangs and learned how to properly execute some non-vertical moves - that was so scary but after my first time through, I wanted to do more! I'm even more excited because I have a a pool of local belay partners who are eager to do more climbing - after one of our earlier sessions, Kate went out and bought her harness and shoes. We'll head out and check some local gyms like Stone Gardens in Ballard, and Vertical World, a chain with multiple locations in the area.

Eventually, we'd like to head outside. I'm already planting some seeds with my new group for a trip up to Squamish for another climbing adventure. Other areas that would be worth exploring include an area right outside of North Bend, off of Exit 38 (on I-90), just 20 minutes down the road from me. And, I would love to head down to central Oregon to check out Smith Rock which is on the way down to Bend. OK, I'm ready for some outdoor activities that's not snow-related. Now, if the rain would just stop :-)

More wine please!

OK, one more wine posting for the day before I forget. This past summer, I discovered another red wine that I so thoroughly enjoyed while I was up in British Columbia. I can't say I'm a big pinot noir fan because I tend to favor varietals that are deeper and spicier. However, this one was really scrumptious and was excellent both times I drank it. It was a Cedar Creek 2004 Estate Select Pinot Noir. The first time was in Vancouver at the restaurant in the Listel Hotel. I can't remember what I had for dinner (too many glasses of wine in between - clouds my memory) but the second time I had it was with some grilled salmon (after a fabulous day of hiking). Both times, the wine made a nice pairing to the meal. The winery is located in the Okanagan (ok, side note here...why is Okanagan spelled with an 'a' in BC and with an 'o' in WA - Okanogan....just so silly) up in British Columbia just south of Kelowna so you can bet that I will try to make it part of my itinerary when I start leading cycling trips up there so stay tuned! Due to stupid regulations, you can't find this wine in the states and on my last trip to Whistler, I stopped by the wine shop on Robson in Vancouver where I bought my last bottle and they were all out :-( So, you'll just have to join me up north if you're interested in any tastings!

Red, red, wine. Goes to my head. (Part 2)

This post is a continuation of a previous post titled 'Red, red, wine. Goes....(Part 1).

Our third stop on our tour of Woodinvile Wineries was Matthews Winery. We pulled into the gravel parking lot up to a very non-descript building (I was liking it already...just like finding a local dive that serves the best food). Another cozy tasting room and it was packed that day because the rain was coming down (really?!...shocking). This winery was highly recommended by the other wineries that we had visited earlier that day so we were looking forward to the tastings. The first two were ok and we were wondering what was so special about this winery. Then, we got the tasting of the 2003 Columbia Valley Red Wine which is a blend of cab sauv, cab franc, and merlot and gets rave reviews. We got our pour and we swirled it to release the aroma and....NOTHING. We couldn't smell anything and we were wondering why that bottle warranted a $60 price tag. We then realized that the room was filled with newly shipped gift boxes made of pine and it was conflicting with our smell. So, I dragged Kirsten outside, and we stood under the awning while the rain cascaded down around us. Then, we swirled again and took that long drag and the sky parted and the heavens sang...ha, ha...ok, so I'm being my overdramatic self. But, it smelled great and tasted even better. I bought a couple of bottles and they're laying down waiting for that special moment but as I write this, I'm so tempted to open one up tonight since I can drive down the road and pick up another one. Unfortunately, they weren't pouring their 2003 Conner Lee (retail $125 a bottle). This winery is a must-visit - not for the atmosphere, but for the pours. Hopefully, they will have resolved the air circulation issues in their tasting room by my next visit.

Our fourth and last stop was at Brian Carter Cellars. Again, this winery came highly recommended and so we were looking forward to the tastings. Not disappointed, I ended up with 4 bottles of the 2004 Byzance. After four wineries, we were done and it was time to put some food our tummies and some coffee to sober us up. Right next door to Brian Carter Cellars is The Purple Cafe. It's a restaurant and wine bar with multiple locations in Seattle, Kirkland, and Woodinville. Excellent food and an outstanding wine list (more wine!)....it was a perfect way to end our tour of Woodinville Wineries.

