April 22, 2004, Lady Peak, cheam range, BC

Sponsor - Tom de Bari, Milano's of Glacier
Photographer - Steve Hindman

We drove up Chilliwack River to Foley Cr. to the opened gated entrance to Airplane Cr and up that steep, rough road to the trail.  Then we skiied up Airplane Creek, past the planned access chutes on Knight Peak (these were a few weeks past their prime) and up to the inviting slopes at the head of the creek near Lady Peak.  A good route up to 7,000 feet.  Lot's of good terrain all around.  Especially Chipmunk Creek to Cheam Peak which looks good for the future.  Coming down we variously had good corn and "breakable slush".  It was a hot day and the slopes are south facing.  My waxless Pixxis were valuable going up and down the long access road but Tom's fat TMEX s showed their stuff going down the soup.  Take your pick. About 8 1/2 hours car to car.

We piled tired into the SUV and headed down to Foley Cr.  The gate was locked when we got there!  We backed over the bridge to park the car and a truck went by on Foley Cr. Rd.  We missed it.  Would there ever be another ride?  We walked 4 k down to Chilliwack River and then around the corner to the Ford Prison entrance.  While trying to hitch a ride there we missed the large sign right behind us - "Do Not Pick Up Hitchikers Here!"  We went to the prison gate and Tom was allowed in to make some calls. Eventually he got hold of someone with a key, who generously offered to drive up and save us (from spending the night in Chilliwack).  All's well that ends well.