The Noodler is still charging the Front Range above Anchorage. He sent this quick dispatch from the field for a recent bike-hike-ski of the Ptarmigan Couloir ("S" Couloir):
Sun cups were small and soft.
2" ski penetration.
The lower half was peppered with small surface rocks.
3 small portages to ski to the bikes.
7 short portages with the bikes over snow.
Super fun.
Aim to ski after 11pm for maximum sun exposure.
I want to go back ASAP.
"S" Couloir at Night |
Gremmie and at least one Brefan have been out climbing around Utah. Check out the climbing in Lone Peak Cirque above SLC and some desert towers: click here
Over the weekend I made the drive to Hope, AK for some skiing and live music. The recent weather has been unbeatable with endless daylight under cloudless skies. The drive along the Turnagain Arm never gets old.
Pyramid Peak from the Seward Highway |
Explorer Glacier and Carpathian Peak above the Turnagain Arm |
Lower Palmer Creek (6/23) |
The drive is a buffet of awesome skiable gullies on either side of the road; the road is bridged across the creek in two places so there is really no need to ford the creek if you see something you like: just keep driving / walking until you are on the "right" side of the creek.
Upper Palmer Creek (6/24) |
At the Mile 10 gate there is a parking area could hold about 8 vehicles and is just above tree line so cruising around up here is easy no matter the season. There are also several mining roads and trails that can get you up to some nice lakes and higher valleys.
Cruising Out |
I hope your summer is off to a great start and that all of your wildest dreams come true!
- U.K.