Neffs Canyon - Thomas Fork, Aborted Whipple, Hobbs Chute

Transplants + Nick went to ski the Whipple Couloir via Neff's Canyon.

Neff's Canyon is new to our group - but has been very well received due to its proximity to downtown and complex/rocky terrain as seen (below).

The Couloirs pictured here behind this gnarled tree jumped to the top of our list.

Brian preparing to ski Hobb's Chute.

Brian changing over at the top of the Whipple Couloir - too much sun was warming the south making the Whipple seem like a bad idea.

Hobb's Couloir from across the drainage.

Me in Hobb's. We dug several pits in this couloir ~8800 ft ENE, and noted a snowpack of 140-180 cm. With the exception of one localized spot under a pocket of small trees - we found rounding wet facets at the ground and were unable to activate the slab on these ground facets. We also probed several areas to gain an understanding of the snowpack depth.

We saw similar results on due N ~9200 ft except the deptch was 160-200 cm.

We have been into Neff's a few times before this winter. Most notably when Brian and I decided to extend a quick after work hike that started in Millcreek to around 1 AM. Dani called Cole to rescue us.

Nick below sking below the awesome rock slab that forms Hobb's Chute.

Thanks Nick for taking a lot of awesome pictures. We hope to ski with you again soon.

Birthday/Tri/Lake Chutes and Neff's Canyon

Skiing has been good to start the new year. First weekend back from Christmas activities. Brian, Cole, and myself went out to check it out. Above, quick powder basket repair.

We headed out to our favorite White Pine spots. Brian sported some new lightweight skinny skis by movement  - that seemed to ski pretty well.

Lap #2 of 3 up the Red Stack shoulder. Clouds were in and out all day making visibility a challenge.

This was one of our first big days of the year. We logged >6K of vert - Brian's knee keeps getting stronger.

Next Day - Cole and I headed over to Red Pine to approach the Lake Chute.

Skies cleared - and we were treated with incredible scenery.

(Below) Cole on top of Lake Peak. Off to the right in the sun is Red Stack the mountain that we skied on Saturday.

Remarkable timing led to this photo capture.

The Lake Chute. Utah Transplants favorite ski run!

The following weekend we explored one of the canyons off the valley floor "Neffs".

There was a lot of pre-storm wind and graupel blowing in - but the settled snow still skied well.

Some of the views from the ridgline shared w/ Big Cottonwood were really cool.

We spent a long time on the ridge exploring and doing snowpack analysis before skiing back out.

Want to get back up there soon!

Christmas w/ Family Blue Ridge Mountains

Our family got together in the mountains of NC near Saluda for Christmas. Absent was Bill Puerbaugh, an incredible partner to my Meme and a wonderful addition to our family. He is dearly missed by all that had the chance to know him.

Family Christmas near Asheville NC.

About to put in on the Green River Cove Trail, Green River Game Lands NC.

http://www.blueridgeheritage.com/sites/default/files/images/greenriver_gamelands_map.pdf

Dani - on the New River Ivanhoe to Foster Falls 5500 CFS (2.5 hrs) w/ paddling.

Thanks to Tim with New River Outdoor Adventures in Fries VA for providing the car shuttle and helmets. Tim is an awesome guy with a great shop to outfit river floats and biking on the New River Trail - He even gave me a Nat Geo map of the New River!

http://www.newriveroutdooradventures.com/

An old train trestle that spans the river - one of many that make up the New River rail trail.

57 miles of beautiful scenery through the mountains and foothills of Virginia - this is where my Dad would take me biking when I was a kid.

Tim's cute puppy accompanied us on the shuttle ride.

"Precious Cargo"

The Devils Head - Chimney Rock State Park

Incredible views from the top of Chimney Rock - low clouds cover Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure below.

More views from the tree house like hike up to Chimney Rock.

The fog was incredible - but even more remarkable was the fact that it did not rain for our entire visit to Chimney Rock. This after 5+ in of rain in the last few days and even a Tornado warning. Dad and Dani were the only two that I could convince to take a day outside.

Hickory Nut Gorge Waterfall was really moving after all the recent rain.

Downtown Asheville, NC - we visited the Grove Park Inn - historic Asheville luxury hotel and home of the National Gingerbread House Competition. Gingergread House is a loose term - most gingerbread creations are not houses at all. This ski hill below was part of the childrens' competition.

New Year's Eve 2015/16 #VirginiaisforLowers

Awesome wedding. Congratulations Brandon and Rachel. 

Family Hike near Saluda NC to Big Bradley Falls.

Overnight heavy rain made this creek crossing above the falls challenging.

Rhododendron mountain stream scenery.

View from our cabin of the Game River Game Lands.

Me and Mal on a hike with Archer.

Me and Karen looking out over Big Bradley Waterfall. A long way down to the bottom - but someone bolted an anchor into the rock we sat on.

Mal, Mom, Me, and Meme 2 Chestnut Ridge near Meme's home in Tryon, South Carolina.

Not pictured are Greg, Billy, and Emily - who escaped being photographed.

Dad will upload some of his photos soon - and hopefully we can add the best ones.

Emily it was nice to meet you - hope to see you again soon.