April 2005_utah

Friday got the jump on us today. A 14 hour day in the backcountry previously had its way of making you question how limitless the drive of the human spirit is for the perfect line captured on film. Although we were without Sarah, the rest of the team came together at the base of BCC. And with the new morning, we were joined by a new adventurer, Bill Novak. It seems after speaking with Bill, he has a penchant for hitting as steep a line in the mountains as he does for chasing surf and traveling. After a quick drive up the canyon, we arrived at the parking area of Brighton's Mt. Millicent chair.

The sun was shining in the parking lot as we geared up. The resort was moderately quite. It was a beautiful start to day two. While getting ready the group coalesced. The morning laggy motivation and stiff muscles didn't take precedent once on the Millicent chair. The brisk air felt good as I sat comfortable on the old double. There is something magical and dangerous at the same time with the Mt. Millicent chair. It has a way of striking up discussions reminisent of nostalgia while separating the crowds. It will also turn you into a praying man in one ride. One look down between tower 11 and 12, you will be a believer.
At the top, the wind blew calmly. We assembled as a group; I spoke with ski patrol and discussed the day’s schedule. With my face now feeling the effects of yesterdays sun exposure, I tied up my cloth face mask, gave my baseball hat a tilt over my glasses to block the sun and headed up the ridge. We had a great group Friday. Mt. Millicent's ridge rose to meet our steps. The group moved in a steady pace. The view on the peak was stunning.
As I set up for the shot, the North face of Tuscorora, the group made their way down and across Wolverine bowl. Rob made quick time on his Arbor mystic split board. The rest of the group, Chester, Dave, Bill and Justin in tow made there way through the tree line. Once on the ridge, we set up the first shot, made our safety plans in case something happened and got to shooting.
Rob was first to drop; he made two smooth turns to 15 foot drop onto the powdery curtain below. The line was smooth. Next up, Dan swooped left off the summit and threaded the rock outcrops to finish with an effortless glide. Chester switched up the line and went for the chute off the top. Justin hung back on the ridge and goal posted the pine trees. And we captured it all...
After rapping up that portion of the shoot, I made my way to the col. Once there, the full effects of yesterday's sun exposure set in. The effects of acute sun blindness set in so quickly I could barely focus or hold my eyes open. Not wanting to end the shoot, I compromised in conversation with the rest of the group. Justin decided to meet up and go out with me. Rob went on with Bill and crew to continue on with other lines and capture film. Between squints and stinging vision, I set up my split board for the descent out; it was tough going. Vision is a necessity to snowboard, so I thought. The coolness of the tree shadows gave me solace. With Justin in tow, I skinned around the Lake Mary to Brighton. Once at the parking lot, I immediately got out of my boots and put a zip lock of snow on my face. Justin climbed into the drivers set and made our way down the canyon. Day 2 was a rap.
Max

Shoot 2 (Day 2)