Martha's Vineyard CAR CAMPING

 Being avid boaters we typically spend at least 1 week on Martha's Vineyard during the summer.  We have tanken the our boat before but this time we decided to merge a camping trip and the annual MV pilgrimage into one trip.  In attendance were;  Sarah, Xing, Dan, Rob and myself.  What ensued was one of the more relaxing vacations I have had in quite a while.  

 Can you tell which car is mine.  Pic taken on the ferry ride over.

 I should state that we are not typically "Car Campers" but given the opportunity I think we did alright.  We ditched the light weight backpacking equipment for heavy "and comfortable"  alternatives.  Rob on the other hand stuck with his comfortable Ultra light hammock.    

 Sarah eating lobster on the beach at Menemsha.  There are two small seafood dealers right on the docks where the fishing boats are kept.  They will cook the fresh fish for a very small fee.

 Couples shots with the sunset behind us.

We spent some time on South Beach enjoying the sun and the surf. 

 This is what happens when a wave slams you into the sand.

We spent the last afternoon on the island at Gay Head.  It was amazing.  Beautiful water and great cliffs.

 

 We went back to Menemsha for more food before leaving for the mainland.

51 INCHES, JAY PEAK SIDECOUNTRY AND A FEW FRIENDS

51 inches of POW

After looking at NOAA every day last week a group of us decided it was time to head to Jay Peak to rendezvous with a storm that had already pounded  northern VT for a day, leaving 11 inches. This had to have been one of the best days of skiing in my life.  The following pics were all taken in the Dip which is located in the side country to skiers right of Jay Peak.  It features open tree skiing, and some nice drops.

The Dip holds more snow longer and sees less traffic then the inbound glades at the resort.   It is however slightly more involved but well worth it. 

Jump Turn

Avalanche!  Not really!

Tips UP

Steep and Deep

HURRICANE MTN RD TO BLACK CAP

Hurricane Mountain Road is a mountain pass that connects North Conway NH to Maine.  During the winter the road is closed.  The road is steep with several S-turns making it great for skiing.

We chose to ski Hurricane Mountain Road because this was Sarah's first time venturing off piste.

Sarah getting ready.

Walking from our ski club to the road closure gate.

Road closure gate.

Hard and Smooth makes for easy skinning.

Are there any traffic signs without bullet holes?

Black Cap Trail Head

At the top of Hurricane Mtn Rd. there is a trail head for the Black Cap Ridge Trail.  We took this trail to the summit of Black Cap at a distance of 1.1 miles.  This part of the trip took longer then the 2 mile skin up the road due to difficult terrain.  I had to take my skins off and hike the final section of the trail approaching the summit. 

Sarah Signing In

Stoked!!

Put them on!  Take them off!

Success!

Lets Ski!

Now for some Nachos, Wine and BEER!

Sarahs Gear

Sarah has got some new gear that has worked out well over the past 12 days on snow.  The Technica Viva Phoenix 80 fit her feet well and seam to have the performance she was looking for.

The helmet is the Smith Variant.   She doesn't use the visor.  The gloves are POW and are made with Goat Leather.

MID-NIGHT HIKE AND DINNER WITH SARAH

Sarah and I climbed Buck Hill in the Blue Hills and made dinner.  Not a bad work night at all.  It is a short hike with great views of Boston and the south shore.  We chose this night because of the moon.