Learning Lessons the Hard Way

This afternoon, Liam C., Nikki and I decided that more sweet powder and trees were in order. We explored some of Bear Mountain's pow stashes and found the snow to be tracked out. We decided some exploring was in order and ducked into a very tight section of woods. Despite a few open areas, we clawed our way through evergreen stands and eventually realized that we had switched to Adventure mode. After a long and steep descent, we found ourselves at the bottom of a ravine below Juggernaut. After finding a way to cross the creek, we ascended roughly 200 vertical feet in waist deep snow! What a workout! Lessons learned:

-There's a reason that there aren't any tracks there on a Saturday afternoon

-Crawling on knees prevents sinking in the snow...sort of

-Test the ice on the creek with a board, rock or stick first before crossing

-Avoid climbing towards trees, it's deep and unstable there

-Put goggles in pocket if you're going to be sweating

-Consult a trail map before exploring (we new we'd have to cross juggernaut at some point, so we were never actually lost)

-Whether snowboarding or exploring, it's all fun!

Liam and Nikki after crossing the creek (of death)

Roughly half way up the steep climb back to firm snow. It was super deep!