Winter Returns for Winter Solstice

Thankfully the snow has returned! Cooler weather here in Oakridge means snow in the high country. Typically there is about a 13 degree difference in temperature between Oakridge and Willamette Pass, so when its 45 here it is 32 there. Looking at the upcoming forecast for the Oakridge area in conjunction with the Lane County Cascades forecast it looks probable for the Willamette Pass area to receive between 10 and 15 inches of snow in the next 24 hours followed by cold clear weather. Cross country ski, snowshoe, and downhill conditions should be premium.

The Mercantile is open over the holidays 9-6 daily, however we will be closed Christmas Day and New Years day to celebrate the season with our friends and families.

Enjoy the snow, and stop in for a cup of hot tea or hot chocolate by the woodstove on your way through town.

Spring Already?? Hopefully Just the Last of Fall

Since our last post the weather has been fairly dry, first very cold, and now quite warm. Gold Lake is still skiable, but we here at the Mercantile have been breaking our bikes out and taking advantage of the great trail conditions. Two days ago Justine and I rode lower Alpine trail. Up rd 5828, down to the Alpine Trail to the covered bridge, then up the North Fork to rd 1910 two days ago. Then yesterday we pedaled out to Larison Cr. trail and did an out and back from the bottom.

The trails are in great shape. We found a downed tree on Larison Cr, but aside from that the trails awesome.

It feels like it's in the 50s today, and the highway 58 cam at Willamette Pass is recording 40 degrees, skiing is out. So, making the best of things Norm and John Luc are meeting me at the house in a few minutes and we're heading out for ride again. I'm lobbying for another Alpine Trail adventure while conditions are good.

Keep an eye on the Hwy 58 camera for up to the minute conditions reports from up high, and feel free to give us a call if you need some beta for the Oakridge area.

Happy Trails

Cross Country Skiing at Gold Lake

Saturday morning at the Merc: start fire in woodstove, roll out rental bikes, get coffee from Double Trouble, check the Willamette Pass cams (19.8degrees at 9:15 am) brrrr.

Remember how fortunate I am to live and work in Oakridge.

People roll in, grab some rental xc skis and snowshoes, we talk about the snow conditions up high. Its a good life we live here in Oakridge, and although I'm here at the shop today instead of up in the snow I'm thankful to be a part of the season and the energy of the place.

One of the key organizers of the Hoodoo TeleFest came by our shop yesterday. She invited us to come join in the fun January 9-10. I'll be there with some friends from Oakridge and of course some goodies from the Mercantile for the winners of the infamous uphill downhill race. The years I've attended TeleFest it has been lots of fun. There are free tele lessons, lots of great gear to try out, I love trying my luck at the uphill downhill race, and my personal favorite part; night time unicycling on the often icy slopes.

This year I'm going to be volunteering as a beginner/intermediate tele instructor. We need more volunteer instructors as well as volunteers for registration, and lots of excited students too! If you are interested in volunteering give us a call (541)782-1800, or just show up early on Saturday morning and let one of the people at registration know you want to volunteer instruct.

Well, the sun is shining once again here in Oakridge and it's time to chop some more wood.

Thanks for readin'

Eugene