Skoki Spring Fling

Ah - Spring in the Mountains!
I finally feel secure in saying this because:
1. It is in fact April.
2. The temperatures are definitely warmer in the day.
3. I have a sunburned nose. Ouch.
4. I bust out the party pants.

That being said, there will be more snow storms as there is always the possiblility of a major dump in April and in May. But I am going to embrace the unpredictability that is spring and get out there and do stuff whether it is in snow or not!

I just enjoyed the past few days at Skoki Lodge, my new favorite place IN THE WORLD. This was my 4th trip to the area in 4 months. The last two trips I just got to visit the lodge, but this time I got to stay. Yeah! Sweet back country luxury.

We got lots of fresh air, relaxed well and feasted!! It was an awesome couple of days in the backcountry.

I love Keith! (but you know that....)

My Party Pants

(they say "Dancing Queen" on the bum and I only bust them out for special occasions)

Cornice on Deception Pass

Day 1 was a little overcast, but it was still gorgeous. I decided to run in instead of skiing with the rest of the group because I was nervous about falling victim to blisters or clumbsiness pre-race. I ran into the lodge, dropped my pack and ran back up Deception Pass to meet up with the Keith and Laura. The log cabin is always a welcoming sight when you arrive!

On Day 2 I pretended to be a skiier and walked back up the pass with Keith and Laura. While they went for a little tour to make some turns, I did a little hill training up and down the pass. I was there to greet a few skiiers who were on their way in to Skoki. When you are 10k in the backcountry skiing in spring, the last thing you expect to see is some crazy runner girl running up the pass!!

Keith and Laura climbing Deception Pass!

Go That Way!!

How is that for comprimise? Keith and Leslie go skiing.....and running!!!

Keith and Laura feelin' good in the Sunshine

How to burn your nose

Apres-ski/run- Me and Laura with big smiles

On the last day, we had a big breakfast, relaxed and procrastinated before heading off. We didn't exactly want to leave paradise. It was a blue sky day and it was heating up quite nicely as we climbed the pass. As I got ahead of the group, I got thinking about Steve's "random act of exhibitionism" the other month and afterall....I was in the exact same place, so I bust out the Dancing Queen Party Pants.

Yep, just running along - another great day in the backcountry for this skinny white girl!