Wanted to go skiing up around Ireland Lake and Vogelsang, but it just didn't happen. The first problem was that the conditions made travel difficult, the second is that my hiking partner has been going more and more lightweight during summer hiking, and this was his first "winter" overnight trip this season. Which is to say he had difficulty carrying his pack, and skis, and snow gear, and all the other things that make winter packs so heavy.
Anyway, conditions in Lyell Canyon were constant postholing, sometimes in snow, sometimes in mud.
Heading up the trail along Ireland Creek was miserable. About 90% snow covered, with just enough dry ground to make skinning impossible.
The views of the various mountains in the area look like good conditions would be had, if we could get there. But we ran out of time well short of our goal.
