Timing and snow conditions

This morning we awoke to the woods full of gorgeous snow after the mini storm yesterday.

With it due to snow and then rain later in the day, we had an amazing blue sky window this morning.

With an agile and playful group I had in the back of my mind to head to a spot where I have not walked for a year or two. To have the right combination of dogs in my group, combined with today’s snow conditions, was too good an opportunity to pass up.

Upon early arrival there were no other cars and I knew we would have the whole area to ourselves.

We set off in the deep snow up a steep slope…. The dogs were absolutely loving the deep powder, chasing each other and fetching sticks.

Since my last visit to this gorgeous area a lot has changed and there are areas which have been cleared of trees. This led to large open powder fields for the dogs to play in.

We picked our way through the deep snow, winding our way around rocks, over and under trees.

In the back of my mind I knew that there would be excitement towards the end of the adventure as well.

But were the snow conditions good enough for us to pick our way down an amazing rock face which led back to the car park?

The line I had in mind is impassable without enough snow and only in the right conditions. I have actually never managed to be there at the right moment before. Would today allow me the opportunity to finally bag the steep line?

The slope in question started with a magnificent powderfield high up with a view to take my breath away.

As we peered down the slope it looked in ideal conditions. We stood there for 30 seconds as I decided which line we would take to navigate down the face.

And then we dropped in to unbelievably lovely snow. It was light and yet grippy. The dogs were body deep in the snow and having to work hard for the adventure. But they were loving it.

It was by no means a long descent but it was a first for me, and surely the dogs in my group.

Arriving back at the bottom of the cliff band, we took a moment to look back up and have a small sense of accomplishment.

Yet another Nordmarka line ticked off the list.

Happy weekend!

Doggies: Haraka, Pippi, Lucy, Amazona, Jedi and Sid