January, 12-15, 2008
Author and Trip Leader:
Dave Yeamans
Participants: Dave Chamberlin,
Dave Scudder, Jan Studebaker, Rick Light, Dennis Brandt, Dave
Yeamans
Dave Scudder Waxes up
While Dennis Brandt Applies Sunscreen
Six skiers found the perfect snow, companionship, food, and shelter
in the high country near the flanks of Grouse Mesa and Brazos Peak
on January 12th to 15th, 2008 on the Los Alamos Mountaineers Club
second "hut" trip hosted by Dave Yeamans.
Dave Yeamans and
Dennis Ski in One of a Thousand Meadows
Dave's snowmobile
hauled in the heavy items while the skiers made their way up the 9.2
mile, 3000 foot elevation change to the cabin. They were met
by a snow-plugged chimney that required disassembling the stove pipe
to clear. It took a half hour to get the smoke out of the
cabin and a couple of hours to warm up after all the outside work.
The Cabin Holds a
Huge Snow Load
We left the cabin
at the crack of 11:30 the next two days. Four of the group went 9.8
miles round trip to Grouse Mesa. The others challenged the
more local peak ascents and descents. The next day some of the
gang rested at the cabin or did local ski exploring that involved
some pretty gnarly ascent/descent. There were several types of
skiers and ski equipment but we were all able to find perfect
conditions to meet our individual desires. Champaign powder in
the trees, big faces, or classic trails are everywhere.
Dave, Dave, Dennis,
and Jan Studebaker Climb Grouse Mesa
We skied out the
fourth day on perfect conditions - light snow, cold as ice, and
amazing views of the Chama Valley. The snowmobile tipped over,
got stuck, or wrecked only four times. One time it was rescued
by a horse, twice by the driver, and once by the trusty
mountaineers. The driver learned that the mountaineers don’t
respond to gentle hints on the two-way radios. Unless you
holler "HELP" they'd rather ski on ahead.
Rick Light and Dave
Chamberlin Enjoy Lunch
