Kent Anderson

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It has been a special year so far at Schweitzer Mountain. While so many ski areas are struggling with some pretty strange weather, Schweitzer has been blessed with some massive early storms. See you on the slopes!

Thank you to the entire Activerain community! You guys are the BEST!

Skiing Schweitzer Mountain today gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "It's Lonely On Top". I had to take a few iphone shots of the "crowds"...or lack thereof. No lift lines and, usually, nobody even within sight on the lifts. By the way, the skiing is phenominal...no rocks, still soft snow in the trees and no danger of getting wiped out by an errant skier/boarder coming up from behind. (Do you see any humans? Hopefully there's one in the lift tower.)

(That's Lake Pend Oreille off on the horizon)

What better time to inaugurate my presence in the new AR Sunrises & Sunsets Group than my current trip to Kyoto City, Japan. The photo below (taken today - Sunday, November 13) looks out over the top of Ginkakuji Temple, a zen temple established in 1482.

Just to provide proof that this photo is actually real, below I sit in the doorway of one of the homes just outside "The Temple of the Silver Pavillion" (Ginkakuji Temple) considered "the creation of the soul of Japan". The famous Japanese Gardens are believed to have originated from this site.

This is an experience of a lifetime to say nothing of the ideas I've garnered for my own little rock gardens in Sandpoint, Idaho!

Sunday, September 24th, marked the conclusion of the iconic 3rd Annual WACANID Ride...a 340 mile (550 kilometer) 5-day ride winding through and around the Selkirk Mountain range of the Inland Northwest (North Idaho, Eastern Washington & Western Canada). The tour meanders along the scenic rivers and lakes of Sandpoint and North Idaho and on to the INTERNATIONAL SELKIRK LOOP, recognized as one of the "Top 10 Scenic Destinations in the Northern Rockies" named by the U.S. Department of Transportation, one of five "Best of the Roads" named by Rand McNally 2009, and the "West's Best Scenic Drive" by Sunset Magazine.

By the way, the International Scenic Loop is North America's ONLY multi-national scenic loop! Nearly the entire loop follows rivers and lakeshores from Sandpoint, Idaho (pop 8,000) north to Nelson, British Columbia (pop 9,500).

The 2011 ride will be remembered as the most perfect weather an event like this could possibly enjoy. ...70-80's during the days, 40-50's during the nights. Most importantly ...no rain and clear skies throughout! One can expect some distractions during a 340 mile trip but very few were reported as the many volunteers (mostly Rotary members from various clubs along the route) kept a keen eye out for the safety and enjoyment of all the participants.

An extreme ride of this nature does not come without some stressful times, however, as you can see from this photo. Jerri Anderson, Sandpoint Rotary president and WACANID finish-line volunteer, addresses a rider's needs as she collapses at the finish.

Congratulations to all the participants and see you next year!

Today is Monday, September 26th but it seems appropriate to "jump the gun" and submit this photo as a prelim to WORDLESS WEDNESDAY (the 28th).

Since 1991, Tony and Linda Brooks of Teton Village, Wyoming have invited family and friends around the country to "clean up, anytime - anywhere" to remember the earth and celebrate the life of their son Charley.

1. Charley graduated from a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) Mountaineering Course in 1990 and tragically died in a car accident soon after his course. Since NOLS was such an important part of Charley's life, the Brooks Family started the annual cleanup as a way to keep their son's memory alive while doing something good for the planet. In addition to the cleanup, Tony and Linda also created a NOLS scholarship fund in memory of Charley which exposes a new generation of NOLS grads each year to the wilderness skills and the conservation ethics that their son forged during his course.

Wednesday is the 28th, so as you come and go to work this week think about what you can do on Wednesday to "clean up" in honor of a NOLS alum who cared passionately about the earth.

(The attached photo was taken of Charley on top of Gannet Peak.)

NOLS, 284 Lincoln Street, Lander, WY 82520-2848, USA