FR 1640 to High Lake - Logan Valley 2/4/16

click on image for larger version
you can save the larger version as a .png file to your computer
open and be able to zoom in for more detail.

Location:  FR 16 to 1640 jct

Road & Trail Conditions: FR 15 plowed awhile ago, deep truck ruts through snow, packed ice.  FR 16 regularly plowed, thin packed snow & ice.  1640 groomed a few days ago, a few snowmobile tracks, 1-4" new snow since.

Snow Conditions: 3-4' packed base depending on elevation. recent 2-4" almost powder on top. continual light to moderate flurries thru day

Skis on & temperature: 9:45am 28° cloudy  (JD 33°  cloudy )

Skis off & temperature: 5:45pm 34°

Distance: 19 miles,  elevation gain 3200 feet

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 10

Comments:  this is one incredible journey. starts with 3+ miles level along bear creek.  slow gradual climb to 1648 jct.  from there steeper & through lovely forest.  breaks out into open area toward top.  lovely. lovely.  turned around 1/2 mile from 1640 end; late in day & west headwind was pushing me backward in tracks.  took this as a sign. will head back on a clear day to get over ridge to high lake &
strawberry peak.

elevation profile:

click on image for larger version
you can save the larger version as a .png file to your computer
open and be able to zoom in for more detail.

downhill was super fun, controlled on forgiving powder & fast, 6mph easy to 1648 jct.

along ridge: temp at 20 windchill dropped to 10; hands got very cold without mitts.

past 1648 jct moves into burn area to the top.  very intense. am collecting photos from various burn areas to make into presentation.  frustrated that video won't operate more than 2 secs. in cold temps.

looking east toward logan valley

this trip had a big impact on me.  started as a conditioning run to take a shot at the top later; no sign at indian springs campground to signal turn around, just kept going.  partly the distance, partly the elevation, the views... and then, the burn area.  wind & blowing snow. black charred spars. snow & ice encrusted black charred branches.  it'll take awhile to find some words, maybe.

from conditioning run to awe inspiring pilgrimage

i love this place