ck it off the Bucket List

I have always wanted to go Cross Country Skiing. I was always to busy with Alpine, but thanks to the Scouting program I got my chance. Last weekend our young men went to the Uintas for a cross country ski trip. We rented 29 pair of CC skis and boots in Evanston and went 30 miles to Bear River Station and the trail head to Lilly lake. They had rented 3 Yurts in different locations for the deconds-teachers-priest to stay. We packed up our food and WARM clothes and headed out. The deconds were to stay in the first Yurt 3 miles in, Teachers 4 miles in and the Priest 6 miles in. I got to go with the Priest.

I thought that because I was a big time Ski Instructor that I would have no problems controling those wimpy, skinny skis..... well I soon learned how much I did not know about CC skiing. Up hill was not to bad, just push the skis along and try not to fall over. The first major down hill was a real trip. The trail narrowed to about 6 feet across and was icy. I thought a good old wedge would get me down the hill. The first 20 feet was no problem and then I moved over to the side of the trail and got both skis stuck under the crusted snow and my body, with a 45 lbs back pack, was propelled off the side of the trail into the deep snow. My head went first with my arms stretched out into the deep snow. There I was head first, facing down hill, with both arms stuck in the snow and not able to move. So much for the big time ski instructor. Yes, I was humbled!

Some times you have to go up hill. This little trail was call "Dead Mans Ridge" I'm just glad I only had to climb it and not go down. It was an 800' elevation gain in 1/2 mile.

The view was worth it.

This is the view we had from the front porch of the Yurt.

They Yurts had a wood burning fireplace for warmth. [until the fire goes out at night... 31 to 35'] We cooked on propane stoves and had gas lanters for light.

Card games and stories, keep up busy at night.

Along with Manly games.....

Great trip, Great exercise: 20 miles total. Look forward to doing it again. Next time with Teli Skis and now ego.....