In the cold wintry morning...

…they plotted their course.

Spirits rose with the sun,

as they wended their way through the Valley of the Icicles,

The Mountainside of Certain (nay, Potential) Peril,

and ’round The Switchbacks of Snow and Ice,

Matt gives Pamela a hand adjusting her cap,

and everyone breaks out a midday snack.

They plunged on through snowdrifts of frightening depths

There was a vista…

..or two.

In the afternoon dusk, Matt and Pamela quickly toss up a shelter,

…as Bill saunters off to see what the youth are up to…

…who are preparing some tasty beverages…

while your photographer captures a self-portrait,

leaving his gloves to dry beside the couch, after an early morning swim.

Meanwhile, Greg readies his bear bag set-up for the night.

A watched pot eventually boils.

Matt adheres to his strict ritual of fire and fluids.

Pamela, busy in her new kitchen.

Snow all around and a meal in his belly makes Josh a happy young man.

Greg feels the same way.

Bill readies his usual nutritious concoction.

And just like that, it’s morning again!

What, me worry? They know where we’re going.

Yet another vista.

The icy rocks…

of the mountain stream…

invited us…

to slow dance,

a feat managed best,

with steady sticks,

and goofy hats

And they all settled in for a short midday nap.