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Day
One (continued):
The
sun set slowly, yielding a stunning purple and red sunset.
As if on some giant celestial seesaw, a
full moon rose simultaneously over the
shoulder of Tallac in the east. Huge and glowing yellow,
the moon cast an illuminating glow over the Azure Lake basin
and offered a seldom seen nighttime view of Mt. Tallac and
the entire Kalmia Ridge.
Chris's tent
looked particularly cool, lit up from within by a candle
lantern, with Peak 9,190' illuminated in the moonlight
behind it.
We cooked our dinner and discussed the things that guys
discuss when they are out in the wilds. A flask of Gentleman Jack was
procured and promptly dusted. Ah, the joys of winter
camping.
After dinner, Zeke asked who was going to join him on a
moonlight ski tour. Although it sounded like a great idea,
the thought of putting wet boots back on caused most of us
to decline his kind invitation. Instead, we set out up the
rocky dome behind camp to catch the moonlight views out
towards
Phipps Peak, Eagle
Falls
Canyon and big blue Lake Tahoe beyond. Taking
advantage of the
moonlight, we took a goofy photo
atop the dome paying our
respects in the
church of the open slopes.
As were were descending, we
spied a headlamp about 2/3rds of the way up Peak 9,190’
across the valley. I guess this was Zeke’s idea of a "mellow"
moonlight ski tour – climbing up, and then skiing down a 30+
degree hardpack slope in the dark with three-pin bindings,
leather boots and skinny skis. And all of this after
an already rugged day. Tres impressive!
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