Ski Season Day 2 [Catamount]

I've posted snowy .gifs before, and I'll probably post them again. I can't help it. There's nothing like waking up in a winter wonderland. I love how snowfall puts the whole world to sleep. I'm not even upset today's storm kept me from trekking back up to Windham for another day on the mountain. I love to ski, don't get me wrong -- but flat light & white out conditions spell a possible uninsured nightmare. Prudence is a bitch.

So instead of skiing, I'm here at my desk by the fire escape listening to an assortment of classic rock (check out the mix in my sidebar) while my riding associate Baby Sean plays Call of Duty. In honor of his presence, I'm finally posting pictures from a trip in early January. He was there, and so was our buddy Tommy.

It went a little something like this:

Winter's flown by with ferocity, and tomorrow's projected to hit nearly 50 degrees. But for the next few hours I'll relish what could likely be the last big snow of the season. Days like today strengthen the hope I'll hit my goal of 10 days out this season. Fingers crossed.

Ski Season Day 1 [Catamount]

Today I took myself skiing for the first time this season. Catamount was empty and glorious. I'd dressed for a sunny 27°, and it ended up an overcast 20° -- which wasn't terrible at all, just a little cooler than anticipated. The ease with which I found my ski legs made up for the chilliness, and I took recharge the ipod/warm my toes breaks whenever I felt like it (the #1 reason solo activities are super). My 2013 is off to a empowered start. I like it.

The Gunks In October: An Autumnal Oasis

Today, I'm inspired by Kelley's hike post over on A Crooked Trail. She and 5 other outdoorsy bloggirls (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) form the Ladies Of The Mountains and each post something hikey, adventurey, and... well, mountainy, every Thursday. I love it. Yesterday's topic was favorite hike - and their posts prompted me to share my favorite too.

This is Mohonk Preserve. It's located just outside of downtown New Paltz, NY & the is on the same geologic ridge as Sam's Point - only, further east. It makes me sad to admit that these pictures were taken two years ago and I haven't been back to hike the area since (aside from an amazing anniversary at the Mountain House with E, but it was January & trails were closed). 

Once I missed the leaves changing last fall - I figured the scenery'd be a letdown in the summer. It was just too beautiful the first time around. E, Lindsay, & I explored in awe on a crisp, sunny, peaceful autumn day. Hopefully mother nature has one of the same in store for me next week, because I have got to get back. 

Trailhead warning: Excessive photography. It's pretty much guaranteed. 

eventually, you'll make it up there

zen linds

this was before we were together :P

made it to the tower

climbed the tower

so freeking beautiful

the three best friends that anyone could have

down into the caves!

Isn't it the most beautiful? There's nothing like what the leaves do here. Upstate New York & New England are unbelievable. We trucked about nine miles that day, & every step was worth the exhaustion we felt by the end. Sigh.