February 2009

FEBRUARY is for FUN, FUN, FUN!

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February Meeting

The meeting will take place on February 5th at the Community Center at 7:00. Social hour begins at 6:30. Ros Wu will be speaking to us about fire ecology and the prescribed burns that are done in our area.

Providing munchies for the evening are Charleen Stipe, Betsy Cotton, Phyl Daleske, Jamie Dinkler, Cynthia Riski, & Carol Bermea.

YUM!

Don't forget the Education Fund Raffle.

Proceeds benefit Pagosa senior students going to college as well as younger students studying nature and conservation and learning outdoor sports and skills.

Tickets are $1 a piece or 7 for $5.

Up for grabs:

$50 gift certificate from Let It Fly!

(click their ad in the sidebar to go to their web site)

$25 gift certificate from Boss Hoggs!

Half the Moolah!

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Ya Gotta Pay the Piper, Baby!

Dues for 2009 were due in January but of course Carolyn will take your money any time! You can print out a form from the link on this website and mail it in. Or, forms are available at the meeting. $30 family / $20 singles

Great Fun, Great Food, Great People

A bargain at any price.

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Message from our President

Howdy,

Just a reminder that this month's meeting moves back to our regular day on Thursday, Feb. 5 @ 6:30 p.m. We'll have a good program on wildland fire ecology from Ros Wu.

Most of us are skiing now and it may seem a long time until the next ski swap but we will need to discuss it this month. Jim and Nancy Cole have given their time for many years on this project but now wish to pass their knowledge on to others and we will need someone new to take over this activity. It is the primary source of funds for our scholarships and serves a community service. Many volunteers have worked with the ski swap and help get the job done each year so a new coordinator will have lots of talented help. If you are interested, we need and welcome YOU. Please talk to Jim, Nancy or anyone on the Board.

Cross training is always fun - here's Glenn VanP. at work with his paddle board. Not sure if he's going to return a skier or snowboarder!

Barry

Glenn Van Patter with his new board.

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Upcoming Activities

There are lots of fabulous activities planned for February. Lots of cross country skiing and snowshoeing, including a moonlight snowshoe and cookout, and weekly walk/snowshoe (depending on conditions). There is also a cross country hut adventure. Check the calendar periodically for additions. (in the sidebar under Useful Links)

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2009 Festival Of Trees

Christmas is just past but we’re already looking forward to the 2009 holiday festivities. Shirley Hunter and Sue Bozek will be leading SJOC’s participation in the 2009 Festival of Trees. They’ll be looking for volunteers at a later date to serve on the committee. In the meantime, put your thinking caps on and keep an eye out for decorations that will fit with an outdoor theme and representative of our Club. The tree is in the bag and awaiting its adornment for a worthy cause.

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January Meeting

Our speaker, Michael Whiting, gave a very informative presentation about the Southwest Land Alliance. He described the lands they have acquired as conservation easements and their plans for the future. They are working hard to keep Pagosa a great place to live. (and play)

Shirley and Sue telling the Club about the Festival of Trees for Dec 2009

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But the BIG question is "What's everybody been up to?

I mean, where ya been? what ya been doin'? who ya been doin' it with?

Easy Snowshoe Jan 3rd

If you step on the back of my snowshoes just ONE MORE TIME. . .

to the moon, Alice!

Are you sure that's the right way?

And that's the last we heard from the expedition. . .

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Cross Country Skiing Jan 7th

There is a new group that meets every Wed. morning at 9:30 at the Golf Course for cross country skiing. These are scheduled through the middle of Feb. All skiing abilities are welcome. Come join them and see how many laps you can do. This was the first one, and 8 people showed up. Show up if you want to join in. Check the calendar for last minutes changes due to track conditions/grooming.

Charleen, Carol, Leonard and Margaret tackling the dreaded uphill section.

Missy's first time for cross country skiing, followed by her neighbor Edwina.

A following Wednesday turned up some of the same and some new faces.

Everybody has mastered the "look" and now it's time to ski.

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Cross Country Skiing Jan. 10th

Abby and Phyl led a group of 7 on an adventure down the West Fork Road.

Betsy, Bob, Phyl, Abby, Jean, and Rex (Susan taking picture)

We're finally there. Now we get to eat.

Ohhh Noooo - No relief for Susan

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Moderate Snowshoe Jan 11th

Led by David and Shirley Hunter - group of 15 hiked from the Lobo parking area to the top of Thunder Mtn.

On top of Thunder Mountain

Views of Wolf Creek ski runs

Walking thru ghost trees

More of those trees

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Chama Chili Ski Classic

Abby Linzie, Rex Shurtleff, & Betsy Cotton participated in the ski race held February 18th near the Cumbres Pass. The course was beautiful, well-groomed, and a little but not too challenging for all these first-timers (to the race, I mean).

Abby placed 1st in her group. Rex placed 2nd in his group. And, well, Betsy finished and didn't fall down.

It was great fun and we recommend it for next year. Perhaps we can get an SJOC team - how about the San Juanabees?! We could wear bumble bee hats or something. Think about it!

Abby after crossing the finish line.

Betsy already looking like a Juanabee.

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Winterrrrrrr Overnighterrrrrr

January 23/24

Terry Baker (who else?) organized a little winter backpack to practice winter camping skills. As you might imagine, attendance was thin. But, leave it to good friend and tough dude Leo to accompany him on this foray. As told by the duo, Friday was really good going in-not too cold and overcast. Getting out wasn't quite as much fun as it was raining and wet but they got to practice some SAR techniques and have some fun.

Leo packed up and ready to go.

Terry pulling the sled with, hmmm, a BBQ grill, maybe?

Leo at leisure.

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Astraddle A Saddle

Jean Carson coordinated this outing for the 29 attendees. After taking a ride on two sleds and learning some history of the area and the cabin under a beautiful starlit night, the group enjoyed a lovely dinner. The food was fabulous said Jean and everyone had a nice time.

I see they have wine to go with the prime rib!

Terry & Marsha ready to share the bounty.

Janice & Bob looking mighty intent as if to say, "Don't even think about touching that bottle."

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Thursday A.M. Walk/Snowshoe

January 22nd, the group met at and snowshoed Reservoir Hill for a change of pace from the golf course. Aside from someone almost disappearing into hidden oak brush from time to time, it was a relaxing and enjoyable time. Afterward several of the group decided to take the relaxation to the next level by soaking in the springs for a bit.

Everyone is welcome to join the group which typically meets at the PLPOA Rec Center on Park at 9 a.m. every Thursday. If the road are very clear, they walk. If not, they snowshoe on the golf course. After an hour of exercise, there is usually about an hour of refreshment and conversation at La Tazza.

The Thursday A.M. Group.

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Moderate Snowshoe at the Summit

January 25th

David & Shirley Hunter always provide a vigorous snowshoe adventure. While the original plan of shoeing the HooDoos was kabashed due to nowhere to park that day, the intrepid group continued up the mountain. It was a blustery day that continued to bluster stronger as the outing progressed. The group enjoyed the fresh powder and endured the winds.

Let it always be said that when you go with David & Shirley, you feel like you've been somewhere!

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Don't forget St. Valentine's Day on the 14th!