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just one look and i fell so hard.

1/8/2012

 
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For I believe that climate does thus react on man — as there is something in the mountain air that feeds the spirit and inspires. Will not man grow to greater perfection intellectually as well as physically under these influences? Or is it unimportant how many foggy days there are in his life? I trust that we shall be more imaginative; that our thoughts will be clearer, fresher and more ethereal, as our sky — our understanding more comprehensive and broader, like our plains — our intellect generally on a grander scale, like our thunder and lightning, our rivers and mountains and forests, — and our hearts shall even correspond in breadth and depth and grandeur to our inland seas. Thoreau
Morning,

It was a mild, albeit rainy day up top. The high was 38. The low was 34. It was 36 and cloudy at observation. There was .95" of precipitation. There is virtually no snow up top, but much of the ice in the darker corners of the trail will still be present. Be sure to know the limits of your abilities!

As the rain gently falls, I pack away my rain jacket. I want to feel this uniquely (can it be?) Januarian rain. Your mind's tendency is to transport you to a more appropriate venue for 50 degrees and light drizzling, such as an October day. However, the ice on the ground and lack of rich autumnal scents reveal it's Indian summer (or fall?) qualities. Only when we return to the lodge can we look at the calendar and confirm that it is actually a January day.
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Top photo: Hiking up Alum. The trees have the same ethereal quality that I imagine is present in the Sierras. Above: Kim displays proper falling technique! Do not try to break your fall. You will just cause a more serious injury. A wet backside is a much more preferable fate than a dislocated shoulder.
Debi link
1/8/2012 05:44:49 am

Wow!! That trail looks a little icy. I've been up there during those times. Going up in August is a different world, verses going up in March when I've done it also. Wear yax trax or something to keep you from slipping, makes a much more enjoyable hike.

Rick Shepherd
1/12/2012 01:14:02 pm

Good advice, Debi.....I have used Yak Trax for years hiking snowy forests and icy canyons in southern Ohio where others just wouldn't go....Always Safe!

Sheldon
1/8/2012 06:36:15 am

JP: Novice winter hike question - My original schedule had me coming up this Friday. With the rain all this coming week and then the temps dropping into the teens by Friday, will the runoff and natural seeping along the trail make for a very icy trek? Will it be on and off with the microspikes or nasty all the way?

JP
1/9/2012 12:31:27 am

Sheldon,
I'll try to keep everyone updated on ice conditions. It's very manageable now, but having microspikes is never a bad backup plan.

Sheldon
1/9/2012 01:42:55 am

Thanks, JP. You do a wonderful job. Hope to meet you when I come up. If the weather holds, I'll see you Fri or Sat this weekend.

Woody
1/8/2012 08:55:44 am

JP, Nice shot of the AlumRainbowBullhead glacier! I hope you will soon be skiing.

kayah
1/8/2012 11:22:20 am

plans to be be in the smokies this week.... would love to bring chocolate or whatever the LeConte caretaker needs???

JP
1/8/2012 10:33:52 pm

Hey Kayah,
Let me know what day you'll be up. I'm always missing strawberries and blueberries, too! jpkrol@gmail.com


Comments are closed.
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