March 29, 2017

Good Afternoon,
     When I saw the stars through the skylight before waking to prep breakfast, there was a pretty strong sense that today was going to be a gorgeous day.  This has been the first day we've had nothing but uninterrupted sun from start to finish this season.  Encouraging staff to get outside and play in between shifts becomes a priority on a day like this.  The thermometer is trying to tag 60 degrees currently, and it feels fabulous.  It seems like yesterday there was still snow on the ground.  That's March in these mountains.
     Tuesday's high temp was 46 degrees, and there wasn't much variance as the low only hit 38.  It's sunny days like this where the lodge solar panels are their happiest.  After several days of clouds, the crew can get eager to recharge some of their personal electronic devices, so they're happy too!  Looks like more rain chances are on the horizon.

     Crew members have been cruising through camp cleanup every day, and then pouncing on any opportunity to explore the mountain.  Today has been no exception, with folks scrambling out to vistas or running down and back one of the peak's several trails.  Yours truly opted for a quick jaunt out The Boulevard with a necessary side trip to Myrtle Point.  The views today did not disappoint.
     When you can look to the east and see the towering Black Mountains crest, you're enjoying some of the best visibility of the year.  With such comfortable temps at high elevation, and the highest mountains beckoning in the distance, you wish you could sprout some wings and go touch them all.  Mt. Pisgah, Cold Mountain, Plott Balsam, and Whiteside Mountain all looked a little closer from Myrtle Point today, and their allure was ever stronger.  Maybe we'll pay them a visit on some future days off.
     Wherever you are today, enjoy it to the max!