Searching for backcountry gold

This is about the search for gold, not the gold that you put in rings and is real valuable. This gold does have real value just different value. It is the white kind. The kind that falls from the sky when we do have a winter. Yup, snow!  This is going to be about the winter of going out in the backcountry looking for that gold and hopefully our pop up will come in handy at some point... So I hope you enjoy a journal of backcountry skiing.

The first hike came just after Christmas on the 27th of December. It also came after a nice little storm which also brought some cold temperatures. At this time of year with low sun angle and low temperatures the powder can last for days. This snow was just about the best snow the Sierras can offer and it had low avalanche danger. However, you just had to earn it the hard and fun way!!! You know "earn your turns."

My backcountry partner of close to 30 years and I decided to go up to Kev's ridge, yes it is named after me. It sits just behind my house, so we know the area well.



First light!

If it is going to be winter it might as well be cold!! 

Breaking trail is just part of the deal.

The kind of gold we were looking for

and views we were looking for.

Even Murph was licking his chops

and waiting for us to get our act together.....not sure if videos will even work, but gave it a try. You just got to trust me that it was very good coming down on this day

Another day with more outstanding views.

Just keep the tiny bubbles pointed uphill

to get rewards like this.

and turns right into the lake

Hike up, ski down, and hike up makes you want to celebrate.

So what do you do when the weather changes and has high winds, lots of snow, warming temps(that is 3 out 5 on the avalance scale), and even started to rain?  You go out into the woods and play with the avalanche beacons. We like to hide one beacon and the other searches for it

with the rain the skiing wasn't a very attractive option.  So it was time to put on the snowshoes and have some fun with the beacons.

I do believe I would be in great hands if anything did happen.I also came up with the idea to start training Murphy and see how he handled being a avalanche rescue dog.

He found the glove, but I think it was more he found the treat inside the glove.

He also didn't want any aid from no beacon.  Boy the training you would need to do this, would require lots of patience, not to mention treats....  hats off to the ski patrol who train their dogs to perform this very valuable job

this is one last picture to close out the month of January.  Next up is February.  My goal is to keep getting out and Take More Pictures!!!!! Did you know randonee is french for can't tele.... it use to be on a bumper sticker back in the day...  My other favorite is free your heel, you'll free your mind....  I say these things because there is something blowing in the wind for the month of February......