On December 22-24, 1983 Jim White and I ski toured six miles round trip to North Lake in the John Muir Wilderness. Jim was home from college earlier in the week suffering from a cold so we delayed our planned trip until the 22nd.
We left at noon and drove to Aspendell. It was trying to snow and windy as we headed up the road on skis - barely enough snow as much had turned to ice or just melted. Jim was on borrowed skis with borrowed boots all of which didn't fit to well so he was having problems.
I was doing great. The bridge over Bishop Creek at the North Lake turnoff was under reconstruction but passable to foot traffic. As we hit the steep part of the North Lake road we ran out of snow so had to walk a ways. We finally got back on snow and proceeded to the Schober Pack Station cabin. We reheated some delicious beef stew Jim had brought from home and had a pleasant evening.
In the morning it was blowing and snowing and Jim was still suffering some from his cold and his borrowed skis didn't work too well so we just lazed around the cabin enjoying ourselves. Jim taught me how to play chess (more or less).It was a nice relaxing day.
Saturday morning we cleaned house and headed down as it snowed lightly and the wind blew. By the time we reached the lower elevation of the car it had turned to more of a mist and we were pretty wet - grateful for the dry and warm car. It was a relaxing three days in spite of the weather.
North Lake Ski Tour 1983
