i don't know what love is, but i know what it isn't.

The ancient values of dignity, beauty and poetry which sustain it are of Nature's inspiration; they are born of the mystery and beauty of the world. Henry Beston

_Morning y'all,

First off, Happy Thanksgiving! I could go on and on about how much that I have to be grateful for this year, but the present reality of fresh snow atop my winter abode is at the top of my list. I am soaking in this beauty. It felt a bit like a fairy tale waking up this morning. It has been a quick turnaround for me, I hardly feel like I've had a chance to breathe with my arrival up top coinciding with end of the season madness. There is still a lot for me left to do to settle into my winter home, but the familiar view of High Point with the sun gently glowing up the dawnsky was so uplifting. It sent the message clear through my skull - it is really happening.

Top photo: Alum Cave in the timeless, snowy light. Above: I have a soft spot for cairns of all shapes and sizes. I thought this little toadstool cairn was charming.

_The high yesterday only reached 16 degrees. It was 16 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The low yesterday was 4 degrees. The mountain received 4.5 inches of new snow, bringing our total up to 6 inches. There are slightly deeper drifts up top and some buried ice below the fresh stuff. I came up Alum yesterday evening and could definitely feel my energy sapping with the drifts causing my feet to drag like chains. Please use caution if you intend to hike in the Park today.

There's all kinds of news on trail conditions. Rainbow Falls trail is currently CLOSED. It appears that a bridge washed out further below. They'll be sending in a crew as soon as possible to assess the damage. As of this posting, 441 is still closed. I hear them chattering on the radios, working hard to make sure all the roads are safe before they open up. Check the Park Service website or twitter feed for updates on road conditions.

Much thanks to Tim, Chris, Allyson & the rest of the crew. They were welcoming as could be and I really look forward to seeing them this winter. Be safe out there, everyone!