First real winter trip on skis

This has not been a kind winter for pilots in the interior. Colder than normal temps, sustained now for 4 months added to extra heavy snow have frustrated our attempts to enjoy the late winter and snow.
Last Sunday was a beautiful day and beckoned! CAVU from the ground but a strong 20-30 MPH wind from the East aloft made the trip to Wien Lake an interesting one. Quick trip out, slow slog back.
Pictures include the patterns in the snow covered dunes, the first view of Wien Lake and the long Herc strip carved in the lake ice for a DC-6 or C46 to land with building supplies. Very long and impressive and short lived!