White..White Queen

Got to head out this am for an early morning dawn patrol with good company.  I was keen to poke out and see what was happening in the snow pack after hearing of lots of activity over the weekend. 2 of East peak and reported 2.5+ of XTC peak and lots of whumphing.  We wanted to play it safe so we opted for the shoulder of the Queen to get the fine run but not the exposure.  Snow as wind blown off the top and showed no signs of letting up as it was moderate to strong out of the SE.  Temps we nice at -10c. Got down about 5 turns and dug a quick pit to look for those nasty facets.  I found then good and strong down 55cm in a -1 finger pack but no action.  I actually had to cut the block to look at the crystals and they seem to be bonded.  Conditions looked good for our ski but this layer is a sleeping tiger so hopefully no one will encounter it's bite this winter as it will come, and in a big way.  We finished out line in fine style and poked out a little further after our confidence from the test and seeing about 25 lines on the old Queen.  Funny as my friend and I commented on the remember when!!!! oh must be getting old. 

Cheers and good riding or skiing whatever your pleasure....