We pulled up around noon to see 3 kites up already including Patrick Nedele on a 15 meter riding fast. I put up the 13 Frenzy and followed Patrick and Nester up Bosco's. Wind was dead south and powered up to jump on the flats. On top we kited fresh untracked pow on the extreme south face, gaining steeper and steeper runs as we dared each other.
Next Patrick and I took a strong push and followed the wind to the main ridge. It was normal, yet weird in a good way, as each tack powered you in a different direction... soon as you dialed in what the wind was doing, we found an easy direct and powered line to the ridge. On the ridge it was SW, looping kites NE to gain elevation, yet you could power south or north very easily. At first only P Niddy and I headed to the 'French Connection' (2 miles down where the tree portage opens up to 3 more miles of slope). As we saw the others finally gain the main ridge (over an hour for theses sea level guys to pump up and rig
, we came back to show them the way. Soon there were 8 kites easily tearing up the powder along that 2 mile stretch. The powder was perfect, there were a few wind blown slabs and a couple ridge spots with gnar gnar funk. But the right eye could chase fresh tracks 95% of the time. That bowl half way down has such perfect lift, even small hops become huge jumps. Great place to practice glides with soft powder pocket below. (Same place David K flew a week or so back, and where Chasta has huge flights in the 2010 DVD).
We're planning to head out to Strawbs for the weekend.
Windzup,
Brian Schenck
http://www.FlyOzoneUSA.com
