January 23rd, 2017

O how I laugh when I think of my vague indefinite riches. No run on my bank can drain it — for my wealth is not possession but enjoyment. Thoreau

Morning y'all,
It's a cold, wet morning up top. The high yesterday reached 42 degrees. The overnight low was 32 degrees. It was 32 degrees and raining lightly at 7am observation. The mountain received 2.07 inches of rain last night. There is no snow up top. The trails are sure to be excessively soggy today. Be prepared for hypothermic conditions if you intend to reach the summit!

It is an absolutely perfect day for curling up with a good book. I spent the weekend going down and up Alum on Saturday and Sunday, so I'm due for a little rest. The weather couldn't be drearier - just cold enough to be miserable, but not quite cold enough for what would have been an epic snowstorm last night. The rain started after I came back up Alum around 4 and got heavier as the night progressed. It was coming down in sheets, fast enough to turn the little goat paths around camp into full on water drainages. The winds came and went, but a heavy fog with low visibility settled in. It was difficult to get around even with my headlamp on the highest setting. It would have been an incredible snowstorm, but I am just happy to be in warm pajamas watching the calm rain continue this morning.