Relatively warm, wet, "in-between" weekend creates a quandary of choices; Might try trail projects; ski sales or hot springs

My friend Michelle Cooper works on a trail in the Harrison Hollow area
as a board member and volunteer for the Land Trust of the Treasure Valley.
Become a "Boise Foothills Friend" to get more involved in trails.  

A peek at Ricochet Trail at Avimor. You can help build this trail on Saturday. 

Big groups of elk can be seen along the Banks to Lowman Highway.

It's been a long winter for the elk 

The Idaho Trails Association offers up many trail work opportunities for people
to tap into. See below for links to plug into ITA activities. 

Hi all,

The weather this weekend looks pretty warm, wet and mushy ... even in the high country. Maybe skiers can catch some powder early in the day in the mountains before things warm up and rain. But the high temperatures in the mountains in McCall and Stanley are going to be in the mid- to high-40s, so that likely means rain. That isn't good for skiing! Dang!

My outdoor tip this week will focus on a few tidbits of things to do close to home and special notes:

• Avimor Trail Day on Saturday - Ricochet Trail - Avimor, north of Eagle on Idaho 55, is breaking ground on a new trail this spring called "Ricochet." It's a beautiful one-mile addition laced with views, rocks, climbs, drops, challenge, exposure and flow, according to Marc Grubert, Avimor trail guru. Volunteers are needed for a work day on Saturday March 12th (weather permitting). Sign up at Volunteer Spot if you'd like to go. Volunteers should bring water, wear sturdy boots/shoes, long pants, a jacket and some form of eye protection. You'll be working remotely in steep rocky terrain (no dogs or small children). The work day will conclude with a BBQ back at the Avimor community center, food and beverages provided.
• Ski and board sales - All of your favorite local ski and ride shops are having sales right now, with deep discounts. If you're looking to make a major purchase, now is the perfect time to save a TON of money. Support your local businesses such as Idaho Mountain Touring (mid-winter sale), Greenwoods Ski Haus ("Haus Cleaning 10-50%), McU Sports (progressive sale; things get marked down more every day), and Boise REI (members garage sale) is Saturday. World Cycle may have some xc skis on sale, too. 
• Dog poop pickup party on Saturday - Well, I couldn't lead off with this one, but this is a necessary gesture to clean up dog poop in the footies. Thanks to Team Eastside Cycles, along with Boise’s Habitat Veterinary Hospital and Boise Parks and Recreation for co-sponsoring this event. It starts at 10 a.m. You can start at Camelsback, the Jim Hall Learning Center or the Old Pen trailhead. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/1TIoX0Y
• Last week of grooming at the Idaho City Park n' Ski Areas - Leo Hennessy reports that the groomer made its last pass over the cross-country ski trail system in the past week, and that'll be it for the season. There's still about 3-5 feet of snow in the area. Keep it in mind depending on weather in the next few weeks. 
• The Idaho Trails Association assembled a hearty list of trail projects that will occur statewide this summer. Go to the ITA web site for a full list of projects, how to sign up, and how to join this very worthwhile organization. 
• The Land Trust of the Treasure Valley launched a new program called "Boise Foothills Friends." To be a BFF, you can volunteer at least 4 hours a year on trail projects or donate to a trails fund. Go to the LTTV web site for more information. I'm a LTTV member, and I highly recommend it! Plus you'll meet new friends! 

Just in case you're interested, fellow Boise Hawks travel hockey parents and I are hosting a big multi-family yard sale at my house on Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. 3209 N. 39th St., Boise 83703. All items must go! Everything will be priced to sell! We have a ton of good-quality items for sale, including furniture, kids toys, clothing, a few whitewater boating items, mountain bikes, air hockey set, books, etc. All proceeds from the event will help send our boys to USA Hockey Nationals March 31-April 4 in Brooklyn, NY. These boys are the top high school hockey players in our valley!   

If you'd like to get out of town this weekend, I'd recommend taking a drive on the Banks to Lowman Road, look for deer and elk, and go soak at a hot springs of your choice ... Skinny-dipper, Pine Flats, Kirkham or Bonneville. See the Idaho Hot Springs site for details. Here's a blog I wrote about this tour. Pack a lunch and some beverages for a fun low-key day.   -SS