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Janet's Cabin, near Copper Mountain Colorado, Feb 12, 13, 14, 2008 Starting on the western lifts of Copper Mountain, our group of 14 entered through a Forest Service backcountry gate to descend into Guller Creek. At Guller Creek, the work really begins. It is here that the we put on our climbing skins and start the uphill trek. The push to Janet's Cabin covers about 3.4 miles and about 1300 vertical feet. This is tiring enough, but we had to carry our food, clothing, and bedding. The trail followed a fairly open gully, lined on both sides by alpine forest covered in fresh snow. The most difficult section of the trail is just before reaching the Cabin, but the motivation of glimpses of beautiful peaks and ridgelines just above keeps us moving. |


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Cabin, barely in sight, just above the two climbers. |
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The cabin is just barely visible at tree line. |
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The final steep section just before the cabin, hidden behind trees to the right. |
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Uphill |
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Downhill |
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Getting ready to stow aways skins for a ski trip downhill. |
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Morning view from one of the Cabin bedrooms. |


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Morning view from the front of the Cabin facing south. |
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Members of our group "skinning up" to a ridge just west of the Cabin. |
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At 12,000 feet, the exertion takes away your breath as you try to reach new snowfields. |
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Approaching and windswept saddle called Searle Pass. |
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Looking downhill to Janet's Cabin hidden at the treeline. |

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Part of our group (a mile away) removing their climbing skins for a glide back to the Cabin. |


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Discussing telemark technique and equipment. |


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The kitchen. Stretching sore legs while waiting for water to boil. |
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The stove, the only heat source and Virgil, celebrating his birthday. |
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Diane, ready to leave the Cabin in 4-6 inches of new snow. |

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Paul and Sara |
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Group members stretched out on the trail down the valley. |






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After 4 miles of cross country skiing witth a fairly heavy backpack, yeah, she's tired. |








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