Air Quality

Air quality at the Lodge today is pretty good.  A little smoke this morning, but not bad.  We can see all the way up into the Pasayten Wilderness from the Lodge.

Smoke concerns

Due to the fires in the Wenatchee and Pateros areas, there has been some concern over the smoke and air quality in the Methow Valley.  As of 2pm today, Winthrop's air quality was rated better than Phoenix, Las Vegas or LA.  The advisory level was the same as is currently in effect in Puyallup, WA.  There is some smoke, but it's not too bad.

What's Happening this Weekend

Saturday Sept. 22 all of the action is in Twisp with the weekly Farmer's Market kicking things off from 9am to noon.  Later that afternoon the artist's take over with the annual Art Walk from 4 to 8 pm on Glover Street.  The Confluence Gallery will be hosting an artist's reception for the opening of it's latest show entitled "Altered Realities".  Natural Selection will be showing at the Peligro Studio.  On Sunday Sept. 23 the fun moves up to the trails at Sun Mountain Lodge where the MV Off-Road Duathlon will be taking place beginning at 9am.  This event features a 40K mountain bike ride and a 10K trail run, starting and ending at the Chickadee Trailhead.  Call 206 940 4507 to sign up.

Rodeo Time

This Saturday and Sunday is the 41st annual Methow Valley Labor Day Rodeo.  A $6,000 jackpot awaits the winners in ranch saddle bronc, bull riding, barrel racing, saddle bronc riding, ranch rodeo events and much more.  The fun begins each day at 1 PM.  Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids 7-12 and free for children 6 and under.  The rodeo grounds are located on Twin Lakes Road between Winthrop and Twisp.  Let 'er buck!

Covington Cellars/Two Vintners

This Saturday night Morgan Lee, the owner and winemaker, of Covington Cellars/Two Vintners from Woodinville, WA will be in The Sun Mountain Lodge Dining Room from 5:30 to 8pm pouring some of his finest wines.  Call to make reservations at 509 996 4707.

Interesting Weekend Activities in the Methow Valley

This weekend is the first Mazama Festival of Books at the Mazama Community Center.  Nine guest authors will pair up with hosts Katherine Lanpher or Lauren Cerand for on hour conversations about life, inspiration and work.  There will be three sessions:  Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning.  Each session is $5.  And in Twisp, the 10th Heart of the Methow Powwow will take place beginning on Friday at 7pm and running through Sunday afternoon in the Twisp Park.  This celebration of reconciliation will feature dancing, drumming, feasting and a talk circle.

Special Needs Travel Mom on Sun Mountain Lodge

Karin Sheets writes Special Needs Travel Mom.  Linked here is an article she wrote about her family's recent horseback riding experience at Sun Mountain Lodge: 

http://tinyurl.com/cezhbx9