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February 19th, 2016

2/19/2016

15 Comments

 
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Being tired isn't the same as being rich, but most times it's close enough. Chuck Palahniuk

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, snow covered morn up top. The high yesterday reached 34 degrees. The overnight low was 18 degrees. It was 30 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new snow and there is about 7 inches still remaining on the ground. There was a surprising amount of day traffic yesterday and I would expect Alum and Rainbow are packed down. I would still recommend traction devices if you intend to reach the summit - better safe than sorry. It looks as if it's shaping up to be a beautiful day, get out and enjoy it!

I spent yesterday enjoying one of my last few days of solitude on the mountain. I always seem to dial back my ambition for long days on the trails in late February and immerse myself in my books. I love having the freedom of being done with work around 8am, with my only responsibility being to figure out which great works to disappear into for the great vast day. It's unbelievable to me just how fast this season has gone by. I assume it must be due to how mild the winter has been. Aside from one big snow storm in late January, there have been no debilitating snows. Without the claustrophobic feeling of being snowed in, I've been able to fill more days with long runs and hikes than previous winters. I have 3 more weeks up top and I feel like I just got here...

15 Comments
Stephen
2/19/2016 07:59:47 am

JP will you be returning as the winter caretaker next season?

Reply
JP
2/19/2016 09:38:45 am

Stephen,

I do not know where I will be living in 3 weeks. I can honestly say that I haven't a clue if I will be back next winter...

Reply
TwistyP
2/19/2016 08:28:49 am

I realize this blog is not a question and answer session but I thought the following would appeal to the masses: Can you list some of your daily tasks? What does it take to be a winter caretaker?

Reply
JP
2/19/2016 09:40:06 am

Twisty,

The short answer - I report the weather for the Park Service, maintain the blog and do my best to ensure that folks don't vandalize the property. For the long answer - stay tuned! And as far as what it takes - GOOD LUCK!

Reply
JW
2/19/2016 09:08:36 am

Great pic!! i get cooolllllldd chills even on summer days when i waslk out there! I want to be up there so bad!! coming soon, again again and again!!!

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Pat N
2/19/2016 09:10:08 am

I have a dpecial love for today's pic. Enjoy your mountain home, JP!

Reply
JP
2/19/2016 09:38:04 am

:)

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Paul B
2/19/2016 10:19:18 am

Is that John in the photo?

tgb link
2/19/2016 09:26:02 am

J.P.can't believe time has passed soooooooofast seems like you just got there(like you said) and you will be leaving,don't know why you don't work Mar-Nov.as manager you would be the GREATEST!!!! Have or when will they announce new crew? Sure hope you will be bk.Thanksgiving-Mar.and will let us know where you are going and keep in touch.HAGD

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Franklin
2/19/2016 12:27:02 pm

Only 3 more weeks. Wow, time flies. Sure have enjoyed your posts and pictures this season. I realize you need, and should, go where your heart takes you. But if for whatever reason you are not back next year, you sure as heck are leaving big shoes to fill. You touch so many in so many ways. Thanks JP.

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papawlg
2/19/2016 04:22:41 pm

JP,stay young at heart and free spirited.Good luck in your future ventures,life is short,like your winters on the mountain.Thanks for all you do! God Bless You.

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tgb link
2/19/2016 04:58:01 pm

AmenFranklin,words well spoken and the same way I feel from the HEART! No one can take J.P.'s place he is one true camper.

Reply
Dave L
2/19/2016 05:54:20 pm

I enjoyed your report today. We will be coming up March 28. Will L. L. Bean Stabilicers with ¼" cleats be enough traction? We have been up many times during the summer, and have done every trail. I would like to do Alum Cave and see the improvements. Is it doable and safe this time of year?

Reply
Dave L
2/19/2016 10:49:36 pm

Well I read a lot more post and found the answer to my dumb questions. Great info here and great to look at years past for same date of trip. Thank you.

Reply
elktonbrant
2/20/2016 10:34:12 am

Dave, your questions weren't dumb at all. The dumb people on the trails are the ones who DON'T ask equipment questions or check weather forecasts and have to be rescued because they're stuck in a snowstorm in bluejeans and a cotton t-shirt!!!

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