march 2, 2011, north cascades

Ah, New snow at last. The trail breaking was deep, and the face shots were certain. Wait, listen whats that. Listen again. What is that sound. A lone snowmobile stopping. Will it see us. No, No , the machine is starting up and moving off. Good, it won't find us to day. What is is it? The dreaded poacher snake. It's moved off to find easier pray. Good for us but bad for my two friends who I know are further up the road and I know are breaking deep power and working hard to get some untracked powder. We all know the poacher snakes hunting tactics. Sleepin on a deep powder day. Get to the trailhead and start up the "smoker", ride it up the road until they see someone elses snowmobiles and the hunt begins. The poacher snakes then slither up the ski track,  but not to close.  Got to stay back until all that hard work is done. Then at the top when the unsuspecking prey is within sight they shed their skins and all that untracked powder is there for the taking. But what else our they taking, Your hard work, your knowledge and expierence of the snow pack, your route finding skills and your enjoyment of the moment.  Yes there were at least three poacher snakes out today, and they did worst. How do we stamp out the poacher snakes. Here are a few tips. If you see or hear them approaching before you have started up breaking trail, stop all your movement and if possible run and hide until the danger has passed. This worked for us today but it was to late for my friends. If you are already on the trial and happen to see them (good luck as they tend to move slow and stay hidden) you can try to yell "go away poacher snake.