Southern Wind River Winter Adventures

Another Notch

2012-02-05T19:04:00.000-08:00

Headed up to "The Notch", February 4th, 2012

Finally I got up into the Winds this season. Conditions looked pretty promising after a 12 inche dump bumped the snow pack into the 50s (inches). This particular mountain always proves pretty good- especially early in the season. It worked out pretty nice this time as well!

My favorite video this season, so far.

Chuck neat the top of "The Notch"

Karla at the top.

Shad drops.

Weehoo! Pretty wind effected up top. Gotta do it though!

Chuck hucks!

Karla skis.

Good stuff!

After six runs, it was time to call it a day- had to pick up kiddos before 6pm.

Skinning off into the sunset.

Out on Christina Lake, taking one look back.

Two Ocean

2012-01-22T08:01:00.001-08:00

January 21, 2012

Classic Two Ocean Pow Pow!

Mandy and Chuck make their way up an excellent skin track (someone put on Thursday or Friday).

Click to zoom in. I believe this slide was reported- 16" crown- skier triggered. It's about the 3rd time this little steep has released this year.

G E N E R A L - A V A L A N C H E - A D V I S O R Y- January 21st, 2012:
An avalanche warning remains in effect. The general avalanche hazard is HIGH at all elevations. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Intense snowfall, strong winds and mild temperatures will create unstable conditions. Natural avalanche activity is likely and human triggered avalanches are very likely on steep avalanche prone slopes. Slabs to four feet in depth are possible and could step down to the ground. Wet slab and wet loose avalanches are likely at the lower elevations.

Because the avi danger was high today, we left this run alone. We were pretty cautious on the way up as well. Part way up we tested a steep slope- similar to ones we would ski. It settled and cracked- but didn't slide. A sign that kept in in the trees and on lower angle runs. Generally, Two Ocean is a safe place to go after or during a big dump. It almost always has good snow. No exception today- it was fantastic!

Weehoo!

Looking up and down a ridge run, one of our first for the day.

Mandy likes it.

The Mandy monster rips the pow!

Looking back at some shots.

Mmm. mm. Good!

Chuck sails off sunset. Five runs for the day! Great day!

Radio Tower Bowl Tour

2012-01-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

January 15th, 2012

Looking across the way at Breccia Mt.

Been a while since I'd been up here. Last time was when actually climbed/ skied the Radio Tower Couloir and dropped into it. Always wanted to try it from the other side. Unfortunately snow conditions were pretty sketchy- variable wind crusts, slabs etc. Since I was by myself- I took it easy. Mostly sticking to the trees and snooping out good powder-- and routes. Turned out to be as much or more of a tour. Still a good day!

Nice views on the way up.

Looking out across Togwotee Pass at the Tetons.

Nice little shot.

What a view.

Dropping a line neat the top of the Radio Tower bluff.

This was the best I found, and it was good!

After 4 hrs of touring around, I headed back. Can't wait to back into this area when the snow is more stable.

Sublette Pass Tour

2012-01-08T09:59:00.000-08:00

January 7th, 2012

Our tour route- click to zoom- red climbing/ green dropping.

Shad skis Apron

Mandy climbs with Pinnacle Butte in the background.

Climbing up the apron (slowly- assessing snow I went). Avi conditions were considerable- particularly for this type of terrain.

Perched on top- looking across the way a the Pinnacle Butte.

Looking down my line (Mandy lookers right, behind the rock).

Wehoo. Snow stayed put- and it was good!

Really very good skiing- buttery soft snow. Still was a bit worried about avis though.

Mandy leads the way!

Nice day!

Heading out- Sublette Mt. in the background (and some good looking prospective ski lines).

When we were headed out, we notice a slab that went a little further down the apron- this is why we only did one run. I felt we pushed it a bit- and got a way with it.

Looking back.

Mandy's video

Grand Targhee Vacation

2012-01-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

The Video Summary

"Don't shoot, I surrender!"

Seamus and Shad masacre snowmen at dad's place Christmas Day.

Aunt Hope joins in!

Watch out... she's deadly with Shad's new gun.

The next day on the way to Grand Targhee Shad took Hope and Dave up West Angle for a taste of what backcountry skiing is like.

Hope and Dave skinning up.

Dave's first backcountry turn.

Hope first backcountry powder.

Hope rips up the pow!

Mandy and our first day and run at Grand Fogee (Targhee).

Hope runnin' blind- lovin' it!

Seamus learns to ski- taking a ride up the magic carpet.

Tally takes a few warm up runs.

By the end of the day Tally was showing us all over the kids mountain- leading the way!

Third day up- Dave and I tried the Cat skiing.

Visibility and wind were absolutely ridiculous the first few runs.

Then it cleared up. The snow was hammered already though- a foot with a wind effected crust. Tricky skiing- but the only stuff available really, as all the lifts remained closed at the resort (high wind).

Our guide, perched above one of the runs we did. Across the way is another.

Hope bombs some fatties down the mountain. They seemed to suit her much more.

"The Good"

Our last day- HEAVEN- what we've been waiting for. One foot of fresh powder (no wind) and blue sky...

Awesome!

All smiles in the Raven Wood

Dropping!

Dave surfs the deep pow in Medicine Bowl!

Tally rides up with Uncle David.

Seamus plows down a green- 3 years old and off the magic carpet already!

Capped our last day off with the torch light parade New Year's Eve at the resort.

A great trip- enjoyed by all!

Now... it's back to work to pay for it. Ha!

Fossil Mountain

2011-12-24T05:07:00.000-08:00

Mandy on Fossil Mountain, Wind River Peak in the background.

After over a foot of new snow fell on a shallow base last Wednesday around Lander-- it primed some areas just off the loop road for good early season skiing. I went up Thursday and did a few laps (seven) and then took Mandy up a day later for a few more. Good stuff- especially when it's so close to home!

Mandy's day.

Shad skis the Winds!

Going up.

Looking down on one of our runs.

Ski the Winds!

Back at the sled, callin' it a day!

The day before- ready for my first run!

Looking down on it, after it was over.

A look back at the whole day.

Fossil Mt (in background) and the Skidoo.

Two Ocean on December 18th, 2011

2011-12-20T08:09:00.000-08:00

The video

Up on top!

Rippin' skins getting ready drop.

Weehoo!

A little used, but we'll take it.

Still found some untracked patches.

Going up for more.

Dropping.

Mmm. mm. Good!

Attacking the steeps!

Mandy's Turn

2011-12-04T08:15:00.001-08:00

Two Ocean

December 3rd, 2011

Heading up.

Finally there.

Mmmm. Mmm. Good!

Weehoo!

My first splitboard turns of the season.

And huck... pooofff!!

Back at the truck... first day in the bag!

Opening Day: Powder Season

2011-11-21T20:15:00.000-08:00

Two Ocean

November 20th, 2011

Kickin' off another powder season, at the base of Two Ocean Mt.

The Pow Flick

Matt and Jeff sheddin' layers at the base.

Going up...

and up!

Near top. No bowl runs today. The 30 plus inch snow pack was very interested. Lotso cracks, whoomps and signs of recent avi activity. Typical early season, Togwotee snow pack melt/ freeze layer down low, on top of depth hoar- not like last year. Good time just to stick to the trees and stay off the open steeps.

Happy to be on skis again!

Jeff rips it up!

Ride that pow!

Darran's turn.

Wheeehoo!

The end...

or maybe the beggining, of another great WY powder season!

