[NMCCSC] UpperCapulin/9mile/Challenge'Exploratory'

[Bet Gendron via NMCCSCeGroup]

Greetings- a little trip today to upper Capulin area and over to 9Mile
picnic area.  Snow purrfect, at least 2 fresh inches over crust, some blown
from above.  Cold, breezy.  A little sticky in the early aft, still cold.

Entrance to this route is at the *farthest* point of the Capulin parking
lot, *north*-*west*  *corner* of *farthest* tubing hill, side-step down to
trail.  This follows the 'groomed trails of old' up through the trees, to
the LasHuertas Canyon Overlook.  This route went back to the powerline,
following Sam's flags.  Then a crossing of the Crest Highway to lead to
9Mile Picnic Area, coming in on the old hiway.  A Challenge Tr *loop* to
the SSE of 9Mile, then down Challenge till re-cross highway to Capulin TH.
This route was inspired by Sam Beard's book and the 'Cross-Country Ski
Touring Map' of the Cibola NF.  See attached*s*.

Opinions- this beautiful new snow will last thru weekend.  Its an
unprecedented opportunity to try lower Challenge Tr on skis.  Some of this
area south of the hiway is *L2+* due to elevation change.  *Not advised to
always follow my tracks- think safety*(gads).  Thank you, Sam, for your
blue diamonds, your recent pink flags, and your acute attention to
inclination in setting these trails.

This low snow opportunity is going away- I say, grab it now!  (I may try
Challenge from top to bottom next week- Yes?)  Bet Gendron
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