happy nude year

We're starting of off 2013 a bit more exhilarating than we planned, or this guy took care of that for us. Our hike in the Jura began with an unexpected first. On our way up, we met a fellow nature lover, making his way down the trail totally buck-ass naked...

I have no words...but like the typically prudish American I am, I giggled for about half an hour. Speculating any rational reasons for hiking in January without pants - accidental wet clothes, a nearly-never used trail, resolution...didn't seem like a big deal to him, so liberté monsieur. 

Derek and I continued up the quiet trail, and had no other encounters. The snow line was lower than we expected, first hard packed and icy, then deeper and soft. Our friend from earlier had left nice snowshoe tracks that helped us find good footing partway up the trail and provided "stairs" on some steeper snowy sections. Our little rubber crampons proved themselves, once again, invaluable this winter.

After a snowy-scramble, we arrived at the clearing above the tree line completely covered in a soupy fog...no vast views over the valley today, but a good hike, and time to make our way down to clearing skies before dark.

2013

Confession: Derek and I almost never see midnight on New Year's Eve. Last night was no exception, and we're perfectly okay with it. We did our usual- try to watch a movie and fall asleep...earlier than an ordinary night. This year, we're in recovery mode from a fantastic weeklong Christmas ski adventure. I'd like to say we've completely unpacked and been productive since returning home, but mostly we've been cuddling with the kitty, finding ourselves hooked on Downton Abby, and scrounging for meals. Today is a rainy start to the New Year, but perfect for staying in bed, drinking coco, and making plans for some nearby explorations later in the week. 2012 was a fantastic year, and for me, highlighted by glorious days in the mountains all through the year. Here's hoping for a new year that's even half as happy as the last.  

Feathery frosted windows for New Years cheer.