just close your eyes and i'll be there. listen to the sound. of this old heart beating for you.

And I tell you, if you have the desire for knowledge and the power to give it physical expression, go out and explore. If you are a brave man you will do nothing.; if you are fearful you may do much, for none but cowards have need to prove their bravery. Some will tell you that you are mad, and nearly all will say, "What's the use?" For we are a nation of shopkeepers, and no shopkeeper will look at research which does not promise him a financial return within a year. And so you will sledge nearly alone, but those with whom you sledge will not be shopkeepers: that is worth a good deal. If you march your Winter Journeys you will have your reward, so long as all you want is a penguin's egg. Cherry-Garrard

Morning y'all,

It's a cold, grey morning up top. The high yesterday reached 37 degrees. The overnight low was 22 degrees. It was 22 degrees and mostly cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received an inch of snow overnight, bringing our total to about 2 slick inches. We also got plenty of freezing rain throughout yesterday, totaling 1.55 inches. The trails are sure to be slick and nasty. It is the kind of day that Microspikes are not just a good idea, but necessary if you intend to reach the summit without hurting yourself. Be careful and have fun out there!

I love hiking, but yesterday was a fantastic day to be indoors and watch the storm's fury. The weather couldn't make up it's mind about whether it wanted to be freezing rain or snow, but it definitely wanted to make you suffer. It was just a horrid day to be out. The trails refroze, new ice is now coating our slick base and the winds were howling all day. It was 'dying weather' to be sure, consistent rain just above freezing. The masochistic part of me misses the challenge of being out in such weather... realizing you have to move to stay alive, knowing you'll be drenched and cold to the bone no matter what you do... and having to make due with what you have. Gather water, change layers and crawl into your sleeping bag to let the gentle night take you and all your weariness in... Grappling with nature on honest terms.