S K I T R A C K S
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club
Box 431 • Corvallis, Montana 59828
A P R I L 2 0 1 0
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APRIL MEETING
April 8, 2010 7:00 P.M.
First Presbyterian Church
1220 W Main Street, Hamilton
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APRIL PROGRAM
Scott Battaion returns with his report on the latest science research on the AGAP Project in Antarctica exploring the Sub Glacial Gamburtsev Mountains and its implications from Ice Core findings on the eastern plateau of Antarctica. His wife, Jennifer, will also present her perspective on life at the McMurdo Station, where she has been working.
/s/ Ginny Deck
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At last report, we still need a meeting place for the May potluck. If you know of a
suitable venue (the Fairgrounds is out) contact Earl, Kay or George.
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TRAIL REPORT
Hi Classic Skiers
There was 4-6 inches of new snow as of March 12 and the total was again 36 inches. All the trails were groomed but tracks were NOT set. This was the last regular grooming of this season.
The Warming Hut will remain open and Hosted through April 15th so you’ll have access to hot drinks and a place to eat lunch.
As the afternoons get warmer and the nights remain cool, there will be an opportunity for “Crust Cruising” and it’s a great time to do some snowshoe exploring off trail, so the winter sports opportunity is not over, you just won’t need as many warm clothes.
Thanks for coming out and enjoying the area and for your continuing support. Have a great summer and we’ll look for you again next season.
/s/ Mel Mooers
Grooming Team Leader
MARCH MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
March 11, 2010 by Kay Fulton
Vice President Earl Philips at 7:10 p.m., called the meeting to order. There were approximately 20 in attendance.
Membership: Jack Losensky reported that there are 333 members, which are down from last year’s final number.
Treasurer’s Report : Once again, Jeane Lippert has finally returned from Florida. She is still organizing all of the financial data but at this time: Checking, $4,302.70 & Savings, $7,500.
Upcoming Events and Items of Interest:
Kay Fulton announced that our May Potluck is May 13th and we need a location for that event. Please call her, Earl or George with suggestions.
Earl Philips thanked several of the members for their hard work and contributions to the Club:
Toddy Perryman for her wonderful job on the website
Pat Leonard for putting the newsletter together
Fran/Birdie Sherman for producing the newsletter
Reine Hilton for e-mailing the newsletter
Barb Losensky and others who address/mail out the newsletters
Debbie Leick for working on the trail map
Carol Batcher, Paul Sharp, Linda Stoudt, Mel Mooers for all of their work on making the Extravaganza a success
Old Business: Earl reported that the winners (Barbara Hall) of the Extravaganza were thrilled. Karen Griffing, who won the skis, expressed her appreciation for the skis. The Club made $1,827.59 —all of which goes to the grooming work and expenses.
Trail Report: Mel Mooers reported 8" new and that they will groom but probably not lay tracks. They will go in every 2 weeks until hosting is finished to take in water, change the sheets, etc. He suggested “crust cruising” and snowshoeing might be good activities. Mel reported that some of the grooming expenses include $1,200 for insurance, $800 for new tires, repair on the trailer, radio communication, etc. Also he reported that Mike Hoyt has volunteered to coordinate some trail clearing during the summer so look for notices from him. Earl reported that there had been three (3) cancellations this week. He filled two (2) but with conditions changing, there will probably be more.
Program: John Lehrman, Backcountry Adventure Skier, astounded us with his amazing pictures of skiing the backcountry near the Downing Mountain Lodge, which he and his wife lease during the winter months for backcountry skiers, as well as scenes from various canyons and peaks in the Bitterroots where he and others ski for “fun”!!! It was astounding to those of us who have not done that level of extreme skiing to see pictures of people poised on top of rock outcroppings and peaks, such as Trapper Peak, St. Joseph Peak, El Capitan, etc., ready to ski down! Great Program! Check out his website: Backcountryfocus.com.