Dawn patrol

This morning was phenomenal is every way ... I couldn't stop thinking, "there's no place I'd rather be, and nothing else I'd rather be doing." Karen, Kevin, Galen and I headed out to East Mail for a dawn patrol backcountry ski. We were on the road by 6 a.m., skinning up by 7 a.m., skiing by 9 a.m. and home by 11 a.m. Despite the ubiquitously crusty conditions, we somehow managed to find a sweet stash of powder on a beautiful north facing pitch. We decided to name to run "Zippy's" because he led the charge ... bouncing gleefully down the slope. To the rest of our credit, our smiles were nearly as big as Zippy's when we took our turn to descend.

Skinning up bright and early in the morning.

Checking out a possible ski route before begin the ascent up the peak.

As always ... a great view from top and a happy crew.

Galen soars down the slope.

Kevin glides through knee deep powder.

Karen swoops in for a landing after a skiing a steep pitch.

Galen pulls to a stop.