Wound up

Zippy, Gessy and I went up toward Reed Lakes off Arch Angel Road in Hatcher Pass a few weeks back. We had a good time hiking, picking blueberries and playing. Zippy got a little wound up ... I have no idea how that could have happened ; ) Summed up, a beautiful fall Saturday in Alaska.

Skiing at Hatcher

Ben and I went out for some early season turns today (actually this afternoon, we didn't leave the car until 2 p.m.). The snow was a bit crusty, but there was good coverage, beautiful blue skies and not even a hint of wind. We skied a face next to Microdot (see red line below).

On the approach to the face next to Microdot... we ended up skiing the line I marked in red

Ben putting on his boots at the car

Making our way up ... Mircodot is in the background

Ben laying in the skin track

What a beautiful bluesky day

The view from the ridgeline
Up on top ... time to pull the skins off and head down
Our tracks bathed in alpenglow
Ben pointing out where we skied

Skiing off into the sunset
Peace

Why I love to telemark...

I love driving along roads frosted by soft pink snow... it's as though dawn took a giant highlighter and colored the whole earth


I love the thick breathing, warm fingertips and mental focus as I ascend -- one step at a time -- up the mountain


I love the free, floating sensation... I drop off a lip, a little air under my feet, my right knee dives foward, then springs back...In one swift motion I'm simultaneously propelled upwards and downwards



I love the views! Bold icy peaks, the tongue of the ocean, trees dressed up for halloween as ghosts, crumpled snow, a silent forest, swooping birds...


I love feeling tired at day's end... my whole body melts into itself with the certainty that today was a day well-lived



I love the inspiration I inevitably walk away with... somehow being "out there" puts into perspective what's "here"

Skiing freshies in October!

What better way to celebrate the 200th post to this blog than with the inagrual appearance of video... vidoeo of skiing fresh pow pow yesterday up at Hatcher Pass!