![posing before splitting up into two groups to climb North Peak (in the background). Plus our added "alumni" to make the hike extra special. The 2013 Far West Nordic June Lake Camp, led by Nancy Fiddler, Mark Nadell, and Marie French with a stellar support crew of Mike Mcelravey and Steve Twomey. Athletes included Carson Bold, Laurel Fiddler, Connor Kusumoto, Phillip Oxford, Cameron Small, Cody Atwood, Piper Joubert, Quinn Lehmkuhl, Jane Nall, JC Schoonmaker, Camille Syben, Lindsay Twomey, Cameron Valois, Ryland Belisle, Savannah Blide, Markus Brun, Peter Carroll, Tyler Ferrera, Chloe Gorman, Bri Parker, and Sam Zabell (and, of course, Curious George). Plus a special appearance on our hiking day from Far West alumni Alex Kopytko, Branden Deeter, and Grayson Forsberg. Activities included hiking, ski walking, classic and skate rollerskiing, climbing North Peak, LOTS of beach and rope swing time at the lakes, and many other shenanigans, of course. They came back tired, guaranteed. (If you notice certain faces more than others, it's because they wouldn't get out of the way of the camera. #skihams.) (Photo: Mark Nadell/macbethgraphics.com)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/07/Our-team.jpg")
JUNE LAKE, Calif. – Far West Nordic juniors from Truckee, North Tahoe, Sugar Bowl Academy and Mammoth programs took part in a four-day camp in the Eastern Sierra July 18-21. Camping in June Lake in the Mono Basin National Forest, participants experienced lots of sunshine and warm temperatures while putting in some high-quality training.
![Peter Carroll demonstrates a true catch and release during the 2013 Far West Nordic June Lake Camp in California. (Photo: Mark Nadell/macbethgraphics.com)](http://fasterskier.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2013/07/junelake-2013_beach-carroll-p-fish1-L.jpg")
Campers from the north and south merged at the county park on the north shore of scenic Mono Lake on Thursday afternoon for some foot agility, skate plyos, and circuits to kick off the camp. Friday was a double-workout day with a focus on classic skiing. It was all about bounding, moose hoofing and ski walking intensity in the morning, followed by rejuvenation in the cool water of June Lake. Hot is the best single word to describe the afternoon rollerski workout, but the 21 athletes focused on some specific strength drills to complete the day.
The highlight of the camp is the traditional peak-bagging event on Saturday. Two groups attacked North Peak in Yosemite National Park with 100-percent success rate. One group circumnavigated the peak as well as summiting. Lots of glacial-lake swimming, watermelon on the summit, and a trip to Mono Cone kept the group cool.
By Sunday morning, there were signs of wear and tear on the campers’ faces, but everyone fired up for one more workout; a skate rollerski with a focus on technique and some distance. Back in camp, it was time to pack up and say goodbyes to old and new friends. Camp coaches Mark Nadell, Marie French and Nancy Fiddler were still standing at the end, and pleased with the effort and enthusiasm of the group.
For more photos, check out Mark Nadell’s June Lake Camp 2013 gallery.
Nancy Fiddler
Nancy Fiddler is a two-time Olympian and 14-time National Champion. She has been coaching juniors and masters for 20 years in Mammoth Lakes and Truckee, Calif., and most recently in Sun Valley, Idaho. She lives most of the time in the Eastern Sierra with her husband and daughter and is currently trying to get in touch with her creative side through writing.
