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Big Ponderosa Blog

Welcome! Big Ponderosa Pine is owned and managed by the Barsness family. Visit our blog for the latest seasonal and local area information. We hope you'll be inspired to stay with us and get ideas for planning your family vacation.

June 26

84 Degrees and a beautiful clear evening!

Another great summer day here at the cabin. The flowers are blooming. The golfers are out. And the sun is shining. We just had a great BBQ out on the deck and are now enjoying the beautiful evening. We're also now on Facebook! Check us out on facebook for exclusive offers and news!

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April 15

It's Opening Day for Golf!

Thurs, April 15th, the golf course is now open! A great season is ahead. The course is offering $5 golf on April 28 (walking rate). A great deal and a beautiful place to get your game on.

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March 08

Spring Has Sprung!

Our non-peak season has started and spring has come a little early this year because of warmer than usual temperatures. Spring skiing at Stevens Pass is still excellent. There is nothing like a great day of spring skiing in the sunshine. We went snow shoeing in the pass along Smith Brook road. Beautiful and peaceful. The cross country ski trails around the house are closed. There are green patches of grass starting to peek through. It won't be long before the golf course is spruced up and ready for another summer season of golf. This time of year may be non-peak, but it isn't lacking in activities. It's one of my favorite times because it is so quiet. A great escape from the noise and bustle of the city.

7:12 AM GMT | Read comments(0)

January 16

Leavenworth Ice Fest!

The Leavenworth Ice Fest is on this weekend. The local snow sculpture competition and dog sled rides were my favorite. We have a pretty good base of snow this year and the cross country ski trails are well groomed at Kahler Glen. Beautiful weather for a day playing in the snow or on the groomed sledding hill on the course.

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December 10

Cold and Frosty!

December weather so far for 2009 has proved cold and frosty. There is limited snow at lower elevations and better snow at higher elevations for skiing. The last snow fall was Dec 6th with approximately 1/4 of an inch falling overnight around the lake and general area.

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Polar Bear Club Dip - Jan 1

Crazy is as crazy does....the annual Polar Bear Club Dip happens Jan 1, 2010 at 2:00 pm sharp! Burrrrrrrrr! If you're in the area, don't miss it. Location - the Lake Wenatchee State Park Boat Launch.

7:26 PM GMT | Read comments(0)

November 15

First Snow Fall

First snow came a little early this year. The golf course is now covered in a blanket of white fluffy snow. Perfect for sledding and cross country skiing. This may be a great snow year.

12:20 PM GMT | Read comments(0)

October 25

December Christmas Lighting Festival

Leavenworth's most exciting and highly anticipated Christmas Lighting Festival is just around the corner. Lighting ceremonies in Leavenworth start at 4:30 on Saturday and Sunday during the festival. The village and trees on Front Street come alive with lights and color. The area is typically blessed with abundant snow offering a wintery wonderland and a haven for snow sport enthusiasts. We love the quick and easy access to the cross country ski trails just outside our door and the golf course's groomed sledding hill for the kids.

2009 Christmas Lighting Festival Dates:

Dec 4-6; Dec 11-13; Dec 18-20

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September 17

Fabulous Fall Festivals

Fall is just around the corner and that means the little town of Leavenworth will be gearing up for their famous fall festivals. The mountain trees also will start to show off their glorious red, orange and yellow colors against the bright green evergreens. An excellent time of year to visit and so much to do. Here are a couple of our favorite festivals we highly recommend.

Wenatchee River Salmon Festival - Sept 17-20 (It's free!)

Leavenworth Oktoberfest - Oct 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 (Three weekends of brats, beer & Bavarian music!)

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July 12

Hot Days of Summer

Ahhhh...summer. There is nothing like sipping an icy cold drink while relaxing on our deck overlooking the peaceful mountainside. The hummingbirds are crazy this year over our two feeders. There is a constant slight hum in the air. The lake is still a bit chilly but felt oh so good to dip our feet. When summer gets too busy in the city, we love our moutain escape to unwind. Plain's annual moonlight music festival to benefit the fire department is coming up Sat, August 15th. The Leavenworth Summer Theater with "The Sound of Music" and other great shows is ongoing all summer until August 30th.

8:47 PM GMT | Read comments(0)

Barsness Family March 2009

Guest Comments

July 2007: What a great escape! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and relaxed on the deck while golfers entertained us. I've never seen so many humming birds flickering in and out of the feeders.

Nov 2007: We had a lovely time celebrating Thanksgiving in your beautiful cabin. The extra thoughtful touches made us feel so at home!

Oct 2008: Thank you for sharing your log home with us. We loved everything about it - kitchen, rooms, fire place, heated floors etc. Very comfortable and cozy. And very relaxing. If I ever want to get away from our busy lives, I know where to go!

Feb 2008: 5 star stay! We had a wonderful time at the cabin. What a beautiful place. The architecture and warmth made us feel right at home. We hope to make a return visit sometime soon.

Jan 2009: Wow! What a beautiful home in the mountains. This was a wonderful place for us to celebrate the new year. Your home was roomy, comfortable, and well decorated. We hope to come back.

Jan 2009: A gorgeous place in a winter wonderland. We enjoyed our stay very much.

Welcome to Big Ponderosa Pine!