Friday, January 11, 2008

Warning: Advanced Terrain

[disclaimer #1: Mom, don't worry I was safe.]
[disclaimer #2: Brabbit, I have transformed back from my purple state into my bearded self.]

I have Friday's off and in the past 7 days we have gotten 18" of snow and it was dumping mad crazy when I got up this morning. I was lazy for a bit, slept in past 7, enjoyed coffee and a book. The snow urging me to get out, I quickly abided.

Got to the top of Dercum Mountain and decided the Windows was going to be the most fun today. I was right: amazing powder, saw one person all day, and after only 5 runs I was all wobbly-legged. Now, less words, more pictures.

The first run of the day, Narrow Gauge. Powder up to the knees, slightly tracked out.

Took a break on the second run on a log, had a nice sit.

My route when leaving my log.

The first uphill, about a 20-30 minute hike depending on where I start to go down.

What I already covered, this is the biggest uphill on the hike.

The final uphill slog. Not too long, but definitely steep.

It may be hard work but earning your turns is a good feeling. (note: I am not purple)

On my last (fifth) run of the day I barely made it into the gate, it closes at 1:30. Ski Patrol was doing a sweep and I thought they were going to tell me to start down. Instead he gave me a ride to the top and suggested I take this trail, Gun Barrel. As you can see, no tracks.

I heard music before I went into the woods and realized I could see the tubing hill, the yurts in the middle of the photo.

Another shot after making a few turns down Gun Barrel.

Hope all is well where you are.

4 comments:

Pete Basso said...

Andy, you are killing me with these pics...I'm experiencing high doses of jealousy.

Keep the pics coming!!

Anonymous said...

Ditto.

DG

the helping friendly book said...

you're swell.

bluecolnago said...

it's gotta suck, working in those conditions.... :)