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March, 2025

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Touring/AT NSers...

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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

I've been noticing lately that there are a few people on here who are into touring and earning their turns.  Where are you from, where are you touring and whatchagot for touring setups? 

I'm from mass but tour all over the EC and also when I go west for vaca (usually UT/BCC/LCC).  Mostly in VT along the green spine though while I'm home.  Right now I'm on Whitedot Redeemers quiverkilled for Plum Guides, but my 12/13 ON3P Billy Goat Tours should be on my doorstep by tomorrow- and will be my go-to touring skis for the majority of the season.  My boots are Dalbello Virus Tours with cochise top straps grafted on as well because I hated the stock top bail. 

So what's up with you, oh rando beasts of NS?   

12 years ago
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iLLbiLLy
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 2,631
Tetons got a much needed refresh. Still a lot of sharks out there though!


(you wouldn't be able to tell from this photo, but this line was treacherous)
10 years ago
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
^^ illbill whats the snow pack depth out there in Jackson looking like. Hoping to do a road trip down there this winter, when would be the best time or at least a good time? March seems to be pretty much clutch everywhere, hows jan/feb usually pan out there I always see big storms smashing down that way and get sooo jealous!
10 years ago
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
O and nice line btw that look's awesome, sans la sharks
10 years ago
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iLLbiLLy
Posts: 2865 - Karma: 2,631
ShredMasterPlus^^ illbill whats the snow pack depth out there in Jackson looking like. Hoping to do a road trip down there this winter, when would be the best time or at least a good time? March seems to be pretty much clutch everywhere, hows jan/feb usually pan out there I always see big storms smashing down that way and get sooo jealous!


The 5 oclock avi report just claimed that Jackson has among the deepest snowpack in north america at the time (above 9000ft).

Overall is been a really good start. A lot of the classic lines are already in.

It's really hard to say when the best time to come is. Most of the time the skiing is good, but you never know when a high pressure system may linger around for a week or two. Feb seems to be consistently the most consistent when it comes to snowfall.
10 years ago
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ShredMasterPlus
Posts: 1159 - Karma: 807
Sweet! Thanks man. Trip really doesn't need much of a schedgy. So Stoked on this winter!!!
10 years ago
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malonius_funk
Posts: 2249 - Karma: 1,500
Hyalite Canyon, MT. Skiing has been great up there the past few days. The first two meadows are tracked out of course, but if any of you Bozemanites head up to the third meadow theres some great snow to be had. Be safe out there!
10 years ago
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malonius_funk
Posts: 2249 - Karma: 1,500
malonius_funkHyalite Canyon, MT. Skiing has been great up there the past few days. The first two meadows are tracked out of course, but if any of you Bozemanites head up to the third meadow theres some great snow to be had. Be safe out there!


History Rock that is!
10 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7290 - Karma: 18,696
I'm just going to throw some more future tech stoke in here. I got a preview of the new atomic touring boots yesterday and I can say for sure you guys will be impressed. They are not just alpine boots which have been converted these things are the real deal. Keep your eyes out for them getting previewed more in the coming months.
10 years ago
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cwillygood
Posts: 6831 - Karma: 1,829
malonius_funkHyalite Canyon, MT. Skiing has been great up there the past few days. The first two meadows are tracked out of course, but if any of you Bozemanites head up to the third meadow theres some great snow to be had. Be safe out there!


ahhhh cannot wait to get back! Figures the day i leave it starts to snow, this 45 degree east coast weather is killing me
10 years ago
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Ghini
Posts: 2267 - Karma: 3,057
tomPietrowskiI'm just going to throw some more future tech stoke in here. I got a preview of the new atomic touring boots yesterday and I can say for sure you guys will be impressed. They are not just alpine boots which have been converted these things are the real deal. Keep your eyes out for them getting previewed more in the coming months.


