New 2011 calendar

Yaya, they are finally done!  The 2011 calendars of my photography will be made available for $15 to anyone who is interested.  I went for a black and white, snowy themed calendar this year because I had so many good, powerful, snowy images.

I hope you like it :D

~Yuri

Preview of calendar images

First Ice Lead

Two days ago, I went ice climbing.  This should be considered a feat in itself for those of you who know me.  I am first and foremost a skier in the winter months (and sometimes in the summer too), and I find it difficult to split my energy into two different disciplines.

Anyway, so I found myself sitting in a craig called King Creek the other day...  I should point out that probably the only reason I found myself ice climbing was because my touring bindings broke, once again, and I was waiting for a replacement.  Having said that, I did enjoy my time swinging at frozen waterfalls.

Thunder Meadows

Snowy wonderland.  This place is awesome.  After 2 days at the Thunder Meadows hut, we did not want to leave this powder paradise.

Once we forgot about the treacherous slog up to the hut, we got tropical by mixing ourselves some cocktails sans the little umbrellas.  Since the day was out, we had some fun with dinner, complete with flambe and warmed biscuits, bacon and cheese.  Fuel for the day tomorrow.

Our home away from home would stay warm while we went for an epic day of skiing.  As we made our first ascent of the day, I distinctly remember that my jacket smelled exquisitely of fried meat - bacon specifically.  If the bears were around, we would be a prime target.  Needless to say we did not get eaten.

I don't think the snow stopped blowing all day, despite the clear morning air, but a high ceiling made for good times all around, as storm after storm rolled overhead.