No surprise, I didn't take the kids. I do nightshoe with the littles, but not this time. This trip was a formal TNAB Lunatique trip to celebrate the Winter Solstice at Hyak Lake. We try to do this every year, but we aren't always successful. Last year there was so much snow we couldn't make it to the lake. We had our party in a clearing as yet more snow fell.

We had a clear night this time and the temperature was low. That also meant the fresh snow was light and dry. This sounds great, but it was a little troublesome as we struggled to find the route. Tree wells were hidden by the new powder swallowing dogs and forcing us to backtrack a lot. In spite of all that we actually made it to the lake this year.

The big challenge to snowshoeing at night is figuring out where you are and where you're going. There's no trail, no landmarks, and in the dark the snow in this area of the woods looks pretty much just like every other bit of snow in the woods. After years of following this route we know the way to go, but still get turned around from time to time.

On the upside, the way out is a lot easier. Just follow your tracks and you should get back to where you started. Just remember not to follow your tracks back into the tree well.