With the snow falling hard and blowing deep on south-facing aspects, getting to and along Benton Street on skis was a breeze. We did much better than 2WD cars tonight, as the city appeared to have pulled their plows well before our 8:45 p.m. start time. Snow in the center of the intersection of Sunset and Benton was about as tall as the gearbox of a Chevy Celebrity (I can't believe something like that's still running at all). It was easily deeper than the bumper of a PT Cruiser. This is in the street, mind you. South-facing aspects off-street drifted to knee deep with wide skis on. It was a good evening for gaiters.The Benton Street hill down to the river wasn't nearly as exciting as either of us had hoped. The snow was deep enough that you could not generate any big-time speed to power turns with. However, you could slowly cut semi-elegant turns across the fall line (which coincides with about the center line of the street itself) down to about Miller Street. Watch out for cars if you're in the middle of the road. You can lap this hill until you get bored or chased off by cops, then ski home. Hope you enjoy breaking trail, though, because with this wind, the trail you broke to get to the Benton hill is gone by the time you're done with your laps. Poof! Like you never were there.
Anybody who thinks this sounds like a good idea needs to either go out now or get up dang early and go tomorrow. If it's too late for you and they plow the street, you might give the sidewalk area a try. Until folks really get after their driveways on the north side of the street, that sidewalk and parkway is an easy go. It's very slow, though, because it's really, really deep there.