Mexican Creek Hunting Camp

2011-11-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

The camp

I set this camp up on opening day of my late season cow season, and the last day of deer season- October 23rd. I put the camp in a little later this year because I was coaching X-country at school and didn't have the time to get up the mountain after school. Plus, I ended up bagging a bull up the East fork country (see previous post). I decided to go with my spike style tent this year because it's smaller, and I could pack it easier on my ATV. With snow flying, it's harder to get a vehicle (truck) into this place. This was the same tent that spent half the winter up Christina lake (got buried) five years ago- it's taken a beating, and it's on it's last legs- but I figured it'd do for this.

Pretty cozy set up for one or two fellers.

That weekend, with only a few hours left of the season, this little guy surrended.

One shot (the 300 H&H) was probably a little overkill for him. Oh well.

The trophy pose.

Should make a good TP holder.

Loaded up and headed down.

Seamus likes it!

Happy Monkies!

Double trouble!

All hung and ready to skin. Spent the next night cuttin' him up. Had to make room for the other elk permit I still had left, so I donated the most of meat from this little guy to the school, for some projects/ dinners.

Deer Hunt Video

A couple of weeks later.

Actually I spent the previous weekend, one night anyway up at this camp too. I actually got onto some elk that day. I shot one. Snuck up on them as they were laying down. I couldn't take a neck shot because there was another elk behind her, so I took a low heart/ lung shot. Boom!! I shot, she flopped over... I thought it was done. As I approached, she got up and started dragging herself liek her back was broke. I followed, thinking she couldn't go far, and was actually dragging herself back to my camp. She drug herself over a log, and somehow got her feet under herself and took off! Holy crap. Off to races! I trailed her through thick and thin for the next 2 hours. Caught up to her once, but couldn't see her it was so thick. There was any blood- maybe a small spot every mile or so. I gave it my all- chased her until I was exhausted. Finally I had to give up. Really frustrating. I've never lost an elk like that. You hate to do it. Bugger! I was so disgusted with myself, I packed up and headed home that night. Called it quits for the weekend.

The view from camp (not my tracks)... folks don't seem to respect the "No vehicles beyond this point" sign.

I headed up again the next weekend though. Another storm had hit during the week, adding to the snow pack, making conditions pretty promising for hunting. We got out of school early Friday, so I ended up at camp around 3pm. I settled in, shoveled the tent out, cut some wood, then headed out for an evening hunt. It wasn't long before I cut some fresh tracks. I followed them for a while, even heard thm cross a buck rail fence at one point. A little later I heard some shots in the direction they were running, so I figured I pushed them into some hunters. I pulled off their trail and started hunting my way back to camp. Eventually I cut another set of tracks and followed them until they started heading away from camp. It was getting close to sunset time, so I didn't want to get any further from camp. Gave up on those tracks and started working my way down the mountain, near the same spot I shot the elk last weekend. I got on another se to fresh tracks. I followed them over fresh beds and scat. It was obvious it was a cow and at least one calf. I started smelling them. I stopped and starting looking through the timber. I could see the body (heart an lung) area of an large elk in between two trees. Couldn't see the head, but I could see part of a calf and was pretty sure it was the cow. I shot.

She ran about fifteen yards and fell over.

One shot- heart and lung. Second elk of the season... down!

I had to work for her. 5 days plus. Lotso miles.

First time I've ever filled two elk tags in one year!

While dressing her out it got dark. I drug her out in an opening and down hill about half mile or so, until the country got a little more wooded.

I flagged a tree, marked some territory around her and figured I'd spend most of the next day packing her out. Still had a couple of miles to go to get back to camp.

After a mile or so, I finally broke the ridge above my camp... the lights of Lander glowing below. The nearly full moon was quite a blessing- very helpful. Just before I took the picture, a bull elk ran out in front of me. Quite a sight seeing him lit by the moon and back lit by the city lights below. Quite a beautiful hike... something one probably wouldn't think to do on a normal basis.

Happy to see camp... knowing there's a nice stove with a heap of wood waiting.

Home sweet home!

Got great cell reception too... so I called up a few folks and chatted the night away. Pretty interesting experience for some of them, as it's not often I do that. Ha!

Don't leave home without it. A good stove really makes the deal when hunting/ camping in November.

A standard propane lantern is the next essential ingredient.

Mmmm. mmm. Yummy! Dinner-- Shad style.

One of the folks I called, as I was hiking back to camp was Barney. I figured I could drag my elk out by myself if I had too, but another hand could make things go alot faster. Barney's the kind of guy who you can call at 8pm in the night and say, "Whatch doin' tomorrow morning? I've got an elk down. Can you come help me pack him out?" and he'll respond with, "I'll be there by 8am, with a game cart!" A true friend! I'd do the same for him any day. Thanks Barney! You're awesome!

Barney and his son Josh... and the game cart.

It took a while to make the hike up through the snow with game cart, to the elk, but once we got there, it didn't take long at all to drag it down. In ten minutes or so we had it down to the game cart. Once loaded (the whole thing!) on the cart, it took about twenty minutes to get it down to the ATVs. The cart worked pretty slick... although, I must admit- Barney was much more effecient at it then I was. I've got some sore arms today! Ha!

Barney and the game cart, and pretty nice cow... much bigger than the one I got last year.

Thanks agian Barney! You're a saint.

Worked real slick transfer to elk to ATV- just flopped it over, right on the ATV.

Barely made it up out of Mexican Creek with this load... took everything the ol' Bombardier Quest 650 had. Made it though.

Out of the woods! The mountain in the background is where my camp is, and where I hunted. Only about a 1o mile ride home from here!

The Cow Elk Video.

Quite a season- filled all my tags!

Bonus: Very rare footage of Shad's strategy for keeping Wolves, Bears and Coyotes at bay during long winter nights.

Double Bonus: The day after... Seamus and Dad pull camp.

Climbin' Mountains and Shootin' Elk

2011-10-02T19:16:00.000-07:00

Castle Rock Ascent and Elk Hunt

October 1st, 2011

Castle Rock

General Elk season opens up on October 1st for many of the areas I like to hunt. Since I drew an additional late season cow for the Lander area, I figured I'd head up the cabin above dad's and at least get some biking/ hiking in. There was quite a forest fire smoldering up there still, and it was forecasted to be warm/ dry, so I didn't figure I do much better than I usually do up there, which has been zilch- alot of close calls over the years, but I've never killed an elk up there.

I had it in my mind to tackle Castle Rock, a prominent peak in the area. I've always wanted to climb it, but never really ever got around to it. I headed up to the cabin after work. Got there in just enough time to sweep out the mouse turds and prep my gear for the next day. I had a lot of company- much more than I'm accustomed to. With the fires, some local outfitters/ guides couldn't set there camp up in Bear Basin... so they set it up next to the cabin.

Got a good night's sleep in and woke up about 4:30am and saddled up. I rode my bike in the dark with a head lamp the first couple of miles, since there's a good road (that was closed a while back). After that I changed into boots and started the trek.

Towards the top of the first little climb.

The view starts to get good. If you look through the rocks on the right, you can see what was left of the Norton Point forest fire, still smoldering. The fire looked alot more impressive before the sun came out. Very eery.

One of two rocky ledges I had to climb. Aside from these, the climb was fairly easy.

The "Castle" rock... on approach.

Once over the second rock ledge and scramble, the top and peak comes into view.

Looking north off the peak, towards Steamboat Mt.

Me on top! Gotta love my biking, hiking, hunting attire!

Looking down the Castle Rock Coulior. It goes. Guess what I'm thinking?

A survey stake on top of Castle Rock.

I love this view. Click to enlarge and you can see my entire route from the cabin.

Started at 5:30am, was back at my bike around 12:30pm and the cabin maybe ten minutes or so later. I heard some bugling, and crashing through the trees while I hunted my way up. I saw some good sign as well. Makes since, especially after I ran into some folks at the base of Castle Rock that had chased a Bull, Spike and cow over the mountain and into the trees on the side that I hiked up. In the end, no elk though... not yet anyway.

