We had an excellent day and a successful daylight transit. High overcast in the morning, bluebird sky in the aft.

Pre-trip we ended up dividing the group up by strength. So three were designated "Moderates", drove out together, and stayed in close touch all day. So what should the others be called? I was thinking about "Immoderates" but after all the discussion about avi conditions they (the Moderates) decided to key off the avi ratings and refer to the other four at the "Considerables".

The two cars arrived within minutes of each other and we were on the skiout a few minutes after 8:30. Most were on 1/2 skins, a few used wax. Actually the most effective was probably Mike's fish-scale Saloman 89 skis.

We gained the Skoki trail above Temple lodge after a bit more than an hour and continued generally in the two groups.

Three "Considerables" - Uli, Sim and Mike (Temple in the bkg)

But occasionally we could see each other when there was a bit of a view. The Considerables gained Deception pass a little before noon, the Moderates a few minutes after.


The "Moderates" at Deception Pass - David, Yolande, Shirley (Redoubt in bkg)

View to Skoki Lodge from Deception Pass.

The view from Deception Pass towards Skoki Lodge.


Descent off Deception Pass

The descent was a little tricky as the trail was hard packed although not icey. Even the strongest ended up travelling a little faster than was comfortable,

We were all at Skoki Lodge by a few minutes after 1. Making for a very respectable 4:30 travel time including short breaks. We were a little too early for afternoon tea, but the lodge served up an excellent curried Indonesian squash soup. We headed home in the same two groups.

Mike heading back up from Skoki Lodge

Three "Considerables" (Sim, Carl and Uli) at Boulder Pass

Uli on the return from Boulder Pass (Mt Pika in bkg)

The Considerables arrived at the cars at 4, the Moderates at 4:45. David reports that this is one of his fastest transits. And he was a little younger when he started skiing this trip 25 years ago.

Many thanks to participants Sim,David,Yolande,Mike,Shirley, and Ulrike for joining me, Carl (C/S)

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