10.23.2011, Muir Icefield

Headed down to Muir to ski the foot of fresh powder that surely had fallen on Saturday day / night. The storm had cleared, as the beautiful drive and sunrise was proving. October face shots were certain to be had, or at least boot top pow, or at least some snow, or at least a Starbucks branch opening at Camp Muir.

Hiked up to the snow line beyond Pebble Creek, booted up a bit and then started skinning on firm snow that the sun would surely help soften up for the descent. Ascending up to a bench at around 8500' the snow was getting seriously hard and I switched back to booting to get to a flat rest spot. Not bringing crampons or axe meant I would relax until the sun softened the snow. But... it didn't. Relaxed for a while enjoying the views before heading back down on the boilerplate.

Looking up towards the summit we could see wind blowing snow all around... I can only imagine that the snow forecast to have fallen on Saturday all got blown away, and the face shots with it!