
It was another insanely mild day on the Mountain. The high was 52 degrees. The low was 36 degrees. It was 46 degrees and cloudy at observation. It looks like today will be a bit of a rainy day up top.
I spent yesterday reading down at Alum Cave. It was a great day for falcon watching. I think they must be nesting, as they seem more territorial than usual. In addition to their calls, I was able to hear the impressive WHOOOOSH of their deceleration into their perches above the Cave. They are almost too fast to believe. I took my time at the cave, reading in the sun for 3 hours.
I set a personal record for 'soaking it in' on the way back up, taking an hour and 45 minutes and stopping all over the place to take pictures and soak in the sun. I can't believe this is my last night solo on the mountain! I'm having ebbing, flowing feelings about my time here. There is already a deeply rooted nostalgia about this amazing place competing with a preternatural joy about what's around the next bend in the trail. Life!
PS: I am trying to get to New Hampshire for my new job in late March and am looking to buy a used vehicle. I am looking for anything at/under ~$1,200 that runs. A pickup, small car with good gas efficiency or motorcycle would be ideal. If any of you kind readers have any suggestions, I'd really appreciate it! Email me at jpkrol@gmail.com if you have any leads!
Best,
JP