May 10, 2006, Patrician Bowl, Rock Creek, Sierra

We spent another evening at the Rock Creek Sno Park and it was cool and comfortable compared to Bishop. In the morning we returned to our parking spot at the base of Pointless Peak and immediately noticed that the snow bank had diminished about 2 feet in the past three days.  The above average temperatures are having an affect especially with the high night time temperatures.  From our parking spot, we skinned in a northerly direction and wrapped around the north side of Pointless. The parking area had 8 vehicles so we assumed someone would be touring in Patrician.  To our surprise, we were the only folks in the enormous bowl.  This place is another one of our favorites because it is an easy mile tour into the bowl.  The bowl provides steep avy slopes on the north aspect, mixed rock and tree lines on the east facing end, plus treed lines on the south facing slopes.  Most runs are 700vf and you can follow the sun and select the most appropriate aspect during the thaw cycle in the spring.  We skied east and north facing slopes and enjoyed Sierra cream.  Patrician Lake is near the base of the north runs and the aqua color of the thaw cycle glistened in a landscape of white, green and granite.  We just hung out on some rocks and enjoyed the solidarity and beauty that surrounded us.  This place fills your eyes and heart.  Some days you just need to absorb the beauty of your surroundings.  Well, we enjoyed it a bit too much and stayed a bit too long.  Our ski out was wonderful, except for the final 300 vertical from the bench to the camper.  It was about 1pm and the lower snow had become isothermal and was not enjoyable for my petite 205 pound frame. Next time we will shorten the rock lounging time a bit. Next touring stop will be the Onion Valley area just west of Independence.  The Telemarktips gang is having a Spring Gathering at the end of the Onion Valley road this weekend.  It should be a fun filled weekend, especially with the full moon.

Zap & Jill