Heart Strings

Heart Strings report. Skin track after the first lake was an icy horror show. Even with ski crampons it was a challenge. Boulder field skin track from the second lake in decent shape, once you leave it and are in the trees it becomes nightmarish again. We ended up boot packing until out of the trees. Both lakes were well frozen. Followed a skin track up the gully before you reach the section where you choose to skin or boot pack. Very wind affected here, very tricky to skin. Chose to boot pack up to the ridge because of this. Ridge was no issue, just one step. The descent was a mix of heavier powder and hard crust/borderline ice. Got better the lower you got in the open area until you enter the trees again, at which point it was super firm. Plenty of tracks to follow, some better than others. Skin track ski out was very challenging, walked several sections. Type 2 fun, would suggest waiting for more snow before attempting.