Back to the Desert

 Skiing yesterday and warm sunny desert hiking today. Mcinnis Canyons D3. Nice loop on both sides of Devils Canyon. The plants have responded to the recent rain. 

Skiing Day 1 - Grand Mesa

 Not often that you get to go skiing in the middle of Oct! I got up to County Line trail early which was a good call since it was 25 degrees with fresh snow from the night before. Probably 6+ of heavy snow the day before and 6 over night. A solid foot on the trails. I didn't hit anything with the skis. Complete coverage. I went up to the overlook. Nice since the lakes were not frozen yet and there was a big cloud bank that made you feel like you were looking out an airplane window. Toward the end of the ski it was starting to get sticky since the sun was out and intense as per usual. I went all the way to the lookout without seeing anyone and the parking lot was empty when I got there at 8:00. Nice peaceful experience with new snow and no groomed trails. Just skiing in the woods! Hopefully this is an indicator of the upcoming winter. You had to be up high to ski today. Below around 8000 feet it was all rain.