January 27th, 2016

I think it is fear of death that frightens us when we lose contact with what is man-made. Our family and friends accustom us to the safety of the rational world, where every element focuses on the protection of our own, and when we are cut off from that shelter, we feel vulnerable, as if the path our life is pursuing could be interrupted at any moment by unknown perils. It is irrational, but the love we feel for humanity takes us over, makes us feel we belong there, cradles us in its arms. That feeling accompanies us everywhere, keeping us safe, yet at the same time muting the instinct that allows us to explore beyond its frontiers. Kilian Jornet

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, clear morning up top. The high yesterday reached 36 degrees. The overnight low was 21 degrees. It was 21 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received 1 inch of new snow, though we experienced quite a bit of melt yesterday. There is about 10 inches of snow up top, with deeper drifts along the way. The mountain received .45 inches of liquid precipitation, which was a wintry mix through the early evening. The snow conditions are rather fickle. I'd still recommend snowshoes to minimize postholing, but Microspikes will get you up the mountain. The Park Service did some incredible work on the roads and both Cherokee Orchard and 441 are open. Get out and enjoy the majesty!

I've been enjoying some well earned rest and relaxation after a few long days on my feet. I'm settling back in my cabin, applying for jobs, reading, writing, napping and revelling in my solitary existence. I miss my friends, but there is something special about time alone, having no demands and letting the days pass as my will allows. There is nothing I have to do, only things that I wish to do. It is a rare breed of freedom, with the wind and stars as my companions.