Vulcan Hot Springs

The ski into the springs was 1.75 miles across the wonderful meadow. The snow was glittery of silver rainbows with windswept texture on the frozen surface. Across the SF Salmon River, the trail continued to meander up a creek that occasionally was steamy. Upon reaching our destination, we were pleasantly amazed. The entire creek is filled with hot spring water, the source if directly from the ground. I personally, have not seen any place this amazingly active since Yellowstone NP. The hot water comes from conical fissures in the rock surface. Amazing large moss and other plants thrive in the tropical bliss.
We found the pool, filled with debris and mud. Pretty gross. But we went in and moved up towards where the water was still moving and out of most of the gunk. But not away from it enough. Gina and I both were bitten, multiple times, by something in the gunk. We did not feel it until the next morning. Lesson learned: do not go into a gunky hot springs no matter how "natural" it may be.
We left the springs, skied back to the cabin to eat lunch and pick up our gear for the ski out.

Stolle Meadows 2009

Tuesday, Gina, Henry and I skied 6 miles to Stolle Meadows cabin near the South Fork Salmon River. The drive in was blessed with a small dusting of white snow under a heavy gray sky. The air was breezy, enough to keep a chill.
Gina and I geared up ready for the ski in.6 Miles later we came upon the cabin that will be home for the night. The cabin was outfitted with a propane stove-top, pots and dishes, a bucket drain sink, wood heat stove, solar lights, 5 sleeping cots, and a table with 5 chairs (which we used for drying racks). The only "complaint" we had was the lack of strategically placed nails to hang dry clothing.
We had a wonderful evening of food, white russians, and good company. Sleep would have been great except for Henry pacing all night long except for the brief moment he slept on the cot with Gina! (I am amazed at this interaction)
Wednesday, the cold (12'F) morning was clear and blue. Looking south towards Vulcan Hot Springs, the steam cloud billowing up from over the ridge was calling me to visit. I have never seen a spring put out that much steam in winter. So, after breakfast, off we skied to Vulcan Hot Springs.Since there are many photos to be posted of the Hot Springs, I will just do a new entry.

I love Taco bell

Taco Bell's New Green Menu Takes No Ingredients From Nature

Taco bell is my fast food achilles tendon. The crispy tacos are so "fresh"/ however, now I am not so sure....

Holidays

Tis the holiday season.
Happy Holidays folks!

Ha!

this one goes to Cindy D

Elk River Falls-FROZEN

It has been a while friends.This past Sunday I went to Elk River Falls with Henry and Todd. It was a cold day, temperatures around 20F, with a chilly wind that sang in the tree tops. A few times the trees would sway, the wood would creek, and I was in fear of one snapping off a top. The falls were partially frozen, adding to the beauty of the sunny day. Henry stirred up some elk, but did not chase them cause I called him and he returned immediately. He can be such a good dog.