12/16 crystal

Dan peck and I headed out south of the resort today in search of adventure, exercise, and maybe some not so horrible skiing.
Things were better than expected on all accounts.
We started from the front row of A lot at 8:00 and stopped by to sign out w patrol, but they were busy having a meeting. We waited around for awhile but bailed in favor of skiing.
Expected clouds, light winds, and moderate temps.
Got sun, cold, and calm (except warm in the afternoon sun). Excellent views!
Snow was 1-4" of cold old powder on a melt/freeze, mostly supportable crust.  It was actually a lot better for skiing than skinning. The soft snow on top was unconsidated and the crust below was slippery in the shade making for little confidence of purchase on traverses. Ski crampons don't work when you leave them in the car.
Dropped into crystal lakes basin from west of 3way @10am. Climbed south to saddle above sheep lake, and skied back down to crystal lakes on north facing. Snow was in good shape, weather was beautiful, and we both wanted to stretch the legs a bit, so we headed towards sourdough gap.
We climbed SE and dropped into Morse creek drainage, skinned to sourdough, and continued north with some side slipping and a short boot to gain a nice entrance back into Morse. Climbed up to the first notch off of 3way's south ridge, short drop with skins on and climbed back up to drop back into Silver basin pretty close to where we left the resort. An nice long return to the car for a tallboy, hi fives, and comfortable shoes.
A great day out on skis, better than expected.