Our first winter storm hit us on Tuesday, December 1st. Since then, I have been moving the evidence around and placing it large berms. Fortunately, the weather cleared and despite the "cool" temperatures, it was an enjoyable task but tiring. Went to work on the "Hole In The Wall" today and completed just as the sun was setting over the Inlet. Myself and my two helpers were tired, but home in time to make a couple of Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches and a slice of each Pumpkin and Mincemeat Pie. All in time, to sit down and enjoy the 1st Round of the National Finals, live from Las Vegas. How tired was I, I remember the first two team ropers (first event)and woke up to some bowling tournament. I love the rodeo finals and I slept through them, but that is o.k., they will be re-broadcast tomorrow. However, I was not as tired as one of my two "plowing buddies". He has now decided that he likes my recliner.
Although, I spent the last two days "snow plowing", perhaps a better term would be "snow grooming". It is looking good. Several things of note, if anyone is planning to spend a little winter time at the Hole In The Wall, bring your ice skates. The base of the "bowl" area is a very nice, clean, smooth coating of ice, one to two inches thick. The slopes are ideal for snow boarding, just don't let the "snow monsters" get you. "Private Drive" is ideal for sledding from the top to the Old Sterling Highway.
However, there are special closures. "Grannies Gulch" is closed until further notice due to avalanche conditions and downed alders. "Messican Lane" is closed at the west entrance due to winter storage area for snow. Access is still provided from the east entrance. "Bronco Lane" is open and now smoother than it is during the summer months, winter tires recommended. Bowl area is open with no snow berms, winter tires recommeded.
Access to the "Duck House" is not available, until someone gets a shovel to work.
Although, we have a lot of alders laid over with the snow load, the sad news is that the "Tiger Tree" between the Bear Den and Wolf Den has been severely damaged due to the snow load. One of the primary limbs on the tree was broken off under the stress of snow. We can perhaps save it or perhaps it would be a good location for a couple of apple trees.
Wildlife are present in the area, no sign of any "mean" creatures but the snow bunnies are running wild. I think perhaps the "Lynx" have went south to Las Vegas to see the rodeo. The increase in the number of sightings of the "snow monsters" will possibly decrease the bunny population, I did notice several "kill sites" with evidence of blood and white fur. I do hope none of them have moved into one of the cabins.
Enjoy The Video It Is Shorter Than This Posting.
