Maiden Peak

March 7, 2004

What a difference two days can make. Thursday’s storm brought a foot of powder and cold temperatures. Sunday, our trip day, was cloudless and springtime warm. The trail from Willamette Pass to Rosary Lakes was packed and slick, but from the lakes to Maiden Peak our route was untraveled.

The cars were left at 8:30 a.m. and some skiers put on skins right away to help gain traction on the icy trail. As the day warmed snow fell constantly off the trees and sun screen was used by all. Travel from the lake toward the summit was by compass through the trees and climbing skins were used as the route steepened.

Halfway to the top John Hegg’s feet were hurting too much from poor fitting boots and he slowed his pace to reduce his pain. The rest of the group pushed on to stand on the summit at 1:30 p.m. Clear views from Mt. Jefferson to Crater Lake were our first reward, but the best part was the downhill run through the trees back to Rosary Lakes. Each skier had their own downhill technique but we all arrived together at the lake for the final stretch back to the cars. John Hegg and his sore feet came limping out last and the trip was over at 5:30 p.m.

Lucky skiers on a great trip were Bob Burnett, John Cooper, John Hegg, Van Likes and Harold Thompson, leader.

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