New Mirkwood Blues

Hidee ho citizens!

The Afternooners were back

today at beautiful Monarch Mountain.

Myself, Gene, The Schust, and Andy,

of Andy's Ski and Ride Guides,

enjoyed 7" of fresh overnight dumped atop

the previous days 8" of snow. Under

mostly gorgeous blue skies,

We tore it up!

Always ride classy.

Schust in the chair.

Boosh.

Tandem rippin'.

weeeee.

Have some pow and a smile...

Andy.

Andy too.

Gene fluffin' the powder.

Then some backseat crashin'.

Andy navigates the powder filled glades.

Steal your tracks.

Finally got to hike to Mirkwood Basin

Not beginner friendly.

An estimated 900 steps to get up here.

The high altitude hypoxia was making me see things,

Crazy cool views.

Amazing view.

From Mirkwood top, downview of Shagnasty and beyond.

Monarch's backcountry snowcat accessed terrain.

The fresh maker.

Mo' Andy.

Frsh.

Powploding.

Mo freshies.

Powdered sol.

Skier across the hill.

Some good lookers today all around.

Working his line.

A cross valley panorama.

Hope you enjoyed the pics as much

as I enjoyed taking them and sharing

our experiences, Thanks Monarch!

Bluebird Valentine

Valentines Day here at Loveland,

that means the 20th annual

Mountaintop Matrimony was happening.

So all kinds of couples were tying the

knot, or just renewing their vows.

It could not have been a more beautiful day.

Congratulations to all of these hearty ,

fun loving couples.

Me and Gene and Shust bypassed the alter

just skied instead.

Getting a beer for the bride.

Another happy couple.

Gene kickin' some pow around.

Skier and lift 8

Leapin' Gene can't be contained.

B&W vista.

Rider blasts across windy peak.

Gene rides to the top.

Chairlift and shadows.

George Washington Carver Jr.

Gene plowing a plume.

Engulfed in debris.

Nice carve...cleek.

T.E.C."A.B.M."2011 S.T...Pt.2..."The Area Formerly Known as Purgatory

Surprise surprise, I made it all

the way to this Southwest Colorado

gem called Durango Mountain Resort,

once known as Purgatory.

...and that's what it looks like, with it's trails and all.

Tremendous scenery was all around.

Powder coated behemouth.

Another gorgeous mountain range.

Sharp peaks.

This camp robber was trying to eat me.

The terrain park...empty.

Old school chairlift...empty.

ugly bumpies...empty.

Engineer Lift...empty. Where is everyone?

Wait...there's someone.

I tamed this gnarled beast.

Panorama of cross valley vista.

...yeah "peace" man.

...Last run,

An aspen lined bumper ,

called "Styx" like the river.

What a beautiful afternoon, and cool

first time excursion all the way down

here to Purgatory. Maybe one more

tomorrow, conditions permitting.