This past weekend 5 of us skied into the Bryant Creek shelter for a night. None of us were real experts at back country skiing so it was a good experiment. I think the general consensus was that it was an enjoyable trip although we did encounter some challenges along the way. Our food planning was probably a little over-done for a single night but it's better to carry food out than go hungry. Next time it would be nice to stay an extra night and ski around a bit for that middle day without a heavy pack. I think the chances are good for a return trip next year. This time with a little less garlic bread...
Chris rented a sled to haul his gear. It was a good idea and worked well although it was more difficult to pull in the fresh powder near zero conditions we encountered on the way out.
Ben, Geoff, Chris and Adam on the way in. This portion of the trail went through the Mt. Shark nordic trail system. It was nicely groomed and track set on the way in. By the time we skied out the next day, a bunch of fresh snow and drifting snow had covered up the nice tacks and groom job.
Chop chop. Geoff chopping some wood just before we left for the next occupants of the cabin.
Bryant Creek shelter. Ben in the foreground and Geoff in the background.
Adam, negotiating a steep decent although it doesn't look that steep in tis picture.
The second half of the trail in to the shelter was single track, skier set tracks through relatively flat forest. It was nice skiing although when you plant your pole in the snow off the track it had a habit of disappearing up to the hilt. Better powder baskets on the poles are a must.
On the trip out the conditions were difficult. Fresh drifting snow and warm near zero degree temperatures made selecting the right wax a nightmare. We stopped a half dozen times on the way out to re-wax and curse. Other people on the trails that day had the same problems as us so we weren't alone.
Ben, at one of our last stops to re-wax. By this time we were all frustrated.
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