After I got back to the cabin, I ate and sat around with my dad. He'd come up to fix a few things. As evening drew nearer, Dad headed back down, and I mustered the energy for an evening hike around the cabin. A guy from the out fitters camp took off earlier in the direction I wanted to go, so I pick another route through the trees. I figured the other guy would venture too far or stay out too late. After hiking for an hour and only seeing black angus cows, I circled around and started back towards the cabin. I looked across drainage with the main trail in it to the sky line. I'll be damned if there wasn't a cow and calk elk on it. I pulled out my binoculars and started glassing... antlers of the wapiti variety poked up over the sky line. Hot damn (open for antlered elk only). Hot damn! Games on... show time!

I crouched and waited a bit. The elk were just feeding. Way out of range- 1000 yards? I'd have to gget my sneak on. When the elked drifted out of sight I boogied to the bottom of the drainage, where they could see me. I began my uphill assualt under the cover of yellow and orange aspen. As I neared the ridge, I gathered myself, trying to get my heart rate down in case I got a shot. Just as I prepared to creep up the ridge- "Crash! bang! rattle!" Seven to nine head of elk busted off the ridge and down a fence line not 15 yards away. I wheeled around, pick out the first set of antlers and shot. Down he went. Typical 300 H&H style (arse first). That was about all I had to aim at though. I finished him off with a neck shot. In the end, I missed the hind quarters- hit him in the back. Works just fine for me.

On approach... already looking for and thinking about griz.

It was a little after 6:30pm when I shot him. I knew I only had about an hour before things would get dark. I also knew I was only 300 yards away from a two track/ road- unfortunately down hill from it. I figured I'd have time to clean him, but that would be it. I'd have to tag him and head back to cabin, and come back for him in the morning. I got my peper spray out handy, and kept my rifle handy with one in chamber as I prepared to gut him out.

A beautiful sight.

Opening day.

Wheeeeehoooo!

Clean and tagged, but now dark.

I didn't have a long hike back to the cabin, but it was dark and I was soaked in elk head to toe. I kept my rifle ready, turned on my head lamp, and made alot of noise all the way back.

Made it. What a day! Didn't sleep the best though, worrying about whether or not the critters would leave my elk alone. Only time would tell.

When I approached the site at day break the next morning, everything was still untouched. Whew!! Now the real work began.

He's so cute! Ha. Time to hack him in four pieces so I can drag them the 300 yards or so up to the truck.

Taking in all in before, going to work.

Wow! Gotta love it.

I started by splitting him down the middle, then cut the two sides in half.

It was hard work draggin that bugger up the hill. After five trips up the hill, I had him loaded and headed down the mountain around 9:30am. He cooled out pretty good over night, but with the warm weather, I though it best to get him straight into the packers-- and their cooler. I had him in Lander before noon and was back at the house a little thereafter.

Nothing ends a hunt better that this!

What a hunt! Finally got an East Fork/ Castle Rock elk. I've hunted and hunted and hunted that area over the year to no avail (lots of near misses). Finally came together this time... and on the first day. Incredible. Only a deer and cow elk left now.

The video

2011 Shirley Basin Antelope Hunt

2011-09-27T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hhmmm, wonder what road to take?

Head over to Casper this weekend to get my other goat. Found out the season didn't open until Sunday. I found a 10k running race to entertain myself Saturday though. Sunday we got up early and headed to Shirley Basin.

Video Summary- long ride this time. Near 40 miles and 4 hrs.

Finally got one- not my first pick... but a keeper. Kind of have to settle for what you can when you only have one day.

Quite a costume! I can attest to the fast that Lycra probably not the best for belly crawling in the sage brush... works great for riding though.

Safari... Wyo style!

The monkies were along for this ride. Good times!

"Wow! You got em' big elk! My daddy got hhuuuugge one!" Okay Seamus, your story.

The monkies hang with uncle Chuck as we hung to goat from Papa's new contraption (he built it the day before). Came in very handy.

Shot at 2pm skinned, quartered, and on the road before 5pm. Home before dark. Another good Antelope hunt.

East Fork One Shot Antelope Hunt

2011-09-18T08:13:00.001-07:00

September 17th, 2011

Me and my goat huntin' rig.

It's that time of year again... finally. I love the fall, it's my favorite time of year by far! I had a nice few hours of hunting yesterday out by my dad's place. Hopped on the bike around eight and chase a small herd of antelop around in circles for an hour, until the right combo of cover, range and goats came together. Then I blasted one. A couple of weeks ago I went out to Dad's and zeroed my rifles in (something I often don't do). Kind of took the fun out of it. I usually get at least a half dozen shots off before anything falls over. This year... one shot. This weekend was a doe only permit, but I found one with nubbins! Ha! Next weekend it's up over the to Shirley Mt. Basin to hunt horns with the Casper crew. Good stuff!!

Shot in the neck. Clipped a bit of the front quarter on the way out.

Click to enlarge. About a two hundred yard shot.

Wyoming Safari pose!

Oh yea! Guns, bikes and critters.

Now the work begins.

Shot at 10:15am, skinned, quartered and on the way out just over an hour later.

Back to the truck by noon. Home by 2pm. That's speed goat hunting for you.

East Fork One Shot Antelope Hunt Video

Under Nine at Leadville

2011-08-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

The Leadville 100 MTB Race
The Fifth Time is a Charm!
8 hours 40 minutes and 4 seconds.

Gotter' done!

The moon sets over the mountain as folks line up around 5:30am, for the 6:30am start.

Bundled up, got my place- now just had to wait.

Had some good company while I was waiting this time. It'd been a few years since Tally joined me for a Leadville 100.

A few minutes before the start.

About an hour and thirty minutes into the race at the bottom of the power line descent.

Riding part of the 2K vertical foot powerline descent.

A little over 4 hours into the race, near the top of a 3K vertical foot climb up Columbine Mt.

Draggin' a crew up the back up Powerline- the hardest part of the race, for me.

About 75 miles and 6 1/2 or more hours into the race you hit powerline- the last grueling big ass climb...

My sister Hope was at the base of the climb yelling at me to get my arse in gear. That helped! She also took most of these pictures.

Bombing down Sugarloaf, the Powerline climb done and over with.

On the pavement for a few miles. Just a couple of shorter climbs left. Chuck told me I'd be good if I got off the pavement at the top of St. Kevins with a hour left. I got off at 7:50. At that point, barring an disasters, I figured I had it. I just kept up the grind though.

My sister Hope popped up at the bottom of the last climb, the Boulevard, and told me to stomp on it. So I did, I put the afterburns on and motored off the path and over the rocks to clear this last section.

Smellin' the barn- only a dozen or so minutes left to go.

On the red carpet!

Wheehoo! 8:4o. Got the bigun this time!

The next day at the awards ceremony.

I placed 181 overall, out of 1276 some finishers. 1900 riders were registered.

I placed 71/ 343 finishers in my age group.

My five year record at Leadville.

(Click to enlarge)

The Shad Movie!

Mark Wallace's Shad Flick... thanks Mark!

Chuck and Karla's 11th Leadville 100 on an Tandem!

Castle Rock Road MTB Ride

2011-06-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

Tandem MTB Tour

Castle Rock Road

Absaroka Range (near the East Fork of the Wind River)

June 18th, 2011

Hope poses with the two humped pony at the top of the first climb.

Why I have knots in my tail?

Hhmmmm... Is it human?

Kind of.

Met alot folks and family out at my dad's place last weekend for Locke's memorial. It was quite a time... just what she would have wanted. My sister Hope came up from DC, so before things got underway we got up early, saddled up the ol' tandem and went for a haul up the mountain. I needed 3 hrs, so I figured the Castle Rock climb would do - a 30 plus mile/ 3000 plus ft. climb/ ride. Worked out pretty good. The air was cool and the weather held. I'm sure Locke was smilin' down.

