but i ain't turning back to live that old life no more.

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. John Muir

Morning y'all,

It's another blustery morning up top. The high yesterday reached 28 degrees. The low was 3 degrees, recorded yesterday morning shortly after observation. It was 15 degrees and partly cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation. There is still some patchy snow left up top. I'd be sure to bring some traction devices today. Typically, I view them as a luxury... but right now, they are a necessity to safely summit. Almost everything further up than the double stair is a slick sheet of heavy ice. Without Microspikes, you're asking to get hurt. Enjoy the day!

Top photo: Fresh snow, blue sky. Above: Evening light up Alum.

The evening light as I hiked up Alum yesterday was spectacular. Photos do their best, but they are pale imitations of the real thing. I am so, so grateful to be adding more and more joyous jaunts to my memory bank. Life is just a series of moments and they can be as extraordinary as we are willing to let them to be.