I did consider joining David on his trip to Elk Lake ... I think I should have! I looked, however, at the weather forecast. Sunday looked better. So I thought I would call this trip and take my wider skis for a walk ... alas a walk in the woods it was more or less ... not really what I had in mind. The snow cover was quite a bit less than the last time I tried this trip. We left early as last time we ran out of time ... unfortunately our early start was not rewarded. I was rewarded, however, by a good group who coped with my bad call with good humour and made the best of things. Strong trail breaking and lumber traversing allowed us to get to Honeymoon pass at around noon.

We parked at a ploughed pull out about 0.5 Kms north from the Honeymoon pass summer trailhead. There was an old ski track from this location heading east through the burn. We took this but were concerned it may head to far north from our objective. It weaved and winded through the burn and deadfall but eventually we decided to cut our own trail in a more southerly direction towards our objective. Mike did stalwart work on this section up over and never under (though the timber tried) the deadfall and burnt timber. We did eventually intersect the summer trail to Honeymoon pass that had an old ski track also.Being a little perverse I did enjoy the different views - this burned country does open up views of the Kootenay park with, to me, a different beauty, particularly in winter.

I had planned to head south and up to Hawk ridge before the pass, we had some good skiing on this slope a couple of years ago, but the snow cover was not inspiring confidence so we decided to head to Honeymoon pass.In the vicinity of the pass we crossed, with usual precaution, some avalanche slopes. The south facing ones showed evidence of slides but everything north facing seemed to be hanging together. Alas at the pass, as the trail guide says, not much for views - apart from some "elevens" (ask Mike and Philip!).

On the return we tried to follow a variation of the summer trail. I think it was to be preferred on approach also. We were at the cars around 2:30 pm. The summer trail route from a secure parking location involves a bit of a slog by the highway. The summer trail, as the deadfall has been sawn in most spots, is, however, to be preferred, I think, .... if ever I can get anyone to try this trip with me again! Thanks again to Philip, Mike, Bill, Gerald and Lisa for getting up early, breaking trail and keeping smiling from John.

Postscript: If Norman or Carl reads this: The above is all lies we enjoyed knee deep powder turns from the pass to the highway.