Retallack Ladies – 3

Get your AllRides on, it’s Heli day!

This one took a while, as we tried breaking down bikes and putting them in the ski basket and the cheeks rather than long lining.  It saves $$, but really slows the program down at the top.

No worries, it got the girls on their A game.  Here’s Christine, with bum shot of the day, dropping in on a tailings pile.

Heather did too, and this was a huge breakthrough for her.  I doubt she ever thought she’d do something like this (and it is pretty steep in real life.  Pics never do it justice).

Always a good time in Bear’s Den.

Another loyal retallackEmployee, Kia get’s shot of the day.

And Karen gets the runner up.  Although she may have gotten top honours if she’d remembered to bring me some cookies (Karen is a notoriously good baker).

Another side shot in the old growth of Blancher.

Good times, yet again.  I don’t think I’m ready to head home yet, though.  I should probably get another day in before I hit the road.

Kootenay Cowboys – 2

Another day with Nick and Devon.  I’m on ground crew…again (which is a bummer as it’s kind of a stellar day for heli.  Would you believe that Kinrade hasn’t done this drop before this week?).

 

Given that the road goes up so much higher now, it’s really not a big deal.  Still, would have been a nice morning for a flight. 

At least Schooly D isn’t here to punch me in the butt through the tailings piles.

What a great day, and another couple of great shredders to ride with.  The Kootenays are a steep and gnarly place, and it was fun to rip with some more bros that appreciate that side of the sport.

Good times, and more to come.

Powerslave Heli

Yes, if I’m at Retallack, then it’s time to hit the helipad.

Not buying the concept of Kinrade as a pilot.  He doesn’t look like he’s taking the idea seriously, at any rate.

Nice rack…

I was on ground crew detail today, so no flights for me (and I’m spoiled enough with how many I get to do that it’s really not bothering me).  As a result, I got to watch some smokejumpers do a practice jump overhead…

…and then land right in front of me.

As if that wasn’t cool enough, the Buffalo they were training in did a tactical short landing right after.

After that, I drove up to meet the crew on Morning Mtn. for the rest of the Powerslave descent.

Not much to report here, although we did run into Scott "Schooly D" Dixon, and I have a bruise on my ass to prove it (the result of my avoiding a slower rider in front, thereby impeding Mr. D’s line). 

Another solid day in the Koots.  The boys are beginning to look tired…