Nice, but I want to hear something about the Salomon/Atomic tech binding :)
Did you see those yet? Or are they still working on them?
About the boots, do they have normal tech fittings?
10 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7290 - Karma: 18,696
CamembertNice, but I want to hear something about the Salomon/Atomic tech binding :)
Did you see those yet? Or are they still working on them?
About the boots, do they have normal tech fittings?


Yep I know details on the bindings but nothing I can reall say here. The boots are increadible. Tech only, no messing about wit replaceable soles, these are real touring boots.
10 years ago
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Hugh_Conway_jr
Posts: 746 - Karma: 467
The referenced post has been removed.


What are you looking to do exactly?

If you are just getting in to backcountry skiing, a level 1 avalanche course is a key starting point.

equally important is finding some one (or multiple people) with some experience to go out with you. the level 1 course is short, and just gives you an over view of the basics. there is no substitution for experience.

Having a working knowledge of basic first aid is crucial for anyone who is traveling farther than an ambulance will drive. Being able to help your self or your buddy while skiing (or fishing or hiking or biking or ...) can make all the difference.

Its also important to be able to properly navigate, be able to read a map, and understand your GPS.

As for certifications... they come later.
10 years ago
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
Atomic gets one boot - going after TLT6 / F1 evo market
Salomon gets two boots - think Vulcan / Mastrale RS.

Walk mode on the Salomon looks really cool, should ski better than the mercury/vulcan, especially with wider skis. Maybe not quite as much ROM, but felt stiffer latterly. I have not skied it. Skiing and touring will be what really determines how it compares to the dynafit mercury (which I think sets the current standard).

more than competitive price points, everything else considered.

no you don't get any photos.
10 years ago
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
Shredmaster plus and i getting rad in November because December sucks.

https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/743946/Wannabe-Wednesdays
10 years ago
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,087
tomPietrowskiYep I know details on the bindings but nothing I can reall say here. The boots are increadible. Tech only, no messing about wit replaceable soles, these are real touring boots.


cobra_commanderAtomic gets one boot - going after TLT6 / F1 evo market
Salomon gets two boots - think Vulcan / Mastrale RS.

Walk mode on the Salomon looks really cool, should ski better than the mercury/vulcan, especially with wider skis. Maybe not quite as much ROM, but felt stiffer latterly. I have not skied it. Skiing and touring will be what really determines how it compares to the dynafit mercury (which I think sets the current standard).

more than competitive price points, everything else considered.

no you don't get any photos.


Insider dirt that's not in the Donator's forum? BLOWN AWAY.
10 years ago
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Ghini
Posts: 2267 - Karma: 3,057
Soooo those Atomic and Salomon boots have normal tech fittings..? Front and back?
If thats so we know it wont be something like with the Skitrab TR2/Scarpa combo..
10 years ago
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gnarballsianm
Posts: 621 - Karma: 703
Going to buy 2013 blogs, marker barons. I know quite a bit, and I have heard that the barons pin can freeze up when in the up or in the down position, is there anything else super crucial I should know? I am pnw'er, who else is and where are your favorite locations / zones in Washington near Seattle?
10 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
gnarballsianmGoing to buy 2013 blogs, marker barons. I know quite a bit, and I have heard that the barons pin can freeze up when in the up or in the down position, is there anything else super crucial I should know? I am pnw'er, who else is and where are your favorite locations / zones in Washington near Seattle?


PNW skier here, located in bham though so i rarely make it down south unless it's to rainer for early season or stevens night laps. barons wont freeze too much up here, just be careful moving them from tour to ski and vice versa. never had any problems when i had barons, probably 75 days or more touring in them. main problem i had was our cement snow caking itself to the barons and clogging it, just scrape it out carefully with a finger/ski pole and you should be fine. lets all pray the jet stream chills out for next week!
10 years ago
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
BakerpowPNW skier here, located in bham though so i rarely make it down south unless it's to rainer for early season or stevens night laps. barons wont freeze too much up here, just be careful moving them from tour to ski and vice versa. never had any problems when i had barons, probably 75 days or more touring in them. main problem i had was our cement snow caking itself to the barons and clogging it, just scrape it out carefully with a finger/ski pole and you should be fine. lets all pray the jet stream chills out for next week!


