November 15, 2005, Schweitzer ID Dawn Patrol

I've been an avid reader of this board for a couple of years (thanks everyone!), but this is my first time posting. Figured it was time to convey some info from way over here on the other side of the mountains.

Met up w/a few coworkers and broke the work parking lot at 4:45 a.m. sharp. A bright moon aided the drive to the hill and the subsequent pre-dawn gear-up. A stiff breeze and temps in the upper teens provided just the kick we needed to get started. We hit the trail at 5:20 sans headlamps and reached the summit less than an hour later, just in the time for the morning alpenglow. The 10 inches of fresh from the weekend had settled out and bonded nicely, although it was glazed by an eggshell-thin ice crust in spots from a full day of sun exposure on Monday. Well worth the effort.

One of the best parts about these outings (besides the actual time up at the hill of course) is pulling back into the work parking lot prior to 8 a.m., stepping out of our rides and eliciting the responses that we do from coworkers w/lattes in tow just getting a start on their day as we transfer our gear. Good stuff indeed.