Winter Olympics 2014 : Russia?

       Yes, tomorrow begins the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.  A port city located on the Black Sea in south Russia.   This part of Russia has been a contested area for years as the Caucasus Mountain region has been a scene of continued unrest as Islamic militants have made a goal of separatism their main cause.  The Chechens come to mind.   Sochi lies south of the mountains and west of the area in dispute.
     The ski area is located outside the city, in the nearby mountains.   President Putin has made the games his signature event of his current office term.   Needless to say, security has been on the mind of all participants despite assurances from the Russia government that all steps have been taken to protect athletes and spectators in attendance.
    Given the numbers, the various venues included at Sochi and the many transportation modes, the task is formidable.   However, the Russians have a bit of experience in this area given the fact that Pres. Putin was head of the KGB at a young age.   He knows the territory.   Hopefully the various threats will not compromise the games.
     As a town with deep winter roots, Tahoma and its residents will be watching the Games; especially now that we have winter.  Finally.
       It appears that the Sierra will get a huge dumping this weekend-several feet of new powder, at least.  The snow level has dropped to around 3000'.   That means quite a bit on Highway 89 and the entire West Shore.  
    Drivers: man your plows!   Stock up on Friday as conditions will make driving very unattractive over the weekend.
     The Mayor will be at a banquet on Friday night, tasting some fine wines.  A toast to our Winter Games athletes.   How about Julia Mancuso and Bode Miller.   All primed and ready to perform to add to their medal count.