Every trip begins with an idea. In this case the idea was: where can a guy with a newly severed ACL go without doing further damage, given that he wants scenery, good skiing, vertical, and novelty. In Bozeman. In December. Also throw into the mix the realization that the trip would be the last before surgery, and hence, the final memory to use against the rehab demons that were already assembling in force. Hmmmmmm. How about this:
My folks live on the Bozeman (w) side of the Bridgers, a couple of miles from Middle Cottonwood Canyon. The plan was to head up Middle Cottonwood Canyon (gotta love staying local), climb up and over Saddle Peak, then ski Slaschman's (or is it Slushman's?) down to Bridger Bowl. And take the (FREE!!!) school bus back to Bozeman. The idea being that backcountry climbing with slackcountry skiing would be a nice mix for my lameness.
The weather was perfect. Butt-ass sub zero cold down low in the shade, then glorious sun-cold up high.
The quality of this pic sucks, I know, but I had to throw it in. Orange pants = proper hand position:
Boys, and gals, it's a wonder what a post can do for morale.
Here's to Sky- this site is gonna be fun!
