June 30, 2011, Ellery Bowl
6/30/11
1860
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After a nice frosty morning at Mosquito Flat (end of Rock Creek road 10300', no snow) it was time for a few hours of hot spring relaxing closer to Mammoth. Got a call from Eric who went west yesterday with Jim to photograph Yosemite Valley at sunset and sunrise. I let him know approaches to Mammoth area tours would involve at least an hour of carrying skis. We arranged to meet for fish tacos at Whoa Nellie around 6pm and head north in search of more snow skinning from the car.
After 10 it got too warm for the spring so I headed for town to get more food supplies, free internet at the library, and spare oil for my car. It would be a shame to waste a ski day so I left for the cool breeze and altitude of Ellery for a short tour before meeting Eric and Jim. I reached 3" of slushy new snow about 300' below the crest, decided not to go higher and risk riding a slide solo, plus I saw Jim's van arrive, so I headed down carefully at first, then more confidently after 500' where the fresh snow had not accumulated. Eric met me at the bottom and said he'd filmed it all. If it looks impressive enough I will have to post it soon!
A few minutes later Zap and Jill showed up and joined us at Whoa Nellie for dinner. Shower time now, then off to Virginia Lakes to sleep high.
After 10 it got too warm for the spring so I headed for town to get more food supplies, free internet at the library, and spare oil for my car. It would be a shame to waste a ski day so I left for the cool breeze and altitude of Ellery for a short tour before meeting Eric and Jim. I reached 3" of slushy new snow about 300' below the crest, decided not to go higher and risk riding a slide solo, plus I saw Jim's van arrive, so I headed down carefully at first, then more confidently after 500' where the fresh snow had not accumulated. Eric met me at the bottom and said he'd filmed it all. If it looks impressive enough I will have to post it soon!
A few minutes later Zap and Jill showed up and joined us at Whoa Nellie for dinner. Shower time now, then off to Virginia Lakes to sleep high.
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