Mid Sierra Musings: Tamarack Ski With Sharon And Duke

Dale Matson

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Tamarack Snow Park

This was our first C.C. Ski of the new snow season and Duke, our younger Airedale’s first ski in a few years. He was diagnosed with a thyroid condition and wasn’t suited to the trails till he was at a good energy level and proper weight. Because of limited snow last season, we did not ski at all.

His older sister Susie is too long in the tooth and arthritic to participate. She knew where we were headed and only lifted her head from her pillow. She did not protest as we left without her. Her spirit was wiling but her flesh was week. She has hundreds of trail miles under her belt in her 14 years however. Let’s just say she is retired from active duty. Here is a story about her adventures with me. https://midsierramusing.blogspot.com/2014/05/susie-airedale-my-trail-companion-part-i.html

Outbound we stopped in Shaver Lake to buy an annual snow park pass and some Maxie Glide for our skis. Tamarack Snow Park is about 15 miles further between Shaver and Huntington Lakes. Coyote Snow Park is another quarter mile further than Tamarack with no snowmobiles allowed on the trails. The Tamarack Snow Park is around 7,500’ in elevation and we skied about 3 miles. Sharon and I weren’t that steady on our feet either and limited our ski to about 1.5 hours. The snow was firm with a fresh 3-inch layer which made for decent skiing. Duke was active the entire time and didn’t need to lay down and cool off even with his winter coat. He went about 6 miles. The snow is deep enough off the trail that Duke didn’t do too much exploring.

We sat down on the edge of the trail for a noontime snack of trail mix. Ah yes, this is one of my favorite parts of the ski experience. Sharon, who is pretty smart about things managed to sit under a tree that was dripping snow melt from the last storm that was still overhead in the trees.

I feel so blessed that at our ages, we are still able to have the health and opportunity to do these kinds of things. I took the photos and brief video clips with the very portable Sony RXIR2.

Of course, part of our tradition is to stop at Norm Kato’s store and Deli and get snacks. I’s a “happening place”.