Contributed by trip leader Dennis Krakow

Three of us set out on what looked like a possibly icy outing.  After getting through the first 100 yards or so and got out of the groomed trail and the trees, we had perfect crust skiing.  Less than 1/2 centimeter of new over the not icy crust.  The high clouds allowed views of Kwohl Butte, Mt Bachelor Broken Top, Tumalo Mountain and Tam Mac Arthur Rim.  We skied the perimeter of the clear cuts.  Conditions were such that we saw 4 skate skiers and 1 mountain biker enjoying the off-trail conditions.  I wish more people would venture out there as it is special.  It won't be too many years from now when the lodgepole trees are dense enough and tall enough to change the experience.