Hope rides stoker- the Windriver Mountains across the way in the background.

Going up... don't look down.

The "Devil himself".

2 hrs and 3000 vertical feet after we started, we reached the top of the first climb- Castle Rock in the background. That's all we had time for today- and all the road conditions would allow (snow drifts were still covering the road beyond).

On the way back we dropped into a beautiful draw for some tasty single track.

Yum, yum! Good stuff. Thanks Locke!

Granier Meadow Madness

2011-05-23T05:07:00.000-07:00

Three Feet of Wet Silliness!

South Pass, Granier Meadow Spring Sled/ Ski Fest

May 21st, 2011

Loaded up and ready to the Louis Lake Parking Lot on South Pass.

Rippin' and Shreddin' by any means possible!

A day after three feet of snow fell on South Pass, it proved irresistable. Chuck and I had to go try it out. We were hoping to at least get into Sioux Pass or Mt. Seamus, but did know exactly what conditions would allow. There was plenty of snow (3 feet plus). The problem was that it was very heavy and wet. It proved kind of challenging to drive in. The trails were non-existent. Groomers stopped running in March, and nobody had been out on sleds for weeks. We ended up getting stuck and bogged alot. After slogfesting our way a few miles past granier, we decided to bail out. The work it was and risk we were takign that'd we cook a sled or get one stuck really bad, just wasn't work it. We turned around and headed back to Granier Meadows, where there were some small hills we could get som turns on. We also took some time to shred the meadow up pretty good.

The skidoo on top of Dead Horse Hill.

The skidoo, stuck for the 3rd or 4th time going in. This is where we turned around.

Chuck bombs the Granier Meadow Hill.

Weehoo!

May 21st?

The hill bombs Chuck!

Shad lets er' rip!

Good Stuff! Love this picture- thanks Chuck!

Bottoms up!

Not the longest runs... but turns none-the-less!

Chuck Dragon on top of Dead Horse Hill on our way back.

Quite a day! Not what we were hoping for, but we made the best of it. My arms are sore as heck today. Ha!

Bikes, Babes, and Skis

2011-05-08T08:06:00.000-07:00

Sinks Canyon and the Switchbacks (Loop Road)

May 7th, 2011

Oh yea! That's what I'm talkin' about!

Does it get any better?

45 minutes later... at the base of a Wyoming corn field.

Headed up.

Lycra, bike helmet, skis and all- plowin' the corn!

Weeehoo!

Mandy stomps to glory.

Then lets it rip!

Shreddin' it! Yahooo!

"Corn is yummy!"

Looking back at our tracks. Just plain fun!

Mandy takes a breather as we prepare our rocket for the descent back to the truck.

Ready to roll!

Good Times! Great day. Gotta love spring in Wyoming!

The Corn Chronicle

Easter Pow Pow on Togwotee

2011-04-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

GD Mountain (Near Jules Bowl and Bonneville Pass)

Absaroka Range, Dunoir Special Management Area

April 21st, 2011

GD Mountain (near the entrance of Jules Bowl)

Powder Chickens

Headed up Togwotee last Thursday with Darran hopin' to get in on some late April powder. We did. Infact, there's so much snow up there... man. Drove just a few yards into the Brooks lake parking area and realized it was just a snow machine trail (they haven't plowed it in a while). Got stuck in there, waisted some time getting out of there and ended up parking along the highway.

Initially we were going to head more up towards Brooks Mountain, but when we reached Brooks lake it was a complete white-out... pukin' and nukin' the white stuff. So, we decided it'd be best to go into a more familiar area and find some north facing trees. Thus, we headed back up into Jules Bowl. There hadn't been alot traffic lately going into there. The trail along the side hills was melted and settled away, with six inches or more of fresh, soft snow on top. It was hard for Darran to keep the ol' polaris upright on those side hills. Eventually we made it in there though.

Quite an adventure just getting in there on the sleds. Eventually we got it done though.

Darran breaks trail neat the top of a very tasty looking run. Weather was such, that we stuck to the trees. Was hpoing for couloirs, but the snow conditions and stability was not very conducive for that.

Darran at the bottom of our first run.

The sun popped out for a spell, for our second run, so we tried some steeper, more open terrain. Ended up cutting lose a pretty good little new snow, slough slide (4-6 inch crown). It propigated pretty wide. That's all it took to remind me that couloirs were a no go for today. The two we parked under were very tempting, but both had classic wide, steep starting zones that I'm sure would have went with the first turn.

Pretty damned good for April 21st.

Weehoo!

After three runs we headed back. We'd have to break trail on the way out agian- it snowed so much.

And... true to form, the white-out, pukin'/ nukin' condidtions returned for our ride out.

Back down at the highway, getting ready to load up. Still pukin'!

Good stuff, great day! Wonder what May will bring?

April Powder

2011-04-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

Sioux Pass

Southern Wind River Range

April 17th, 2011

The Show

Amazing snow pack this year! It's that time of year when you can ride and ski in the same weekend. We got a good long MTB ride in Saturday, then Sunday headed up South Pass for some backcountry turns in April powder. Kept the sleds on snow all the way in. That usually is hard to do this time of year. Not this year though! The trail was trick, mostly wind effected, in places. Visiblity wasn't that great going in, so we decided to head up to Sioux, which is only 10 miles in, opposed to Christina Lake, which is 15 plus. Saved us a little time.

Chuck breaks trail in heavy snow, up to the top of the most classic Sioux Pass run.

Mmm. Lookin' good... the pow that is.

Shad pops a wheelie- comin' out of a flip turn.

Crashing a wave!

A look across at some of our first runs of the day (click to enlarge).

Chuck and Karla transitioning above some treed shots we skiied.

Karla skis the warm pow!

Chuck takes lunch break under a small field we plowed.

Mmm. Like butter.

Yummy!

Tracks near the bottom of the classic run.

Pretty much sums up the day!

Turns for Locke

2011-04-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

Two Ocean Mountain, Togwotee Pass

April 7th, 2011

On Thursday, April 7th around 8:45am, Locke Hamilton (my step mother) passed through the pearly gates, no doubt greeted by Tugboat and a few other good horses. We were headed up to church anyway, so we kept going. Actually didn't really know for sure, but... kind of did. I knew in my heart. Locke battled a some tough cancer and a heart disease that came about quite suddenly over a year ago. She was 58, in great shape and full of life. I'm pretty sure she spent her first few days riding horses in the clouds, knocking a heck of alot dust down. The powder was good and plentiful for a few days after she left. This one was for you Locke! Ride in peace.

Headed up Two Ocean.

Mandy trudges up my trail.

Still headed up.

Whoohoo! Wow! Really good stuff!

What can you say.

Mandy near the top of the run (she just wanted to do short ones in this hollow).

Stoked about the conditions.

Mandy rips it up!

Look at that... waist deep! Weehoo!

Oh yea! Swimmin' through the pow!

Looking back, a few runs later.

Headed back, all grins... the sermon was good! Thanks Locke!

March Powder

2011-03-21T18:31:00.001-07:00

Riding and skiing the North Woods above Christina Lake

The skidoo, saddled up in the morning on South Pass, and ready to roll.

North woods above Christina Lake

A closer look- click and enlarge- you'll see some tracks.

A look from a bit further away on the lake.

I banged the crap out of knee on my third run, so I packed up and played a little on my sled instead. Practiced a little high marking here.

Got a little more couragious here.

One last look back- North Woods lookers upper left in the background.

