Off-piste

Flouting FT3 norms, PC and I decided to ski Pollywood last week, instead of going with the majority decision to ride mtn bikes in the El Dorado Hills area. It was a decision that I'm still paying for seven days later.

Coming off a successful FTSki the week before, PC and I were ready for more. In winters past FTSkis have been bumbling affairs more centered on trying to match feet to borrowed boots than actually covering ground. Having all participants on their own, familiar gear was a game changer. After checking in at the Knot Hole and getting a 9:30 mandatory return time for tacos, and being parked by 5:30 we reasoned we could complete the Fleming Loop.  Perhaps "reasoned" is too strong a word. More like we applied FT3 dreaming against all evidence to the contrary.

We churned our skis in the deep snow, climbing awkwardly over downed trees, and slipping in icy patches. It was impossible to stay on the single track, so we picked lines based on openness. And as we continued to arrive at each subsequent landmark we just kept going. Not until we were deep in the wilds of Fleming did we stop and check the GPS, only to notice the time. We turned our tips towards tacos and hurried back as best we could, chattering and crashing on the descents. Arriving at the Knot a little before 10, we were offered left over taco meat, but the kitchen was closed. Not so much hungry as achingly exhausted, we went home.

Perhaps one of the main event riders will fill us in on their adventures...

Another alternative outing night. Pollywood is still buried under soggy snow. Heavy rain in the forecast. What to do? I'm up for something.