By yesterday afternoon I was twitchy. It was bluebird for the second day in a row, and I hadn’t been camping since November.

Off we go.
It was a gorgeous day in the Bitterroot.
Upup up. Coverage below 5000′ is pretty bleak on all aspects. Good things skins work on dirt and pine needles.

In 2.5 hours I had gone from 4k to 8k, and had a nice view. The most distant peaks are in the southern Bob.
I had planned on camping out, hauling the 5 degree bag, Trailstar, and homebrew wood stove. Imgaine my surprise when I found this low-profile public use shelter in the woods.
JD and friends were on their annual splitboard hut trip, and graciously shared space, conversation, whiskey, and margaritas with me.
I did not manage to keep my eyes awake long enough for cards.

It was a gorgeous night.
I was up at first light, skinning 5oo vertical above the cabin, for the views…
…and the turns. Fantastic boot top blower in the trees for 1.5k, then 500 vert of bushwack skiing out to the road, and 6 miles of double poleing down to the truck. I was early for my 1000 meeting (though still wearing stinky ski clothes).

When thoughts come to mind, it’s good to say yes.