After defying death at the office and on the roads and wrapping up the work day at home I found I had a willing team to brave the elements for the first Moosefish Adventure After Dark of the season. Never before had a leader dared to venture into the wilderness with such a young crew, but they were not afraid.
Well, maybe a little.
The snow fell as they fought through snowbombs blown out of the towering trees. Their brave dog led them to the deserted parking lot where they were accosted by a crazy young dog intent on bounding through the snow like a jackrabbit. Soon, they were alone again.
Headlamps could only do so much and their world was confined to a small cone of visibility before them. The Tokul's Pool was covered in ice and high water. Turtle Rock was barely recognizable. Fishy Rock was so slick it offered a short glissade back to the trailbed.
Their summit, the benches overlooking the deep chasm leading to the waterfall, was deep in drifting snow with more piling up as the storm raged. Snickers and M&Ms sufficed to power the team and they soon retreated from the cold to the warmth and safety of base camp.
The young group proclaimed there was little as exciting as a night hike in the snow and they clamored for further opportunities. Perhaps next time they'll clock in more than a mile and a half and 300 feet of gain.
