Sugar, Weeds and Rocks, Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Very little snow (15 to 18 inches max), and what was there was totally rotten and not supportable. We heard constant collapsing, we saw shooting cracks everywhere and saw the brush twenty feet ahead moving with the settling snow. The movement was all on the surface but it will be scary if - or when - we get a big snow. Plus the skinning and skiing was a constant battle with brush and rocks. That said, there is no bad snow, just bad skiers.....And, regrettably, I didn't see any moose! Hopefully the hunters didn't take them all - again!  They were gone for a few years due to harvesting, but they were back last winter and summer.

KPF. It's growing back quickly....where are you'all from last year when you're needed? Yes, I said way too much last year and was way too territorial, and I apologize profusely. No solitary ski day is worth losing a friend or making an enemy in an already way-too hostile world. That said, I encourage everyone to go ski it under current conditions, if only to get a taste of the total hell of the old days. Today KPF (the shortcut access) was almost impossible to ski down due to the constant hooking of skis on snags and the risk of an eye-pluck on the taller Gamble Oak. It reminded me of the old days - just a bit. Before the 'improvement' the HELL was much worse.  

Near the North Canyon divide.

Snow stake rock. We need snow.

Approximately 15 inches at Rudy's.

Jonah nearing Rectangle Peak.

Ski tracks in Rectangle bowl. Trailing Jonah and Brett to get some video, I hit five rocks, inflicting major damage to my old rock skis (BD Justices - purchased new in 2010). Jonah and Brett claimed to hit no rocks, so either they're telling tales or else I shouldn't be skiing in their tracks . . .  or both.

View west from Rectangle Peak.

View NE toward burro Mine and Jonah and Brett.

Jonah and Brett, with Burro mine on the left.

One and done. Ski turns in Rectangle Bowl. The skiing just kind of sucked so we all agreed to bail after one measly run. 

The long walk of shame, heading home on a bad snow day.

Jonah checking for core-shots at Rudy's Flat.