gangbanging sheep

**ak_telemike** · 06-16-2006, 08:56 AM

Sheep Mountain that is....

So I don't have all the photos I'd hoped for, but that's ok.

Bill Glude aranges a little charter heli ki trip to Sheep Mountain just outside of town every year. This was my first time going along. Normally, I don't dig going on these big clusterfux with a ton of people, but my wife convined me I should go. Probably my last chance to ski before the baby is born in a couple weeks. Last year had been the biggest group at 33.

This year 72 people showed up at Coastal Helicopters. :shock:

We gather at the office to weigh in and sign paperwork, then boogie down to the beach where the heli will pick up loads of people. 12 loads in all.

After that we loaded into the ship for the first load from the beach. It's a quick flight - maybe 10 minutes. Good viewage. It was hot and ship was heavy with fuel, so we had to slowly spin our way up Sheep Creek.

Hawthorne

The first load comes from the airport. A few folks had to do a quick run and out due to prior commitments. They were on their way out as I got to the top.

Bill realized he might need some help unloading the heli at the top, so I went for a quick run, then came back up to help out.

Tim climbing.

Larry climbing.

Skiing was excellent! The corn was prime.

strum gettin sum

I spent some time at the top helping unload the ship so Bill could go get a run or two.

The skiing was great.

Here's what 72 people in the slackcountry can do to a slope.

Getting out is the really fun part. If you don't go the right way, you are sure to epic in a gnarly, unskiable gully with a waterfall at the bottom. Bill had hiked up earlier in the week to cairn and wand some of the exit, but a couple people managed to get off track.

why take my skis off for this?

They're only skis.

The exit gully is fun! Goes almost to the Preseverance Trail.

Some eleves had done some brushing to clear the path to the trail, but it's still a bit rugged.

Ended the day with a 3 mile walk out to town, then home for supper and beers.

Thanks again to Bill for setting it up.

oh, yeah - I almost forgot - the whole thing cost $41 each.

Bill had asked for $55 up front, and many folks have been kind enough to donate their refunds to the Southeast Alaska Avalanche Center. We are going to use these unexpected donations as seed money for a fundraiser with the new TGR movie, music, and beer

**Camel Toad** · 06-16-2006, 09:48 AM

Nice Mike!

I recognize too many people in the group shots for my own good.

Good to see Bill on the board, much respect to those that ski and board.

**3pin** · 06-16-2006, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by ak_telemike

Sheep Mountain that is....

Killer...

**FrankZappa** · 06-16-2006, 09:55 AM

Hell of a deal. Thanks for the report.
This shot looks cool with all the green brush around.

**ak_telemike** · 06-16-2006, 09:57 AM

Camel Toad - you still up in Nome? If so, check out The Wilders at the Midnight Sun Festival this weekend. They play both kinds of music - Country and Western. They played in Juneau the other night and were fucking great.

You going to be in Juneau again?

**ak_telemike** · 06-16-2006, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by FrankZappa

Hell of a deal. Thanks for the report.
This shot looks cool with all the green brush around.

even when things are filled in it's a bit sporty

Juneau rules!

**ak_powder_monkey** · 06-16-2006, 01:20 PM

way to kill it!

**Kellie** · 06-16-2006, 01:25 PM

Looks damn sweet! Juneau does indeed look like pretty good skiing

**Cirquerider** · 06-16-2006, 02:28 PM

Outstanding TR and event (although, the misleading title kept me away for a while).

**Mofro261** · 06-16-2006, 03:35 PM

Really was quite the Gangbang!

$41 is not a bad price for a heli ride.

**Camel Toad** · 06-19-2006, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by ak_telemike

Camel Toad - you still up in Nome? If so, check out The Wilders at the Midnight Sun Festival this weekend. They play both kinds of music - Country and Western. They played in Juneau the other night and were fucking great.

You going to be in Juneau again?

I missed seeingg them play on stage, as I had to work, but I made it to the Bering Sea Saloon with my guitar and got to jam with them. Tons of fun! Great energy.

Not sure when I'll make it down Juneau way again, although I'm way overdue (like by 3 years). Maybe I'll get down there for folkfest.