The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page - February 26, 2008
SKIERS FLOCK TO CHINA RIDGE!
Princeton's China Ridge Cross-Country Ski Club has had an active and fun-filled season to date. Unlimited amounts of fresh snow have afforded keen skiers in the group with a great choice of venues. The airport track has been well used all winter by classic style skiers, skating enthusiasts and dogs alike. The January full moon saw a good turnout of potluck toting skiers assembling at our remote cabin up above China Ridge.
That evening we enjoyed perfect snow, a bright full moon, crisp temperatures, an evening of camaraderie, and a nice assortment of delicious foods. Despite the recent sale of the popular Japanese sushi restaurant, our tradition of transporting Sushi up the mountain in a backpack was carried on by the innovative efforts of one member who simply 'rolled her own'! Way to go Char!
Every weekend the 'die-hard' back-country group has been packing through deep snow in search of untracked powder trails. One of the more recent outings found a small group of the more adventurous Princeton skiers climbing up to a remote wilderness cabin at Juliette on the Coquihalla, just south of Merritt. We have had several outings in the local Asp Creek area (thanks to Edie Currie for access to this beautiful and challenging terrain on her vast ranch).
One day last week saw a group of ten (plus a six-month old Russian bear-dog pup) out for over five hours, completing some 28-kilometres of trail. I somehow doubt that any of these members were taking advantage of the local gym last night!
A number of skiers participated in the Salmon Arm Loppett Ski Race and did well in their age categories.
The groomers have been out doing an excellent job on the trails. We appreciate the fact that they spend many hours out on the machine getting the trails in shape for the rest of us when we know they would rather be skiing themselves!
Thanks John, Rod, Pat and Kevin. The snow conditions have been great this season and should last for a month or so more.
The Club has received a substantial donation of lumber from the local Weyerhaeuser Mill. This will put us even further ahead towards the reality of a public facility at the trailhead. Many thanks to Don Darel for hauling the lumber, Kevin Kunderman for unloading it and Argo Industries for storing it over the winter.
Another big 'thank you' to Argo and the crew for keeping the Snowpatch Road so well plowed and sanded throughout our season.
China Ridge has been getting many requests for used equipment, both skis and snowshoes. If anyone is starting their spring cleaning and has any they would like to donate to the Club please call (250) 295-7295 for pick up.
