Greetings

Greetings from the Top of the World as we descend off the top of Ptarmigan Peak and back down into the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area.

Starting down from the Summit of the Highest Point in the Vail Pass Recreation Area
(Ptarmigan Peak). 

We had a great run at Vail Pass today taking Wilder Gulch to Ptarmigan Pass and then doing the final climb from Ptarmigan Pass to the top of Ptarmigan Peak. A quick break at the peak and then a fast return on the same route.

The day started slightly overcast and a little cool...

Synchronized "sprint tuck" as we start out the day along Wilder Gulch with slightly overcast
skies and a bright sun trying to break through.

Within 15-20 minutes, the sun burned off the clouds and it became a beautiful day for a run in the sun!

Welcome sun - what a beautiful day you have brought with you!

The video counterpart of the beautiful sun shot above. Yes, that is me belting out "Woo Hoo!" partway through the video. Max & Zorro love when I let out an encouraging hooray to let them know how much fun we are all having!

[watch on youtube if no video loads below]

Finally, a curious encounter for Max & Zorro - a snowmobile towing a snowboarder...

"Interesting.... I could tow that!" states inquisitive Max.
"Cool dude - but why a snowmobile instead of sled dogs???" asks interested Zorro.

Tackling Ptarmigan Peak made for a lot of elevation climbing (and descending) today: 9.7 miles with 1800 feet of elevation climbed and a top speed of 24 MPH.

2014/2015 Season to Date: 61 days on the trails covering 518.8 miles with 56,100 feet of elevation climbed.