Hiking Arizona- Spring Break- March 2012

Well, after starting off Spring Break with some deep pow, I was off to the desert for a mid-winter break. It was really great weather all around, and it was nice to get out with the camera on the trail. Did some hiking in the White Tanks and traveled to the Joshua Tree forest that is just north of Wickenburg for some sunset shots after eating at Anita's Cocina. The Pork Burrito there is world class and I cannot say enough about the chips and salsa that are endless and delicious. Spent a few nights just enjoying the over head view of the dippers with Jupiter and Venus blazing in the western sky. It was strange after 6 days to have to put on socks upon returning to Salt Lake. It was a great trip, enjoy the pics!

Deep Pot O' White Gold 3.18.2012

Well, finally we got a storm that was forecasted with very little and we got powder surprise! For St Patty's day I was searching for that elusive white pot o' gold, and I found it on Sunday Funday! It was not the ultralight we all dream about, but after riding in nearly 50 degree temps Wednesday and Friday, this was a welcome gift from the snow gods. I have to say, I was not searching out anything but just deep turns and exploring what was open. I had a great time this day, and rode so much deep powder! Spending the week in the desert for some photography, and it continued to dump up there since I left. So, once I return, the snow should be in great shape still for us to start our April cycle. Pow Pow!

First Dayhike Of 2012- Bells Canyon 3.11.2012

With these unseasonably warm temps and a day off to spend with the family, I thought it would be great to get out for a day to shoot some photos and go for a hike. I decided to head up Bells Canyon. It was mostly snow free, a bit breezy, and the sun was out. Everything is still dormant from winter, so not the lush green that you see there in the summer, but still a beautiful area to visit just the same. My daughter did this hike all by herself, climbing all the way to the lake, and then hiking all the way down. Dad was so proud! My wife was also hiking for her first time since her back surgery, and she did great. I think the family is gonna have some fun adventures this summer. I shot some photos and a pano while I was up there. I did give fishing a try, I got some rises from a black fly and an ant, but alas not bites. I think they are still dormant like the rest of the place up there. It was a nice to be back on the trail, and I can't wait till spring really does get here, I missed hiking and long to get out there again.

Bit Of Fresh & Riding w/ The Crew 3.7-9.2012

We had a very small storm which stumped all the weather forecasters on why it did not develop into a larger storm for Wednesday. This has been par for the course this season, so I did not let it get me down. It was a great day riding, snow was is great shape, and it was nice to be back on the camber board. Friday was a treat, spring conditions and two of my best friends joining me for some manky good times riding the Bird. It was a fun week, new snow and really unusually warm temps for the first week of March. Working on the goggle tan, and soaking up the sun. Good times!

March In Deep- 3.2-4.2012

Well March has arrived, and with that arrival was some much needed mega deep goods for our mountain. It truly feels like Snowbird now that we have this base depth and the mountain looks like it has in seasons past. Still a far cry of what a normal season looks like up there, but you could feel the excitement of everyone being up there, finally riding deep pow! March 2nd was by far the deepest day of the season, rolling knee deep everywhere, with sections even deeper than that. I got to ride a prototype from Voile that was a solid, not a split, sidewalls and rocker/camber. It was a blast in the deep stuff. You could just ride the tail and float through any depth of snow. March 4th was a rapid thaw day where the temps just 2 days previous were in the teen's, and this day was pushing 40 degrees on the peak. Rapid change. a few stashes here and there, but most of the mountain was pounded out due to the amazing amount of traffic the hill saw over a five day period. All in all, very stoked to have our coverage, and that most of the mountain is full on now. Spring has sprung, lets hope for a few more big storms before summer shows up.