Hi guys,

I wanted to go backcountry skiing on Sonora pass with my parents. We essentially failed in Santa Clara, when the guys at Western Mountaineering refused to rent us gear to go up to Sonora. I was quite upset, and they were quite patronizing and unpleasant. They were right about the skiing, though.

As you can see below, conditions have changed quite a bit in the last four weeks. This is a view from where we started to hike last time, and you can see that the saddle on the top left is snow-free at the top. Also, there is no snow at the pass anymore.

Here is a view of Superfirn through the trees. It is also much worse than it was last year around June 15th. I think you'll start to understand that we may have to reconsider our plans for next weekend.

We stayed in Bridgeport (yes, had steaks at the Inn), and the next day we hiked up Blue Canyon Creek, up to Blue Canyon Lake. I went up a little further, to Deadman Lake - here is a view with Leavitt Peak (I believe) in the background:

You can see the ice-covered lake at the bottom.

My dad has always found lots of crystal (Bergkristall)in the alps, and he didn't fail us here either:

The next day, we went south - I checked in at the ranger station, bought a great map of the Toiyabe and Hoover, and chatted with the ranger about Leavitt road. He had just been up the day before, and figured he would open it a week or two from now.

We went and checked out the Virginia Lakes area. Here are some views of ... not so great skiing!

But breathtaking scenery!

It was very cool, even at midday. Here's a view to the east. There are really a lot of bowls etc. which should be great earlier in the spring.

And here's a view of the famous Dunderberg peak. Also not really a backcountry destination right now.

A couple of miles further south, a wonderful view of mono lake and snow-covered peaks behind it.

We went back through Yosemite - it was veryvery crowded, but the falls offered a spectacular view.

Hope you enjoyed the tour!

-wido.