Barb

Good week in Utah! Indian Creek is an iconic rock climbing area near Canyonlands NP. There is the greatest concentration of splitter crack routes anywhere. Absolutely no cell or WiFi in the area so the main parking area and all the BLM campgrounds have message boards where people hang notes to find climbing partners, and let their friends know where they are. We camped at SuperBowl campground about 10 miles from supercrack parking lot. The skinny tower on right in the distance is south six shooter that we climbed in the fall. Crack climbing is hard! I did 2 out of my 5 day climbing trip last fall on splitters. The first day she had us on a 5.8. There was a section of 5.9 in the middle that I absolutely could not get past. I tried for about 20 min, taking breaks, hanging in the rope and finally gave up. You are trying to put your feet on the tiniest little nubbins for leverage and giving everything you have to gain a few inches. It’s exhausting. The next day we did another 5.8 and it took me about 30 min but I topped out. It was so satisfying since that’s the first route she took us to last fall and I only got about 6’ off the ground Several ways to ascend but a popular method is to “scum” your back against the wall for some of it. You notice the worn white line where my back is from people doing this Almost there my colors blend w the rock so you can barely see my white helmet at the top Some other random pics

Yeah, Vail Pass was closed in both directions for a while.

Nice shot. Bummer about the altitude sickness. It doesn’t really affect me anymore but when it comes on, it really sucks. Safe travels home

My builder came by with his dog. They had a ball romping around in the snow.

Up in Marble and things are coming along. Went thru almost white out conditions on Vail Pass to get here. Siding is done, concrete floors getting polished starting tomorrow. Waiting on the inspectors to decide to drive from the other side of the valley before we can do insulation and close up walls. Fingers crossed by July will be ready for CO inspection.

Food looks amazing! Especially the schnitzel. And always love looking at European architecture.

How did I not know this was a thing?! The moon bus; every last shuttle bus of last day of season drives thru town with naked asses.

Looking forward to your trip report

Jeez Doug, I know I am not cool but ouch, that stings.

Big progress in the last week I feel. Leg is now a hair away from totally straight. No longer get random ice pick like stabbing pains when I step wrong. PT twice a week and riding my ass off on the stationary bike at the gym to keep up my cardio. Saturday I decided to try and go without my brace. Wasn’t too bad, but by end of night I was really sore. Next scan and assessment is 4/5. Fingers crossed all looks good.

When Boulder gets enough snow, I know there are a bunch of people who run out for some urban skiing. I have never seen people specifically there, more in Chautauqua. I skied a short line off Sanitas a few years ago. But it’s a really pretty area, usually see or hear a rattlesnake or two also.

Another wildfire in Boulder. Thin white line mid mountain height is smoke. It’s in South Boulder so I am good. Started near NCAR, I hike over there a lot

Those pics of Toast striking a pose are the best. 😂

I was there that day I believe.

Wow the pic of Sexkitten is an oldie

Yes, helps with inflammation.

Not doubled, but appreciated in value.

I have seen this article. It is not just Crested Butte experiencing this problem. There is no easy solution. So far they have voted to impose an extra $2500 per year affordable housing fee on people like me who don’t long term rent their homes to locals. I believe it goes into effect this year. They originally wanted $10,000 so I guess it could be worse. But as I have said to friends on this topic many times; I would never long term rent my place because then I couldn’t use it. So it would sit dark when I am not there. The renters go out to dinner, spend money at the mountain, on t-shirts etc. In addition they pay a STR tax, I pay a STR license fee. So there is money going to the town.

Glad you are healed up and will get some more skiing in!

So my knee wasn’t feeling great and I went to an orthopedic guy here. I have a hairline fracture of my tibial plateau and a rather large bone bruise but all ligaments are intact (thankfully). Doc said TP fractures can be very nasty so I was lucky mine was minor. Was cleared to ride a Stationary bike so you bet my ass will be on one tomorrow. My fitness watch is already telling me I am a crusty old lady and I better step it up. Had to cancel a hut trip I had scheduled for this weekend but they were nice enough to extend a credit for next season. Will be down 6-8 weeks and start PT next week. Could have been worse, I can deal with 6-8 weeks. There might be some snow left in May for me to play on if all goes well.

I am stuck with Epic since that’s the only way to ski Crested Butte. But I do not ski any other epic resorts. I much prefer Eldora, WP and Copper. I will prob have to buy both again. Curious what Epic will do.

I gave him some layering tips 😉

Maybe Dan is bad luck? First run of the day, caught an edge, went down, felt my knee pop. I refused to have another sled ride so carefully made it down to the on mountain ER. When I unclicked my ski felt a sharp pain that almost knocked me over. Doc says he believes I dislocated knee cap and the pain was it snapping back in. Banged it up pretty good and bruised the cartilage Underneath. Hopefully in a few days I will be feeling better but no skiing the rest of Dan’s time here. luckily my friend is here keeping him company. Womp womp

Dan out on the mountain and I wanted to snowshoe today to rest my weary legs. Headed out to Washington gulch where you snowshoe the road and after a mile or so can cut into trees. Thought that area would be safe. Avy danger marked a 4 (high) today and watching some CB avalanche center videos stuff is real reactive and unstable. Anyway, got the the TH and was the only person there and no tracks, skis or snowshoes, had been laid yet. Started out and looking at slopes to my right that normally I don’t pay attention to, looked ominous. If they slid, would probably knock me off road down other side which goes into the river. I did have my beacon on (always wear it) but was totally alone and just thought, nope, not today. Someone going to have a hard time digging out their snowmobile. So guess I am just taking a rest day. Getting a head start on making beef stew for Dan’s dinner

chicken fajitas tonight