Too Much Adventure

I woke up in a better frame of mind and ready to take on the snow.  It was a good thing too as a challenging day and too much adventure followed.  In the morning the snow was solid from the cold night and we were able to walk on top of it most of the day.  There were some large snow fields to cross.  

We saw a lot of Ptarmigan, they really blend in and seem to wander aimlessly.  As the day warmed up the post holing began.  Post holing is like doing one legged squats - with a heavy pack.  So when we came to a steep hill we decided to glissade down it.  Out came the ice axes to control our descent and down we went.  Whee, so much fun!

We decided to take a lower purple route and another group of four hikers decided to join us.  

It was a good thing they did.  The alternate started out well but we came to a river that was deep and fast from snow melt.  By ourselves Pounce and I would not have been able to cross it.  It was a team effort.  And yes I was scared.  There was a lot of bushwacking and postholing in the snow through trees but in spite of the difficulties, was still the better route.  Late in the day the trail recrossed the river and this time it wasn't possible to cross.  So we bushwhacked downriver to an area where the canyon widened and there would be flat spots to camp.  

On the way I lost my balance on a log and fell backwards into some mud.  Somehow I managed to stab the front of my leg in the process.  Hard day.  At some point you have to just start laughing.  Well this group we are with rocks!   Everyone is looking out for each other and they are solid hikers.  Good people.