Also got meet more of the Chiwawa Pines group, Ray Bentley & family and Tom and family sorry didn't get all of the names. Today was some of the best conditions we have had in quite a while and it is the first time this year that we haven't gotten heavy snow right after grooming has been done and that was nice beautiful sunshine.
The first 3 photos are of the front pond that is actually freezing this year because the flow has been changed and so it is freezing and you can even see a big snowflake shape that formed in the ice, I thought it was very cool so thought I'd share it with ya'll.
We have been getting snow for about a week solid as of Christmas and 2 days later friends that I met last year showed up in force, they live in the Chiwawa Pines area, Aret, Jim, Allan, Shawna and please forgive me for not remembering everyone's names they had a blast playing in DEEP POWder and even doing some climbing but getting stuck too.
because according to the forest service personell no one really comes out this far just to snowmobile. I have a favor to ask of all of you who like to ski, snowmobile, anything that has to do wth being outdoors in the snow that enjoy coming out to Trinity and Phelps Creek TH if you would please send comments ato me or to the forest service and parks system and let them know how you feel about not having access to all parts of the park just because of the way they choose to groom, they say it is for the recreationist but I'd like to hear from those of you that actually use the trails and off trails around here. Thse are just a few of the scenes around here this past week.\
The past week plus a few days we've had some very cold temperatures but didn't see much snow around. Then we got 9" and went to move the Blazer and there wasn't any snow down where it was parked so I left it there even stayed in Leavenworth to see how much snow we got in the latest storm, well Leavenworth got 1.5-2" we only had about 1" but it did arrive just in time for Leavenworth to be on national TV GMA was there at 4am as were about 1500 locals. On Nov 30 we had about 20" total snow, then on Sat afternoon it started snowing and by yesterday morning we had about 3.5' of snow and it was 17 degrees so the snow was very dry powder and continued to snow all day, the dam froze up with all of the slush in the water from the cold snow so we had to rely on the furnace for warmth which isn't a problem. Since we had no power I couldn't see just how much snow we had gotten overnight 31" of more powder with no bottom to it. It took almost an hour just to make trails to the powerhouse this morning and then I almost couldn't get the Ranger out of the powerhouse because of the very deep snow. I then spent the next 1.5 hours trying to go 150' but it was more trouble than it was worth and then the rains showed up and it rained all day. 
the bottom photo showsalmost 7' just in case you can't tell. So far it has packed the snow about 16" so far and it hasn't stopped yet we'll see what happens tomorrow. At least we got warm enough for the dam to clear the ice especially with the water flowing in the creek now. Definitely have to watch for slides in the next day or two, could be interesting. Peace & Bear are having fun in the snow but today found it very difficult to get around except for the tracks I made to the powerhouse. With all the rain lots of snow is falling of the roofs of the houses so when Bear is outside I have to really keep him away from the buidings otherwise he could get buried in the falling snow.
This is part of the usual Sat night crowd at the Tumwater in Leavenworth, they show up to watch our friend and local music legend Paul Sweeny perform original & cover requested songs, it's always a good time.
I came home yesterday after going out on Wed to move my truck because I had been told by the FS that they got 6" at the lake and we were supposed to be getting a good dose Wed night and didn't want to get my truck stuck in here and not able to get it out. We had gotten 9" but it was all like baby powder and if I was skiing I would love it but since I'd like to build a nice base before getting lots of very dry powder. The first photo of gauge was taken on Tues after gettin 9" on top of 1' we had before. 
Peace & Bear Love playing in the snow which they both love to do, no need for additional coats for them they like to play and don't want anything to interfere with having fun. They are truely mountain dogs but they enjoy visiting town and seeing friends especially the stores that always have treats, thanks to Aunt Suzie, Gaby, Rhode and all of the others that always have something good to eat and of course all of our friends at Uncle Uli's where pets are allowed and everyone knows your name... We were even there yesterday when GMA came to Leavenworth and I was totally surprised byu the great turnout of people hoping to be on TV, I was just waiting for it to get light enough to drive home with my sunglasses which was all I had with me since I left my other glasses in the Ranger, we were hoping to get a nice overnight snow so I would know where to park my truck so I could still get out. Leavenworth got about 1.5-2" of snow but it couldn't have been scripted better for the snow, problem is they got more snow there than I got out here, actually it was just enough so that when I made tracks I couldn't see asphalt but my Ranger only had .75" on it when we got to it and at home I got 1.25" of baby powder.
This morning we woke up to 9" of very dry Powder, it was nice to see finally, maybe this will be the beginning of the SNOW season for the year, it started yesterday afternoon. Today though we only got a 1/4" of new snow and tonight we have clear skies, so we will see what happens. 
or maybe just have to go move my truck further out due to the recent snows we've had, which I will gladly do to have it a sno-park from Fish Lake. It's time to get those snowmobiles tuned up and ready to play, get those skis and snowboards waxed and ready to tackle the slopes, especially the backcountry lovers and whatever you do Think SNOW, Live LIFE to the Max, and enjoy every minute.
