docross
In Memoriam to a Deceased Member
Mike L and Al and I attempted the Saddlebacks the day after our epic Bigelow traverse. The weather forecast called for low temps but dropping winds, so we thought we had a shot at the peaks.
Upon arriving at the Saddleback parking lot we checked in with the Ski Patrol to let them know of our whereabouts. They said the wind was 25-30 on the summit.
We headed up the Green Weaver trail, which switchbacks across the mountain, requiring more miles but less effort. On the way up we attracted a lot of attention from skiers, who stopped and asked us what we were doing and marveled at people silly enough to want to walk up the mountain. The fact that we were layered down to fleece vests and polypro in the cold temps made us even more of a spectacle.
We checked in with Ski Patrol twice more, and finally layered up for good at the top of the T-bar. Heading away from the ski slopes toward the summit, we soon felt that the wind had not dropped as predicted. Despite that, the views were amazing, and we plodded over to the summit of Saddleback.
Here a quick conference revealed that none of us really wanted to do the 3.2 mile RT to the Horn in those winds and temps, even Al who would have finished his 3 season NE HH.
So back down the slopes and an early return home. All in all, a satisfying day, and confident that we made the right decision to turn back.
Photos and GPS tracks here: Bigelows and Saddleback Feb 2007
Notes: Ski Patrol were very pleasant and accomodating, as were all the skiers we encountered.
Upon arriving at the Saddleback parking lot we checked in with the Ski Patrol to let them know of our whereabouts. They said the wind was 25-30 on the summit.
We headed up the Green Weaver trail, which switchbacks across the mountain, requiring more miles but less effort. On the way up we attracted a lot of attention from skiers, who stopped and asked us what we were doing and marveled at people silly enough to want to walk up the mountain. The fact that we were layered down to fleece vests and polypro in the cold temps made us even more of a spectacle.
We checked in with Ski Patrol twice more, and finally layered up for good at the top of the T-bar. Heading away from the ski slopes toward the summit, we soon felt that the wind had not dropped as predicted. Despite that, the views were amazing, and we plodded over to the summit of Saddleback.
Here a quick conference revealed that none of us really wanted to do the 3.2 mile RT to the Horn in those winds and temps, even Al who would have finished his 3 season NE HH.
So back down the slopes and an early return home. All in all, a satisfying day, and confident that we made the right decision to turn back.
Photos and GPS tracks here: Bigelows and Saddleback Feb 2007
Notes: Ski Patrol were very pleasant and accomodating, as were all the skiers we encountered.
