Ski touring, the lost art.
- January 5, 2019
- Team: Art
- Blackwell Lake
(but did not arrive)
- 10.1 miles, 1545' gain, 5:03 hours car-to-car. Class 1
Note: click images to see a larger version in a new window
As our 9am departure slid to 10, the style for the day was set: relaxed. But it's only 20 minutes from the house to where we parked, so relaxed was really pretty appropriate. So we parked at Little Payette Lake and skied over the hill to the corral (in the snow, there's no close-by parking on East Lake Drive). Then proceeded up the snowmobiled-road to the summer trailhead for the Crestline trail. After that, we were breaking trail in 4-6" of light powder. You get a better sense of snow conditions by noticing how far in Ruby has sunk. |
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When we got to this creek crossing, we failed to realize there was a bridge, which was so easy to once you crossed the creek. Instead, we had skied across ...something.. under the snow. Log? Brush? Rocks? |
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The trail follows an old logging road, so the grade is mellow..errr...relaxed. |
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After a bit, things open up. |
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When the sun came out and the watch showed noon, it was time for a relaxed lunch. |
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| Ruby worked the crowd. |  |
The map showed an elongated switchback without much gain. But the scenery made it worthwhile. Love the tams! |
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So far, 5.7 miles. For me, time to turn around. So we never did get to Blackwell Lake. Next time. Maybe. Also next time, we might take an alternate route (and major shortcut) up the ridge you see across the way here. |
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But we did get high enough for some great views. This is the backside of Jughandle. |
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And looking back down to Little Lake. From here, it's a relaxed and relaxing 1600' drop to the car. |
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| Then the creek crossing again. From this side, it was easy to see the bridge. Nonetheless, getting across wa a bit touch and go. |  |
| Map
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