December 26, 2017

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​Good morning,
 
It’s currently 20 degrees and overcast up top. Yesterday’s high was 19 degrees with a low of 1 degree. We currently have 1” of snow on the ground.
 
Expect and plan for ice covered trails if you’re coming up top. I hiked on mostly ice from Cliff Tops down to the Alum Cave Bluffs, yesterday.
 
Hwy 441 still appears to be closed, but that status may change as the day progresses. Keep up to date here -> https://goo.gl/HikrMr
 
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Leaving the kitchen for sunrise, I noticed clear skies below and an overcast sky above. I hiked into the pre-dawn, retracing my steps from the previous morning. I couldn’t help but to think ahead. How would the sun paint the sky? Would the curtain close too soon?
 
I arrived. There would only be small window for full sunrise colors. The gap between mountain and cloud was scant, but I was there – ready. Deep purple hues danced across the canopy above. Awestruck, I quickly put my camera into position to capture the moment. Five minutes later, the sun disappeared into the clouds above. I didn’t argue. I was happy as a pig in mud...
 
…I made for home.
 
Onward,
Seth

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“O, Sunlight! The most precious gold to be found on Earth.” - Roman Payne