Tag Archive for 'sleep deprivation'

Pinball Alley (and Friends)

Published on May 14, 2012 by a ok.

Pinball Alley. Not a very wide alley.

Landed a decent photo of Pinball Alley when I was on Cardiff Peak with J-Bo last week, and it looked continuous upon inspection. Why wait? The days aren’t getting any shorter or colder. I proferred ski options during the invite process. Jason offered his own, suggesting ‘continuous pow.’ Hmm. Presuming that he preferred to avoid using the lengthy shoelaces for a descent, we agreed easily upon Mount Superior’s Pinball. It was a good choice, even if it didn’t offer either of his chosen descriptors.

We met up at the Park n Ride at 7am, and, following a quick drive up the canyon, were quickly in position to ascend. We agreed that booting looked favorable, and left skins in the auto. Some mixed walking – snow, then talus, then snow again – found us at the base of the couloir in short order. We donned crampons, pulled out ice axes, and began to ascend. Because there are shadows cast on the looker’s left half of the line, we found that snow to be quite firm. The snow on the right half was soft corn. Sticking Continue reading ‘Pinball Alley (and Friends)’

Located in 03 Adventures, Going Light(er) Fast(er) Far(ther) and Wasatch 6 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

One of the Worst Ski Days of My Life

Published on April 17, 2012 by a ok.

It’s difficult to nail down my exact worst day of skiing. Short of a full burial by avalanche, every other episode probably pales in comparison. I say probably because that’s what I’ve heard from survivors.

Anyway, it had to happen sooner or later.. Perhaps it’s fitting that shortly after my best pow day of the season, I treated myself to one of the worst ski days of my life. After all, the idea fits the theme of this season perfectly: best year ever last season, worst year ever this season. Why wouldn’t my life resemble Mother Nature and her manic ways?

Much of the day, this was as good as it got. Is that an overhanging cornice? Underhanging? Is there a difference between ground and sky? Are you certain?

I’ve had days like this before, but as far as I can remember, this one provided just that little extra tickle to the funny bone, assuring that it wouldn’t be classified as just an ordinary off-kilter day. In my view, days like this are largely about sheer Continue reading ‘One of the Worst Ski Days of My Life’

Located in 03 Adventures, 11 Perspective, 12 Random and Wasatch 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Monte Cristo Directissimo

Published on April 9, 2012 by a ok.

Pondsy came to town – all the way from Boston – so like any conscientious ski mountaineer, I did not suggest that we ski the foot or so of untracked, buttery soft, light as a feather powder still to be found on certain aspects here in the Wasatch range. No snorkel meter measurements for us. No. Instead, I agreed that it was a fine idea when he suggested the south facing Directissimo. That seemed likely to provide a fine outing on a variable snow surface.

The moon, sunrise, Superior, Pondsy out for a stroll in the Wasatch..

Indeed, the line included all of: bulletproof, flowing water, breakable crust, frozen avy debris, corn, chicken heads, and death cookies. No powder in sight. It was sweet. Some people search high and low for a ski descent that provides smooth consistency in the snow surface from top to bottom. That’s no way to Continue reading ‘Monte Cristo Directissimo’

Located in 03 Adventures, Going Light(er) Fast(er) Far(ther) and Wasatch 4 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Turkey Burner

Published on November 24, 2011 by a ok.

Skiing on Thanksgiving morning/day has been a tradition for me for some time, just as it is on July 4th. What better way to fire up an appetite on this day of gluttony and power lounging? Over the years, this holiday ski tradition has sometimes included (now ex-) girlfriends, friends, or even been a solo venture.

Hard-won wisdom of the ages has revealed that skiing with friends is the most fun option. So when I got an invite from Andy to join in on a crazy idea (just like his ski suit), a ‘Skin the Turkey’ informal rando race, it sounded like a fun option.

Never mind that in the last two days, I’d skinned 14,000 feet, or that I’d only managed 9 hours of sleep over the prior three nights. Details like these take a backseat when there’s skiing to be done. So what if I felt completely trashed at the outset? More exercise, more vertical, more laughter, more sweat, more thin early season snowpack, more howling wind, more tears. It’s living. It’s a holiday! Any excuse will do…

Toeing the line on Turkey Day.

Besides, I wanted to see what Continue reading ‘Turkey Burner’

Located in Wasatch 2 Comments Tags: , , .

What’s Behind a Speed Record?

Published on September 1, 2011 by a ok.

Lopped twenty minutes off my previous fastest trailhead to summit to trailhead time on the Pfeifferhorn today, set only three weeks ago. Still getting faster, still not fast. Fortunately, when one is as slow as I am, there’s plenty of room to trim time from personal records. Still, the effort had me huffing and puffing up and down the mountain – no surprise there.

Peering down the NW Couloir of the Pfeiff in 1:55. Took two minutes to snap two photos and slug some water, then headed back down.

But during the extended, labored breathing session, I thought some about what it takes to set a speed record – personal, or for a peak (or for a peak enchainment, as has become the far more common standard). Of course, personal records are different than THE speed record, as recent Continue reading ‘What’s Behind a Speed Record?’

Located in 06 Energy Sources, 11 Perspective, Tetons and Wasatch 0 Comments Tags: , , .

Touring Timpanogos

Published on August 29, 2011 by a ok.

Headed out with Jim Knight to cover some ground on Timpanogos on Saturday. With route options to spare, the goal was to get in some mileage and some vertical, which Timp offers in abundance. Dodging the impressively large crowds, we headed up the northeast ridge after departing from just beyond the Timpooneke campground. This route includes a bit of all-out, ‘make your own way’ sort of shrubwhacking. This time of year, the bushes have some decent height to them – enough to swallow children whole.

Jim 'I know there's a trail in here somewhere' Knight plows through the lush.

The Bushes were soon behind (just like in political life..), then it was on to Continue reading ‘Touring Timpanogos’

Located in 03 Adventures, 04 Gear I Use, 06 Energy Sources and Wasatch 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .