Loon Mt - 1/26/03

[Lftgly]

Super Sunday wasn't as crowded as a usual weekend at Loon. Never mind why I was even there (I normally avoid it like the plague on weekends). Arriving a little on the late side at 8:30AM, I expected to have to park on the other side of the river. I was surprised to see a few spots still open in the main lot. I knew it was a good sign when the parking nazis directed me to the next-to-last available spot, right next to the Kanc Quad. If I'd been an hour earlier, I probably would have had a longer walk (not that I mind hiking to ski). <BR> <BR>Coverage on the trails was pretty good, considering there's been little to no new natural snow in two weeks. Took my first warmup run down the mini bumps under the quad, which Joegm had ranted/raved about a few days ago. They were still in good shape. Headed back up and over to East Basin dbl & North Peak Triple, and took a run on Flume. Upper was pretty scratchy; bumps on Lower were not too bad, though a few patches of ice (yes, T - it was <I>blue</I>) in between some; a little over my head when they're that scratchy (<I>since I got nowhere to practice bumps at Cannon</I>). Pretty good cover on one run down Walking Boss. Bucksaw glade was open, not bad, but pretty thin. Triple Trouble was thin, but had better cover on it than it looked from above. <BR> <BR>Then I went searching for the Lincoln locals' stash. I'll try not to be too specific, since I hate to ruin somebody else’s party. They've obviously invested some significant summer/fall days judiciously thinning some choice lines. <BR> <BR>Found one on North Peak that had a few variations; I chose poorly when I took the left fork, and ended up in a really narrow line through very thick spruce - tough on my 180s. Spotted the right-hand option thru the trees, and bailed out towards it. It was much nicer, with at least two or three lines, not too badly scraped. Ends in a not-too-conspicuous exit onto Haulback. <BR> <BR>Went back to the car for the 170s, and went back to North Peak to hunt for more serious tree skiing. <BR> <BR>Not enough snow in the brook off Triple Trouble for more than 2-3 turns here & there; ended up traversing back up & out of it. <BR> <BR>After lunch I hit the jackpot. Found a beautifully thinned glade located a good 3/4 mile or more from Loon. It dropped down into Boyle Brook drainage, then connected back to Loon. There was even a ski patrol toboggan stashed at the top, a still-smoldering campfire from Saturday, and two bird feeders (?!). I wish I could go into more detail, but that's as much as I can say, with respect for the locals. Whoever you are, thanks! <BR> <BR>It was definitely further from the ski area than I would recommend anyone go unless with someone who knows the route(s). There were obviously some other options that headed further from Loon, and may take you down to the Kanc Hwy near Hancock Campground, for all I know. It was a long trek, and not enough time to go back for seconds yesterday, but it's definitely on my list next time I'm south of the Notch.