December 13th, 2017

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Good morning,
 
It’s currently 12 degrees and clear up top. Yesterday’s high was 20 degrees, with an overnight low of 0 degrees. The winds have been blowing since yesterday afternoon. There is still plenty of snow on the ground!
 
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After yesterday’s post, I grabbed my essentials and hiked down the mountain. With 441 still closed, I correctly assumed that nobody had hiked Alum Cave Trail, yet. It was a surreal experience to hike down without seeing a single person. There was no one. Roughly a mile down, signs of the full-time residents began to appear. Fox, raccoon, and squirrel tracks kept me company. On multiple occasions, I had the pleasure of walking beside bear tracks. To see the trail well used, was a treat.

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I woke to a bitterly cold mountain. With fresh coffee high on the priority list, I trudged into the kitchen and got to work. Once caffeinated and warm, I led a one-man expedition for Myrtle Point.
 
The mountain was glazed with hoar frost, making it as appetizing as ever. I hiked quickly through the creaking snow. My cheeks began aching from the cold. With all the ingredients in place for a spectacular sunrise. I shielded my face and pressed on.
 
My chase for the golden hour, the moments just before and after sunrise, was met with unparalleled success. The world transformed from the predawn grey to the soft golden hue of a pearl. The rising sun brought deep purple notes to the landscape. The world continued to transform, showcasing every spectrum of the rainbow.
 
Still mesmerized, I made for home…
 
Onward,
Seth

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 “Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.” – Yogi Bhajan