Day 16: Snowshoeing, Squirrels, and A-Basin

Porcupine Gulch has become a favorite spot for me because of its central location to the ski resorts, proximity to Denver, and the many activities that can be enjoyed here. In summer and fall the trail makes a great start or end point for an afternoon hike on the Continental Divide. There are TONS of squirrel and snowshoe hare here for hunting through the fall and winter, and the terrain is excellent for snowshoeing and relatively secluded. Very little foot traffic up here. Also, if you're willing to boot for a few miles in the spring, I hear you can get some great turns in the West bowl.

As I was leaving the gulch I decided to sit for a while and let the woods settle, hoping I could see some animals. After about 25 mins sitting just out of earshot of the road near a squirrels nest, and not seeing anything, I was ready to give up. Then I heard the bark! First a single chirp, then aggravated screaming barking so loud that it made me jump - you guessed it, Chickaree! Freaking pine squirrel didn't like me near his tree and he sat there, staring me in the face, BARKING FOR 30 MINS. I've heard these guys don't back down, but jeez. The most incredible display of fearless territorialism I've ever seen - and from a 2lb squirrel!

6000 trail series 9x30 - My second time out on these shoes and for the price, I love them. They fit over both my hiking and snowboard boots, the crampons are KILLER, they float well, and they're comfy. Review on these coming.

Sunny morning at A-Basin - I swung by for a few runs and the snow was nice for a groomer day. Kept it on the bottom half and only got 3 runs, but hey, turns are turns right?