
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.