Shore Lodge Blog

A DAY AT THE NATURAL SRINGS

With my Cuban Pirate!

 

You know your baby is Cuban when he is born with a tan line.  This is Salvador at Gold Fork Hot Springs.  He is part Cuban, part pirate and a whole lotta tan belly!

It’s springtime in the Idaho high-country!  The sun quickly melts the snow and heralds people to bare their feet outside – perhaps the perfect time to hot spring it!     

We visited Gold Fork yesterday.  Gold Fork Hot Springs is located 45 minutes south of the Shore Lodge, outside of Donnelly, Idaho.  There are six pools; ranging in temperatures from hot-as-tamales to cool-as-cucumbers.  We planned for a day at the spa - soaking in the warm mineral water, exfoliating our toes and belly with the sand, and working on our tan.    

 

We met up with a couple of Sal’s best buds; Gus and Molly.  The three of them are each very good at chillin’, but when they get together they do it like villian’zzz.  They are smooth and crafty at looting cool pool toys; like the noodle and the boogie board – perfect for a reckless joy ride in the high seas.  They can blow bubbles and sink ships like no other sea dog. And they can attack a spa retreat with belly bombs faster than you can call, “Mayday.”  

 

After our 1-hour-and-30-minute tour of Idaho’s high seas at Gold Fork, we dropped the sail, pointed our vessel home to McCall and caught some zzz’s in the backseat.   

POND SKIMMING LIKE A SUPERHERO

At Brundage Mountain's Crazy Daze 2010

 

I am guessing the population of pond skimmers amongst skiers, riders and superheroes is pretty slim.  The possibility of dunking in 34 degree water is quite daunting even for those who possess extraordinary strength and powers. 

 

The turnout on Saturday for Brundage Mountain’s annual Crazy Daze was a success.  The signature event is the pond skimming contest which has been a celebrated rite of spring across the cosmos perhaps since Spidey first encountered the Green Goblin.  Old Man Winter even showed up for the event a few days early and brought some new snow. Bonus! 

Also up for the challenge were the Crocodile Hunter, Bubble Boy, Elvis and the Mono-Boarding Rastafarian – just to name a few fools besides myself.  We would each put forth our forged powers and liquid courage to combat the unfavorable elements. 

 

The man-made pond wore a layer of ice and slush on top up until about 15 minutes before we were due to drop in.  A veteran pond skimmer offered some advice, “Brace yourself as you hit the water and then just keep your ski tips up.” A rookie pond skimmer provided some amusement as he shivered in nothing but tighty whities waiting his attempt to fly across the pond.  Unfortunately he did not take flight, but rather voyaged underwater – as did many of us. 

 

If only I had the Flash’s super speed, or Ice Man’s cryokinetic powers; then I would have been singing and dancing like my friends and fans on the sidelines. 

 

My first run was glorious!  I kept my ski tips up as advised and sailed 70 feet across the pond.  My second time around was a near miss, but the spotters at the pond’s red carpeted exit leant a hand.  My third run perhaps ended as it should.  It’s what gets the crowd hyped up the most – when wannabe superheroes plunge into hypothermic waters - skis, snowboards and all.   

 
 

 

Afterwards we tailgated amongst friends.  Our identities were no longer a secret.  It was pretty clear who the fools were.  We were the ones with soggy boots and heavy capes hovering over the barbeques in the parking lot.  And the most foolish part of it all is that most of us will probably do it again next spring.   

 

- All Seasons Ali, Wannabe Super Heroine      

SPRING PICNIC AT BEAR BASIN

45 degrees and sunshine, the birds were giddy for spring and the squirrels were full of zip.  The cross-country trails at Bear Basin were sub-hero for classic skiing earlier this week.  The snow was firm enough to stay on top and soft enough for a nice glide.  It’s what makes this time of year so special.  Spring cross-country skiing is the most efficient way to travel through the thick woods.  You can go anywhere, very quickly. 

 

It didn’t take long to find a dry spot with signs of spring beneath a group of old-growth fir and ponderosa trees.  We unfolded a blanket from our backpacks and the wrapping from our sandwiches.  Some enjoyed peanut butter and jelly, others hummus with cucumber.  We each wiped the crumbs from our face in celebration of the Vernal Equinox.

 

Taking the long way back to the car makes the drive back in to McCall more triumphant.  We decided to pony up at the Narrows Lounge.  Some enjoyed chocolate milk and others a cocktail.  We each toasted to spring and enjoyed the sunset over the lake. 

 

Happy Spring! 

-All Seasons Ali

THESE LADIES GOT GAME

It's the Game of Bridge!

 

What is a contract without a declaration, and what is a social without a conversation?  Without these two key components, most would pass on the game of bridge.  Alas, these ladies are doubling the bid and just getting the party started.  

 

 
The opening lead on Wednesday was the 2 of hearts.  

Thirteen tricks on the table and a teaspoon of sugar in the coffee later, the first contract was fulfilled for Pat Bloom and her partner.  Pat was the hostess this week for the ladies bridge group.  Every other week 8 girlfriends from McCall, Donnelly and New Meadows gather at the Shore Lodge for cards, coffee, lunch at the Lake Grill and conversation. Some have been playing bridge together for as long as 23 years!  Needless to say they've got moves and style!

 

-All Seasons Ali, Novice Bridge Player