Sorry, no Lassen Winterfest this year

“Well, after much thought and consideration, I have decided I will not be able to host Winterfest this year. This has been a difficult decision for me because I know many of you were looking forward to it.

One of the difficulties is trying to figure how fit I'll be in another month (yea it's that close) While my knee is doing much better, I'm still doing my miles on flat ground and I have been warned by my doc (and friends who have been through it) it only takes one tweak right now to put me back on crutches. I also have an ISO audit coming up on the second week in January I have to get ready for. I'm just not going to have enough time to get in proper shape and organize everything.

I am planing to set up another a full moon, ski/snowshoe trip, March 22nd (Springfest?) if everything goes well. I'll keep everyone updated.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a safe New Years!”

“Hi Steve!

Glad your knee is getting stronger and you are following your doctor's orders (I'll bet that's not easy...). I'll miss you and Winterfest this year. It just won't be the same to bring in the New Year without you. We'll make up for it next year, right?? :-)And just to remind you How much we all appreciate you.. THANK YOU for all the Winterfests that you have put on! You're the best! Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday season!”

“Hey steve, Good for you for listening to your friends and doctors! It doesn't look like there will be much to build igloos with this year anyway.”

“Clearly, you are letting your friends down - what's the matter with you?!



Ha! Gotcha!

Sounds like you're doing things right. Who knows, maybe someone else can host, and we can figure out a way to drag your sorry a--- um, to assist you in reaching the camp!”

“Thanks everyone.

Yea, I usually tell others you can tell what the right thing to do is because you really don't want to do it.

Patience and following my own advice are not two of my strong points. I ran up to Red Mountain today to check a possible site with easier access and see how my knee would hold up. I knew my wife wouldn't approve, Susan either, so I went alone. Well, it didn't go too bad....till I got home and noticed my knee and calf swollen up from the little bit of off trail hiking I did. When my wife saw it I got my butt chewed. I'm a little surprised how much the damn calf swelled up, I guess the fluids are running down that way, gravity and all :-)

It sure was good to get into the mountains again. Well worth the chewing, ice pack and elevated leg thing ;-)”

“Come on Steve you can do it! What does that sissy Doctor know? You know you want to. I know you can do it!




Obviously I'm not getting through to you!
Oh well there's always next year.
Take care my friend.”

“Go, go, go....You don't need a knee...I don't have one! But then again, I'm still not walking either.

Never mind.

There's always next year!
last edited: 12/03/07 1:55:54 AM”

“Where would Springfest be?

Hope your knee gets better Steve.”

“Yall can come to the Colorado New Years Feeze Out and Snow Festival!

Dec 29 - Jan 1, Indian Peaks Wilderness, just outside of beautiful Boulder, Colorado.”

“Can we drive there in 4 hours?”

“That's all a matter that you must decide for yourselves. Assumption of risk and all that.

From the Denver airport you can drive there in about one hour!”

“, HikinMike...I know I shouldn't laugh but I do love your sense of humor at your predicament...

Glad you are listening to your doctor's, Steve...better to rest now and hike later than hike now and never hike again...”

“Mata - I have to keep my sense of humor, Sometimes that's all I have...

Wait until I get my left knee removed! :)”

“MtnSteve -
Gee. I'm sorry about your knee. I hope it doesn't adversely affect your ornament shopping skills ;)”

“Must have been another private Western trip, don't see it on the trip page.

Heal well, Steve.”

“We'll party double time next year.
Get well for now and I'll miss you and the rest.”

“Thanks Mike, I needed that ;-)

Springfest (?) will be in Lassen, perhaps in the Devastated area where we had it last year.....or not. Hoodoo (just outside Lassen) is another choice, access will decide.

The knee is getting better each day....a tad sore after Sunday though. I doubt it will affect my shopping skills, but one can never tell < VBG >

Thanks again everyone.
last edited: 12/04/07 7:12:01 AM”

“Steve - wow have I been away awhile. I have been wondering about Winterfest. Knowing I couldn't go but living vicariously through you all. I started a new job after twelve years and it is hard to get time off. Especially taking 3 weeks vacation 2 weeks after if started. =o)

Any way, take care of that knee and we'll do 'Springfest '07'.”