And, my mission accomplished...Washington produces excellent red wines. But, you see my pattern here, most of the bottles I bought were blends with the exception of the Cab and Syrah I purchased at Januik/Novelty Hill. The area is also a great route for cycling and will be part of a few routes I have in mind which I will post in the future.

Cheers!

Red, red, wine. Goes to my head. (Part 1)

Over a month ago, one of my favorite wine swiggin' pals, Kirsten, came up from San Francisco for a visit and part of her trip had to include a trip to some local wineries. Literally, right up the road from me on 202 (Woodinville-Redmond Rd.), about 30 minutes away, is a nice collection of about 35 wineries (oh my!). Now, the grapes aren't grown here, but in eastern Washington where it is much warmer and drier. The wine growing region extends from the Columbia River (which borders Washington and Oregon) up to Chelan and into the Okanogan.

After spending so many years enjoying the scrumptious wines and environs (great place for cycling!) of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino, and the CA central coast, I really had no expectations on this trip. My only goal was to find a decent red wine that was NOT a pinot noir. Up to now, I've always associated this region (from Oregon up to British Columbia) with the sweeter variety of white wines - Riesling, Gewurtraminar, and ice wine. But, little did I know that the region actually produces slightly more (57%) red wines than white. So, off we went with map in hand. On the way, we picked out the smaller, boutique-style types of wineries and avoided the bigger ones like Chauteau Ste. Michelle which would be the equivalent to Mondavi or Beringer in Napa.

Our first stop: Januik winery (they also distribute another label, Novelty Hill). The building reminded me of the building that used to be occupied by Roshambo winery in Sonoma - modern building with high ceilings and a lot of concrete. It kind of matched the staff's attitude when we first walkedin - cold and pretentious. But, as we engaged in a conversation with our pourer and asked for recommendations, they warmed up and our itinerary for the day changed for the better thanks to their helpful tips. They really trust their customers, though. When I paid for my wine, they gave me a box and pointed me to the wall of wines where I can pull the ones I purchased. Uh, hello, the Janiuk Champoux Cab (retail $125 a bottle) was right above the one I had purchased two of (Novelty Hill 2004 Stillwater Cab) for $30....it was tempting but I believe in karma and didn't want that to come and bite me in the ass. I also purchased a couple of Janiuk 2005 Lewis Vine Syrah. Great start to our day!

Next stop: JM Cellars. I love their tasting room! It's basically a converted home and their tasting room was so cozy with the lit fireplace and a table full of yummy cheese and crackers (which I so needed after our first round of tasting...hence, the title of my blog). It was like hanging out at someone's house for a party. Very friendly staff and I ended up buying a couple bottles each of the 2005 Tre Fanciulli and the 2005 Bramble Bump Red - both are blends. I don't have wine notes so I can't give you the details other than they were gooood. Both are sold out so you'll have to come over to Casa Ritchie for a taste :-) The day was getting better but I still wasn't completely convinced. On to the next winery!

To be cont'd (Red, red, wine. Goes to my head. (Part 2)

Cycling buddies - **PLEASE** Be Careful

I was really sad when I read the news about the three cyclists hit on Stevens Canyon Road in Cupertino, CA on Sunday. Unfortunately, as of this post, two of them died and one remains in critical condition at Stanford Medical Center. They were riding on a road where I had ridden my last century (Bike for Breath) before moving out of state and up to Washington. The area and route makes it a beautiful place for riding - especially in early spring so it's really sad to hear that such a horrible accident took place there.

So, just a quick and short note to all my wonderful cycling friends - be careful out there!!
xoxo - Jocelyn

Bivalve Bounty...just diggin' it

Spring is here and what does that mean? Blooming flowers...longer and warmer days...losing one hour of sleep when we 'spring forward.' But, in the Northwest, it also means it's RAZOR CLAM DIGGING SEASON!! Time to don those oh-so-attractive chest-high waders, grab a bucket and your preferred digging utensil. Some prefer a shovel, others prefer a T-shaped tool that is basically a cylinder closed off at one end (except for a thumb-sized hole) and handles attached to it. From past experience, it's good to have both. On the Washington coast, Twin Harbors and Long Beach are popular razor clam digging destinations.

