Black Diamond Snowshoeing

Today, I ventured out with Nick, Nicole and Finley to Bogus Basin Ski Resort.  Bogus is located within the mountains northeast of Boise.  Last night, Nicole called to see if I had Monday off so that I could join them snowshoeing.  Unfortunately, I'm not so lucky having this day off.  So, instead, we decided head head off today.  I was lucky to get a snowshoe and pole rental from REI, find a quick pair of snow pants at sports authority, and all my winter gear at home.  We left Nampa early this morning to pick up my rentals and head up the mountain.  It was quite comical listening to Fin on the way up as he repeated asked "where did the mountain go?" as we were on and in the mountains.  Once we arrived at the top, people were heading out on their skis or snowboard, hitting the tubes, or hitting their snowshoes.  It was quite the chore just getting my snow pants on, my snow boots, and my snow shoes.  I have to thank my tighter snow pants for the extra challenge.  Finley was lucky as he trailed behind Nick in a sleigh.  Nick did quite awesome handling the extra pounds.  We all decided we would do the smaller loop, the easiest/easier one.  We hit the trail and gradually started going down the hills.  With the trails not being fully marked and us not having a map, we got off onto another course that down us down further.  We all know the rule, what comes down must go back up.  We took a snack and hot cocoa break plus we had to add a little snow ball fight before we began the brutal climb up.  I remember looking at a sign with a black diamond pointing the way in which we would have to continue if we wanted to make it to the lodge.  The burn began... starting in my legs and then my chest.  I remember Nicole repeating, "come on Ash, you can do it" or "we are almost there."  At last, we made it back to the lodge.  All I wanted to do was flop in the snow and lay there.

I never get car sick.  Well, except for today.  I had to make Nick pull over because I was not so sure if my stomach could handle any more.  Following our adventure we headed to Big City Coffee in downtown Boise for sandwiches and soup.  I think that was the best sandwich and soup I ever had.

After arriving back home and unpacked, I didn't want to move.  I sit here now already feeling the soreness in my muscles and stiffness.  Wonder what tomorrow will bring????  Any body ready to go snowshoeing!!!

Here is Fin, sleeping in the sleigh.  He ended up falling asleep about a 3/4 into it. I think he had it made as all of us were huffing and puffing.