Dec 31, 2007, - Jan 01, 2008, Snoqualmie, Kendall
12/31/07
WA Snoqualmie Pass
2093
1
I am certainly a sucker for the shortest drive to good snow. So, we tugged a couple of sleds from Gold Creek snopark into Kendall Lakes Basin for New Years Eve. The sleds made it easy to bring all of the proper libations and snacks.
We joined up with some friends who had come in on sunday, and needless to say they were grateful for the blue skies and a chance to dry out. We skied up to the ridge from our camp and hit the west flank of Kendall near the trees. The snow was equal to or better than the saturday before - great turns. We only managed one lap here but headed back up and along the ridge to the clear cut for a few more turns. I was surprised to find a nice untracked and continuous line down most of the east side of the clear cut - more good snow.
We ate dinner and hung out by our JavaLog until the wee hour of 8:10pm when we celebrated the new year and went to bed before 10pm. The dog was more tired than anyone after sprinting most of the forest service road and post holing our tracks all day and he passed out almost before the sun went down.
Pretty windy night, and the snow was blown around quite a bit by morning. I thought it would warm a bit, but it stayed fairly cool for 3300ft most of the night and on new years day.
Great way to bring in the new year.
More pictures here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/peter.spruance/20071231KendallPeakNewYears
This was my first experiment with ski pulks and I think they are great with this kind of approach. The jury is still out, and I'd love to hear about anyone's experiences with towing sleds.
ADDED: A couple goofy videos here:
Dog face shots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYbuHd7Uzrg
Using the skipulk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICZL5hUlx3k
We joined up with some friends who had come in on sunday, and needless to say they were grateful for the blue skies and a chance to dry out. We skied up to the ridge from our camp and hit the west flank of Kendall near the trees. The snow was equal to or better than the saturday before - great turns. We only managed one lap here but headed back up and along the ridge to the clear cut for a few more turns. I was surprised to find a nice untracked and continuous line down most of the east side of the clear cut - more good snow.
We ate dinner and hung out by our JavaLog until the wee hour of 8:10pm when we celebrated the new year and went to bed before 10pm. The dog was more tired than anyone after sprinting most of the forest service road and post holing our tracks all day and he passed out almost before the sun went down.
Pretty windy night, and the snow was blown around quite a bit by morning. I thought it would warm a bit, but it stayed fairly cool for 3300ft most of the night and on new years day.
Great way to bring in the new year.
More pictures here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/peter.spruance/20071231KendallPeakNewYears
This was my first experiment with ski pulks and I think they are great with this kind of approach. The jury is still out, and I'd love to hear about anyone's experiences with towing sleds.
ADDED: A couple goofy videos here:
Dog face shots:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYbuHd7Uzrg
Using the skipulk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICZL5hUlx3k
I think sleds are great. I started years ago making one with PVC tubing and a kids pulk sort of thing but quickly found the side slipping and braking to be a problem. I ended up with a commerical one and love it, a skege for a emergency break, stiff poles and runners to help track. I find it hugely easier to haul gear and child up a hill, but going down still scares me and it usually is survival skiing to get down.
cw
cw
Reply to this TR
Please login first: