James Peak TR 12/5

[nealric]

After failing to summit james 3 weeks ago due to starting at noon, It was decided that another go was mandatory.

Woke up at 6 AM this time (instead of 10)!

We pulled into the st Mary's glacier only to hear the ominous warning that the wind had stolen all the snow. But, we dindnt drive 2 hours to turn back due to something as silly as a lack of snow. There was plenty on the trailhead, and we were actually able to skin up the trail to the glacier.

Upon getting over the glacier, we found that the nice man was correct. It was gone!

To compare:
Before (mid nov):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2074.jpg
After
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2185.jpg

But, stuboorn people that we were, we forged ahead. The upper mountain still had snow, but it was some of the funkiest snow I have ever seen- winpacked to the point of being ice with strange ridges throughout.

Unfortunatly we were foiled again by the slow pace of walking over rocks in boots. We were about 30min away from the summit when we decided that the dark would catch up to us if we didnt turn around.

Looking out from the high point:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2156.jpg

The north face chutes definetly needed some more snow.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2155.jpg


The way down was some of the strangest skiing we had ever experienced.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2160.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2165.jpg

Later we decided to walk the fine line between skiing and walking over rocks with skis strapped to your feet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2171.jpg

Overall, a fun if not strange day of skiing. Right after the 2nd to last shot, I fell through a crust and did a double binding eject from the sudden deceleration. I would reccomend waiting for more snow on this one.

[Trackhead]

Good on ya for not turning back due to a lame excuse such as 'no snow'. Makes for a good outing.

[Pinner]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...c/IMG_2165.jpg

this is a cool photo.