We started out from the Mt. Shark parking lot around 9:30 under partly cloudy skies and a temperature of minus 8. The trail had been recently trackset all the way to the bridge over the Spray river. We also noted the various circuits had been groomed and trackset, so conditions were probably excellent on the Mt. Shark trail system. Once we had passed the bridge, the trail was well packed by skier traffic going to the Bryant Creek shelter and beyond. There was a dusting of new snow and both grip and glide were great. We paused occasionally to regroup and managed to keep pretty well in contact with each other. The forest started to thin out as we started the final climb to the meadows.

Icicle on Cone Mountain

On our way in we met about ten skiers who had spent the night at the Bryant Ck shelter, so those in the front of our group opted for lunch in the still warm cabin.

Wonder Peak, Mt Cautley & Gibraltar Rock

Bryant Ck. Shelter

After a lunch break of about half an hour, we started back to face the main challenge of the day. This was the steep hill down from the meadows. It well boot packed and without much snow for braking. Most elected to walk down which turned out to be both the faster and safer option.

Wise technique of descending narrow, steep slope

We made a brief diversion and stop at the Trail Centre wardens' cabin which none of us had seen. No front porch or particularly scenic views but a nice horse corral!

Group at Trail Centre warden cabin

Group at Trail Centre warden cabin

We had spotted a couple of American dippers hopping along the shores of Bryant Creek, which was interesting. After pausing for yet another view of Cone Mountain from the Spray bridge, it was a bit of a grunt up hill to Watridge Lake, the a quick ski back to the cars.

Cone Mountain, Spray River

Trip stats: 27 km, 475m elevation gain. 6.25 hours.

Thanks to all for their company and good cheer.

Participants: Philip (coordinator, photos), Bill (photos), Yolande, Phyllis, Shirley, Inge, Brian, Jane andRichard.