Annual Wallowas Trip: February 14 -18th, 2008

Our 6th year heading to the Wallowas, but this year we changed it up a bit. Instead of our usual January trip, it was switched to February, b/c someone had to go to cx worlds. And this year would be our first ski touring in the Norway Basin, but still with Wallowa Alpine Huts (check it out at www.wallowahuts.com). Well, that all changed with a phone call on Tuesday, the day before 8 of us would depart. The yurt had been destroyed by all of the snowfall. Quickly we changed our focus to day trips out of Joseph. I rented a cabin for the 8 of us up by Wallowa Lake and spent Wednesday a.m. grocery shopping for 8 people for 5 days. YIKES!
With such a great group, how could we not have fun? And with such great terrain and snow and guides to take us to the goods, it was a smashing success. Not quite yurt living, but we had a blast. We spent 4 days climbing and skiing and then headed back to Mt. Hood for one night at the cabin and a tour on Mt. Hood. Here are some of my favorite pics from the weekend:

The crew: Dr. Andy, Tim, Sue Justin hiding in back, Erin in front, Rollie, Aaron & Nick

Day one was a tour of Wing Ridge. A burn went through 20 years ago.
The terrain out of Wing Ridge.
Love to ski.
Day 2: hiking up 'the gut'.

Never a dull moment in this group. Aaron at his best.

A little boot packing...

It was quite steep. Erin O'Connell aka: O'Malley.
The ski down was quite amazing.

Erin admiring our turns.

Not quite yurt living.

I got a little knitting in.
Mt. Joseph awaited us.

The skinning was a bit precarious.

It quickly became a boot pack.

And then a scary steep section that was less than ideal.

We all enjoyed beers at Mo Jenks' afterwards.
And a little alpenglow on the way home.

Wallowa LakeRollie pointing out where we skied the day prior.

Glen points out our destination for day 4. Ruby peak.

Day 4 skinning in the sunshine.

The girls: me & O'malley

Tim giving us a big smile.

Soaking up the rays.

Getting ready for the last ski down.

Oops! Nick missed the guides instructions to stay right. Dead end at the waterfall.
We skied that line!!!

Day 5: back to Mt. Hood.

Spectacular views of the volcanoes!

Last stop: stone shelter.