November 13, 2009, Mt. Baker - Blizzard

On Thursday, I pulled into the White Salmon parking lot under clear skies as the last skiers were departing. Hoping the weather forecast would become a reality, I put chains on the van while it was still pleasant. During the evening I could feel the wind gusts and hear snow hitting the van. Ah, the sweet sounds of the snowplow about 6am meant fresh powder.

Overnight Baker received about 4". The nice ticket window personnel sold me my senior ticket and I slid in the singles line at C-7. It was a "full-on" blizzard for most of the day. I happened to be the first skier at the top of chair 8 and couldn't see a thing. I actually waited for a couple of boarders to arrive so I used them for reference points.

The coverage is excellent. I cruised the groomers and ventured along the edges for calf deep powder. The Canyon is closed and I didn't see anyone in The Chute. There were some brave souls experiencing knee deep powder on Gabl's under chair 5 - seemed a bit sketchy but then I'm trying to be conservative skiing in November.

For me ,my first days riding lifts especially on a powder day are really difficult when you have a 62 year old body and a 25 year old mind. I consummed my daily limit of celebrex and will try to convince myself that my burning quads are really normal.

Tomorrow, I'll do a bit of skinning at Baker. I'm certain some nice folks will break trail for a senior citizen.

I did my day at Crystal on Wed. and feel your kindred spirit of the hills and respect for the young who are still willing to climb for the goods as we had done in our youth, but in wool and leather on wood that were at min 210's.
I will hit the hills Sun and hope to see you at Baker the next weekend.

Hey Zap -- we will be gathering in the White Salmon lodge about 8:30 to do a day mostly on Shuksan Arm. You would be a welcome guest. I personally will break trail for you!

Tim, I just saw your posting on Saturdy afternoon. Thanks for the offer. I can assume you had a great tour. I'll contact before my next trip to Baker.