Commuting and the Back Bowls

Squirrel has been inspiring me with all of his shots of his commute so I thought I would share shots of mine. A short walk, two lifts, and a run on the skis means about 20 minutes worth of commuting. Pretty much public transportation (lifts) and my own power.

Peru Lift.

A look to the right reveals the Gore Range.

My transportation, referred to as the Bananas - complete with the blue stickers.

At the top of Peru Lift is the A-51 Terrain Park.

After the first lift comes Silverspoon. Ah, nothing like fresh corduroy all to myself.

The end of Montezuma lift, work is just to the left of the top.

And that friends is my favorite way to get to work.

Friday is my favorite day off, because usually I have it all to myself. I don't do any errands and try to get in some quality outdoor time. This past Friday was one of the best. Headed to the back bowls at Keystone and got in three runs with some quality hiking in between. Love to earn those turns.

At the end of Window's Road looking south towards North Peak and Georgia Pass in the middle.

Follow the Cat track all the way to the top of the screen and then a quick downhill traverse to Erickson Bowl.

Halfway up the road I came to a nice clearing.

A short down and then the last big push, topping out at 12, 408 feet.

The top of Erickson Bowl, looking towards Breckenridge. My line was right over the lip and then ease left towards the opening in the trees.

During the last hike up to Bergman Bowl I stopped to have a Rice Crispy treat and some tea before I dropped in for the final run of the day. I looked east and saw the moon coming up between Independence Peak (on the left) and Gray's Peak (on the right).

A pose next to the sign before I clipped-in, a cool view in my goggles and some awesome hair.

A great day on the mountain: beginning at 9 am and ending somewhere around 3 pm. Yeah most people can get in at least a dozen runs in that time but 3 runs in fresh powder all accessed via my own power - ain't nothing finer. One of the best parts of the day was sitting in that clearing and listening to the birds and hearing nothing else.

As for my telemark skills - getting better. I'm excited for another powder day on the Banana's; dropping a knee for the turn and then having the powder wash up onto my chest is an amazing feeling.

And I leave you with a shot of my new snowshoes, went deal hunting after finding out about my refund this year and got these puppies. Off to try them tomorrow on a trek up to the cabin by the falls.