November 23rd, 2018

Good morning,

It’s currently 30 degrees and windy up top. We received no precipitation. The trails are beginning to accrue ice. Take your time and be careful if you plan to come up.

24 hour temperature range: High 43 Low 27

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Still attempting to catch my breath, I finished unloading my pack. I only carried up a couple items; but together, they weighed over 75 pounds (40 pounds of potatoes & my trusty 35 pound kettlebell). Breathing deep, I began loading another pack - this one for photography. I was soon out the door, again.

At the top of the steps, I decided against the climb to Cliff Tops; instead, I would saunter out to Myrtle Point for the moonrise. Turning left, I had a sudden urge to look right. Standing in the middle of the trail was a new neighbor - a large black bear.

We stared at each other for a few breaths. I started the conversation.

“Hey bear, you shouldn’t be snooping around the lodge.”

Silence.

“I don’t mind you being here, but you can’t start breaking things.”

Silence.

He eventually put his head down and slowly lumbered back up toward the Cliff Tops. I continued toward my date with the moon.

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Buzzing from the my excursion to the point, I drifted quietly through the darkness on my way back to the lodge. Walking down the main steps, I had a feeling my neighbor might still be about. I spotted him touring around camp. Upon seeing me, he put his head down and began lumbering back toward the forest…

I’m sure it’s not the last we’ll see of each other.

So it goes,
Seth

P.S. - Thanks for being patient this morning. The high winds have made it challenging to get internet connection. Have a great day!

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Piglet: “How do you spell ‘love’?”
Pooh: “You don’t spell it…you feel it.” 

Winnie-the-Pooh