A Super SuperBowl Sunday

[EMan]

Calicokat, Mark2812, and I, caught the first tram and headed up the Sid Davis drainage on snowshoes. There were 1/2 a dozen skiers and a couple of boarders along with Ellen, Norma R, and Blooty as well. We also met Todd, Sean, Charles, and a fellow wearing a historic Couloir Magazine hat.

Jim did most of the heavy lifting breaking trail. Mark, (who has uncanny intuitive navigational skills) made sure the GPS was on the right track, as we deviated from the fast moving Team Arctic Wolf.

It was glorious. The weather that was expected early didn't materialize, and neither did the winds until we approached the summit. It was far warmer than anticipated, too, but still sub zero with the windchill on top.
Until the last 500 feet, I was only wearing an ancient polypro shirt for the ascent.

The snow pack was also in far better shape than we anticipated, given all of the mixed crap that was on top of the icy base layer from the day before. (Thanks again to Scott and Brent for the great and detailed beta!)
Although the trees were rimed up, some nice fluffies had accumulated, and we experienced little evidence of slabbing or sketchiness. But then again, we took few chances and stayed on low angle slopes.

After a few minutes on the summit, we were joined by Team AW, who had a navigational (mis)adventure via Jean Peak. It was a special day for Ellen, who was celebrating the 2nd anniversary of her incident on the mountain.

We had a blast descending to the tram. Unfortunately, we had to leave immediately as my driver had to pick up his son, post game.

In short, it was "Absolutely Fabulous". I particularly enjoyed meeting some terrific people whom I hadn't had the pleasure of knowing before.

A few of my pix here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/EManBevHill ... directlink

[zippetydude]

Wow, amazing pics!

Great job by all!

By the way, you said you stayed on low angle slopes - do you mean you went directly up to the saddle from Tamarack? I've only been to the peak once during the winter, so I'm not real clear on how to avoid the steepest, potentially risky slopes.

z

[EMan]

Glad you liked 'em. Had to strike 1st -- B4 calicokat shows off his shots!

And that's a big 10-4. Direct, clean, and with a few zigs and zags, to keep the avy goddess at bay.

[Blooty]

It was a pleasure meetig you Ernie. Ellen will follow up with a TR....it was her special day.



Got a good shot of Eman on the summit.

[NormaR]

Great to meet you EMan and beautiful pix! i look forward sharing a trail with you again. wish i had the equipment to BC ski with you. maybe next year?...

[tinaballina]

Glad you all had good time and fab pics eman.

ps: norma, how was the rock climbing class saturday?

[EMan]

Glad y'all liked the pix! So where were you, Tina?

[NormaR]

ps: norma, how was the rock climbing class saturday?

thanks for asking... Excellent! a bit damp, but we had fun. i got a B+ on my knots and did my first free rappel. they just forgot to tell me not to go head first!!! i got to see Riverside from a whole different perspective!

[calicokat]

Thanks for the trip report Ernie, it was a great day on the mountain indeed. I should be posting a couple of photos soon............