By Bob Spiwak
Hot sun today, following a cold morning in the 30s. A note from Seattle says there is rain in their future later today, and it appears it will be heading over here tomorrow. We need it — a real rain, not the piddly showers that have come and gone since snow time.
At Harts Pass the snow depth has dropped another 7 inches over the week to 59 inches. Pretty soon we’ll be able to walk through it. The water content is down 3 inches, putting it at 8 inches below average, but still a long way from the 2006 low.
Sunday produced an astonishing number of vehicles going through West Boesel, and uncharacteristically, the greater number by far were headed east, toward Winthrop. At the end of the weekend, the mass is usually going the other way and there were plenty of these, but from frequent observations it was mostly the other way. And no, there was no official car count; that will appear here during the post-Labor Day exodus. I can envision the Washington State Department of Transportation statisticians squirming in their seats in anticipation.
Also to be anticipated in less ethereal environs is the World Famous Mazama Pancake Breakfast at the Mazama Community Club. Ms. Gloria will soon be posting the newest Bob Cram ad poster, replacing his original that has been in use for over two decades. The breakfast is on Saturday, May 23, and a full meal deal (with refills) will set adults back six bucks, and those who can prove they are under age 5 get a free meal. Breakfast ends at noon.
Another crowd pleaser will be the reincarnation of the Flea Market, which has not been featured for many years. With Libby Hillis running that show, possibly joined by Mary Rea, there should be a — dare we call it “wealth”? — of stuff to pick over and bargain for. Bring yours if you are so inclined. It will cost $10 to set up a table that you bring, with the money going to the club. Call Libby at 996-2860 to reserve a spot, with the understanding that you remove what you did not sell.
There’s another public freebie coming up on May 17, a few days before the breakfast. This is an open house at the Bear Creek Golf Course, a few miles out of Winthrop. It’s the 50th anniversary of the venerable course, and operators Debbie and Terry Evans invite the public to see changes made and underway since the snow departed.
In the brand new Eagle’s Nest, there will be free food and raffle prizes along with live music. Also featured will be demo stations for golf, foot golf, disc (Frisbee) golf and fling sticks for non-golfers. The event will run from 3-7 p.m.
It being May, I’m happy to say that I’ve made it past the big eight-zero years and am now embarking on 33 years at the Methow Valley News. Both have been a long, fun ride and for long-time readers, my thanks and appreciation, especially to the Cookie Queen in Twisp whose own birthday revealed that she is indeed older than I.
