February 21st, 2017

On the highest throne in the world, we still sit only on our own bottom. Montaigne

Morning y'all,

It's a warm, blustery morning up top. The high yesterday reached 60 degrees, which is the highest I have ever seen up here! The overnight low was 36 degrees. It was 36 degrees and clear at 7am observation. The mountain received no new precipitation and there is no snow remaining up top. The trails are in summer condition, with no ice remaining. Get out and enjoy this unusual warmth!

Excited to have a marvelous porch in King Ravine this coming summer...

I had a remarkably fun early morning run down Alum yesterday morning. My friends had to catch an early flight, so Grace hiked out with them at dawn and I gave chase 45 minutes later. The air was thick with the fast approaching wet spring scents and the temperature was warm enough to run down in shorts and a tank top. I typically fall into a habit of blogging and hanging around drinking coffee until 10sh, so it was nice to need to get out the door and see Alum in the early morning light. I passed a few folks along the way and got into a great rhythm, catching my pals a half mile from the trailhead. We had a tasty breakfast at Crockett's, then Grace and I headed back up. We didn't need any supplies, so it was a great day to hike back up quickly with my little pack. Considering how full I felt (those cinnamon rolls!), it was a great hike and I made good time. I was back up a little after noon and got to enjoy the rest of the warm afternoon reading on my porch. It was the kind of day that made me really grateful to call this wild and unruly place home.