Barb

I have been looking into backcountry clinics for a while now. When I asked some friends if anyone wanted to do one with me one offered to show me the ropes. It turned into 6 of us going. 2 of the girls in our group have lots of backcountry knowledge and have taken avy courses. The girl in charge chose Jones Pass. The part of it we did has zero avy danger and there is a snowmobile company that guides tours there (more on that later). We arrived to cold temps and light snow. Gearing up in the lot We did a 2.5 mile skin up. Heard some avalanche bombs along the way. They were not coming from Berthoud Pass, which is close by. Would have to study a map to be sure. Don’t know if we would have heard them that clearly from Loveland or Abasin. Not sure if the elevation gain. We think somewhere around 1200 feet. Internet says 1600 but didn’t feel that steep. Don’t get me wrong, it kicked my ass. At about the 2 mile mark I was getting very worn out. My friend suggested I glide more instead of lifting my feet. That made all the difference and all of a sudden what I was doing felt much easier. The wind and snow were both picking up. When we got to our turn around point it was super windy. I tried to keep sweating to a minimum wearing only a very thin shirt under a wool base layer. But I was soaked. I decided I had to take off the shirt, holy shit that was a cold endeavor. Then put on a light puffy and a hard shell for the descent. Snow was kind of cruddy and wasn’t use to the boots. They were really digging into my shins. I couldn’t wait to get down and take them off so I said I would meet them at the bottom. The track we were on was not too wide. About the width of 2 snowmobiles. I came upon a large group of people and EMS workers. There was a body covered up and I knew by the somber scene he was dead. Not wanting to intrude I had to wait till they finished to go by which took about 20 minutes. There were 3 ems guys still there waiting for a transport I imagine. But they did not move him and he was lying long ways across the path. I had about 18” to ski around him. My friend asked someone at the bottom and they said he died of natural causes. He was with the snowmobile group. I am glad I went but it’s not quite what I expected. I would go again but am glad I didn’t spend $200 on a clinic. I made the mistake of not having enough calories or drinking enough and was cramping up by the time I got down. Brought some soup in a thermos and with that and another thermos full of tea started to feel better. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Winter Park has the diamonds in the blue squares also.

I think you are right. The whole hardcore thing, pretty ridiculous. Everyone trying to one up each other. Like; “I went for a hike today”. “But I hiked a 14er today.” “Well I rode my bike from Boulder to Estes Park, hiked Longs Peak...before work.” Kind of gets exhausting

People out here seem to have a thing against the bar. I get dirty looks and sighs from most when I say it’s coming down.

I have plenty of dates open in March if you wanted to give Crested Butte a try. PS it would keep your costs way down.

It’s the last day of 2018. What is your favorite picture of the year and why? This was taken in Hawaii when we went to get my son settled in his apartment. At the time my youngest had trouble being in crowded places without having a panic attack. We went to the North Shore and found a completely empty beach and spent the day there. It was so nice to see him able to relax and enjoy his surroundings. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks for all the love.

Worst 80’s song ever! Lol

^agree

Berthoud Pass is a beautiful drive when the weather is good. I have white knuckled it over the pass several times.

The meteor shower you goofball Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They finally opened the Panoramic lift and I was in line. Shortly after it stopped and they closed it again. Crap!!!! Sunny side lift is getting super busy and keeps stopping so getting off that terrain again. May not be able to get to Parsen Bowl today which is a bummer. Ended up on the bumped side of Mary Jane trail and decided to give it a try. Wasn’t pretty but I made it down jello legs at the bottom as that trail is 1700’ very. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

4 runs so far. Been I. The sunny side lift which is super slow waiting for Panoramic lift to open. Today supposed to be the first day. Gonna head down the Mary Jane trail now and hopefully find some more fun terrain. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’m gonna try and post updates throughout the day but I do t like taking my phone out in the lift so we shall see. Out the door at 5:05am walking my dog. Bonus that I got to see 2 meteors from the shower. Very bright with long tails. Rolled into Mary Jane about 8:20. Scored the last parking spot in the “circle” near the lift. Waiting for the lifts to open. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup I remember that. It sucked Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Take a closer look, the are mashed potato snowmen.

FYI the 25% off friends and family are only able to be used if the passholder is present, which kind of sucks.

https://youtu.be/UUfZtVxu_mM anyone ever try skijoring ring with their dog? I signed myself up for a clinic in January. Have a feeling I will be on my ass more than upright, but if I could actually teach him how to do it I think it would be so fun. Gotta get out on the xc skis before then to practice.

Nothing groomed at Eldora this morning. No real powder but lots of small push piles. I keep having to remind myself it’s only November. Conditions out here are surprisingly good! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No. Only place that has night skiing to my knowledge is Keystone.

I can get to Eldora in 35 minutes door to door. Winter Park is 1 hr 45 min (if there are no issues on the Pass/ traffic).

Sure has! I was going to ski Eldora but it’s 25-30mph winds up there today. Will shoot for tomorrow. I do want to get up to Winter Park. Eldora is just so convenient, get back early and still have most of the day to get stuff done.

You are also overdue for a trip back to Colorado.

I had a brand new ski lock still in the package in my garage. I just opened it, put in a code and stuck it in the pocket of my ski jacket. I promise I will use it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don’t but I know I should.