Knee was swollen when I got home- and still today. Started some recovery exercises though- lotso Ibprofen, ice and elevate though. I think I'll recover quickly. It's not near as bad a other knee injuries I've experienced. It'll set me back a bit- at least slow me down. Frustrating though, as this has been the most injury free ski season I've had in quite some time. Oh well.

March Madness

2011-03-13T08:51:00.000-07:00

Tally and our new kitty, "Lello"... Tally named her, and made a bed for her.

Lello likes Tally.

Seamus turned three last Friday. We celebrated with a little dragon cake.

When mom wasn't looking, Seamus and Lello ambushed his cake, scoring some nibbles- disfiguring it a bit.

"My birday, my birday cake! I like cake an icream. I big boy now."

The next morning the monkies dressed up and boogied down to the Ranch Breakfast Show, on the radio. Who needs cartoons and disney movies, when you have a radio?

The Ranch Breakfast Video.

Two Ocean

2011-03-08T05:41:00.000-08:00

The Ol' Standard: Two Ocean

March 5th and 6th, 2011

Approaching Two Ocean Mt. on Saturday.

Had a little sun still Sat morning.

Looking down my first run. Enough visibility and stability to get up into the bowl.

Lotsa room from more if this was good.

Good stuff- time for more.

click to enlarge

Pretty excited about conditions permitting turns up this high.

Up for another- looking down my first run.

Squeezing through the Notch.

The view on the other side of the notch or "gun sight" and some folks call it.

Looking back up at my second run from the notch.

Mmm. Mmmmm. Good!

My skin track up. I had to break trail both Sat and Sun as I was up there much earlier than anyone else.

Looking up at my third run. Visibility was starting to decrease as the snow picked up. After this run, I headed for the trees.

Going up. Sure is pretty.

More good turns!

Sunday I came back for more. The snow was much deeper- over a foot of fresh snow!

Looking up the trail that I broke and packed down the day before. I'd have to do it all again.

Mostly stuck to the trees today. The snow seemed a little heavier and more of it. Conditions in the bowl were okay yesterday- but the much lighter and smaller amount (6 inches?) of pow I was sliding in yesterday, was on a firm, slippery base and wanted to sluff pretty easy. Seem like with a foot of heavier snow on top of that- some bigger avi action would have been inevitable. Dunno. Visibility was pretty bad too. By myself... decided to play it safe. It was great- over the top/ face shot skiing Sunday. Not many pics- it was so good! Ha!

Finally got home to this monkey Sunday night and her new best friend, "Lello".

Lello and Tally

Too Much Pow

2011-02-27T07:37:00.000-08:00

Loop Road Powder Fest

February 26th, 2011

You know it's gonna be a day, when your tracks across Granier Meadows look like this.

My plan was to leave from Bruces and head up to Christina Lake somewhere. With over foot of new snow reported on SNOTEL and probably another foot that fell earlier in the week-- allon top of hard wind pack, ice or suncrust surfaces, I figured I'd stick to low angle, tree shots. The avi danger was probably going to be high. Well, I quickly learned that Christina Lake via the Fiddlers lake trail was gonna be an option. Last week I broke trail all the way in that way in 6 -12 inches of pow... but you could still make out the trail. As soon as I pulled off the loop road and headed into the campground towards the Fiddler's lake trail it was over the hood. I had fun playing in the meadow... but no one had tried to go up the trail-- so I left it alone.

I figured I'd go the long way to Granier Meadows and see if the that trail had been punched in. Conditions were really windy too, making for some very interesting drifting. Trails closed up almost as soon as you opened them. Just the conditions in Granier meadow alone, when I got there, led me to think that I might have to adjust my plans a bit-- maybe Souix Pass or maybe even some shorter shots above Louis Lake. I tried going up the trail, but probably about a mile in, things were just ridiculous. My machine was doing awesome- but it was pushing alot of snow and the belt slipped a little going over a crest of a small hill. After that I realized it probably wouldn't be smart to try to go all the way in. The way the wind was blowing, even if I made it in, I'd have break trail all the way out too. Probably more than the machine or I could handle. I turned around and decided to try some new shots above Louis Lake. I've always been curious about them anyway. Looked like today was the day to try them.

Tracks across the meadow at Fiddlers.

Granier Meadows- was definitley getting turns in. Ha!

The trail to Christina Lake, just out of Granier Meadows.

No way was I going to get away with 10 miles of this.

Crazy! See the trail markers (lookers left).

It's almost always nearly bare ground right here. Not today.

This is as far as I went, this is where I turned around. See how fast the wind filled in my tracks... I figured, no way.

Finally off the machine, skinning up the hill above Louis Lake.

Looking across the way a little peak with some old avi action on it.

The bottom part of one of my first runs.

Good stuff!

I found at least one good huck too!

Click to enlarge, and you can see some of my lines- the were about 500 ft. shots.

Had to drive around avalanche debris on the way out. This was the other area I was thinking about skiing, but chose not to, because it's prone to sliding, and today conditions were prime.

Just a little one- but right next to bigger slopes. This area if it goes big (which it can) coudl shut the road/ trail down. Haven't seen enough snow for this to occur in years.

Almost home, feelin' frisky, I decided to try high marking. Not enough snow here to worry about avis. The skidoo chomped it right up.

A little bit later, I got a little too brave. Looks worse than it was. Didn't even need to get the shovel out.

Great sledding conditions!

President's Day

2011-02-22T20:07:00.001-08:00

Gustave Lake Pow

February 21st, 2011

Video TR: "Shad" ow skiing!

Had plans for a long day in the backcountry on President's Day. I had the day off from work, and the latest storm cycle cooperated- nearly a foot of fresh pow and bluebird conditions. Woke up to very cold temps though- below zero. My ol' Subaru's battery finally died, and since my wife picked this day to get her oil changed- she was depending on my car. Which meant an extra 2 hrs of me running around fixing crap. Oh well. Finally made it up the road to Bruces around 10am. I was still the first sled in the parking lot. Snowmachiners are a lazy bunch I guess. Ha! Anyhoo, I soon discovered some pretty killer sledding conditions. Nobody had touched the trail for Fiddlers Lake to Christina lake since the last storm. I got to break trail through a foot of pow all the way in. It was pretty fun! Was hoping to get further that Gustave, but since I was by myself, I figured it would be the safest option. Conditions were ripe for 10 inch plus soft or wind slab avis.

Pretty much what the trail looked like for near five miles. Hard to find in places.

Looking back on my way in, fresh tracks- even before I got off the sled.

After a 45 minute sled ride, I was skinning up the hill.

Headed up.

First look at a pristine powder field. Mouth watering at this point.

Mmm, mmm, good!

My first few turns- best pow I've had for near a month!

Good stuff! Gustave Lake below.

A few runs later (got seven laps/ 4hrs in all total)

Just a little wind effected up top- not bad at all though, and it just got better all the way down.

One of many interesting little hucks that were ripe.

Looking back- click to enlarge- you can see some of my lines.

The end of another fantastic powder day in the Winds!

Life on Skis

2011-02-20T08:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we headed up to Sioux Pass, before the storm... hoping to get some pow.

S & M Video (Shad and Mandy)

Weeehoo!

Uurrrrch!!

Mandy finds the goods- and shreds it!

Need to practice that whole side stepping thing. Much less work.

Back at the sleds... "Whew!" she survived!

Last weekend XC skiing with Tammy, Rob, Hailey and Hatcher... and Tally and Seamus.

Seamus goes classic!

Trouble.

Whole lotta trouble.

Tally jams out to Pearl Jam on TV. You know you're getting old when your favorite bands start playing on PBS- Austin City Limits.

The kids loved it!

