no, i can do just what i want. i want to walk in the howling wind til it scatters all my thoughts.

Strange as it may seem today to say, the aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware. Henry Miller

Morning y'all,

It's a stunning, clear day up top. The high yesterday reached 8 degrees. The overnight low was negative 15 degrees. It was 4 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received an inch of new snow and there is about an inch total up top. The trails are full of black ice, so be sure to bring some sort of traction device (the gold standard is Kahtoola Microspikes, but something is better than nothing). If you just have boots or trail runners you will likely fall a good bit. Be careful and enjoy the wintry wonder!

Top photo: Icy tree! Above: Serenity on the way back from Cliff Tops.

I went for a little run yesterday afternoon in an effort to feel this remarkable weather, rather than merely observe it. The intensity of the cold was remarkable. Numbers do not do it justice. My chest tightened up and my body shivered, and then a funny thing happened - I adapted. This was not temporary and I'd have to bear it until it broke me. My body was not necessarily cooperating at first, but our wills carry us farther than we assume is possible. We just need to give them more opportunities to unfurl their powers.

Too much fun.

The expanse of quiet was astounding. There were sounds, but each felt in it's place. Trees creaking under the strain of the wind, the rumble and howl of fresh gusts, the occasional shotgun bout of birdsong, my joyous footfall. The mountain saw many wild smiles. No one is alone when they play in the snow. Hours spent in bliss are not spent hours.