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The Mt Loop Highway doesn't see a lot of action. The road itself was washed out for a couple of years by Barlow pass. Almost all of the approaches are from valley bottom so you have to carry the beast through a jungle before you hit snow. Good weather this week led Ale Capone and I to visit some slopes in the area.

A two mile road walk led to the "summertime" trailhead. Creative altering
found there.








Blowdowns and large amounts of avy debris were the norm for the first two miles of trail












Once we were in the basin, we were treated to nice views of the surrounding peaks and the waterfalls pouring off them




Vega Tower









At the head of the basin we started our ascent up a shot to Headlee pass. I booted while Ale used crampons. Mr Capone mid-slog








Once we reached the pass, we opted to boot the traverse over to the lake basin beneath sperry and vesper peaks. Ale traversing








At the lake basin the snow was in much better shape. The previous snow had left a nice stable. smooth surface to work with.










We were able to skin from here to the summit of Vesper. It was a very enjoyable skin with wide open views.










Views from the summit were a waste of time

Sperry



Big Four wearing a cap











Now the fun part















The runs down to the snowbound lake were really nice...just as good as I had recalled them to be six years ago. We were able to ride the traverse over to the top of the pass. The runs down the chute were steep and a bit bumpy...but still fun. Its pretty easy to ride down but a fall wouldn't be all that great here.

Ale at the top











Back down in the basin it was like riding over christmas trees put through a blender











And now I bring you EXTREME SPLITBOOTING. Air to disaster...















Scenics





The Butler

It's like easter island without the carving.

Awesome photos! Thanks again for leading, kicking steps, and my ass the whole way. Great day all around. Lot's of fun! Especially the extreme splitbooting. I have to go out and work on my tele booting some more.

Minor edit to the opening line... Unknown to us, Barlow pass is reopening this weekend. The loop is again a loop. Did an unofficial loop yesterday.

^^^

My girlfriends two favorite pictures from the bunch. One for it's artistic qualitites, the other for the me falling on my ass qualities.