02/09/2002

Hike to meet Lightening Bill and Lookout Turk

From the tops of the North Cascade Mountains comes the tale of Lightening Bill. There's a lookout that has a view looking all over the valley - there you can meet Lightening Bill and his dog Turk.

• Thrill Sledding: Guest Serivces Info: 406-862-2900 • Mountain Unicycling: Alan Tepper: 425-888-2069 • Hidden Valley Ranch • Freestone Inn

Lookout Turk is the official greeter, followed by Lightening Bill soon after. But Lightening Bill and Lookout Turk are more than just friendly faces. They are guardians of Goat Peak.

"You're on top of the world, and the lightening is right on top of you," said Bill.

With his kingdom defended for the day, Bill can revel in his heavenly post.

"I love the mountains and Goat Peak feels like mine," said Bill.

It's just another day on the top of the world for Lookout Turk and Lightening Bill.

To visit Lightening Bill, you'll want to drive to Goat Peak trail head south of Mazama. Ask any local and they'll point you in the right direction. The hike is a steep 2 1/2 miles up, but well worth it. The Mazama Country Store is open year round in downtown Mazama.

Mountain unicycling

Mountain unicycling is an evolution of mountain biking and unicycling melded together. If you're not used to riding on mountains, then you'll probably not want to go all out the first time - just enjoy yourself.

The ride is bumpy and there's lots of places to fall down. A number of mountain unicyclers have been racing mountain bikes for a number of years, but the thrill is gone. To them mountain biking has turned into a quasi motor cross sport of bombing down hills at 60 mph.

Mountain unicycling on the other hand, to these former mountain bikers, is more of a zen sport where you're gong along beautiful single track trails through the tress at more of a hiking pace. Many find it much more beautiful that the clanking gears and squealing brakes of mountain biking.

Would it be easier with just two wheels? Yes, but it's a lot more fun with one!

For more information on the mountain unicycling competition or clubs in your area, call Alan Tepper at (425) 888-2069.

Gem hunting in Ellensburg

The hidden treasure Scott Schorman's looking for is "The Ellensburg Blue," found only in Ellensburg, Washington. This rare gem, one of the rarest in the world, is valued by collectors for it's magical color: cornflower blue with a hint of pink.

"I always compare it to the color of the sky," said Scott. "Especially the clear sky in the afternoon, just two hours before sunset."

Jewelers like Christine Erickson will pay as much as $3,000 an ounce for high quality blues. But first, someone has to find them.

Scott, an iron worker by trade, is hooked on hunting for "blues" and he often walks as many as 20 miles a day.

Knowing Ellensburg is the only place on earth where "Blues" are found helps narrow the search. After that, it's anyone's guess.

Geologists theorize that during the ice age, a wash of minerals flowed through Kittitas Valley, leaving behind a deposit of one-of-a-kind agates.

A main vein of "blues" has yet to be discovered. Even so, Scott's been successful finding them buried beneath the ground, hidden beneath sagebrush and lying in the dust like a regular old rock.

For every 1,000 rocks he flips in a day, Scott might find one little piece. It doesn't look like much until Scott adds it to his collection from five previous days of successful hunting.

Jewelers are always eager to get their hands of these agates because just 10 pounds are found a year - compare that to the 16,000 pounds of diamonds that are mined annually. You'll understand why "blues" are gold.

Scott's agates are worth about $1,000. Their value will increase after Christine cuts, polishes, and transforms them into one-of-a-kind jewelry - a favorite among tourists.

But supplies are limited, and that's why Scott is out there looking for more, including the big "blue" - the one dreams are made of.

"We all have our ideas of what the one we want to find looks like," said Scott. "My idea is one the size of a Sears catalogue with the bright cornflower layer. It's out there, and if I find it, you'll probably hear me from over there screaming and yelling.

If you're planning on doing a little treasure hunting yourself, remember you can't just go trudging around anywhere you want. Most of the land is private property, so get permission first.

Hidden Valley Ranch in Cle Elum

Welcome partner to the Hidden Valley Ranch in Cle Elum. Here, you'll be talking country before you know it. And if you're lucky, you'll meet a guine cowboy names Mike Hosker.

He's taken the wild out of hundreds of horses in the West. Mike and his wife Deanie could teach you how to rope a cow, too. Before long, you'll be swinging a lasso like an old ranch hand.

Hidden Valley Ranch takes you back in history. Homesteaders carved the ranch out of the Wild West back in 1887. In the 1940s cowboy actor Tom Whited turned it into a guest ranch. It's the oldest one in all of Washington.

Bruce Coe's family bought the ranch in the '60s. He remembers when they used to hold rodeos in the ranch corral. So when his dad tried to sell in the '80s, Bruce said whoa there. He's been giving city fold their dream of country life ever since.

It won't be long before you're a regular cowboy or cowgirl.

So saddle on up, and ride into the Ponderosas. Drink in the fresh mountain air, take in the wide vistas. And watch that horse of yours along the way.

If you're not much of a horse person, in the winter the ranch offers cross-country skiing and snow shoeing - a little something for everyone.

If you want to visit Hidden Valley Ranch, log onto their web site by CLICKING HERE, or call (509) 857-2344.