No; snow gophers didn't make it all lumpy
A few recent experiences have reminded me that failing to respect the mountains can be a dangerous mistake. In recent weeks, with spring in full attack mode, I have ventured into the mountains many times on bike and on foot. The sunny tranquil world of the mountain valley can easily betray the potential harshness lurking in the higher mountains. Three times in April I left the sunny valley and climbed up only to find dark skies, cold wind and spitting, unforecasted light snow. Snow being far less of a risk than rain.
Miles and miles from a paved road, sweating and feeling the climb in my legs I look around. Seeing the dark skies, hearing the frozen hail bouncing off my helmet, and feeling to cold wind cut into me, I thought, "This could get ugly."
My life was never at risk, but the prospect of the day turning into a very uncomfortable death march was a real possibility.
On one of the rides near the start I passed two men sitting in the sun wearing T-shirts and drinking beer. After nearly three hours of riding punctuated by frequent glances at the grey sky and spitting hail I returned glad to be back where it was warm. Those same two guys were still in the sun, still in T-shirts, blissfully unaware of the journey I had undertaken while they took their repose. The mountains don't play fair and they often override the weather forecasts.
Hottie, bundled up for a chilly descent.
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