Pacific razor clams are, on average, 3-4 inches in length. Here is what you have to do to harvest razor clams. First, set your watch for low tide conditions....tides wait for no one no matter how raging your hangover is. So, "snooze, you lose" really means something here! Second, dress warmly...this ain't Huntington Beach and if you have dreamy notions about wearing your favorite J. Crew clam diggers and matching flip flops....you're in for a surprise and you will stick out in the crowd like the tourists who visit San Francisco in July expecting warm weather but end up shivering and wearing those easily recognizable (and overpriced) fleeces sold at Fisherman's Wharf.

Then, walk along the beach where the water has receded and look for dimples or holes in the sand that's between the size of a nickel and a quarter. The larger the hole, the larger the clam. The hole is left by the clam that has receded into the sand. I like to poke the ground with my shovel or cylinder because a clam that has recently receded will squirt out water or sand and it also means they're closer to the surface and my chances of getting that sucker is higher. Why is that important? These guys can motor - especially if you're close to the surf line and the sand is more fluid.

Next, start digging - don't go in right over the hole with your shovel because you might crush your clam and don't dig at too sharp an angle. How about the cylinder device -- well, you place it over the dimple, and then push the tube down until your hand touches the sand. Then, place your thumb over the hole and **pull** (remember to use your legs and not your back!). Waders are important because at some point you will have to get down on your hand and knees and use your hands to go after that clam. Be prepared for a little tug-of-war with that bivalve. I've had quite a few slither right out of my grasp. But, when you get your first clam of the day, you can't help but let out a little 'woot' and then it's time to look for another dimple in the sand. Please note that the daily limit in Washington is 15 per person and a permit is required. It's a fun activity and I don't know what I enjoy more....the battle or the bounty. Happy digging! If you have a favorite razor clam recipe, please post it!

Red Dots...Let's Go, Billy Goat

Red dots have so many different meanings...a sold piece of art, marital status in Hinduism...it all depends on your point of view. In the case of this post, it means 'King of the Mountain' (or is it Queen?). We're talking cycling, baby. I just got back from my meeting on becoming a 'certified leader' for the Cascade Bicycle Club, the biggest cycling group in North America with over 9500 registered members and probably another 10,000 who join in on the daily group rides. Every year, they put on the STP (Seattle to Portland), RAW (Ride Around Washington), and RSVP (Ride to Vancouver and Party) which I am signed up for. I am also planning on a four-day, self-supported trip on the North Cascade Loop which Adventure Cycling lists as one of the top-ten touring rides. More later as I work out the details but if any of you are interested in joining me for all or part of the ride, just let me know. And, I'm also looking for a trailer for my bike. Please let me know if you have one to sell or loan - I would really appreciate it!

OK, back to my training to be a 'certified ride leader' - I can hear all of you who have ridden with me snicker all the way over here because, you see, I am known to be completely addled by the end of a century (100 mile ride) that I stop paying attention to the cues (yes, I will miss that big neon pink arrow painted on a dark pavement) and will follow riders who aren't wearing a number because I think their jersey is a pretty color or I'm too busy admiring their, er, bike (yes, the bike!!). I have also been known to crash.....going uphill....into the rider in *front* of me...and, I'm only in a group with three other riders and there is ample room all around us...(he was riding too slow :-))

Anyway, my goal is to offer and lead bike rides like wine tours through the Okanagan region in British Columbia or, perhaps, lead multi-venture trips in the San Juan Islands or the Gulf Islands (e.g., bike, kayak, and/or hike). But, before I jump into that, I need to scout out some great routes and just get used to planning and leading rides. So, I will be sharing some of my favorite routes around the area. I'll also try to post cue sheets. Two web sites were recommended to me for creating my cue sheets including Google Pedometer, and Map My Ride. Guess that means I will have to get a new odometer b/c the one I have still clocks me at averaging 2 mph (hahaha...). I'll also have to get a heart rate monitor because Kirsten isn't around for me to ask how many calories we burned on the ride. So, ride on, and ride safe. And, if you're driving, please give cyclists "3 feet" of space so we can all enjoy the road.

