Back in the beginning of November we brought you a blog post called The Transition; our take on the inevitable, often difficult transition from fall into winter. Well, now it’s time for the flip-side: winter into spring. I’m confident I speak for us all when I say … BRING IT ON!!!
It’s been my observation that we’re far less reluctant when it comes to this particular seasonal transition. Rather than dragging our feet like grumpy children we rush in headfirst like over-eager teenagers amped up on 100% pure joy. Granted, sometimes we can be a bit premature to welcome spring back into our lives. Let’s be honest, how many times have you found yourself negotiating the slush puddles of your town in flip-flops that should have stayed in the closet another few weeks? You can hardly can blame us though. After nearly 6 months cooped up in the house, wrapping any exposed skin in layers upon layers of hats, gloves, sweaters and scarves, and day after day cramming our feet into mini-prisons (AKA: ski boots) the sunshine just feels … so … damn … good!
That isn’t to say spring doesn’t bring with it a whole host of inconveniences. Spring is certainly the most bi-polar of all the seasons; warm, pleasant days suddenly interrupted by bone-chilling hail storms always leaves one wondering why we opted to leave the jacket at home. Instead of shoving our feet into ski boots we get to partake in a month of muck boot fashion as the snow melts creating a virtual mud landscape as far as the eye can see. And don’t forget about the annual “first sunburn of spring”, because it takes exactly 6 months to forget that sunscreen exists, but only 15 minutes for unprotected skin to turn into lobster meat. Yet through the aloe-induced haze, the repeated hail peltings, and mud we seem to forgive spring it’s little inconveniences. Why? Because it’s spring (!!!) and spring is fabulous and infectious and thrilling!
From an outdoor enthusiast’s perspective the single most thrilling aspect of spring is the sheer number of possibilities that come along with it. We suddenly go from our season-issued snow sports to a mulit-sport extravaganza! Skiing, biking, rock climbing, hiking – you can do it all in the spring. It’s the fully loaded, all-you-can-eat-buffet of seasons!
We here at CBMG have been taking advantage of the incredible spring weather and all the outdoor fun that comes with it. Here’s some eye candy to illustrate what we’ve been up to in the past few weeks …
Spring ski mountaineering! Our AK Ski Mountaineering Camps are underway, but it’s not too late to sign up for our upcoming CO camps, starting April 19, 2012. And don’t forget about CBMG’s annual Alpine Skills Clinic June 15 – 17, 2012.
Taylor Canyon has been receiving a healthy dose of daily sunshine making for some sweet early season rock climbing:
The Black Canyon has started seeing some of the first climbers of the season:
The Utah desert is in prime spring climbing condition as well:
We’ve also been rallying our bikes with the recent opening of Hartman Rocks world-class single track. You know your bike is just begging for it (it’s probably also begging for some tire pressure and a good chain lubing, but you already knew that, right?).
And of course, no spring day would be complete without a little time spent chillin’ on the CBMG benches taking in some rays:
Now if there was only a way to ensure we didn’t have to deal with the obligatory spring snow storm this transition would be truly seamless! We wish you all a wonderful spring and want to remind you that it’s never too early to start planning your summer vacation to Crested Butte. Our summer calendar is filling up quickly so contact us to book your trip today!
-Tiff, CBMG Staff
