Day 3- Rolling on the Ridges

Feb 14, 2017

Segment: Observation Gap to Grouse Gap Shelter, 11.6 miles.

Weather: Low 30 degrees, high 40 degrees. Mostly sunny and windy.

I woke up feeling stronger and ready to face the miles of today. It usually takes me a couple of days to adjust to drinking enough water and eating enough food, especially when skiing. Melting snow is a pain, but oh so necessary!

I took this picture from my little sleep nook on Observation Gap

It was windy this morning, but not severe or gray like it would be the next day.

Looking northwest towards Dutchman Peak

Last clear view of the day— the Siskiyous to the west southwest

A mini avalanche across a road from perhaps the week before.

Today progressed so much better than the previous two days. I was both stronger and smarter. Funny how patience leads to experience which leads to better methods. (Romans 5) With the more consolidated snow from 2 days of sun, the slippery layers were gone and it was much easier to maintain balance. I hardly took off my skis the entire day.

Another huge boost came from taking advantage of the ridges. Instead of considering them my enemies, they turned out to be my friends. After the initial ascent, traveling was swifter and safer. And the views were incredible! I could look back to where I was and to where I was still going. The miles were enjoyable and rewarding.

I am now a few miles beyond and east of the Dutchman Peak Lookout…

...and still several miles west of Mt. Ashland (see the dome in the center?)

Here is one of the ridges that roll like snow dunes through the forested terrain. These really taught me to saunter again, like when I backpack in the summer.

Hiking - I don’t like either the word or the thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains - not hike! Do you know the origin of that word ‘saunter?’ It’s a beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply, ‘A la sainte terre,’ ‘To the Holy Land.’ And so they became known as sainte-terre-ers or saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land, and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not 'hike' through them. — John Muir

Today I rejoice in beautiful skies, ridges over which to saunter, and for the Spirit helping me to learn.