Backcountry skiing isn't always easy nor is it always fun. Bluebird skies, sunshine, and perfect snow conditions are far from the norm, but if you never experience both sides of the spectrum then you will never be fully prepared for when situations deviate outside your comfort zone. Yesterday, that comfort zone didn't exist; and it wasn't until later in the day that Adam and I regained it while scarfing down healthy amounts of fast food to bring us back to life (for Adam's recap on the day, please visit his blog which includes some pictures and a topo map of our route).
"Your buddy looks like he's in bad shape and is just wandering around like he's lost in the desert. Give him this Cliff bar."
I'm the buddy and I was completely out of it after seven hours into our trip. If I was a car, the fuel gauge needle would have been well past empty. What is normally a two-point-five hour hike to the summit while gaining 2,900 feet, became five hours with the help of constant 40mph winds coming right at us as if they were protecting the mountains from our intruding.
Right when you think you've experienced it all, you chalk up another day where you test the absolute limits that your body can handle. If this sounds familiar, you might remember trips to Vail Pass on 1/8/2009, Mount Democrat on 7/19/2008, and Mount Shavano on 4/19/2008.
I could have easily spent the weekend at the resorts, but I chose not to since that would have been the easy way out and one that follows a generic path. There is something special about being isolated away from everything while scaling mountains free from outside interruption. While the outcomes aren't always exciting and pleasant, it is the challenge that draws me closer each time.
In the end, Adam and I didn't reach our goal of skiing down Shooting Star Couloir off the summit of James Peak then climbing up Super Star for a very optimistic daily double. In fact, I had to stop myself three-hundred feet below the summit because the winds were too strong (read: I was quite uncomfortable ascending while the 60mph gusts were lifting me up off the ground).
Days like this can be terribly disappointing when you don't accomplish your original intent, especially when you lose sleep the previous night because your nerves are running wild in anticipation. But we returned to civilization unscathed and more eager to make a successful trip back to James Peak in the future.
Entrance to Shooting Star:
Super Star:
If there's ever an appropriate song to tie the day's events together, it might as well be "Let it Be" by the Beatles:
When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
When the broken hearted people
Living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be.
For though they may be parted
There is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
(instrumental break)
Let it be, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be an answer, let it be.
And when the night is cloudy
There is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be.
I wake up to the sound of music
Mother Mary comes to me
There will be no sorrow, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
There will be no sorrow, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.
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