[Jim Dockery]

On my climb of Morning Star last week I saw a nice gully on the west face of Lewis that called out to my skis. On the descent I made out old tracks I hadn't seen in the morning - my hat is off to the hardcore who hauled skis up through the alder before the trail was trimmed back!

West Face of Lewis Pk.

My buddy Jeff (Shred) called after hearing about my Morning Star climb asking about ski conditions on Del Campo (which we had done together years ago). When I told him about the gully on Lewis we both agreed that we had to do it in memory of Franklin. Chris Olson also came so I had a strong step kicking team to set the track for me!

North Face of Del Campo

We didn't start too early since we wanted softer corn snow in these steep descents. In the end leaving the car some time after 8 worked perfect that day. We moved quickly up the trail, and cleared path through the alder, but our legs got soaked in the waist high brush leading over to the river bed which wasn't much of a problem since it was a warm day.

Chris on trail through alder

wet brush

into the boulder hoping

Del Campo beckons

By late morning we were snacking in the upper basin and changing into ski boots for the snow climb up Del Campo. Jeff did a great job motoring up setting the track to the shoulder where our snowfield ended about 600 ft. below the summit.

Climbing Del Campo

Climbing Del Campo

Looking SW from our high point (next time)

On the climb we had seen that the snow was in good shape, but Chris still watched his first turns for sluffing, which wasn't a problem.

Chris savors the view down

Dropin' In!

Chris

Chris

Chris

Jeff's turn

Jeff

All too soon we were back in the basin refueling for the climb of Lewis. This time Chris led the way to the col where we turned north toward the summit. Chris and I talked about leaving skis here when confronted with the steep thick trees above but Jeff insisted that we had to ski the whole thing in honor of Franklin, so we all persevered.

Climbing Lewis Coulior

Climbing Lewis

Chris on the summit

We spent an hour taking in the views and remembering Franklin.

Summit Lewis

Down north ridge (regular route)

Vesper

Del Campo

Sheep Gap

Finally it was time to go. The ski (traverse) down the upper mountain wasn't anything to write home about, so I doubt it's been done before (or will be repeated).

Chris skis Lewis

The gully on the other hand was in great shape and was a blast - just right width to have great atmosphere, but plenty of room for turns.

Jeff drops into gully

He skis it all in one shot

Coulior Cruisin'

Chris having fun

I was slowing down a bit compared to the boys on the exit hike, not wanting to ruin a great day with new scrapes or sprains.

hiking out

hiking out

Fossil

back through the alder

We are so lucky to have this beautiful little basin so close to home. I expect the lack of trail will always keep the crowds out, and like I said in my Morning Star TR, beware of avy danger in winter or esp. spring if you venture up there. Del Campo & Lewis peak from Jeff Rich on Vimeo.

[Stefan-K]

Excellent link up with a solid crew! ...errant birthday balloon huffing notwithstanding. gotta love those freebie cascadian drugs, eh? Great report! Really nice route overview in this one -

[silence]

You guys totally rock! That Lewis couloir is sick. Awesome TR and photos ... Jeff's video is right on as always. Never met Franklin, but followed him religiously here ... and miss him so much. This was a great tribute. Thx for posting!

[twodogdad]

[Jetlag]

Wow! That's some gutsy skiing on Lewis! Love that route up Del Campo. My favorite. Great glissade if you don't carry skiis.

[Kenji]

We saw your car(s) when pulled in ~9am to ski Vesper.

[nordique]

What a great Franklin memorial! Well done and well-photographed!

[Nancyann]

What a beautiful tribute to Franklin. I did not know him personally, but he has been a great inspiration to me. The lyrics of the song were especially poignant when combined with the views from the top of Lewis Peak.

[olderthanIusedtobe]

[Brushbuffalo]

Impressive skiing! Looks a little dicey toward the bottom of each run, with holes and rocks. If those weren't rock skis before, they might have a knick or two now ( wait, that would be if I was the skier, but you guys are skilled enough you probably missed every one!)

[Brushbuffalo]

[olderthanIusedtobe]

[puzzlr]

Fantastic. Love the video.

[trestle]

Freaking awesome. Succinct write-up and great pics.

[DIYSteve]