SUNGLASS FACESHOTS
Once again, the territory was not the map. It was a warm spring day, and we were tired, cranky, and dubious about the conditions. Nonetheless, we loaded up the truck out of habit and perseverance, and made the familiar early-morning drive to Berthoud Pass, home to some truly great backcountry terrain, only 90 minutes from home.
Even on the skin track, our spirits were mixed, and the conditions were not guaranteed. Cynthia and I climbed slowly, keeping our distance due to relational tension. At the top, we were pleasantly surprised to find a good friend and sometimes ski partner. In addition to having a great attitude, Chris’ presence shifted our dynamic, and the vibes shifted quickly. Also, he’s a great photographer.
Descending the top, the powder had held up quite well, even in the spring sun. We put down some great tracks on the upper flats, dropped into the trees, rolled around, skated up the aqueduct, and there is was – one of the chutes of the 80s had not yet been skied.
Everything fell into place, Chris posted up near a transition mid-slope, and we skied one of the best runs of the season. Waist deep pow billowed up, and the beautiful dance of telemark turns converted snow, gravity and skis into another timeless moment, this one captured for posterity. The map is not the territory, and sometimes if you wanna know, you got to go.