[NMCCSC] Valles Caldera Class II outing report

Sun Feb 9 18:15:02 MST 2020

Hi all,
This is in regards to the class II outing this past Saturday Feb 8, 2020 lead by Terry.  We had 10 hardy souls out there for class II.  Sam lead the class I and I’m quite sure they were equally as intrepid!

Due to the fact that the main gate and road leading to the visitor center was closed for plowing, we all had to park at the small lot on the south side of the caldera, about a quarter mile before the main gate entrance to the visitor center.   That meant that in order to climb South Mountain, class II had to first traverse the caldera and circumnavigate north, west, and then south around South Mountain to get to the trailhead.  Our route took us past Missing Cabin, west of Cerra la Jara knoll, and then off toward History grove.  It was a clear, blue-sky day with warming temperatures.  Snow conditions were difficult across the caldera with unpredictable pole plants and ski footing.  Although there seemed to be an average of 18 inches or more of base, we traversed through a complex mix of hardened snow drifts, soft sinking snow, iced over top crust, and slush.  To keep myself amused I kept thinking that the thin, delicate layer of ice had the texture of caramelized sugar atop of Creme Brûlée.  Are you exhausted yet?  We certainly were, but pressed on.  It was slow going and by the time we reached our old tracks from last week we had gone nearly 4 miles one-way and still were not even close to the South Mountain trailhead.  We decided to turn around as time was getting on.   It was very helpful to start the ski with an attitude of exploration and not focus on destination as we all knew it would be a long haul just to get to the trail head in challenging conditions.   By the time we re-grouped back at the car we were glad to relax.  These are the hardy souls that ventured out.  I apologize that I did not meet everyone and I am still learning first and last names.  I hope I didn’t forget anyone!

James Mathis
Amy Mathis
Scott Mitchel
Tony
Phylis
Terry
Nancy
Mike and Mike’s wife
Anita

Ski on!
Amy

Sent from my iPad

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Sent from my iPad