Atlantic Peak Couloir

2011-02-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

First Descent? : Atlantic Peak Couloir

Atlantic Canyon, Popo Agie Wilderness Area, Southern Wind River Range

February 12th, 2011

Looking into Atlantic Canyon from Christina Lake

Seems like at least once a year I try a stab at going up Atlantic Canyon. You can see lots of cool terrain in there from the lake. It's a longer ways in there than it looks though. So far all of my attempts have been high traverses. I've never just dropped into the canyon I tried going up. The problem with the high traverses is that you end up going in and out of drainages... and you often come across good looking lines that are too tempting to drop.

Today I tried the lower road. It was nice and clear (super strong, gusty west winds) so I figured a tour would be about as good as anything. I was a few days late for the good pow. I've been eyeing what looked like a couloir that went on the more north side of the canyon for quite a few years now. After only an hour of skinning I was well with in range of it- so I went for it. Wasn't quite sure it was a couliour that went until I got right up to it. Hard to see from the angle of approach I was taking. It turned out to be good though. Nice and wide, not wide enough for big slabs though. The snow was, well... not pow, but also not ice. Nice chalky, smooth, and consistent. Prime schralpin' snow! I decided to go for it.

Video Trip Report

A look at the coulior from one of the Atlantic creek meadows, along the trail driving in.

Wolf Nipple Peak (skied many times in previous years). This was about as far as I'd get on previous tour into Atlantic Canyon. Not today though!

Going through the gap below Wolf Nipple peak... the target comes into view- still hard to see though, from this angle.

Pretty damn clear now though.

Going up!

A third of the way up I took a break and transitioned to boots and ice axe mode.

Time to hike!

Making progress.

The top was getting closer.

A look back from half way up.

Looking down from closer to the top.

Almost there.

Whooohoo! Made it.

Now for the terrifying part.

Going down.

If you click and enlarge- you can make out my nice, wide schralping turns. I kept them nice and wide near the top, testing snow conditions as I went. The snow was actually bomber and really very consistent schralping conditions- no crud, chunks or slabs- and not icey either. I found it easier to ski than the coulior we did last week in Jules Bowl actually.

All done!

Oh yea! Schralpin' coolies in the Winds! Livin' to tell about it!

Next up... maybe- actually I did have time, if I wanted to make it a long day. I figured I couldv'e been at the base of this in an hour or less. Since I was solo, I decided not press my luck though. 3 miles up a canyon, in the wilderness, away from my sled was far enough. I soaked in the view then headed back.

Looking back at Atlantic Peak Couloir from further up the canyon.

I played around on my way out, traversing/ climb high and dropping various lines here and there.

More big lines on the way out... stellar schralping conditions.

It felt good to see Christina Lake agian.

Got some more good turns back down to the sled.

The last couple turns.

Back a the sled. Getting ready for the 20 plus mile ride home (was parked at Bruces in Sinks Canyon).

Looking back. Click to enlarge. My approx route is in red. It was about a 3 mile skin in there, lots of up and down. I left the sled at 9:15am and got the base of the couloir around 11:00am. Was at the top around noon. Made it back to the sled just after 2:30pm. Quite a tour, definitely would have been time to explore some more up there, or do Atlantic peak. Click on the below to see a mapped route.

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/28225238

The last look back... motoring off into the sunset.

Ofcourse, the day wouldn't have been complete if I hadn't done something stupid. So... I decided to get my sled stuck. Figured my upper body needed a work out. I actually got it unstuck in about 20 minutes or so... the first time. Less than a minute later- I got it stuck again. This time a guy named Adam came by and helped yank it out. I quit playing around after that... and just pointed down the road- went home.

Back at home, it warmed up. Grillin' weather!

Hard to beat grilled elk steaks after a good tour in the Winds.

Yummy!

Jules Bowl

2011-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Jules Bowl

Dunoir Special Management Area, Absaroka Range, Near Brooks Lake

February 3rd, 2011

Jules Bowl

The Darran and Stacy Show!

Been a couple of years since I last visited Jules Bowl. About a month ago Darran expressed some interest in skiing it. I planned a day off and we went for it. The weather cooperated, at least the it got warmer- it had been below zero for a few days prior. No new snow though, so the couloirs were pretty bomber (hard pack/ wind crust). It was good to get up one though. After one hike and crudbusters run down it though, we headed over to more north facing tree shots, where the snow was great. A great day overall. Thanks Darran/ Stacy! Good to get up there again.

Darran and Stacy at the base of the couloir we decided to try first.

Heading up.

Darran breaks trail.

Half way up. Wasn't long before we had to get our boot pack on.

Darran makes it to the top- gazes across the towards the Winds.

Shad, Bonneville Pass in the background.

Almost there (the two black dots just under the orange ski are the sleds).

Takin in the view from the top.

Darran soaks up some rays.

Time to drop.

Schralpin' the crud!

Darran restin' the fatties- eyeing his next turn.

Stacy, happy that Darran has the fatties, but wishing her heal was free.

Darran perches on a ridge where the coulior splits- still sniffin for pow. It was slim pickin's for sure.

Stacy starts throwing in turns.

After the couloir was done- we headed across the bowl where we new the snow would be better. Turned out to be pretty damn good actually. Gotta few runs in before our time was up.

Stacy launches over a log- loving the pow!

Weeehooo!

Looking back at our lines through a nifty little powder patch. Good stuff!

Mt Seamus and Sioux Pass

2011-01-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

Touring the Southern Winds

Mt. Seamus and Sioux Pass

January 28th, 2011

Mt. Seamus

Been a few years since I rode on Mt. Seamus (can't find a name for the peak anywhere- so I named it this, since I rode it right after Seamus was born). Since the snow conditions seemed to be variable, not much pow left... figured it might as well be a good day to tour around. Chuck and Karla hadn't ever been up Mt. Seamus, and I've only been once, so we figured it might make a good hike at least. Mt Seamus isn't as far in as Christina Lake. Only about 10 miles (just off the B trail a little way), opposed to 15 or 16 miles in, like the peaks around Christina Lake.

We did a couple of runs on Mt. Seamus then decided to head back to the sleds, and buzz over to Sioux Pass to try some more north facing slopes. It was kind of fun, and nice to be able to move around to different mountains so quickly. Not something we do often.

The terrain around Sioux Pass is pretty fun. We had a blast. Check out the video (towards the end). I accidently jumped over Chuck while he was running the camera. Ooops.

Mt. Seamus/ Sioux Pass Tour

Climbing up near the top of Mt. Seamus.

Lettin' er rip!

A few turns in.

Fish eye profile of some of our lines down Mt. Seamus.

Heading up for another.

Looking down the north aspect of Mt. Seamus.

A look back at our lines down (clickk to enlarge).

Good stuff! Hope to visit again some day- maybe in corn conditions.

Later in the day, hucking a cornice near Sioux Pass

Weehoo!

Chuck gazes on in astonishment, thankful I cleared him and didn't land on him.

Instant replay... or something.

Looking across the way at Mt. Seamus, the mountain we skied earlier in the day.

Another great day in the Winds!

Go-Lite Tour

2011-01-24T04:57:00.000-08:00

Touring Go-Lite Mt.

Southern Winds, Christina Lake Area

January 22nd, 2011

Chuck and Karla climb Go-lite, Christina Lake in the background.

The Video

Another blue bird day in the winds. Windy though- and the wind was coming out of an unusual direct (north to northeast). It pretty much hammered all of our stashes. You can almost always count on good snow on Go-Lite and similar aspects, but not today. The wind pretty much hammerd it. It was soft, but slabby. Even the stuff in the trees was heavy... not as bad... but not the light fluffy pow-pow we were hoping for. Oh well. We made the best of it. Did a big tour of the areas instead.

Mandy throws in a turn up high.

The snow was better lower.

