Spence in the Snow

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“Why do we like Frank?” Laurel asked me a half dozen times as we climbed up Bote mtn in 40 mph winds.

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She didn’t drive to Tennessee from sunny Florida for this kind of weather.  And reminded me of it repeatedly.  Little did I know that Frank was giving us every out available and texting me the hourly weather updates.  Which were bad.

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I despise shelters but in big winds, they are relatively safe.  And big winds did we have.

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It probably took almost 3 hours to reach Frank at Spence Field.  Laurel had never seen this spot and got plenty of new miles in the process. Here, however, she enjoys my -40 sleeping bag.

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Thoroughly.

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We joined our Ukranian friend, Costya who built a warming fire.  He was to be our only company.

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Franks says, “We’ve had enough of your lounging about, get out of that cocoon and be social”.

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Laurel emerges for a photo op in front of Costya’s delightful fire.

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I believe I may know someone who knows this person’s Father.

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With heavy wind came seriously shifting smoke. This necessitated rearranging the tarp to block said winds.  Throughout the night the storm intensified and rain pelted the tin roof in a chorus which led to sound sleep.  By early morning it had turned to snow.

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We departed around 9 am and descended via Anthony Creek this time and shuttled back with Yo-Yo. The snow line was around 3500 feet.

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Temps were in the high twenties early that morning.

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If you look closely, you can see Yo-Yo in the distance.  In front of him is Mtn. Laurel.  We were shedding layers as entering the mouth of the cove.  It was an experience, but good to be out.

 

3 Responses

  1. Jeff G.

    That looks awesome, John. You’ve seen more snow than we have this year. Its been a weird year.