Eleven skiers left snow covered Salem and skied the South Loop of the Ray Benson Snow Park in spring like conditions. We started the ski at 10:30 a.m. The temperature warmed quickly from just above freezing to about 36 degrees. Winds were calm. Participants arrived at the Brandenburg Shelter at 1 p.m. where they sat in the midday sun for a 30-minute lunch break enjoying the scenic view of Mt. Washington. After departing the shelter the group headed in the direction of Hayrick Butte then north on the Pacific Crest Trail before completing the trip on the South Loop Trail. We arrived at the parking lot at 3:00 p.m. Snow conditions were fast; about two feet of unconsolidated snow covered with a thin crust. Participants were Alan Phillips, Stacey Petersen, Kathy Jameson, Colleen Wilcox, Rick Wilcox, Sue Nelson, Tony Crisi, Chuck, Assistant Cynde Alt and Leader Steve Dougherty. |