Reaching Another Ton

Tuesday was one of those perfect touring days and I managed to find a couple of hours for a play on Signature Hill. After another –6C overnight, I headed out around 10:30 to allow for some softening. I slightly miscalculated, as the north facing chutes were already soft. The result was big wash out turns down the steeps. The east facing slopes were spot-on.

After 4 climbs and descents I had proved to myself that I wasn’t as fit as I thought and headed back to the village.

Today is the 10th of the 10th (10x10=100) and today was my 100th day on the snow since June. I like the symmetry - nice round numbers and a total fluke. Today was fun. I got out later than hoped and despite the fact that there was another overnight freeze, with the temperature being 3 degrees warmer than yesterday, I was expecting softer conditions. Thanks to a slightly brisker breeze, the snow wasn’t too soft, although I did manage to create a couple of wet slides on the steeper north facing slopes of Signature Hill.

Tuesday’s target – Signature Hill

The giant kicker on Signature Hill

The rocks are breaking from their white chrysalis

Tuesday's mission accomplished

Wednesday – return to the scene of the crime

Wet slides on the northern chutes

Today’s tracks dark against yesterday’s silver

Each turn equates on average to 14 steps up

Signature Hill from the other side of the valley

The bureau has been forecasting foul weather for the next four days. This morning they thought there would be 11-20mm of precip on Friday but that has been revised this afternoon to just 6-10mm possibly falling as snow on the higher peaks. Only time will tell. A white cover on the brown snow would help slow the rot that is very noticeable when your skinning over the surface.

The coast seems to be calling, even if just for a short time.