November 26th, 2015

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful, blustery day up top. The high yesterday reached 41 degrees. The overnight low was 29 degrees. It was 34 degrees and partly cloudy at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is no snow on the ground. There are a few patches of black ice along the trail, so be cautious. I don't think any sort of traction is necessary quite yet. Enjoy the holiday!

No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself. Nietzsche

I spent the majority of yesterday idling between a few joyful chores: unpacking my lovely library (thanks for carrying it up, Chrissy, Alan and the boys!), organizing my gear and winter layers, rediscovering old letters and photographs, and reacquainting myself with the backyard. I spent a perfect hour with my friends Guy and Danny, watching clouds (someone's gotta do it) at one of our treasured quiet places on the mountain. The sun was radiant, the golden glow majestic. The sun is always giving us life, but it was especially apparent in this moment.

Top photo: Another season of this... OK. Above: LLAMAS!!!

Another welcome ritual is the first sunset of my winter season. It is a surreal feeling: still processing thousands of miles of travels, too many tender good byes, forays into the 'real world' of car troubles, bus terminals flooded with people, sad cities with more cars than trees, etc... and yet, somehow, ending up back at Cliff Tops. In pure silence. With nothing to occupy your mind. The colours fade, then a sneaky suspicion floats into my awareness - I might be the luckiest man alive. Again.