I couldn’t have asked for a nicer way to spend my birthday than skiing my all-time favourite loop on great conditions and in lovely weather.
Kelcie and Kim at the Pocaterra – Whiskey Jack junction
With a bright blue sky, no wind, and an air temperature of +2°C, it was shirtsleeve weather for most of the afternoon. The snow was still cold enough for wax VR55(0/-3).
Gini and Adrienne at the high point on Tyrwhitt
I frittered away as much time as possible while cruising through the Tyrwhitt meadows followed by the pleasant downhill to the picnic table. There were wolverine tracks to observe and skiers to chat with(always at a respectable distance of course).
I’m soaking it all in because who knows if we’ll be able to experience this next year?
The tracksetting on Whiskey Jack and Tyrwhitt is still in excellent condition. Elk Pass has about 10 cm of fresh snow but the tracks were still pretty good and lightning fast. With the fresh snow, it was easy to descend the steep hills under control.
Moraine
Fox Creek had occasional tree debris but my sticky wax never picked anything up. Moraine was in great shape but had a few sun-exposed spots which were wet. Neither issue detracted from the enjoyment of these two trails.
Tyrwhitt
I encountered 21 other skiers on the trails. My private parking spot at the Boulton Creek showers already had four vehicles on site when I arrived at 1:45 pm.
Spring Skiing Reminders
Spring skiing is upon us. I’d like to remind everyone to carry bear spray and take sun screen and/or a hat when you head out.
Bear tracks on Tyrwhitt April 12, 2006
I have a funny story to relate regarding bears in spring. Cheryl and I were skiing on April 12, 2006 on Tyrwhitt on fresh tracksetting, with a dusting of new snow on the grooming.
Skiing blissfully along, I suddenly spotted some unusual tracks. I said to Cheryl, “Why did the tracksetter guy get off his machine and walk barefoot in the snow here?” Cheryl took a look and clued me in quickly.
Cheryl swears she heard the bear in the trees. You could see the bear’s tracks emerging from the trees on the east side, perhaps this was his first foray out from hibernation. It was right at the picnic table, of course. Where else would you expect to see a bear?
Five years later, I spotted the same tracks on Whiskey jack and there was no mistaking them for a human’s.
