I was now above the snow-line, and the snow became deeper as I went up, gradually obliterating the paint marks. I soon had to carry the bike all the way. As I am on the heavy side, and my bike with luggage weighed 30 lbs, I often sank knee-deep into the snow, and apart from the damp and unpleasant cold in my boots, this was rather exhausting. Next day I was to see worse and cease caring !