Warm greetings from your cold winter caretaker! It's about 13 degrees out right now. The overnight high was 39 degrees and the low was 13 degrees. The lodge received 3.45 (!!!) inches of rain yesterday and 1.5 inches of snow. Imagine what havoc that much snow would've wreaked, if only it were a bit colder!
Fortunately for the crew, they will have a much more manageable hike off the mountain this morning. The snow is fresh and provides decent traction, but I am sure there are icy spots lurking beneath. I would definitely recommend some sort of traction devices, preferrably Microspikes.
As you may have heard, the Lodge is CLOSED for the winter. There are no day hiker services available. No coffee, no hot chocolate, no warming up next to the fire, no overnight stays... just about all you can do is admire the beauty the winter months brings and relish in the joys of your self-sufficiency.
Much thanks to my friend Barbara Allen for giving me a ride to the trailhead yesterday. I am thrilled to start this winter season with a bit of snow! I am hopeful that this is a good omen for a brutal winter season.