Mon Dec 29

[Norris]

Took the standard snowshoe route via Tamarack valley to Miller saddle. Excellent conditions. Only boots needed from Long Valley to Tamarack valley (left the RV trail at the creek crossing, went up the right side of the drainage instead). The route had been compacted previously by others, so I didn't have to put my snowshoes on until I reached Tamarack valley. I didn't need to do any route-finding whatsoever, there was a veritable highway of tracks going up and down the entire route. Gorgeous day. Solid blue sky, almost no wind, perhaps a tad warmer than perfect, but nice temps.

[KathyW]

Norris: I'll bet we crossed paths out there sometime yesterday. It was a beautiful day and very warm with that sun reflecting off the snow. The snow went from nice and hard to slushy pretty fast - by 9 am it was softening up good. It'll be getting pretty icy up there when the temperature drops if we don't get some new snow soon.

Kathy

[Norris]

Norris: I'll bet we crossed paths out there sometime yesterday. It was a beautiful day and very warm with that sun reflecting off the snow. The snow went from nice and hard to slushy pretty fast - by 9 am it was softening up good. It'll be getting pretty icy up there when the temperature drops if we don't get some new snow soon.

Kathy

Yes, we chatted briefly in Tamarack valley, you were already on your way down. I had an inkling you were a regular on this board, I should have introduced myself. The snow did soften up a lot, but not enough to cause my snowshoes to break through. Fortunately on the way down, it was already hardening up again, so the descent was not slippery. I'm hoping it holds up a few more days. I'm thinking of going again on Friday!