2026 Team Campout at Blackpine Lake

 

What a great weekend! The team returned to Blackpine Lake on Friday for the second annual campout. Despite the cooler temperature, there was plenty of lake time (both dry and not so dry), including swimming, games on the dock, and some awesome pizza. 

Did it rain all morning as we were packing up and eating? Yes. Did that slow us down? Only slightly. A quick pivot to running together out the West Fork Buttermilk Road led to some nice conversations and, most importantly, no dust.

Through it all, the team got to know each other, talked about their goals, and had a lot of fun! This team is ready for anything and everything the season can throw at them!

LBHS XC Team Retreat '26

 It was a great few days for LBHS XC on Whidbey Island! 

Monday's drive was sunny and warm, with a quick stop at Diablo Lake and a brief detour to a corn field before lunch. After arriving at Deception Pass State Park, and getting an impromptu tour, the team headed out to Hoypus Point for a shake-out run. Great views of Mt. Baker and some trail running through the trees led into a relaxed evening of games and wildlife spotting.

Tuesday was a full day. We loaded up and drove to Fort Ebey State Park for a run along the bluffs on the West side of the island. The Olympic peninsula was prominent, especially while stretching on the beach. After our run, we popped into Coupeville for some lunch and to check out the shops. We bought some ice cream (and caught up on the World Cup score), perused the boutiques, and the coaches plotted how to build more connections to the area. Following a lovely stroll by some blackberry bushes and a quick stint at the beach, we moved on to Oak Harbor, where we were greeted by a giant carved acorn. From there, the team went back to Deception Pass for some more beach time. The water was cold. I heard someone describe it as "an ice bath and an epsom bath". After that it was time for dinner, before a team game and bed.

Wednesday was short and sweet. On our way out of town, we stopped at Pass Lake for an adventurous trail run along the lake and up and down the hills. There was an absolutely giant root ball (photo below). With the run over, we hopped in the cars to get lunch and then keep going. A stop at New Halem led to some bell-ringing on the train (an XC tradition), then with one more trip up and over Washington Pass, the team made its way back to the Methow.

Thanks to everyone - coaches, athletes, and families - who made this happen! The first LBHS XC team retreat was a success, and we all came back excited for the season and the great group of people who make the team so much fun!