Go Packers!

Driving through the tunnel past Bear Creek, we move into acclimation mode at Ironton, Colorado, and an elevation of 9,800 feet.

It's a bright sunny day with wind at the top of the peaks making lenticular clouds.

The trail is nicely groomed,

and the ghost mining town provides a photo opportunity and skiing into powder around the abandoned buildings.

We pull off the road to admire the courage or foolishness of the ice climbers outside Ouray.

All creatures at 9,800 feet need more salt to replenish what is lost in activity. We take ours in the form of margaritas at the Camp Robber restaurant. The next day on Grand Mesa, elevation 11,000 feet, it is too blizzardy for the sissy boys.

There, a deputy stuck in a ditch waves us off when we stop to help her.

We abort the Mesa choice for a more reasonable Black Canyon and everyone is happy.

We are Packed for the hut trip tomorrow if weather permits. Today, it's Go Pack Go!