Braving the snow

This must be what it is like to live in Alaska. We can't take it any more. We must get outside.

The constant snow really is beautiful. Unfortunately there is a lot of it. Too much for proper hiking. We didn't care this weekend. We got out there anyway. We ignored the fact that it was Valentine's Day, grabbed the GPS, and went trudging through the snow. Last time we ventured out, there was only about a foot on the ground, and the parks crew at Pandapas pond had run an ATV through all the hiking trails so that winter outdoor enthusiasts could hike (or cross country ski or snowshoe) around with very little problem. This time, however, that was not the case. An addition foot of snow lay on top of the old snow, and no brave park ranger had attempted to blaze our trails for us. Hiking is not easy when the snow comes up to your shins. Ian even tried to look for a cache while we were out. No luck. It was so difficult that we turned around earlier than planned to head for our car. That is a first for us.

The next day was President's day, which Ian had off of work. I did not have the day off. Ian got to stay home, relax, and play video games all day by himself for the first time since I was in Italy. We decided not to make a big deal about Valentine's day, in fact we even decided not to celebrate it until President's day. Ian made a little dinner, we drank a bunch of champagne and passed out early. Pretty perfect. And now...pictures...

Ian trying to figure out where we were at Pandapas

Cold stream cutting through the snow
Yet another photo in front of the pond

Blue sky, mountains, frozen water.

Ian searching for the cache. No such luck

Valentine's day set up. Classy