Cabin In The Woods

Winter is Cold. Like ass biting cold, and this is coming from someone living along the 43˚ Parallel, which if you're wondering is less than half way to the North Pole, although that really isn't much consolation when your fingers are burning and your nose is numb and runny. It's very hard to look past the discomfort and extra preparation required to don multiple shirts, and gloves, and hats, and jackets, and scarfs, and socks, and boots, and parkas, and bad guy faces masks required to go out in the dead of winter. I know I've spoke on this subject before, but it seemed to be much easier when we were kids. I would have wrapped up in the above checklist faster than it would take to freeze your tongue to a pole if it meant playing in the snow. It would however take me 15 minutes just to tie my boots if it meant shoveling snow. Funny how that works. But I feel like now-a-days if you even mention the thought of hiking or any form of non-skiing winter activity around the water cooler, you are looked at like you have three heads. I mean even when we decided to go backpacking in the White Mountains this past weekend, I was a little reluctant to the idea. But two beers and the ease of one click booking on Reservation.gov got the best of me. So, this past Saturday we (Chrissy and I) headed up to Jackson, NH to hike Black Mountain and stay in the non-insulated Black Mountain Cabin ($29 after fees, recreation.gov).
We started out just after 1pm and made our way up a moderate (read: strenuous) 1.3 Miles in foot deep snow with frame backpacks to the cabin. The hike, for all its trouble, was beautiful and included views of Mt. Washington and the surrounding range. Upon arrival we dropped down our gear on one of the wood bunks and within minutes the cold set in. For the next hour we collected firewood and goofed around before sun set at a depressing 4:15pm. It was pretty clear from the description online that the small wood stove inside did not heat up the cabin at all, which as long as it's something you expect going into it, isn't a terrible thing. After all Fireball increases your core temperature by 10-20˚. We spent the night fueling the stove, eating, drinking everything we brought (along with some expired Bud Lights left from a previous tenant), running around outside, and talking. It was a great night and at 10:30 we stuffed the stove to capacity and crawled into our sleeping bags (on the floor in front of the stove) and went to sleep.
At around 4am we awoke to some pretty intense chomping, and we realized quickly that it was the mouse we had read about in the guest book. The rest of the night consisted of sleeping, and being awoken periodically by the chomping of our new roommate and the Plinko like sounds he made while climbing through the walls. We woke up hours after we planned (9am) and headed down the mountain. After changing we headed into town and snagged some much deserved coffee and breakfast before heading home. I wouldn't change a minute of the experience and it further solidifies the fact that although it is easy to say no to a plan or invitation, it's always way better to say yes. Cheers!

Oh and I've decided to change the name of the blog from Wanderlust to something a bit more fitting. I hope you enjoy and keep on following along.

Mileage: 2.6 Miles

Sunset.

Bathroom Suggestion.

4pm Sunset.

Looking back.

Fire Hazard.

Black Mountain Cabin.

Washington Star Trails.

Light Trails.

More Light Trails.

Young Prospector.