Then I put another 75 days on em and now they are ratchet, both AFD's are gone and they shake on groomers...
10 years ago
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ChasingFlakes
Posts: 822 - Karma: 1,544
zbphotoThen I put another 75 days on em and now they are ratchet, both AFD's are gone and they shake on groomers...


Its going to happen with that walk mechanism , over time it's going to develop slop. I think the adrenalin and guardians make more sense, one less moving part is always a win in my books. Those Afd plates though, again they move. Other bindings have those toe rise to adjust for different soles, not sure why they chose to use a " floating afd "
10 years ago
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cydwhit
Posts: 5077 - Karma: 43,062
Not as much of a normal ski question but I figured you guys would have good input. Going to some hot springs next week, its a 5.5 mile, steep hike in, planning on camping there overnight so will be carrying a solid amount of gear. I'm trying to decide if it's going to be better to skin in (shreditor 112's with guardians) or rent snowshoes. I'll be with two buddies on snowshoes. I'm assuming skinning should be faster and easier than snowshoes? I don't have much experience with either. Thanks!
10 years ago
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~Gotama~
Posts: 821 - Karma: 3,160
cydwhitNot as much of a normal ski question but I figured you guys would have good input. Going to some hot springs next week, its a 5.5 mile, steep hike in, planning on camping there overnight so will be carrying a solid amount of gear. I'm trying to decide if it's going to be better to skin in (shreditor 112's with guardians) or rent snowshoes. I'll be with two buddies on snowshoes. I'm assuming skinning should be faster and easier than snowshoes? I don't have much experience with either. Thanks!


Unless your buddies are absolute champions, you'll leave them in the dust on skins, which is either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how much you like your friends.
10 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
cydwhitNot as much of a normal ski question but I figured you guys would have good input. Going to some hot springs next week, its a 5.5 mile, steep hike in, planning on camping there overnight so will be carrying a solid amount of gear. I'm trying to decide if it's going to be better to skin in (shreditor 112's with guardians) or rent snowshoes. I'll be with two buddies on snowshoes. I'm assuming skinning should be faster and easier than snowshoes? I don't have much experience with either. Thanks!


id skin for efficiency personally.

the NW is finally getting some more snow, about 2 feet has fallen in the past two days. baker is opening tomorrow which is awesome. one of the latest openings since iv lived up here. i went for a tour today with my pup, about 45 inches up top. 31 degree, boot deep pow, lots of fun mellow low angle stuff today. i did watch patrol set a pretty large slide off today in bounds, probably 12 inch crown, 75 feet wide.
10 years ago
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zahava
Posts: 7791 - Karma: 12,039
ChasingFlakesIts going to happen with that walk mechanism , over time it's going to develop slop. I think the adrenalin and guardians make more sense, one less moving part is always a win in my books. Those Afd plates though, again they move. Other bindings have those toe rise to adjust for different soles, not sure why they chose to use a " floating afd "


Oh I know, its not like I payed a lot for them in the first place, they got the job done for the season I needed them, now I'm just waiting till I can justify Dynafit/FKS swap plates…
10 years ago
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Aenigma
Posts: 11256 - Karma: 428
The referenced post has been removed.


Avy I/II and WFR are great to have. A lot of the avalanche awareness stuff you really get through experience and by spending time with other knowledgeable people (although you should really take at least one of those classes), but the medical stuff you kind of need to take specific classes for.
10 years ago
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7290 - Karma: 18,696
Hey guys. So some of you may have seen my review on the ghost fs, well next up is something more for you guys. I'm going to be doing an indepth test of the atomic waymaker carbon 130. along with the main test I'm going to do a shell check comparison of a few other freeride boots. I understand boots have to fit and the waymaker won't be for everyone so I want to at least show what other fit options there are compared to the waymaker.

