Hog Loppet

The Hog Loppet is a 30k non-competitive wilderness experience (read: cross county ski race) that  starts at the top of Mission Ski area and ends somewhere in Blewett Pass. Matt and I have been interested in participating in this race the past few years, however, something always seemed to keep us from it.  IT seemed like this year might be our year.  However, due to Matt's pelvic pain battle he didn't want to sign-up too much in advance since there is no telling if he will be functional or on the couch. 

Last weekends ski tour was his trial run, and it went well.  No pain, although the skiing really took it out of him.  He did amount of snoozing over the next 24 hrs.  Anyhow, based on how the trip went we decided it was a go - we were Hog Loppet bound!  We decided to opt for day of registration since bad weather was moving in and we weren't sure we would make it over the pass.  Friday afternoon I took a gander at their website and the event was almost full.  Crap...  Thankfully Matt got a hold of his buddy who lives in Wenatachee and was kind enough to  sign us up.  Problem solved.

Friday after work we loaded up the truck and headed out to sit in traffic.  Yep, that's what we do around here, sit in traffic.  It is infuriating.  Finally traffic was moving and we were off, all the while wondering if we were going to make it over the pass.  As we got closer the signs started to loom - traction tires needed, no over sized vehicles, and the most ominous - avalanche control at 8:45.  This in an of its self was not the problem, the problem was it was 8:10 and if we didn't hurry the road would be closed while they blew up snow.  Don't worry, we made it.

We finally rolled into Wenatachee sometime after 10, had some beers, did some visiting, and headed of to bed.  At 5:30 am the alarms started to buzz and everyone was out of bed and getting ready.  A few short minutes later we were packed in the car off to catch the bus to Mission Ridge.  Finally, we are going to get to do the Hog Loppet!  We load ourselves on the bus, ride up to the ski area, disembark and are told the event has been canceled due to high winds and avalanche danger. 

Not to be dis-swayed, once we got back to the car we headed up to Blewett Pass for a ski tour of our own.  Sure, the Hog Loppet may not have happened but we still had a great time. 

Trails

Trip to the Brick (Northern Exposure)

Face plant