Backcountry touring at Elfin – Feb 2003

Forecast was for another perfect day, SUN, SUN and more SUN with mild temperatures. A great day to introduce a good friend to touring. Small posse today, as usual, started out early after some high powered expresso, the Sea to Sky was in great shape with excellent views. Made it to the trailhead and the sun was out as the weatherman said. Snowshoes weren’t necessary as the trailhead to the meadows was packed down nicely. On our way…. Dave the non-smoker (who just got back from touring through Syria and other middle eastern countries) was sucking wind as he explained how much they loved to smoke a traditional tobacco which he tried and liked.

At the meadows, taking everything into consideration we decided to board in a tame area nearby. Put the snowshoes on and started the accent. The only sounds were our snowshoes and guy banter, the scenery was simply gorgeous; Tantalus Range to the west, Sky Pilots to the south, Garibaldi to the north, snow covered trees (everything has been soooo green this season, even in the alpine), snow crystals reflecting the suns rays….blah blah blah.

Choose a line, buckle in and give’er. It was a little slow and sticky but hey, you can’t beat fresh tracks. The backcountry is such a great place, everyone we met had a big smile on their face. We spent half the day doing turns the other half flaking out, enjoying the peace, scenery, eating and catching up and hearing about Dave’s trip.

Dave on the phone with the local HEAT, turns out the world is a good place and there are people who care. Someone found his wallet in the parking lot and turned it in to the RCMP, money and all. We got their number and thanked them.

One last trip down at the end of the day and deal with the ski-out. Icy and sketchy but it only takes a tenth of the time to get back to the parking lot. Everyone arrived in one piece. Down to The Shady Tree for more food a brew and banter.

Life’s one road trip after another…..

Posse: Kronos, Dave, Chris & Stef
Pics: Chris & Stef