Are there any particular boots you guys are interested in? Id like to keep it to similar boots so not full on touring boots, but I was thinking pinnacle, quest and chochise for example. But are there any boots you would be interested in the fit of?
10 years ago
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geist
Posts: 493 - Karma: 984
tomPietrowskiAre there any particular boots you guys are interested in? Id like to keep it to similar boots so not full on touring boots, but I was thinking pinnacle, quest and chochise for example. But are there any boots you would be interested in the fit of?


I would be interested to hear about the new lupo (tech inserts) if it gets released in january and you can get your hands on a pair.
10 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
Yesterday was my first day in the k2 pinnacle 130 boots. Toured 6 runs, popped some pillows. These boots are awesome. No hot spots, pressure points etc. although I definitely can tell where these things could break pretty easily. Dunno how k2 didn't get any failures in testing. Way too many of these boots are breaking. They really need to fix that for next year.
10 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6744 - Karma: 11,755
For all of the touring nerds on NS, visit the link below and get future info on the new Backland touring boots before the rest of the world:

http://www.atomic-content.com/backland/

10 years ago
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PoLaRpEaK
Posts: 439 - Karma: 555
10 years ago
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PoLaRpEaK
Posts: 439 - Karma: 555




10 years ago
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,087


Full write up at the link below.

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/Lemonade-Dog
10 years ago
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tacotom
Posts: 454 - Karma: 479
LiteratureFull write up at the link below.

https://www.newschoolers.com/news/read/Lemonade-Dog


sick write up, i love reading that kinda stuff
10 years ago
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627
BakerpowYesterday was my first day in the k2 pinnacle 130 boots. Toured 6 runs, popped some pillows. These boots are awesome. No hot spots, pressure points etc. although I definitely can tell where these things could break pretty easily. Dunno how k2 didn't get any failures in testing. Way too many of these boots are breaking. They really need to fix that for next year.




Agreed on all fronts. Cuper comfy, warm and skis great but they need to sort that walk mode. Did you grind the uppers? That changes the stride quite a bit.
10 years ago
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geist
Posts: 493 - Karma: 984
Has anyone got any reviews, thoughts or knowledge of the icelantic vanguards..?
10 years ago
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Mr.Bishop
Posts: 22737 - Karma: 76,996
FYI guys -

https://www.newschoolers.com/forum/203/A-T--and-Backcountry
10 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
Huck_NorrisAgreed on all fronts. Cuper comfy, warm and skis great but they need to sort that walk mode. Did you grind the uppers? That changes the stride quite a bit.


not done that yet, dont have access to any great tools that could sand it. what did you use?
10 years ago
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,145
Yezzir, we up and running.

I'm coming up with some stickies - the "I'm getting into touring, what do I need" thread will be one and there should be one on avy awareness whcih I have already made. I'm also thinking a general photography thread is a good idea.

Other than that though I'm sort of inclined to say we don't need a trip report sticky - if you want to do a TR (which you should!) just post a separate thread on it. Same for gear - if you want to discuss the Vipec, or a particular beacon or whatever, start a thread on it.

Thoughts?
10 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
J.D.Other than that though I'm sort of inclined to say we don't need a trip report sticky - if you want to do a TR (which you should!) just post a separate thread on it. Same for gear - if you want to discuss the Vipec, or a particular beacon or whatever, start a thread on it.

Thoughts?


yah i like this, makes finding info for a specific question a lot easier.




woohooo now i just need some more snow to put a tr up!
10 years ago
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
I like those ideas, that was a massive TR thread won't be an annoying slew of broken image links when it's like 50 pages deep
10 years ago
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J.D.
Posts: 21362 - Karma: 5,145
Right, and I figure if we have a separate picture thread, you don't need to have done a whole trip report in order to post up the two shots you took of the scenery while you were out for an afternoon.

