December 5, 2017

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Good morning,
 
The winds have been howling since yesterday evening. It’s currently 40 degrees and cloudy. Our high yesterday was 50 degrees, with an overnight low of 32 degrees.
 
*The park currently has a wind advisory in effect until 4:00PM*
 
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There was no welcoming sunrise this morning. Instead, I felt as if I had stepped into a clash between the wind and the forest. The beautiful green tunnel I wandered through just the day before, had transformed into a solemn damp corridor. The dense fir and spruce served as protectors from the constant squalls along the south face. The forest above moved as if it were in a trance, braving the assault. The veteran trees calmly waved me forward, showing their strength and experience. Evidence of past trials lay all around; ice, wind, and the Adelgid continue to transform the mountain.
 
The calm serenity along the north face quickly disappeared. The exposed ridge leading to Myrtle Point howled with intensity. I approached the front lines. From above, a raven barked an unknown order. I quickly spotted an acrobatic warbler bolting for cover. I took the hint and tucked in behind the rocks atop the point. Safe from the winds, I scribbled observations into my notebook. The raven barked new orders; others chimed in, relaying the command. I began toward home.
 
I stayed vigilant and aware as I marched. The steady orange glow of kerosene lanterns welcomed me back. My morning tour was over.
 
Outside, the battle raged on…

Until next time,
Seth

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"Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it"
- Winston Churchill