January 22nd, 2016

As I walked in the woods I felt what I often feel, that nothing can befal me in life, no calamity, no disgrace (leaving me my eyes) to which Nature will not offer a sweet consolation. Standing on the bare ground, with my head bathed in the blithe air, and uplifted into the infinite space, I become happy in my universal relations. The name of the nearest friend sounds then foreign and accidental. I am the heir of unaccustomed beauty and power. Emerson

Morning y'all,

It's another beautiful, blustery morning up top. The high yesterday reached 37 degrees. The overnight low dipped down to 19 degrees. It was 25 degrees and snowing heavily at 7am observation. The mountain received about 6 inches of new snow, bringing our total snowfall to 13 inches. The snow is difficult to measure due to the high winds - our snow stake is only showing 2 new inches but it is significantly more than that. The liquid equivalent was 1.20 inches of meltwater. The wind has been roaring all night, so there are quite a few knee high drifts near the lodge. If you intend to head out today, I'd recommend top of the line winter gear - traction, boots, wool socks, gaiters and comfortable layers are a must. It is real out there, enjoy it!

I am headed off to Huntsville, AL for a trail race. The blog will return Monday morning. Have a great weekend!