Howdy All
I had a bad case of computeritis and wanted to snowshoe in the snow storm on Saturday as we had the week before. We had to break trail and route find from the Ranger Station on. I sank up to my knees or higher in the Sid Davis drainage. The wind picked up substantially once we reached Tamarack Valley, so we stayed on the shoulder of Cornell as we made our way over to the Miller Saddle. We ascended into a white out and it got progressively steeper. About 50% of the time I stepped up, I slid back in the powder. Poor John dropped another 6 to 12 inches when he stepped in my tracks and found it easier to break his own trail instead.
When it became apparent there was no more "up," we realized that we were at the Miller summit rocks. We were both extremely depleted (it was 1:30 PM) and took a quick hot soup break. Even though I wore Black Diamond mittens rated to -20 degrees F, my hands were in agony and my finger tips are still numb. The NWS indicated that with wind chill, the temperature was -15 degrees F. All my other clothing perfomed well and keep me warm.
Thanks to Knight Lilbitmo for writing a great trip report
The weather on Sunday was a complete turn about from Saturday -- the radiant heat made the 18 degree F temp on the summit of San J feel almost balmy. I love being on the mountain with so many friends -- my heart swells with gratitude and I want to weep with happiness. Also really appreciate the greyhounds (Z-dude, Dynamic Duo and Patti) breaking trail as my legs were still tired from slogging in the snow storm on Saturday.
The only assistance I provided to the greyhounds on Sunday was putting Z-dude's water bottles back into his pack for him
When my fast friends are breaking trail I can keep up -- thus reaping the dual benefits of less work and great company. It's also fun to hang out in back and ask them to stop lolly gagging and pick up the pace
-- the snowshoer's version of drafting on a bicycle.
Miles of smiles and thanks,
Ellen
