Snowy Short Divide!

Landon, Clobber and I decided to drive out to Short Divide to see if we could hasten the rate of snowmelt on the road to launch!

We parked just before the corrals where the snowplows turn around to avoid getting stuck. We came prepared with warm snow boots and started out on the 2.7 mile trek to the top of Short Divide!

It was a beautiful, bright, blue-sky, sunny late-winter day, and with the temperatures in the upper 40's, there was a hint of spring in the air (I hope). The road had two sets of snowmobile tracks packed down, which made walking easier than "post-holing" through the two foot deep drifts.

As we passed by the corrals I let out a loud "mooooo", and this particular cow (#65) saw Clover and followed us along the fenceline for about a half mile, bellowing relentlessly. I think she wanted to make a meal out of Clover, but fortunately the fence held her back! Clover loves to bravely bark at cows and horses from inside the car, but now that she was face to face with one, she was hiding behind our legs!

We passed by the snowy bail-out landing zone (launch is in the upper left of the picture.)

We stopped for a break at the corner-cattleguard.

As we continued up the road, we noticed a large raptor soaring the ridge just below launch, even though the winds were forecast to be light and variable.

As we approached the top we discovered interesting patterns in the wind-deposited snow.

We pushed on through some deep drifts and finally made it to launch about two hours after we had left the car.

Our usual "parking area" was covered by a four-foot deep snow drift!

We took a break on top to enjoy the view of Plymouth and beyond in the warm sunshine. There was a 5-7 mph breeze coming right into launch, but without a glider it was only a tempting tease, and the hope of many great flights to come in the new flying season!

We made it back to the car in half the time, and Landon and Clover napped on the way home. We all will sleep well tonight, with our tired legs and sun-kissed faces!