Where There is Snow...there is FUN!

If you are a downhill, xcountry, or snowshoe fan, there is still snow in those mountains west of Denver.  Yesterday, thirteen avid snow sport loving men and women took advantage of the Outdoor Adventure program offered by Malley Recreation Center, in Englewood.

Downhiller's were dropped at Copper Mtn. Resort, before the bus moved on to Gold Run Nordic Center at Breckenridge.  Slopes at the resort were snow-covered and looked fine despite climbing temperatures into the high 40's and more. 

At the Nordic Center, some move out in pairs others like me choose to go solo.  Starting on the Up and Over trail, I decide to have a slow-paced outing.  The sun is out in full blast this morning which causes extreme squinting until the eyes adjust.

As I approach the junction with Jessie's Trail, I stop for a moment to take in the sights around me and connect with the beauty of winter's landscape.  Continuing another hundred yards, I notice an area leading into the trees as it gains elevation.  Up to this point snow under my shoes has been hardened by the daily melting and overnight refreezing of the top layer.  A loud crunching noise is all I've heard since leaving the trailhead. 

The first step off trail reminds me of what snowshoes are supposed to do.  Keep you from sinking into deep snow.  Well, my left snowshoe went deeper and deeper until my knee was below the top of the snow.  In order to maintain my balance, I was forced to plant both poles immediately.  They, with baskets went into the snow over half the poles length.

A slow methodical pace followed as I crossed an open area.  Extra effort was needed to pull each shoe out of the snow cave it had created and keep the leg high enough as to remain above the deep snow and making the next plunge.  In retrospect, it was a wonderful experience.  Best described as walking through a pool of white jello.

Snowshoer's enjoy a day in the snow.

Ahead, I noticed a trail coming from my right.  Making the transition out of deep powder and back to a more secure footing, I follow the well-used path.  Various turns and downed trees remind me that I am on a section of the Hoo-Doo-Voo-Doo trail.  I was here a few weeks ago. 

After a number of short ups, trail continues a gradual climb.  Now closing in on noon, I look for a spot to set up the kitchen.  A small flat area, possibly with a rock formation would be good.  Another 100+ yards of climbing then to my right I spot it.
 
Two pines with thick branches caught most of the heavy snowfall, rendering the ground under them snow free.  Next to the trees, an exposed flat rock surrounded by soft dead pine needles made it the place to stop. 

There was a continuous breeze so a wind screen would be needed.  With the flame on high, a pot of eight ounces of water would come to a rolling boil in less than three minutes.  Enough time to make a bench seat out of the snow on the slope next to the stove.  A piece of plastic would protect me from getting wet during lunch.

Typical winter setup for a hot lunch on trail.

 A small hand towel served as my table cloth.  Utensils, a pouch of ready-made tuna salad, my pocket knife, and a pack of ramen noodles are placed on the cloth.  The lid on the pot is now vibrating.  Time to add noodles, and powdered chicken broth.  Cover and turn the stove to simmer.

While lunch is brewing, I bury a zip bag of six large whole strawberries in the snow.  Add a sleeve of powdered fruit drink to a bottle of water, then bury the beverage in the snow.

The aroma of hot chicken broth must extend beyond the area because overhead I hear the fluttering of wings.  A bird came by to check out the smell.  A squirrel starts to chatter close-by.  It's telling all it's friends to 'Come over for lunch, there is plenty for everybody.'

Time for dessert.  I want a strawberry.  Pulling the zip bag out of its icy cave, the pouch is covered with patches of snow indicating the berries are well chilled.  Cut off the leafy cap and slice the berry in half.  As I take the berry from the end of the blade, I am reminded of my grandfather.  At the age of eight, Pappy would pick an apple, wipe it on his bib overalls, slice a piece off, and holding the slice with his forefinger to the blade of his knife, offering the apple slice to me.   
  
The six king-size berries were a special treat today.  The chilled fruit drink went down easily, while tearing down the kitchen and repacking everything for the return.

Natural beauty of back country in winter.

 I had not met a sole on trail all day.  Then rounding the final bend before the Nordic Center, I meet John Herakovich, on one more short solo tour.  I could not have scripted a better day than this.  These mountains provide a level of solitude I will never get enough of.

The final winter outing offered by Malley Rec. Center is March 29th, when we go to Keystone Resort.