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... Continued
Part 2 – Saturday: Mount Conness
OK, so our luck did not
improve immediately. We drove over to the
Saddlebag Lake road early Saturday morning; it was
still gated shut despite recent Forest Service
information to the contrary. The unexpected road closure
added about 2 miles and 400’ to our approach – not a
huge deal, but we were somewhat puzzled to be hiking up a
perfectly dry and clear road with skis, boots and
other assorted gear items festooned to our backsides.
Fortunately, the weather was spectacular and we
enjoyed our stroll with its accompanying views
westward to the White Mountain ridge now drenched in
the early morning sunshine.
We
arrived at Greenstone Lake at 7:30 am and cached our
overnight gear on slabs above the west shore. We
continued on with lighter packs and happier
dispositions.
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Loading up the Weekend Pack.
I'm looking slightly annoyed at the prospect of
walking two miles up a stupid road with skis and boots
on my back.
(photo: M.
Howard) |
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White
Mountain Ridge.
Early morning sunshine kisses off of False White and
White Mountain, as seen from the Saddlebag Lake road. |
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On the
Dam.
Here's Matt not really heeding the sign's advice.
By the way, we saw some seriously large fish right
above the dam. |
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Saddlebag Ridge.
Decent snow coverage started about halfway along
Saddlebag Lake. We opted to keep hiking all the
way to our campsite instead of skinning up. In the background are the
nice chutes above Greenstone Lake, including the After
Work Chute dropped by Mr. Powder in a classic
teletips video. |
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"This is
it".
We found a nice flat spot on the west shore of
Greenstone Lake where we established our camp.
Boy am I glad to get that weight off my back.
(photo: M.
Howard)
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Scrambling Above Greenstone.
Matt negotiating some of the slabs on the east ridge
of North Peak. |
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Conness Glacier. Looking up towards the
many fine ski runs coming down off the Conness
Glacier.
(photo: M.
Howard)
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