So this weekend was supposed to be a Shasta Fun Fest but unfortunately for me I could not make it due to the fact I could not get out of work Mon. morning or Tues and Wed for that matter and knowing that the days preceding Denali are limited like the hairs on my head I decided to waste no time and get out in my very own winter playground.
The day started with a wake up call that left me feeling as though I had just closed my eyes, a quick lather of PB&J on some month old potato bread; hey if there is no mold it's edible right, and a stop for coffee for my climbing partner and candy for me. As we made our way out of the cloud choked valley and with permit in hand we were greeted with the proverbial wrench in the spokes.... we realized we had forgotten one crucial element... Gas!!! We quickly made our way back down the hill and fueled up and hurried our way to the trail head.
As always the first mile my body played its same old games. First the yawns, then the heavy breathing, the premature body aches but as soon as by brain and the rest of my body got on the same page I felt like a million bucks and the uphill party was on! We were able to make great time, hit our objective and have just enough time for some PB&J before we lost the sun behind the snowy backdrop. As the sun set so did the temps and boy did it get cold.
The day ended with us forfeiting the snowshoes for the last mile and basically ice skating to the car door. As we cranked the heater and made for lower ground we scarfed down the candy I couldn't seem to find in my bag earlier in the day and plan out the next weeks outings.
Now as another step toward Denali is planted I say good night, and lets hope those BP&J's don't wake me!
I will post pics of today's fun soon as well as a trip report from our team members Shasta climb. Oh and be sure to check out the AUCTION PAGE for some cool gear from or friends at VonZipper, remember proceeds from the sales go to the SGWA.
