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February 09th, 2016

2/9/2016

11 Comments

 
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The closer you get to real matter, rock air fire and wood, boy, the more spiritual the world is. Kerouac

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, snowy morning up top! The high yesterday reached 27 degrees. The overnight low was 2 degrees. It was 2 degrees and cloudy at 7 am observation. The mountain received 7 inches of new snow and our total snow is 7 inches. I hiked up Alum yesterday morning and it was very icy in patches. While the new snow will lend some traction, I would definitely recommend Microspikes if you intend to reach the summit comfortably. As of this posting, 441 is closed. Check on it's progress with this link... Get out and enjoy the day!

I had an absolutely amazing hike up yesterday. Just as my friends and I reached the Alum Cave parking lot, we spoke to a friendly ranger who informed us that they'd likely be closing the road soon. It was dumping snow and road conditions were worsening quickly, but I knew that this would make for a great hike. I changed into my hiking clothes, packed my bag full of goodies and took off. The flurries were falling fast and my cold toes seemed a small price to pay for the opportunity to see the commute I've done hundreds of times be transformed into something new again. I'm always game for a big snow hike, but it's especially nice after all the mild weather we've had this year. Just as I got to the ledges above Alum Cave, it started to clear a bit. The contrast of the bright blue skies and snowed over everything was phenomenal. I didn't see a single person on the trail and the quiet chatter of the forest was overwhelming. I can't wait for more moments that match this special feeling throughout the year to come. Making big memories in the woods is the way to live.

11 Comments
Diane
2/9/2016 08:51:22 am

Loved this, thanks!!

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Delores Maness
2/9/2016 09:22:12 am

Beautiful!!!
thank you for sharing God's Creation in such a moment You take care . It takes one slip and uh-oh!

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Ryan in Green Bay
2/9/2016 09:39:29 am

Wonderful post JP. I was wondering if you ever considered working on the mountain fulltime during the season? Or are you a person that like to go where the wind takes you? I am sure the winter is a great time and the season being a totally different animal that may not be everyone's cup of tea. Enjoy your snow. Currently snowing in Wisconsin and patiently waiting for spring to get here

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norman in ga. link
2/9/2016 12:05:47 pm

Ryan, how far is Green Bay from Bay Field? I'm looking at Bay Field Inn & Madeline Island as I type (9 degree & overcast) at 12:02. Snow flurry, on sticking here. I'm too far south of the mountains for snow. JP, have fin in it!!

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Ryan in Green Bay
2/9/2016 03:57:46 pm

Norm, Green Bay is 4.5 hours away, but my home town is 20 minutes from Bayfield. Believe it or not, but in the dead of winter when it is cold enough and the lakes freezes over, an ice road is plowed and plotted to go from mainland Bayfield to Madeline Island. There are probably 200 year round residents there. When it is too icy for the ferry, the wind sled will be used till the ice road is ready.

Nothing like driving on the ice knowing there is 200 feet of water below you.

norman
2/9/2016 08:58:34 pm

NO ---- FUN You should have seen sunset at La Pointe, Wi. Lake Superior at 6:15 Ga. time. today!

Tammy ( Tx )
2/9/2016 10:52:51 am

I would trade the day you had yesterday for the day we had, anyday, JP. In the 60s, extremely low humidity (that always causes me pain from pops of statistic electricity ), 30+ mph winds and a high fire danger warning! If my hair wasn't wrapped around my face, then it was standing on end! Heehee! Hope it's a peaceful, snowy day for you!

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Diana
2/9/2016 11:52:29 am

Wow, what a feeling that must be!

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Tammy ( Tx )
2/9/2016 01:32:11 pm

I meant to put "static " electricity. I've been saying this auto word check on my phone is going to get me in big trouble some day! Haha!

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Peppermint Pattie
2/9/2016 03:16:41 pm

JP, Beautiful photo today, and heart touching second paragraph. How I wish it were me hiking. We've got only a dusting of snow down here in the valley. But it's still gorgeous to look at. Your last sentence sums it up. ;)

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Tammy ( Tx )
2/9/2016 05:30:39 pm

Yeah, Diana, "statistic" electricity is a feeling I've never experienced! The other day I was commenting on a guy's blog on another site and instead of my comment posting as "any day spent outdoors, is a day well spent" it posted as "any day spent outdoors, is a day we'll spend"! Whoops! *giggling*

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