Winter Blankets

Railroad Creek changes daily with amazing snow formations where rocks were once visible. Mt. Dumbell can be seen in the distance, to the west.

The hotel and dining hall building is shown here after several inches of snow fell in the village.

Snow Labyrinth

When I am in need of contemplative prayer time, I love to hike out to the labyrinth which is less than a mile west of the village in the spot where copper miners had their baseball field in decades past. Surrounded by huge, snowy mountains, and just yards away from Railroad Creek, thoughts and prayers can drift upward as I walk the beautiful path that leads to the center of the circular labyrinth. It is particularly beautiful in the winter, as snow "walls" build up around the path so that when you walk, your knees are at snow-level. Somehow I guess this is a good posture for prayer -- walking meditatively, letting the path lead me in, and then to the center, and back out again. Lately there have been many questions and ponderings that I've needed to bring to the Creator of all that surrounds me in this wilderness place, and the snow labyrinth has provided a way to pray them out as I walk.

Friends

Buckskin Mountain looms to the south of the village, providing beautiful and daily-changing views.

Nate enjoys the company of a couple of friends from Bellingham -- a welcome sight!

Nate made friends with a couple of sisters from Wisconsin who spent time in a clump of teenagers playing games, watching movies, and celebrating their Christmas break. Others came from Minnesota and other parts of Washington to be here during this festive week.

Snowshoe and Ski

Maya and her "Obi" (grandma) take a break from cross-country skiing in the soft snow.

My mom has been telling me that this deep snow reminds her of her childhood in Akita, Japan and she is wishing that her sister who just died this July, could be with us to enjoy it, too. We are savoring time together in this beautiful setting.

My mom, Maya, and our two visiting friends from Mt. Vernon out for a day of cross-country skiing.

The woods are bright with snow-light on this day we've chosen for snowshoeing together.

Obi's Visit

My mom is enjoying her stay at Holden Village with us, her first time here.

Sledding, Full-Contact style

Holden's Winter Olympics included tough competition from serious competitors!

The rules allowed attaining a sled by any means necessary and the winner is the one who crosses the finish line first with a sled.

"Full-contact" Sledding

Nate is among the contenders in full-contact sledding, ready to go.

There is one sled fewer than contenders.

Off to the races!

Holden Winter Olympics 12/29

Nate, in pink & black hat with crazy glasses, talks strategy for the sled races with the fast crowd!

After take-off in the sled race, friends test the snow for texture and consistency.

Nate and sled buddy ready to go, and lookin' good!

Sledders away!

Nate somehow got the easy job -- mushing the "sled dogs" in their race!

Holden Winter Olympics

Broomball, "dog"sled races, opening ceremony of the Holden Winter Olympics held on Monday, December 29.

Snow

Maya and her visiting friend experience the depths of snow in the village, with great delight!