Powder Pigs at Large

Powder Pigs sighting in Founder's Ridge.         (look closely at the moon)

Two Powder Pigs were seen today on their search to find some fresh tracks were seen approximately 10 am leaving the base in a quest for some new white fluffy stuff.  They were seen rooting through the runs, in the trees and off the edge throughout the morning. 


Fresh Powder from Mother Nature

Alas, by mid morning, they had found their treasure!!!  Three Chair lifts up the mountain to the summit.  And there it was.....rooting around in the trees,  double black powder.  These two powder pigs are, of course, myself and Ron (a good friend who Bob and I have been skiing with at Panorama for quite a few years) have spent the day skiing the upper mountain of Panorama while Bob is recovering from his injury. (He will be ready to clip on his ski's by 20 February)

Since we have experienced a warm week, the snow on the lower mountain has become slick and hard packed.  Ron (a true powder pig) knows all the secret hidden spots outside of Tayton bowl for powder. In the morning we dipped into Trigger, Stumboch's glades, Tree time, Upper and Lower Hideaway.
  

Ron at the Entrance of Gunbarrel

This afternoon brought us many treasures at 7,800 feet.  We bounced and bumped our way through Gunbarrel, Trigger, Stumboch glades, the Secret Meadow and then the highlight of the afternoon:  Sidewinder. 
This run is an avalanche shoot with trees and deep powder, some untouched waiting for a couple of powder pigs to roll in.  Yes, this was a challenge with the tight trees and steeps.  Some times you need to step out of your comfort zone. 
Then: Silence....We stopped and listened. Pure, simplistic silence...  Silence is golden...Just think about it.  How many places presently remain on this planet that you can experience pure silence?  It sounds like a piece of Heaven.  It feels like you are on top of the world.  (literally, we are)  It is a small part of Paradise.   I can't wait to ski these runs with Bob, my injured powder pig a waiting.

Amidst all the beauty, Ron pointed out a breed of Pine Tree, called a Larch.  This type of tree will shed its soft needles in the fall.  During winter, the tree is very much alive with tiny buds on a very dead looking Pine tree.  In spring, these tiny (pussy willow like) buds burst and transform into lime green velvet like needles in strong contrast to the dark green pine needles of the surrounding trees. 

Today, was filled with mother nature, serenity and beauty of our vast country. 

What will tomorrow bring?   Maybe, Bacon and Eggs for breakfast?  (And a Cafe Latte?)