Back to the Nordic club----Several ideas have come closer to reality. All in all we have forged ahead and now have in our possession a new track setter for us to ski blissfully along (next year). And if your coffee has kicked in much too vigorously there is the new bathroom by the picnic area to use (this year). And if you ski far enough there is a new bench to rest your weary body (next year). And the snow shoers have an improved trail to cruise down the hill (also next year). So there is still lots of anticipation out there and hopefully shall be rewarded next season.

Geoff Harvey gave a great presentation on club activities at the February meeting. I wanted to join all over again, but I didn't have any spare cash in my wallet. This is the last newsletter for the season. Check out the Nordic club website at http://www.panhandlenordicclub.com for future information regarding club activities.

Poker Ski/Club Boycott
The Best Hand Fun Ski was well attended even without snow. There were prizes for all 60 people who showed up to walk the loop including the top prizes of a ski package from Fitness Fanatics, gift basket from Great Harvest, two water coolers from Army-Navy, gourmet dinner for six, two nights at Stoneridge and a picnic basket with blanket from Mountain West Bank. There were many other wonderful gifts and certificates. Rumor has it that there may be a few left over and may be given away at the next club meeting. There were also some goodies to eat and two campfires one at the cabin and the other at the picnic area. A big thank you to everyone who volunteered and/or provided a prize.

Now for the boycott. All members are urged to boycott all businesses that did not contribute to the "Poker Hike". This means that you will be able to eat pizza from all three Papa Murphy's locations, have Chinese food at Chinese Gardens, Mexican food at Mexican Food Factory and a lot of coffee and pastry at several coffee shops and beer at Capone's. Your grocery needs will be taken care of by Albertson's in Hayden. Financial needs will be met at Mountain States Bank. You will have a variety of outdoor/recreation stores to choose from but Fitness Fanatics and Army Navy get a gold star. All vacations will be at Stoneridge. No more Walmart, Target, Silver Lake Mall, Goodwill, etc. And certainly not any stores on the other side of the divide. A list will be forth coming on businesses that were gracious to donate to our cause. Tell them how much the Panhandle Nordic Club appreciates their generosity.

Rock Soup
Bea Christopherson and Howard Sevdy will be hosting the annual Rock Soup Party, Saturday Feb. 26 starting at 3:00pm. Guess what--bring your hiking boots, something to throw in the pot and a beverage, appetizer, soup bowl, cup, utensils and napkins if messy. This is always planned with a full moon to view which might happen this time with the clear, cold evenings we are having. This is the time to begin getting in shape for the spring and summer hikes. Come do the loop or at least a portion of it. Check out the bathroom at the picnic area. Meet new friends and get reacquainted with old ones -- no pun intended. Interesting and scary things have happened at previous Rock Soup parties. Come here the stories and help stir the pot.

Tall Tales is Coming
Our March meeting will feature the talents of our very own club members. It time for all those aspiring thespians to get those jokes, skits, poetry, mime (?) and stories ready. Typically several have said these are true accounts they are sharing. And typically these yarns may stretch the imagination a tad or really are just big fat lies. There seems to be a lot of hot air out there among club members. Maybe that is why the snow conditions are so bad this year. Come join the fun and better yet offer up a story that will spell bind us all. We are easily entertained.

Ya I Du Ski
If some of you found snow to ski or snowshoe on you will want to fill out the Ya I Du Ski form and turn in to Roberta Truscott prior to or at the March meeting. Snow shoers will compile kilometers as do skiers by but the distance will be by a third needed for the same prizes. Confused? -- So am I.

April Meeting is on the horizon
Tuesday, April 4 will be the planning session for the hiking program. Bring a favorite hike, outing, etc. to lead the group for the spring and summer. Geoff will coordinate dates and suggestions for the hiking program. Since there is little snow this year, we should be able to hit the high country earlier. I'll wave to you from St. Louis. I'll see you on the trail this summer ..... Jim

The Nordic Club Activity Calendar
February 26 - Rock Soup party at 4th of July
March 1 - Club Meeting -- Tall Tales & Ya I Du Ski
April 5 - Club Meeting -- Plan spring & summer hikes, etc.

CLOSING OUT SALE
ALL ABOUT SPORTS
204 N. 4TH Street
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 83815
208-664-7011

CLOSING OUT SALE 30% - 40% - 50/75%
store wide progressive discount sale...everything to move

February 24, Thursday 11-6
February 25, Friday 11-6
February 26, Saturday 11-5

ANNOUNCEMENT
Anyone interested in current river conservation issues in the state of Idaho
Free breakfast hosted by Idaho Rivers United,
Boise Chapter

7am Friday, February 25
Coeur d'Alene Inn

Please let Nancy Mertz know in advance, at the latest February 21st. Thanks.

ph 800-616-1943 or 208-765-3116
fax 208-765-5254
email: info@seakayakadventures.com