Wish the whole Mt was like this.

Finding a place to drop from further down the ridge.

In the background, you can see a line that I was very interested in. Everyone was out of gas though for today. So... it'd have to wait. It's on my list now though.

Gustave Lake

2011-01-17T20:48:00.001-08:00

Gustave Lake Run

Southern Windriver Range

January 16th, 2010

On a mountain above Gustave Lake, Cony Mt, Silas Canyon and Christina Lake in the background.

The video summary.

On a time line and not really in the mood for anything too big, I left from Bruces in Sinks canyon about 9:30am, thinking I'd try snooping around Cony Mt. somewheres. I quickly discovered the trail into Cony wasn't fully punched in yet, and since I was alone, I figured I'd better not try. So I decided to hop on the B trail from Fiddlers and zip on over to Christina, where options a plently awaited- Gustave Lake being the closest. It looked alright when I arrived, so I figured I'd try it out.

Perched on top, ready for my first run.

Gustave Lake below.

If you look on the ridgline you can see my tracks. Not the best snow- not the worse. It was better in the trees.

Looking down a shaded, more protected shot that was a bit better.

Still, I've skied it in better snow. Oh well. Beat layin' on the couch.

After a few runs, I called it quits- figured I'd ride the ol' skidoo around a bit, before heading home.

The riding lasted about 20 minutes or so, before I got brave and tried something... well um... yeh...

Yup. This one would require the shovel. Grrr.

This is why my arms feel like rubber tonight... I eventually won though.

Finally turned around and out of the crater, with still barely enough time to get home by 5pm. Whew!

Shadow Mountain (GTNP)

2011-01-09T19:47:00.001-08:00

Touring in the Tetons: Shadow Mountain

Grand Teton National Park

January 8th, 2010

Lee and Ken lead the way up into the Tetons.

Funny how things pan out sometimes. I had to stay home from work Friday to hang with sick kiddos, which also made me cancel a ski trip with the school and my daughter for Saturday. So... I emailed Darran and let him know I had Sat open all of a sudden. He hooked me up with this crew and a tour they had planned in the Tetons, something I've been itching to do more of for a long time.

Although objectives like the Sliver couloir were in mind, the weather pretty much dictated tree lower tree skiing. Concensus was to hit Shadow Mt, and go from there. Powder/ trees skiing options were abundant up there as well as anywhere.

Darran and Matt bring up the rear (five of us total).

Starting to get up and out of the trees a bit.

Following a good trail- maybe with an inch or two of snow on it.

Approaching the top of Shadow Mt, weather getting worse by the minute. No big stuff today.

Matt waiting at the bottom of a nice shot.

Didn't get too many photos on this trip. The weather wasn't that conducive, and these boys wanted to ski... which was fine. We did four different runs- a couple over two thousand feet. Matt guesstimates somewhere around 7000 vertical for the day. Definitely was more than the 4-5k I'm used to putting in. I was cooked. The snow was good, a little wind effected, not the best of the season so far. It took some energy to turn in it, but was still soft enough to pounce off pillows and stuff. Lotta fun!

At the bottom (Bradley Lake) of the last run of the day.

Short video summary of the day (mostly hiking)... but hey, that's probably a good summary. Ha!

A look back at Shadow Mt and the last run we did (the white stripe curving down the center).

A fine day, good to get out in the Tetons every once in while. I don't do that enough.

Thanks guys!

With five inches of fresh and more falling, I couldn't resist getting out again, the next day. I did some touring with my kiddos in our back yard...

Powder pups (hounds in training)!

Wasatch Interconnect Tour

2010-12-28T18:58:00.000-08:00

Interconnect Tour from Snow Bird Mt Resort

December 28, 2010

The view of Mt Superior and Little Cottonwood Canyon from the top of Snow Bird (Baldy Ridge).

So... for Christmas some folks thought a guided tour of some Utah backcountry might be appropriate. We met my sister Hope and her husband Dave up in Utah near Snowbird/ Alta. We shared a condo with them for a few days. We skied Alta and Snowbird in great powder conditions. In fact the only day it was bluebird, was the day that I did the interconnect tour, which was awesome- I could see the country then. Plus, like anywhere, if there's snow and alot of backcountry, somewhere there's powder. The whole point of the tour is to connect four ski resorts (Alta, Snowbird, Brighton and Solitude). Alot of out-of bounds, side country skiing with a little BC. No skining- boot packs, skating, side-stepping and traversing. One could do it in full on down hill resort ski gear. It was a great way to get an intro to some fantastic looking country.

A nice looking couliour off the American Forks Twin Peaks (from top of tram).

Dropping into Mineral Basin.

Looking up at Mineral Basin from below.

The hike up Mount Baldy's ridge.

Looking back at the top of the tram while hiking up the ridge.

Skiing a line off the shoulder of Mount Baldy dropping into Alta.

Looking down that run.

Mt. Wolverine

Point Supreme??

We traversed left onto the slope below the peak (Point Supreme).

Mt. Tuscarora

Looking down a nice powder run above Catherine's Lake.

Wolverine Peak and Mt. Tuscarora

Looking up at our first powder shots of the day, off the shoulder of Point Supreme.

Looking up at some even better powder lines down something they called Tumbleweed.

Tumbleweed Video

Good stuff!

Another partial look, without the backlight.

Stompin' in a boot pack over and through a perfectly good skin track. Needed some more exercise I guess.

Lovin' the boot pack.

Looking across the way at Brighton Resort.

Another good looking peak.

Dropping some stellar pow just outside the Brighton Boundaries.

More fantastic lookin terrain.

Looking across the way at Mt. Superior, getting ready to drop into a steep little gully.
Got back to Snowbird in time for one more run up the hill- so I could traverse back home.

Dropping into a nice, tight, short little chute.

The view coming out the bottom.

Looking back. A few more of these to go, before I made it home... a great way to end a neat day.

The Notch in December

2010-12-24T08:04:00.001-08:00

The Notch

Southern Windriver Range, Christina Lake Area

December 23rd, 2010

The skidoo perched on Christina Lake Dam, a plethora of options in the background.

Video TR... one of my best solo ones, I think.

Holy Cats!! That's all I can say. It's been a long, long time since I can remember a snow pack like this in the Winds, in December. Not only are things filling in that haven't filled in before Feb or March, but the snow pack is stable- to layer of depth hoar/ sugar at the base. Usually this time of year, any where the snow it deep, you run the risk of punching through. That usually reaks havoc on the sledding off trail and it's hard as hell to break trail in while skinning. It's not the case this year though. The snow pack base is solid. Ideal. The snow just get firmer the deeper you get.

Yesterday, after 4 to 6 inches of fresh snow being reported on the South Pass SNOTEL, I figured I'd head up into the Winds. Didn't know what I'd find. Nobody is really going up there yet. Not much grooming is occuring beyond Granier Meadows. I ended up breaking trail all the way in, from the parking lot on South Pass. The trail I followed into Christina Lake after Gustave lake, likely wasn't used at all since I last went there with Chuck and Karla. The Skidoo is amazing- it cruised right in, no problems.

Since warm, windless, blue bird conditions seemed to prevail when I reached the lake, I figured I'd try out the bigger peaks. The Notch area never dissappoints, and usually fills in early... the lower stuff in the tree out of the wind. Today though, honestly, I think the area was more filled in than it may have ever been last year. And it's still December! Wow! What a season this shaping up to be.

The Notch

A view of the Notch while skinning in.

Approaching the base.

Two thirds of the way up, looking up a the Notch and a sweet pow patch.

Entering The Notch

Eyeing the last pitch.

Mmmm. Yummy!

Finally, after wallowing a bit, reach the top.

Ready to drop- taking it easy though, because I know this slab could go.

