A Cold Winter's Night

It finally happened...an overnight winter camp at the Hollow! Taking full advantage of the shed we began last summer and the road being plowed to the Timberlane turnoff, we snowshoed into the Hollow on Friday evening and set up camp inside the shed. There was about 30 inches of dry powder snow and the temperature got down into the teens, but inside we were relatively warm...even if we could still see our breath.








With a fresh dusting of snow in the morning, we were ready to go explore on our snowshoes. The countryside was incredibly quiet, with the new snow dampening most sounds. It made our walk a little eerie. As we hiked through the trees, our labored breathing and the snow collapsing beneath us were the only sounds (except for the occasional report of a pistol in the distance). The clouds were hanging low and grew thicker the higher we climbed. It wasn't until we reached the top of the ridge that we could see the sky...some fifty feet above us, the mist from the clouds drifting by. It is always amazing to me the way the snow and fog softens and smooths the landscape. I especially like the new snow on the trees, combined with the hoar frost covering every needle and branch.
All too soon, it was time to clean up and head for home as the activities, schedules, and events that made up the remainder of our weekend still needed attention. The well-built klondike derby sled of the past, made trips back and forth with our supplies much easier.


I am ever grateful for these peaceful, relaxing moments that help restore my spirit and peace of mind. The cold can never dampen my love of the outdoors and so we leave until next time...hopefully not too far in the future.

...Big Al

Snow Farmers

After 15 years working in the Ski Industry, I've become what we refer to as a snow farmer; one who's livelyhood depends on a good crop of skiable snow. It's always been a matter of income for me, not a matter of life and death. The last few years, since purchasing the property with Dad, Mom, Katie & Steve, I've been watching the snowpack for different reasons. Our property has seen a good number of insect infestations that have decimated a large population of our evergreen species native to the area. The region is heavily forested, and at 9,000 feet, water is at a premium. The more trees there are, the less water they each get and thus the cycle goes as nature thins out the drought stricken trees.

For some time I figured this year to be a loss. For the ski business, its been our worst December and January in 32 years. Until the last 3 days the property hasn't done too well either. As of today, the snow water equivalent has reached what is considered average for this time of year. Though we still have months to go, it gives me hope that the remaining trees, as well as the ones we've planted might just survive another year.

-Kev