Mark Renson
New member
<I>(Note from the Administrator: This report was originally posted on 4/16/00. Due to our move to new servers, the date and time attributed to this post is incorrect.)</I> <BR> <BR>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <BR> I had to work Saturday, so I figured I'd take a chance on the weather for Sunday. I trudged up the Tuck's trail finding steadier ice & snow past the switchbacks. I ran into OEC instructor Ned and he & I and Von hustled up to Hermit Lake. <BR> On the way, some drizzle started and then ceased. While at HoJo's, a view of the bowl even appeared. <BR> Hillman's Highway was skiable, but looked anemic - more snow was to be found there last May 16. Up into the bowl we went and I took refuge in the Lunch Rocks, mindful of the falling ice potential. Fog rolled in and only a few people were present. I put on my crampons and found crusty snow in the Right Gully which made for enjoyable climbing. One woman there warned me of tricky conditions which had just caused her friend to biff and take a nasty fall which was being tended to below. <BR> On the descent, some tricky snow was found. It was edgeable, yet a little crusty. We traversed right into the bowl where snow turned to smashed potatoes. These smashed 'taters were rude - I'd make a hop turn and just come to a stop in the glop. It was very difficult. <BR> A crevasse was just starting to form under the Lip. Good cover was observed in Chute and Laft Gully and there was a line down the Headwall with much snow in the Bowl. The snow was crap, though. What is needed is a hard freeze overnight with a good sun-blasting to make the corn that we gotta' have. <BR> It seemed as though temps were starting to fall and we all looked at each other and decided to call it a day. "Not worth risking blowing out both knees simultaneously" I stated. <BR> Descending to HoJo's, we encountered the litter used to carry the injured hiker - broken leg. I "suited up" and assisted the operation down the steep rocky trail. A static line belay was used toi assist in the lowering of the litter. This also meant I had to head back uphill to retrieve my toys. <BR> Next on the menu was the Sherburne Trail. It was in rude shape - long ugly bare spots. The skiing was lousy and I cannot see it being opened any longer. <BR> Skiing was lousy. Like I said, what is needed is a hard freeze overnight with a good sun-blasting to make the corn that we gotta' have. Go as soon as the corn forms 'cuz it ain't gonna' last too much longer. <BR> Glad to be on The Rockpile, though!!