Cross-country Ski - Windy Pass from the Iron Horse Trail

This was a mentored trip for me as a XC ski leader & we headed up to Windy Pass from Hyak, via the P2C trail & common corridor.  The forecast was for glorious weather (after a cold night). We started early to be sure we had a parking spot on a Sunday & had no trouble. The P2C wasn't freshly groomed, it was quite crusty but not too beat up.  Once on the summit XC trail (cold creek trail) I was surprised to find it similar.  the tracks were neat but a bit slick with the cool start. We stopped briefly at the warming hut on the way up (the outhouse was functional) and wherever there were sunny patches the snow was nicely softened, but those tree shadows were crusty/slick.  We made great time, stopping for layer adjustments & water...we arrived at Windy Pass around 11am, somewhat hungry from our climb (with great vistas) & the snow plow arrived...we got chatting & he recommended we head up to Windy acres (a short lollipop loop he had just finished grooming - an approx 2 mile add on, with a spectacular viewpoint). the group all wanted to do this. so we enjoyed this gorgeous high bonus excursion.  we then commenced our descent on softer, but still some slick patches) & return to our starting point...our lunch break was around 30 mins... we were back at the car by 2pm.  what a glorious spring ski it was. we got so blessed with the endless vistas, the sunshine & minimal winds.