White Christmas Skyline

[Ellen]

Howdy All

I started a bit after 6 am to catch the sunrise and not require a headlamp. Being a polar bear, I wore shorts and t-shirt but carried pants, long sleeved Icebreaker, down jacket, gloves, mittens, rain jacket and nicrospikes.





























It started snowing in earnest above Flat Rock -- I added a long sleeved Icebreaker, rain jacket and gloves. Traded the gloves for Hestra mittens below the traverse. Diana passed me early on and I was grateful for her footprints on the traverse -- I was in a near whiteout and her tracks made route finding easier. Due to several inches of new snow over ice, I took my time and was very deliberate with my steps. I'd hoped to take pictures at Coffman's and Grubbs notch but my iPhone was dead

The tourists were very entertained when I walked into the tram wearing shorts and shedding snow My tram family at the bar kindly recharged my phone while I enjoyed an excellent cheeseburger and CVB Monumentus IPA. Enjoyed chatting with two Canadians from British Columbia. Had to wait for a bit to catch a tram down (not surprising due to the holiday and snow). Getting Uber also took some time -- put my down jacket on while waiting. As usual, I was very impressed with the professionalism of the tram staff during the holiday craziness.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ed]

Some people know how to spend Christmas! One of the best Christmases I had was on Ixtaccihuatl. After we settled into the hut, a young Mexican we met on the trail pulled a chicken out of his pack that his mother had cooked, and generously shared it with us. A feast for three, and delicious!

Never heard of Hestra mittens before. Some of the prices on their website are eye-popping! I'm always looking for better gloves and mittens.

[guest]

Thanks for sharing Ellen,
Great pics as always, and of course, looks like the rainbow happened close to Enchanted Garden!, And, maybe your phone died around Thank You Jesus, a sign to just press on carefully, & pay attention. That area can be very unnerving in those conditions, knowing there's drop-offs, gnarly chutes, down trees etc. Of course, we do feel very Alive at those times! Good one you, Happy New Year, scott

[arocknoid]

Splendido!

Love the many moods of sky and sun and moon, and hillsides dappled with light and snow.

Cheers!