Want an ice-cream headache? Call Jim or Sandii Mellen.
The Mellens, that dynamic duo of outdoor enthusiasm, will lead four of our 11 winter hikes this year, a testament to their dedication to winter fun and our Scotchman Peaks efforts, as well as their individual fitness. Mr. and Mrs. Metabolism will take hikers into the quiet reaches of Morris Creek in February, and then up to Mount Vernon and Goat Peak in March and finally bag the high point of the wilderness, Scotchman Peak itself, in April.
Hikers who wish to follow the Mellens and other hike leaders into and around the Scotchmans this winter will have an opportunity to meet the hike leaders and enjoy $5 pizzas and $5 martinis at the Ivano’s Wine Bar (at the corner of First and Pine in Sandpoint) on Wednesday, January 6, beginning at 5:30. There will also be an opportunity to win tickets to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, coming to the Panida in Sandpoint on January 28, 29 and 30 and to Coeur d’ Alene on the 31st.
The Friends on-line hike schedule (www.scotchmanpeaks.org/hiking/current-hiking-schedule/) notes that the Mellen hikes are rated “S.” Does this stand for “Super?” Well, yes, but it also stands for “Strenuous.” They mean it, but if you’re in good shape, this is an excellent opportunity to see some lovely country up close and personal at a time of year when you are not likely to be disturbed by crowds.
The other seven hikes run the gamut from E/M (Easy to Moderate) to S, and include trips to Star Peak, around the Fatman loop, a moonlight hike into Blue Creek, and two treks each to East Fork Creek and Ross Creek Cedars.
These winter hikes are opportunities to experience the proposed Scotchman Peaks Wilderness in a new and unique way with competent and experienced leaders who will share their love of the outdoors, some of their favorite places and winter travel expertise as well. You can sign up for or inquire about a hike by clicking on the leader’s e-mail at the bottom of each hike description or by calling the phone number beside the e-mail.
We hope to see you at the hike series kick-off party at Ivano’s on the 6th, and, even better, on the snow with our winter hike leaders this winter.
Let’s go for a walk!
