In his first season of Premiership action he made fourteen full appearances for Everton and came on as a substitute a total of nineteen times. During this season Rooney scored a total of six Premiership goals which included goal in November 2002 that gave Everton their first win at Leeds United for 51 years. A month later, Wayne Rooney was sent off in a game that Everton drew with Birmingham City. Ironically, this was on very same day that James Milner of Leeds United broke Rooney's youngest Premiership scorer record by tiny margin of just three days!

During 2003/2004 season Rooney was certainly catching eye of Sven Goran Erickson, England team manager, but statistical records of his season show possibly a lower tally in goalscoring department than many England fans would have expected. In fact, from twenty-six full appearances and eight as a substitute, Wayne Rooney scored only nine Premiership goals.

But as for past, who cares? As whole of Europe saw, Rooney was masterful during Euro 2004 and if it wasn't for his broken metatarsal who knows how far he and his England teammates could have progressed?

As for future, there is talk in press of massive bids in region of £50 million from either Chelsea or Manchester United. Rooney himself is said to prefer Manchester option which would keep him close to his North- West roots but it is possible that deep Chelsea pockets may force United out of bidding.

Wherever Wayne Rooney ends up playing his football for next few seasons, let's hope that for sake of English game his progress continues and that he reaches heady heights that have been forecast for him and really does become England's 'Boy Wonder'!

Chris Towland June 2004

Guests team up in pairs in trees and guide keeps a watchful eye. No one gets separated. When a guest “augers in”, his partner or tail guide or someone else is close at hand to assist.

The speed of group depends on it’s ability. A group of good skiers may ski non-stop to bottom; perhaps 1800 or 2000 ft. of pure joy, with lots of “whoops” and hollers”. Slower groups will stop more often to rest, share experiences, take pictures and “smell roses”.

Guides are very responsive to needs of group. The guests set pace. There is no pressure to maximize equipment usage. Each group has a dedicated snowcat that moves at pleasure of group. Guides are expert at providing for different skiers in their group. Stronger skiers may enjoy some “steeps”, “drop-offs” or other challenges, while others are guided down more “mellow” lines.

By end of day, everyone is tired out. Guests who tire early can “sit out” a run and keep driver company on way back down hill. If a guest wants to quit for day, a staff member will shuttle them back to lodge on a snowmobile. It’s all very relaxed and very friendly.

Packed lunches are eaten in snowcats, as guests feel hungry. It’s possible to browse all day on a selection of sandwiches, wraps, cakes, cookies, buns and drinks. “Hip flasks” are definitely NOT welcome. Guides are extremely safety conscious and they want guests to be alert and functioning well at all times.

At 4:00pm, guests are welcomed back at lodge with special snacks or hot soup. Guests then have over two hours to relax, shower, read, play pool, soak in hot tub or hold up bar. Other diversions are possible. Guests might have opportunity to try out a snowmobile for first time, to learn how these machines are driven, and to do some exploring.

Dinner is served at about 7:00pm and is of very high quality. Most operators provide gourmet cuisine with extensive wine lists and will carefully cater to guests with allergies and special needs. No one “dresses” for dinner. It’s a relaxed, laid-back and friendly affair. Staff mingles with guests and share tales of day’s conquests. Amusing speeches and special “award” ceremonies are common. Everyone gets to know one another. There are no “loners”.

After dinner, guests disperse to read, watch a video or to congregate in bar or games room for some friendly darts or pool. At about 9:30 PM guests start to depart for their beds. The bar usually shuts down by 10:30 PM. Everyone is tired and looking forward to next day!

The Chatter News photo journal (http://powder-skiing.blogspot.com/) displays over 350 photos of snowcat skiers at play, and Cat Skiing Terrain photo gallery (http://cat-skiing-terrain.blogspot.com) provides a tour of cat skiing areas at Chatter Creek Snowcat Skiing near Golden BC.