Played in the snow today

One of the perks of my job, I think, is that I get to go places that many others don't. For example, today I went up to Artist Point to check on snow-clearing work that our crews are doing. The 2.7-mile long road leading to Artist Point is still gated off to drivers. But it wasn't to me. I escorted a Bellingham Herald reporter and photographer past the gate to get an exclusive story on the snow-clearing progress. Crews are busy plowing and blowing snow off the highway so that we can get it open in the next couple weeks.

If you don't know what Artist Point is, then you're missing out. It is one of the tallest and most scenic vantage points in Washington State. Its sits above the Mount Baker Ski Area at 5,000 feet above sea level, and has a view of both Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker. The area is only open for about two months every year. The rest of the time it is covered with snow and closed.

I can't tell you how much fun it is getting to go "play" in the snow for my job on a day like today. It must have been 80 degrees and all sunshine. I would have loved to had a lawn chair and cooler with drinks and snacks with me. I could have lounged up there all day. I took the opportunity to throw a few snowballs. I didn't make any snow-angels or snowmen this time. Maybe next time.

Keep an eye out for a cover story in the paper tomorrow.