We arrived at Frank's RV at 10:30.
Rearranging packs and gear.
24th Street!
At the "corner of 24th Street and Finton" looking back west.
Summit dog gets to earn his name. Everybody packs their own food and sleeping bag!
Eckart Lemberg, Sarah and Nick getting ready to go.
Doug Towne ready to go with an extra sleeping ... and more to come later ... Thanks, Sherpa Doug!
Eckart Lemberg making it look easy.
"It's not all about how you look ... but you've got to look good!" Lexy is looking good. Lygon would be proud.
Sisters! Lexy and Lauren with some Lygon pink in the background.
Kevin Wright, director of the Alamosa Valley Search and Rescue, met us about halfway from the cars to the base camp. He was coming down as we were going up. Kevin has been a consistent anchor for the family with a genuine heart of gold. Thanks for all you do, Kevin.
"OK, the fun is over. Where's my bed?"
Sarah and Lexy during the lunch break talking with Kevin.
Doug ... well ... during the lunch break, NOT talking to Kevin. "OK, the fun is over. Where's MY bed?"
On the ridge overlooking the Alamosa Valley at about 10,000 feet.
Photo op.
"Whew! We're beat." Lauren and Summit at base camp at about 11,200 feet at about 7:30.
Summit finds a dry spot amongst the cache at base camp.
Nick and Lexy separate from the others on Sunday morning to attempt a trip to the avalanche basin. Here we have just completed our decent from the ridge across the talus slope into the Tobin Creek basin. Most of the snow from the previous day is gone which made passage safer.
Lexy on lunch break on Sunday making it look easy.
The start of Tobin Creek is losing its ice cover.
The first peek of Little Bear Peak.
Looking back down Tobin Creek.
Sun bathing on the Tobin Creek beach
Lexy is about 1/4 mile from the avalanche area.
Avalanche field is behind us.
The avalanche field that we are studying primarily is the field in the center of this photo.
More rock is exposed than 2 weeks ago. It is apparent the field has dropped a few inches.
Spring conditions are evident. Many ask, "How can there still be avalanche danger?" It is apparent in this photo that a lot of snow still remains on the upper ledges. This will probably melt rather than slide, but caution dictates a close eye.
The "cave" feature and a close up of the target area. Again, much more rock is exposed.
The long snow field to the right center of this photo ranged in depth from 4' near the bottom to over 8' about 2/3's the way up the field.
About 6' feet deep here. Notice the rock fall activity to the left. Part of the danger being in the field at this time of the season is rock fall from above.
about 8' here.
At 10 months old, Summit made it to the avalanche field and although tired was able to work around the field. It may still be possible to use search dogs.
An ice formation just under the surface of the snow which caused a slight "bulge" in the snow field.
From half way to the cave looking back down the avalanche field at Lexy about 100 yards away.
The south wall of the basin.
Summit doesn't really care for a coat.
Little Bear Lake is also losing its ice cover.
The end of a very meaninful day for all of the Stevens family. "Thank you, Father, for the gift of life and the gift of life that we participated in through Lygon Elizabeth Stevens."
Doug Towne and Eckart Lemberg praying. Yes, it looks like they are climbing down ... but really they are praying that their feet actually find a solid foot hold! Thank you, and God bless you both.