Welcome!!

Has it really been 5 months since I moved? My how time flies. I owe so many of you a phone call or some type of correspondence and I know I'm due for a visit to the Bay Area, but, well, it's ski season and we're getting some fresh new snow in the Cascades as we speak so I need to make this brief so I can wax up my skis and do a few turns before sitting down to do some *real* work and then on to my daily workout.

While I miss my friends in the Bay Area immensely as well as some of my favorite bike routes (Paradise...nothing beats that view as you ride in to Sausalito...and the various routes that start on Canada Rd....and the looooooong coffee breaks with Kirsten, and the Captains :-), I am really enjoying my time back in the Pacific Northwest(oh, and I miss all of you who live in other parts of this lovely planet - didn't mean to diss you). I am currently in Issaquah (about 20 mins east of Seattle) mainly because it is easy access to a lot of the outdoor activities all-year round. Issaquah is basically in the foothills of the Cascade mountain range on I-90 so there is a lot to do...there's even a hang gliding jump-off point right up the road from me.

But, as I mentioned earlier, it's still ski season and I have been skiing every week. I'm a ski instructor at Alpental - the most advanced part of the Summit at Snoqualmie ski area located right on I-90 and the closest ski area to the Seattle metropolitan area. (The picture at the top of this blog is from the chair leading to the top of Alpental and the picture on the left is after the record dump we had over a 2 week period that closed the passes and canceled my classes for 2 weekends in a row. I think that was Mother Nature's way of saying 'welcome back!') But, I've also managed to have some fun at other local hills including Crystal, Stevens Pass, and, yes, Whistler-Blackcomb. I think I may do some heli-skiing later on with a local company that does trips in the Northern Cascade area. They still have seats open (especially mid-week) and it's much more affordable. The company is North Cascades Heli-Skiing and you can stay overnight in Winthrop, WA. Speaking of heli-skiing, a friend of mine just headed down to the Ruby Mountains in northern Nevada to heli-ski with Ruby Mountains Heli-Experience which promises you a minimum of 39,000 of helicopter lift! I know I'm supposed to focus on excursions in the Pacific Northwest, but this company sounds awesome and I will make it down there that's for sure. Who is up for a trip next winter? They suggest booking a year in advance. The lodge that they stay in is owned by a woman who runs a brothel in Nevada....how funny is that? I think I'm in the wrong business (LOL). But, I heard the food is awesome and the helicopter picks you up close to the lodge.

So, other updates....yes, I'm still playing ice hockey. I actually belong to two leagues down here. My Friday night league is very similar to the Blue Division (top division) in the NCWHL in the Bay Area and my other league, the Seattle Women's Hockey League, is a little less competitive so I need to watch my "roughing." But, we have coaches and it's nice to have that feedback and work on various parts of your game as opposed to the pick-up style I've been playing for years.

Work-wise, my main source of income is through my work with Peridot which is a small (about 8 of us?) company that does contract work with Microsoft and McKesson. McKesson is my main client and I'm working on web analytics as well as customer satisfaction studies for their various web sites. It's great b/c I can work as much (or as little...which is more the case ;-)) as I need to and everything is done remotely. But, the other work is what I am more passionate about (and having a lot of fun doing) and that is the work I'm doing with my friend Norm and his company, Tantalus Adventures. I am helping out with the marketing and PR and we are currently booking Sea Kayak trips in the Great Bear Rainforest for this coming summer. We can also put together custom trips for you - just ask!

So, that's my update in a nutshell. Please visit regularly for I have some other fun topics to share about the Pacific Northwest. But, more importantly, if you have an activity trip or adventure you would like to share with everyone, please feel free to contribute!!