I had been thinking for sate time how great it would be to have a pot so that I could melt snow for extra water. Wishful thinking until it occurred to me to simply add Snow to my plastic water bottles and set them near the fire. Well, it worked, but for lack of practice it would be the last trip for these bottles.
As the darkness reluctantly retreated, the winds quietly expired and the clouds rose and limped off on their various appointed courses. I broke camp amid a glorious chill dawn and limitless visibility at 7 am. Everything around was freshly white and fantastically decorated with delicate rime ice. Avoiding the heavier snow drifts and carefully bypassing the now iced-up rock route, I had my car in view by 9:00. Taking a farewell look back before heading off the ridge, with 20-20 vision I could see now how it was possible to slowly be turned around by a slight course shift near the exit saddle. This possibility was hardly evident from the topo alone. If only I had kept monitoring my compass!
Nearing the car I noticed some van nearby. A sudden "Hey" revealed the distant deputy who had been scanning the area with his glasses. We did not meet for several minutes, but by then he had raced back to the van to radio in that the helicopter and dogs and 40-man search team would not be needed this day. Drawing close I said, "Merry Christmas," and he offered me some water.
The mountain spirits had toyed with me, taken pity, and let me go - a humbler and a wiser visitor. My Mother's arms enfolded me and held me to her breasts. This night there would be room at the inn.
| RECYCLE YOUR EMPTY GLASS
JARS!!! There is a continuing need for medium size glass jars, preferably those with metal tops, for use as peak register containers on "unlisted" mountain peaks throughout the west. Contributions to the cause will be gratefully accepted by Eric Schumacher at the SPS and DPS meetings. Gordon MacLeod |
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