December 17, 2017

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Good morning,
 
It’s currently 42 degrees and cloudy. Yesterday’s high was 41 with an overnight low of 35. Expect plenty of ice on your way up.
 
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I woke less sore than expected. Dressed and ready, I was already peeling off layers before making it into the kitchen. I laughed. When did 40 degrees become warm?! The coffee was soon ground and brewed. I was out the door just after 7:00AM.
 
The walk to Myrtle Point was filled with an energetic chatter. It was unmistakable that my companions, from thru-hikes past, held the same zest and adoration for the wilds. Smiles were anchored to our faces as the sun creeped out of the east. Alive and buzzing, our growing hunger was satisfied.
 
Walking back to the lodge, I found a new hunger on the forefront. Baking was on the mind. Just the night before, a buddy from Sylva hiked up two unique requests (dried apricots and orange extract). The Apricot and Almond bread that had filled my thoughts would soon become a reality. I arrived back at the lodge. Walking into the kitchen, I removed more layers and grabbed The Fannie Farmer Cookbook…
 
…I pulled a mixing bowl off the shelf.
 
Cheers,
Seth

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"Limits exist only in the souls of those who do not dream."
- Philippe Petit