Any other suggestions, I'm all ears, this is basically you guys's forum. It was Steele's idea in the first place.
10 years ago
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onenerdykid
Posts: 6744 - Karma: 11,755
more teaser info on the new Backland touring boots:


Just one of the action packed features on the feature packed boot.

For those who want more, don't forget to head over to here:
http://www.atomic-content.com/backland/
10 years ago
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Pudge
Posts: 3718 - Karma: 3,117
That's absurd considering Vulcans have a ROM of about 60, and even the RC1 (absolute pure rando boot in every meaning of the word) are at 74 haha. If Atomic pulls this off and it actually goes downhill with a legitimate sense of functionality, then congrats Matt!! Look forward to hearing more

It will be tough to make me regret buying my Freedoms though (;
10 years ago
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tacotom
Posts: 454 - Karma: 479
J.D.Right, and I figure if we have a separate picture thread, you don't need to have done a whole trip report in order to post up the two shots you took of the scenery while you were out for an afternoon.

Any other suggestions, I'm all ears, this is basically you guys's forum. It was Steele's idea in the first place.


i think a picture thread is for sure a good idea. also some gear thread maybe such as beginners guide to gear and gear talk specifically for touring
10 years ago
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Literature
Posts: 13673 - Karma: 3,087
J.D.Yezzir, we up and running.

I'm coming up with some stickies - the "I'm getting into touring, what do I need" thread will be one and there should be one on avy awareness whcih I have already made. I'm also thinking a general photography thread is a good idea.

Other than that though I'm sort of inclined to say we don't need a trip report sticky - if you want to do a TR (which you should!) just post a separate thread on it. Same for gear - if you want to discuss the Vipec, or a particular beacon or whatever, start a thread on it.

Thoughts?


Just saw this.

I think TRs should have their own threads.

Photo thread sounds good.

"I'm getting into the backcountry, what do I need" thread for sure.

I just started a "What backcountry binding" discussion thread in the new forum. Basically, my thinking is that we should do these things together, compile everyone's experience and thoughts, and then make a sticky that concisely but informatively summarizes the collective wisdom. Eh?
10 years ago
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,126
new forum needs a bc bandwagon product spam thread
seems like the last 4 seasons in wasnagles have been the same early season oct/nov storms put down a layer that rots forms shitty basal facets that get covered
loaded w/ slab rip or bridge then rots some more till the next load
ski cut a sizable avvy back on turkey day

things stabilized and unseasonable warm temps kept all but sheltered north from turning into bottomless facets
been skiin well
mrs. bum

stevo

billydagoat

fuckucat



ermie


mixed bag out here
hoars on the surface

rime and ice on the trees

prestorm sunsets

new loadshave things interesting again looks like someone got chomped in jaws
3 minute burial and a compound tib fib fracture
soli control work released some to the honeycomb floor class2-3 w/ sizeable crowns

happy safe holidaies and thanks for the pow present fat bearded old man
10 years ago
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Blunto
Posts: 8 - Karma: 23
Anyone from the west coast of BC been up to the Coquihalla yet this season? I have been wanting to venture up there but have heard mixed things about snow coverage...
10 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,467
did some slackcountry around baker today. some of the best quality snow i have ever skied in this area. ran into my first pre release sketchy situation with my dyanfits. released right as i was side slipping my way into a chute. kept on my feet and just put the ski back on then locked the toe and it was fine. definitely scared the shit out of me though. lost a lot of trust in that moment lol
10 years ago
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,126



















10 years ago
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SFBv420.0
Posts: 2539 - Karma: 3,126

was replaced by a warmer get out and on top a bit bluebird start to another year


se skied well

mammas kitties gonna need sum lovin though



Ecastles not lookin anywhere near openin or apealing

skinned back up valentines and out a not quite ready for prime time dog lake ridge

10 years ago
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