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| From March 27, 2010 |
Yesterday, Sam, Bart, Andy, and I got out for a version of the Super Tour. We got a late start in order to accommodate my morning soccer game schedule. I think it worked out for everyone: Andy has been skiing like there is no tomorrow and probably needed the rest; Sam had just flown in from Okinawa on Friday; and Bart has been spending lots of energy remodeling his house. The nice thing about spring touring is that it doesn't get dark until 8:30 or so. Plus, racing the sun can be fun.
Our plan was to start at White Pine, go up Red Pine, ascend the Pfeif, descend the south side of the Pfeif, traverse to the head of Hogum, drop in, climb up to Lightning Ridge, traverse Lightning Ridge to South Thunder Mountain, drop into Thunder Bowl, exit Bells Canyon, and stumble out on Wasatch Blvd. And I am proud to say that we stuck to the plan despite much complaining. I got some flak from certain members of our group about a 6 hr tour with only 6 turns, but as I kept reminding them, we were doing a TRAVERSE!!!
The traverse took about 6.5 hrs and afforded a great view of a lesser-traveled section of the Wasatch. I think if I had to choose, I would say that the 2 highlights of the traverse were (a) ascending out of Hogum to gain Lightning Ridge, and (b) descending Thunder Bowl. Thunder Bowl is visible from the valley, and it beckons all the time. Total ascent was around 5k and total descent was around 8k.
Here are a few pics:
Andy and Jim Knight ascending the Pfeif east ridge. Jim bailed us out by driving my car from the White Pine parking lot to the Bells trailhead. Thanks!
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| From March 27, 2010 |
After descending the south face of the Pfeif, we traversed the south rim of Hogum.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
We dropped into Hogum and then climbed to Lightning Ridge.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
Bart on the traverse under the Hogum rim.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
The booter up the Lightning Ridge.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
My favorite move of the day.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
Andy topping out with the Pfeif as a backdrop.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
Traversing Lightning Ridge.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
That's Lone in the background.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
Another shot of Lone.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
Eventually, we summited South Thunder Mountain, traversed to Thunder Bowl, and dropped in. Sam skiing Thunder Bowl.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
The shadows were long.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
Out we go.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
Moon on the horizon.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
The valley below.
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| From March 27, 2010 |
3 comments:
Amazing. Aaron and I explored the south face of the Pfeif on Thurs. Looks like you had some softer conditions with the new snow. So completely incredible up there. I love those mountains. Great tour.
For the record...
1. There is no tomorrow. Ethics class starts Monday.
2. It was Bart complaining about the 6 turns.
3. I love traverses!
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