Backcountry Skiing - Part 4

Unlike winters of late, California was blessed with some superlative snowpack in the mid 1990s.  I took advantage of these good years, focusing on my backyard hills: the San Gorgonio Wilderness, where the possibilities for incredible runs seemed endless.  I skied a few secluded lines that probably didn’t see another descent all season.  Sure, there were occasional jaunts to the slopes of San Jacinto or Baldy.  But I would always, inevitably, be drawn back to San G.  The following images were all taken from forays into the San Gorgonio Wilderness during this period.  

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San Gorgonio Wilderness, 1994:  Another good year in my backyard. This was taken somewhere on my way down from Big Draw.  A storm had rolled through the night before, laying down fresh powder.  I went up solo for the day, and I took this selfie the old-fashioned way: set the camera on my pack; hit the timer; dashed over and got in position before the shutter went off.      

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Poopout Hill, 1994:  Michael Katusian and J.R. Muratet taking a short break.  By early April, we could usually hike up to South Fork Meadows and make camp.  From there, we'd make daily sorties into the high country until we exhausted the food and brandy (hence the large packs).    

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Slopes below Little Draw, 1994:  Michael and J.R. skinning their way up into Little Draw.     
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Big Draw, 1994:  J.R. and Michael at about 11,000 feet, kick-stepping up to the crest of the bowl.      
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North Face of San Gorgonio Peak, 1994:  Carving a turn that almost got away from me.      
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South Fork Meadows, 1994:  Happy hour at base camp.       
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Poopout Hill, 1994:  Best damn skiing in Southern California.  Period.     
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North Face of San Gorgonio Peak, 1994:  Michael prepares to drop over the cornice.  1... 2... 3...  
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North Face of San Gorgonio Peak, 1994:   Heaven.       
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Charlton Peak, 1995:   Michael starts the fun drop into Little Draw.  Jepson Peak in the background.       
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Trailhead above Barton Flats, 1995:  Back at the car after another superb weekend in the backcountry.      
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