More Goryu Cirque area

29 Jan 08

Today we rode a NW steep tree area in the second Goryu Cirque (see Tengu Dake TR for details of the area).  The area is the hillside of the distant ridge above and marked on the map.  That photo, taken from the south faces of Goryu ski resort, was shot yesterday.  It snowed all day today with average visibility and light.  We put skins on in the kitchen of the house and set out from there, an unusually comfortable start that highlights how good life can be; backcountry touring from the kitchen.  The ascent was tiring, Lloyd came with us and turned into an ice ball so I carried him for much of the descent.  The snow was new powder on yesterdays warm weather crust.  A lot of sluffing, not very stable and certainly problematic if it were deeper.  Some ok video captured which hopefully may be edited soon. Luke cooked an excellent dinner.