In anticipation of the late-January thaw the inner core trails (Havin Fun, The Swoop, High Road and Loose Moose), Skateaway and all of Skywalker were packed today.  Packing will allow the snowpack to hold up better against the rain and warm temperatures coming over the weekend.  We are unable to groom when temperatures get into the forties with rain.  Active rooming will resume when temperatures cool.

Jan 18, 2020

The inner core trails (Havin Fun. The Swoop, and High Road) with the exception of Loose Moose have been fully packed, leveled, and groomed.  Skateaway has been fully groomed as well.  A track was set on the inside around the circuit with a wide skate lane over the rest of the surface.  It was snowing late Saturday on the area, but accumulations were fairly light.
Snowshoers returning from Jannette’s Jaunt reported numerous trees down along that trail.  We recommend snowshoers use the Twisted Klister Trail system and the Skywalker trailhead.  These trails are open with no or few trees down.  No packing or grooming has been completed on Skywalker-Moonrunner, The Eagle Run and Elderberry.

Jan 17, 2020

Good progress was made in packing the inner core trails at Fourth of July Park & Ski Area.  A large number of downed trees required removal some of considerable size before the runs could be cleared.  One part of the trail, The Swoop, just below Peaceful View had so many trees down a detour was placed on a road to the right.  Just follow the grooming and you will emerge at Peaceful View.  The entire inner core trails and Skateaway with the exception of Loose Moose has been packed.  Tomorrow we plan to complete packing of these runs and then to groom the inner core trails.  There is three and a half feet of snow at the lower elevations of the area and a lot more, higher up the hill.  This snowpack came all at once so we are having tough sledding attempting to pack and groom it.
Elsewhere on the area, snowshoe trails have been established on Twisted Klister, Gas Line Loops, The Ridge Trail, and Jannette’s Jaunt.  There is still a lot of untracked snow out past these trails.

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Happy New Year!  Isn’t it exciting to see snow falling, again.   I hope everyone is looking forward to the “Best Hand Fun Ski and Snowshoe” event this Saturday (January 4th).  It should be a lot of fun.  According to the forecast the temperature may be on the mild side, making for a comfortable prize award ceremony.   And with any luck it might be snowing that day, hopefully without rain.
 
On another note, at the moment there are at least 21 prizes that have been donated, so there is a good chance of winning if you get a good hand. I really want to thank the folks that have been helping, and will be helping, prepare for and implement this years event.  Your time and effort to secure or donate prizes, helping out with the logistics and support is greatly appreciated by the club.
 
Considering that snow for skiing and snowshoeing is pretty important for the event, Goeff skied around the inner loop recently and reported that it is skiable, but a little thin.  Nancy Lewis was out also, and confirmed Geoff’s report.  If this weeks snow hangs in there the conditions could be a lot better by Saturday.  So be optimistic, and come up planning for a day of skiing or snowshoeing.
 
If you are a fan of the Scotchman Peak area,  Phil Hough from the “Friends of Scotchman Peak”  will be joining us at the next club meeting (January 7th).  He will presenting information about the area and possibly bring everyone up to date on the future plans.

 As I mentioned at the last meeting, an important issue that the board has identified is “Recruitment” of new members.  To bring you up to date, the board identified a few potential target groups (e.g. KROC winter sport group, NIC, Boys & Girls Club of America), which will be contacted in the future.  But before we start making contacts we agreed a presentation message needs to be developed.   The approach we are pursuing will include trying to educate the contacts about PNC’s volunteer efforts to provide groomed/cleared trails and facilities for public use, the clubs social activities, and information and training opportunities we can offer.  Our hope is that the message will be shared with the members of other groups by the contacts we make.  If we’re lucky other folks might become interested in finding out more about PNC, come to our meetings and eventually join.
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 How can you as a member help?  All of us can encourage folks to come to our meetings and learn about PNC and maybe join,  and we can all spread the word to friends about the club and what 4th of July offers.  Perhaps you already have, and I applaud your efforts.  Keep it up!  
 
See You Saturday!

​Jan 24th and 25th 2020 Palouse Divide Overnight-Leader- Randy Brewer, 208-964-0444, rbrewer128@msn.com, Option for Fri / Sat or both nights cost is $75 per night per person, includes breakfast and dinner. Bring extra food for lunch and snacks, the lodge provides coffee and beverages with dinner and breakfast. The lodge does not sell alcohol so be sure to bring your favorite beverages with you along with any board games you would like to play in the evening. Directions to the Palouse Divide Lodge, take 95 south turn left onto Hwy 6 go through Potlatch and stay on 6 for about 23 miles the lodge is on the right at the top of the pass. The Palouse Divide Nordic ski area borders the lodges property you do not need a Ski Park Permit when you park at the lodge. Hope to see your there always a great time and the owners go out of their way to make it a special weekend. Sign up by Jan 7th 2020
 
Website:  http://www.myidaholodge.com/
 
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palouse-Divide-Lodge/214341351957366
 

​The club will conduct a snowshoe hike at Round Lake State Park on February 15, 2020 assuming, of course, we have adequate snow cover. 
 
Our meet-up location will be the Super 1 parking lot on Hayden Avenue; gather at the east end near the Goodwill trailer for a 9:00 AM departure. 
 
The park is located off Dufort Road which intersects Hwy 95 about 32 miles north of our meet-up spot. 
 
 Turn left onto Dufort Rd and proceed about 2 miles until you see park signage; turn left onto the park access road. State Parks require a day pass for vehicular parking so if you are a driver, please note. Passes are often available (but not guaranteed) at the park entrance or are available online. Pets need to be leashed if they accompany you. 
 
This hike can be very scenic if there is adequate snow as the trail follows Cocolalla Creek as it courses its way thru the park. The trail is mostly flat but does have some ups and downs along the way. The trail is about 2.5 - 3 miles in length as it forms a loop around the lake.  We will do a single loop but feel free to do as many as you like. 
 
The hike isn’t long enough to warrant packing a full lunch but you might want to pack a snack and of course, an adequate supply of water.  
 
This is anticipated to be a winter snowshoe hike so dress accordingly, be your own safety guide and be at the departure place on time so we can leave promptly. 
 
The cost of travel to and from the park is to be shared among participants (unless you are alone or choose to cover the cost yourself). Based on a 25 cent per mile charge the estimated cost will be $16.00 per carload which is to be shared by all occupants including the driver. (With a four occupant load, the cost would be $4.00 per person). 
 
Contact Mike Zagar the trip leader at 208-610-3894 for more information. Phone calls placed before departure time on Saturday may not be returned so think ahead!