The 2009 Bend Winterfest is on!

2009 Winterfest PosterWinterfest is on, and in true form the snow has arrived with it. It’s cool to finally see all the creative materials I worked on with the Winterfest peeps up and around town.

This marks the first year Winterfest will be held at The Old Mill, and not downtown – so parking should be ample and the music louder. Downtown will for sure miss this annual event.

The combo of Valentines Day, Winterfest, and more snow pummeling the mountain, is no doubt going to make this a great three day weekend in Bendo for locals, visitors, and shops alike.

Mt Bachelor Screws up – again

I love the mountain. I was up earlier today – cruising the groomed ice. But when I got home this afternoon I received an email from Mt Bachelor, which included this statement: ‘effective immediately, we require all season passes and lift tickets to be clearly visible, easily accessible and made readily available for inspection by Lift Access staff at every lift for every ride on the mountain, and by Nordic staff upon their request’.

Not sure about most peeps, but I keep my pass safely tucked away in my jacket sleeve – in a special pocket designed for passes. Removing it wouldn’t be much of a hassle, but an annoyance none-the-less if it had to be done at every lift, day after day, week after week. Now Mt Bachelor is demanding that we show our pass or as they say make it available. Lame, Mt Bachelor. Why?

Mountain visits are supposed to be a relaxing time. If you are having issues – deal with them without inconveniencing season pass holders.

FJ60

When we first moved to Bend we had a car. Then it became clear we also needed a 4×4 of some sort. Something to get us to the mountain, take us on trials, and the occasional trip to the coast with the kids and dogs. The FJ60 was perfect. Even though its appetite for fuel was rather voracious, it didn’t seem to matter much then. 10 MPG, whatever.
The thought of getting an FJ was planted years earlier in Dallas, when my buddy Mark had one. It was a cool blue FJ60. But it wasn’t until we moved to Oregon that I really saw a need for one, so the search for what would soon be our first 4×4 began.

After months of checking out FJ’s, one finally stood out – and it was for sale in Portland. It was exactly what I was looking for, and in great condition. I flew up, paid cash and was on my way – kinda. There were a few minor issues after I picked it up, but nothing that some extra time, a few helping hands, and some cash couldn’t fix.

We owned it for about five years or so – it was a great vehicle for sure. Many memories, but in the end it was just a mode of transportation – the price of gas was starting to creep up and the amenities of newer more fuel efficient modes of transport were appealing. But still, it would be cool to have one again some day – it was kinda fun getting out and locking the hubs to get into 4×4 mode.

The Big Five Oh

BombaLatteIt was only a mater of time. Not for me, but a friend. And to think she even remotely behaves or looks her age is obsurd. Good times tonight with a bunch of friends and thier families for a surprise party put on by her dear Dregg – as Ana fondly calls him. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a surprise visit from David Sedaris or Ellen – we tried, but they were booked. Happy Birthday Bomba Latte.

So our plans are to hit the mountain on her actual birthday day next week. Should be fun. The forecast: Clear blue sky, snowy mountain, warm clothes, and a freshly waxed board for the courd.