Presidential Address:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…….Four score and a lot of years ago…….Now that I am a lame duck president (my resignation speech), what words can I convey to club members and those wannabee members who peek at our website but are unable to join us, to express my feelings regarding my legacy and the future of the Nordic club. I will use David Letterman’s top 10 format.

What fun we have all had over these winter months. Day trips, weekend excursions, club meetings, etc. And to think some people don’t like winter—“just go back to the “C” state,” I say.

Look at the improvements at 4th of July….better grooming equipment, a real outhouse (sometimes having toilet paper), new bench out at Elderberry, easier access to snow shoe trails and a connector between 614 and Out n’ Back. More trails are planned to access higher elevations and possibly a new parking area up 614.

Lots of cookies to eat at various activities and the Department of Transportation always look forward to our basket of goodies.

A great board of directors these past 4 years making my job easy and they did most of the work.

I love the spring/summer activities—day hikes, weekend trips to Canada, biking, canoeing, etc. My knee is nearly recovered from last summer’s hike in the Bitterroots. Remember the death march to Geoff and Donna’s in Hayden?

Good club meetings and I especially enjoyed this season’s featured speaker’s Ted Farwell and Rich Landers. And Geoff Harvey always pitches in when we need a presentation.

Opportunities to get over my shyness, which is true since I would rather do anything than get up and talk in front of a group. Before becoming president I would sit in the back row and keep my head down. The next transition for me is to go to Hollywood and be a game show host or more likely lead bingo games at the senior center.

Excellent fundraisers and the Best Hand Fun Ski and Snow Shoe has become much less of a burden since club members have really pitched in to obtain prizes. The liability insurance issue threw the board in a tailspin but we overcame the obstacles and had another great fundraiser.

Good publicity in the local newspapers. And we have a website thanks to Hilma Volks that is great. That was a big goal for me to have the club come into the 21st century.
And all of YOU. I have met the best people and have so many friends from being in the club. I never lack for people to do activities with and appreciate your willingness to help out and volunteer for a variety of events. Before I joined, Jackie Beery repeatedly told me the Nordic club has the nicest people, to which I usually responded with some sarcastic remark. She was right!

Well, it is has been a good 4 years and I will be put out to pasture. Best wishes to all of you and see you on the next adventure and hopefully, not at the bingo table yet. Happy Trails……Jim

Tall Tales at the March 7th club meeting
It’s that time again to embellish those tales of fact and fantasy. There have been some good stories, poems and jokes from years past. There might be a prize or two for the best presentations. Also, we will hold elections for president, secretary and treasurer. Who will be the next commander and chief and his/her underlings? Also Ya I Du Ski and/or Snow Shoe forms need to be turned in to see who wins the big prizes this year. The form can be downloaded from our website. Any guess who did the most klicks this time around. Could the initials be Geoff or Carl?

Rich Landers gave a terrific presentation at the February meeting and there were over 30 people who came to see his Ski Across Finland in a week. Lots of stories and pictures made for an informative evening. Thank you, Rich.

Best Hand Fun Ski and Snow Shoe
On Sunday, Feb. 26 we had our annual club fundraiser at 4th of July. The weather cooperated and the snow had a firm base but a soft cover for skiing. Fortunately the rains held off until Monday. There were over 50 participants and everyone received a prize. In fact there were quite a few gifts left over that might find their way to the next club meeting. A big thank you to everyone who donated and obtained donations, volunteered to hand out cards, sell tickets, etc. Over 40 businesses participated this year. The top prize was a black hills gold and amethyst ring from Bedrock Jewelers, and a gift basket from Great Harvest Breads, a sleeping bag from Carol Ridge, two nights stay at Stone Ridge, $ 50 gift certificate to the CDA Resort and a Gourmet Dinner for 6. There were lots of other gift certificates and prizes. Check out the website for a list of prizes and businesses involved.

Please attend the April 4th meeting, which will be a planning meeting for the spring and summer hike and out door activities that usually begin in April or May and go through August. Bring a hike, bike ride, overnight campout, etc. that you would like to lead. With the good snow pack this year more low elevation hikes/activities will be needed through June.

Web Note: Our group on Yahoo Groups is panhandlenordic. I send my email through them now. If anyone wants to upload photos you can upload them to our group page at http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/panhandlenordic/ or go to Yahoo.com and click on Groups and search for panhandlenordic.

I can then add a link to your pictures.

To access the site - You will probably need to become a Yahoo member. - it is free and easy and trust me they don't bug you.

Links of Interest

* For information about Mt. Spokane x-country ski events,
trail maps, permit information, trail conditions etc. go to
www.selkirknordic.org

Cross country skiing in British Columbia
http://www.canadatrails.ca/xc_ski/xc_bc.html

Priest Lake ski conditions www.priestlake.org
208=443-3191