Sat, Jan 30 2016 - Big Scaly Mountain Winter Backpack (View Original Event Details)
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After rescheduling our trip by a week due to the extreme winter conditions of almost gale force winds just after the freezing rain turned to rather heavy snow, we started up our trail surprised at how much snow was still here. As expected when you get such high winds, after casting the tree limbs in heavy ice and snow, we saw a lot of trees down, making the hike up a little more challenging than usual.
But with crystal blue Colorado skies, and beautiful white snow, we came up on Case Knife Gap with such beauty as I've never seen up there. It made me very nostalgic for my winter backpacking trips up along the shores of Lake Superior.
Just to make sure we had room at the campsite for everyone, I left Bob and Chuck and Case Knife Gap, so they could route the rest of the group. First tracks down to the campsite, as you can see in the pictures, was a wonderful hike.
After the rest of the group arrived, set up camp, ate lunch, went to work on preparing our fire ring and getting wood, I took Lysa and Niki, the two that hadn't been to the summit before, up to the top. Another beautiful and quite unique experience, traveling among the rhododendron's on that narrow ridge, cast in a nice layer of snow. As the sun was getting lower, the reflection of light was gorgeous.
After spending some time at the top enjoying the panoramic view, we went back down in the fading light to our campsite, already glowing with a nice campfire.
We all went to work, preparing our meals, enjoying the warmth and light of the fire, then set about jamming. Someone asked Todd when he was going to play some music, and he as usual, quick draw harpo, was first draw, soon to be followed by Scott who seemingly was just waiting for an excuse to go get it. I grudgingly went to go grab mine to avoid the typical prodding I knew would be coming from them, and we fell into a mood, that I don't get anywhere else, except with those guys.
We had plenty of wood for the fire, and the stars basked the sky in a wonderful display of night skies only seen at higher elevations in winter. Just crisp as can be. At one point, I walked away from the fire, and as my eyes adjusted to the dark, a fireball slowly burned threw the sky with a long tail half way across the valley, and then disappeared over Big Scaly Ridge.
After many hours of telling stories, playing music, and sharing little snacks fire roasted on the hot rocks, we called it a night. I fell almost instantly asleep, but several hours later, I must have waked temporarily and heard a coyote howl on the other side of the creek, only about 100' away. One soulful cry, then it grew quite again. I woke once more, thinking it was morning, only to realize it was the moon shining on the white snow cast valley. I went back to sleep with a smile on my face, loving that snow.
The next morning, got up, with a slight fog in the valley. I went over, threw some kindling on the fire, dug out a few coals, blew on it a few times, and we had fire. Once I had it going well enough, made some hot coffee and enjoyed the morning as the fog lifted, and the sun lit up the valley. The rest of the group set about eating breakfast, breaking camp, and we were out of there.
As usual, I was last to leave, but for some reason Bob decided to hang back with me. I have a hard time leaving camp sometimes, but it's nice to have friends hang back and obviously enjoy the morning before leaving.
I'm glad everyone, including Oscar and Brumby had a good time. I think there was some initial concern with the amount of snow, but in the end, I think everyone not only enjoyed it, but cherished it.
Michael J.
p.s. Scott sent this message out to our group, which I think, should be added to the write-up for everyone to see.
"The last 32 hours epitomize why I love the AOC!!
Bring together a diverse group with an uncommon zeal for the outdoors, throw in unexpected adversity and watch what
happens!!
We thrive!!!
I'm sure some of you have some fantastic pictures of our private winter wonderland...please share!!
That snowy campsite sure is a long way from where I sit now on the screened porch, barefoot!
I'm already looking forward to the next time!
Thanks to each of you for contributing to the most memorable trip I've had to Big Scaly. Although I didn't make it to the summit
I'm proud of those that did, and I'm pleased we had the home fire burning upon your return!!
See you all soon!
Scott"
Michael J.
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