Mammoth Week 3

Sunday Evening, our friends James and Min arrived from LA via Las Vegas. We were all excited about skiing together on Monday. James is a real expert, and he’s been coaching Min, who had never skiied before he started teaching her. We went pretty much all over – it’s impressive that Min just skis wherever. No fear. Late in the day, conditions got pretty icy, and Min took a scary fall and slide. But she seems to take it in stride, though she was a little banged up.

Monday and Tuesday were more warm spring conditions. Every day we went out, expecting that the snow would just be crummy, but through some miracle, we found great snow in several places.

On Tuesday, we were looking for a shortcut to return to our side of the mountain, but discovered the best snow of the day! Just below the McCoy Station is a run called Roger’s Ridge, and it was terrific.

Wednesday – SNOW!!! – we’ve been waiting for some new snow to refresh the runs. This morning, after a chilly and windy night, it started snowing. We waited for a while for some snow to accumulate before suiting up in warm gear. All of the lifts to the top of the mountain were closed. It was windy and cold and sometimes disorienting when the visibility faded. We both get dizzy when we can’t get our bearings. But how fun to have some fresh snow!

Thursday – The weather cleared up a bit. Just a few inches of snow on top of the hard-pack base. We met with our “heaven and hell” run. Remember Huevos Grande? Last week, it was great; just a little challenging at the top. Due to windy conditions today, the top was HORRIBLE. The wind had shaved any remaining flakes from the slopes, leaving an ice rink at about 40 degree slope. With a lot of serious edging, we managed to skid around the rock corner and take a moment to get our breath out of the wind and on some actual snow. Heavenly white, powdery, foot deep snow. the rest of the run was short, but both of us linked great turns all the way down and reallly enjoyed it. It’s good to (still) be alive.

Friday – Some more snow arrived – the snow gods know when we are leaving town. Or maybe they are just catering to the masses arriving for President’s Weekend. Carolyn’s knee was finally giving in, so she spent the morning in front of the fireplace, Fred took in a few hours of skiing.

We hit the road, then, on our way across the Sierras to visit Margaret and Troy, Carolyn’s sister and brother-in-law in Placerville. The snow had begun in earnest, and it was a slow and sloppy drive. Overnight in Placerville, then on the road again for a short visit with Carolyn’s dad in Cupertino.

Pictures to come as soon as Carolyn takes the time to work them over.