Grouse Gap Revisited

Happy New Year Everyone! With 2010 now upon us and the holiday season over with, it's time to get out there and enjoy. Yesterday seemed the perfect opportunity to head back to Mt. Ashland and do some X-C skiing.

As you know, my first trip to the mountain this season was cut short due to a couple of broken toes which seem reluctant to heal. A second trip on New Years Day was also cut short (we arrived only to turn around and come home) due to some gear issues... seems not all 3-pin X-C set ups are compatible as Heather found out after purchasing a pair of used boots to go with her free skis that wouldn't quite fit in the bindings.

Well, third time's a charm... yesterday was perfect! After leaving a foggy and rather cold Ashland in the morning, we arrived to find the weather at the mountain frighteningly warm and sunny for the first week of January and the 16 inches of snow which fell late on New Years Day has been groomed (up until the turn off to the shelter) and was in great shape. Despite being the last day of Christmas break the crowds (at least on the backside of the mountain) were manageable and everyone seemed to be in great spirits. The view from the shelter, as it always is on sunny days, was spectacular. Mt. Shasta was plainly visible and seemingly floating in a sea of fog which hung in the valleys. Best of all, my toes are feeling much better. After returning to the car, Heather and I walked to the Mt. Ashland lodge where I enjoyed a cold beer, and Heather a hot chai, as we watched the action on the slopes from the deck. The perfect end to a perfect day.

Until the next adventure...