It was another gorgeous day yesterday. The high reached 34 degrees, yet felt much warmer with abundant sunshine. The overnight low was 21 degrees. It was 33 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The amount of clear days I've had up here so far is making me think that I'm either on a lucky streak or have falsely remembered more of the gloomy, gray, covered in cloud factory days from last year... either way, I'll take it. There's no choice, really.
I had a nice hike down & up Alum Cave yesterday. It's always refreshing to get out before it feels like the woods & world beyond have risen for the new day. I was on the trail around 8am and felt the crisp bite of winter's force in my lungs, a nervous, frenetic energy had me stumbling all over the trail with my uncoordinated & under caffeinated limbs. I was working my hands to stay warm, clenching and unclenching, alternating which I'd put under an armpit to regain a fleeting moment of feeling. These discomforts are always worth it, for those savory views and quiet moments away from crowds on the trails you love. I could've had a cup of coffee, but all things come with their price.
I'll be checking out the Boulevard trail later on today. I'll have a report tomorrow - if I make it back alive!