My first turn out of The Notch produced a large crack on the new snow (click to enlarge photo and you'll see it). I quickly tucked under a rock band out of the way. Nothing went. Sometimes it does though. All good today. Off to the races!

Woweee Momma! Good stuff!

From the top.

A different angle.

Click to enlarge and you can see my entire line!

Going up for another. I eventually did four runs, all from the top. Usually the snow is wind effected, hard, or chunky up top. Today it was nice and soft all the way. It rocked!

The top was good. The bottom was stellar!

Even some hucks!

Plowin' the field!

Looking back, later in the day.

Clouds and fog rolled in later in the day. I looked back one last time a The Notch, shrouded in clouds, before heading back to the machine.

Always a good sight after a long day of skiing.

Looking back. Click on this to enlarge, and you can see my lines!

Riding off in the sunset.

Another fantastic powder day in the Winds, comes to a close... all that's left is the 1hr/ 16 mile motor back to the truck.

Ridin' the Winds

2010-12-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

And It's Not Even Winter Yet!

Southern Windriver Range, Christina Lake Area

December 19th, 2010

A Roll in the Pow!

First turns in the Winds this season!

Weeehoo!

Karla's turn.

Good stuff!

All made possible by Skidoo...

The 15 mile ride in was kind of rough- looked like maybe a groomer hit it once. The trail was great to Gustave, but after that it was tricky. The snow pack is the best I've seen it for this time of year in many years. Some say ten years. The base is firm- something that hasn't been the case the last couple of years. Very safe to say that we were the only ones up there yesterday (pretty much white-out conditions). Definitely scored the first tracks. Ha! Sure is looking like it will be a great season. Can't wait!

Laters!

Even More Two Ocean

2010-12-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

Two Ocean: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Two Ocean Mt, Togwotee Pass

December 11th, 2010

Skinning across the flats in a foot of fresh fluff.

"Mama Mia! That's good pow!"

Mandy hikes for pow.

Entering the valley of unmolested fluff.

Mmmm, mmm good!

Saddle up.

It's time to ride!

Weehoo!

Kicker in site...

Launching!

Big time face shot... or eating shit. Ha!

Looking down one of Mandy's lines.

The green machine!

Killin' it.

Looking back after another (my fifth) great powder day on Two Ocean this season... and it's still only December!

The end of a perfect day!

Mandy Shreds Two Ocean

2010-12-06T18:44:00.000-08:00

Mandy's First 2010-11 Season Turns!

Two Ocean Mt, Togwotee Pass

December 5th, 2010

Before

After (click to enlarge)

Heading up.

Grammy and Grandpa Hamilton volunteered to watch the kiddos for a day this weekend, so mom and dad could get some pow time. We got it too! Figured Two Ocean would've been hit pretty good the day before, but it wasn't. Most of the mountain was untracked... before we got there. It turned out to be another classic Two Ocean powder day. Good stuff! Thanks Grammy and Grandpa!

Karla breaks trail for my whimpy arse!

Near the top.

Mandy gets her grin on, before the face shots begin.

Dropping!

Weehooo!

Locked and loaded!

Bang!

More grin.

One of the last runs- notice the huck to the left. That wasn't Mandy.

Almost back before dark! As if the deer aren't enough to dodge this time of year, near a hundred head of elk trickled across the road in front of us, onto a pasture near my folks place. Spend all of October looking for these critters and whammo- come December they come out no where. Mysterious beasts. Gotta love Wyoming! Great day!

Out of Bounds

2010-11-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

Opening Day at JHMR

Greenriver Bowl, Twin Pines and Pinedale Canyon

November 27th, 2010

Matt Lloyd

November Pow Flick

I didn't really intend on skiing in the Tetons this weekend. I sent out an email for anyone interested in getting out Saturday. No one answered except for Matt, who said he intended to hit the resort opening day. The forecast looked to be promising. For the first time since 1966, the resort was going to have all of it's lifts and runs open. The snowpack was already exceeding records... nothing like it since 1974. If there was ever a day to get wound up about hitting the resort on opening day, I figured this was it. I called up Matt, who moved over to the Tetons this summer, and told him that I'd meet him up there Saturday- if he could stand it. Promised I'd try not to slow him down too much. Figured it'd be better than hitting the backcountry by myself. Turned out to be well worth the trip. Thanks Matt!

Rippin' the Teton pow. You know it's good when I get out my goggles.

Matt drops in.

Weehoo!

Charge!

Poofff!

Good stuff!

Launching!

Matt scopes out a bigger huck from the top. Refer to the video to see how it went.

Conditions were actually very good for hucking little powder pillows, ledges, bumps and boulders. We hit as many as we could, and stuck most of them... or Matt did. I actually did too. My technique isn't as pretty though. Looks like I had ski lessons from Gumby or something. Ha! No matter what it looks like though, I get er' done... and have a heck of a lot of fun doing it.

Gumby launches!

Airborne!

... And we have lift off!

What a day! The three hour drive was worth it. Unbelievable conditions for November. In some respects, better than two years ago in March when I skiied some of the same areas with Matt. It was really good to be skiing with Matt again too. Ridin' pow and not avalanches this time. I'll miss him this season now that he's moved to Tetons. Figure it'll give me some motivation to visit that country a bit more I guess.

Cold Powder

2010-11-25T08:28:00.000-08:00

Two Ocean Deep, Cold Pow

Togwotee Pass Area

November 23rd, 2010

Looking back towards Sublette Mt. on my way up Two Ocean.

Had Wednesday off. Mandy had to work, the kids were in daycare. Time to clobber the pow. There was plenty of it two. It snowed more Mon, and Tues since I skiied last. SNOTEL was showing almost a foot of new snow. No lie either- three was at least that. I had to break trail in it. It was also cold as hell. Never got much above 10 below zero. In the wind in the open areas it was probably 40 below.

Took me over an hour to get up top. I was able to find the same route I used Sunday, but it was buried. Cold as hell up there! Pretty though. I was the only on the mountain all day.

Mmm. Yummy! Left it alone though- by myself... didn't even want to chance it. Stuck to the trees.

This shot (click to enlarge) was tracked up pretty good last weekend. All filled in again today though.

Nearly too deep! Had to break out my goggles- every turn was a face shot. And it was cold arse snow too. Whewy it was cold- I could only must four runs. Glad I cut it off at that too, because when I got back to my car it barely started... an hour longer, and I'd have been screwed!

Here's a link/ button to a map site I use. This is a map of the Two Ocean and the route I use to climb it.

A short video summary of the day.

November Pow Pow

2010-11-22T19:15:00.000-08:00

Classic Two Ocean Pow Pow

Two Ocean Mountain, Togwotee Pass

November 20th and 21st, 2010

The 2010-11 powder season starts now.

Click for pow!

Tara, back from CA, makes ready.

Tara leads the way.

Darran and Jeff on the up and up.

Jeff Stansbury takes his first split ride!

Tara, locked and loaded- ready to ride.

Surfs up! Wyo style!!

Free rangin'!

Organic snow, it's whats for lunch!

Yummy!

Darran Wells tears it up. First turns since the Silas Canyon Avi!

He's back!

Day two on Two Ocean.

This time it was just me flyin' solo. Thought I'd better get out the skis today.

Got up a little higher on the hill today.

Going up! A few more inches of powder since the day before.

First turns!

Good stuff- even a little pillow huck!

Great snow!

So good, I did it twice!

A nice shot through the trees.

A classic, steep run toward the bottom. All good too- no bones!

All in all it was a fabulous two days on the mountain. Great snow both days. Not bad for November at all. Saturday we got three laps in before folks had to head out. Sunday I managed five laps, and still made it home for dinner. Can't wait for more. Tis the season!