Beautiful sunny day and no work. Couldn’t ask for any better to go out snowboarding in the backcountry. So Cory and I packed up our bags and drove out to the Tablelands in Gros Morne National Park. This winter saw a lower amounts of snowfall and numerous rainy/ windy days. When we reached the Tablelands I could see more orange peridotite than actual snow. We drove along the mountains and found some lines that looked enticing. I knew it was going to be windy but didn’t think it would hinder us that bad. Let me tell you that 120 km/h wind gusts are not fun when you’re holding a board in your hands. That day I really wished I had a couple extra pounds.
As soon as I pulled my snowboard out of the trunk a strong gust spun me around before ripping my board out of my hands. I crisped as I watched it execute two somersaults, landing loudly on the pavement each time before sliding down a few hundred feet into a stream. Luckily the board was still in one piece though a bit damaged.
This event made us decide not to hike all the way to the top where one of those gust would just throw me off balance into a dangerous tumble down cliffs while snowboarding. We walked up some way through rocks and snow. No need for snowshoes that day. All of a sudden we heard a roar, thunder like sound and Cory shouted “get down”. Another astounding gust blew as I held tight to my board while squatting down and laughing.
We slowly made our way up while crouching every time the wind would pick up too much. What a wild adventure. We made it just high enough in order to get a ride along the brook. The spring like and sticky snow combined with the strong wind made it challenging to ride down. It gave me a whole new perspective on balance since you would be fighting against gust and falling when the resistance wasn’t there anymore. Cory came to a total stop and took off his snowboard. He then gave me a little push, which is the only reason why I made it down to the car. What a laugh we had that day. Didn’t go down the challenging chutes but the wind made it quite a wild workout. Make sure you are ready for backcountry riding by reading this post.
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem
Alex