Edison Butte - Edison Shelter, January 2010

Since Brad and I had so much fun at the AC/DC Shelter, we decided to return the next day to the sno-park and check out the Edison Shelter, which is a shorter loop with less elevation. Because of an injured ankle, Michael and Kendra opted for snowshoes. Jacob, Lindsey, Brad and I stuck with XC skis. The Nordic area has dedicated trails, so we went our separate ways and met up at the shelter. Previous visitors left a warm fire and a plastic sled. We took turns lunching by the woodstove and sledding down the hill outside the shelter. It soon turned into a game: Sled down the hill. Try to get the farthest before wiping out. (maybe try no-hands!) Try to avoid the snowballs flying at your head as you walked up the hill. We laughed and laughed and laughed, feeling like little kids on a snow day.

M&K returned the way they came and snapped this picture of the snow under the clearing sky. The skiers continued the XC loop, and about halfway back, we spotted what looked like a stone bridge next to the trail. Upon closer examination, we realized that it was a lava tube.
Obviously, it had to be explored! After some spelunking, we continued through the woods, stopping along the way to cruise off piste. The trail was good, covered in about 5 inches of fresh snow from the day/night before. However, the warm weather and spotty sun quickly melted the piles of snow from the tree branches, causing water to rain on our heads. Trade offs, I guess.

Because of our side trips, M&K beat us to the parking lot. But they weren't bored... they were busy burying J&L's car in snow and building this beauty on the hood: Within minutes, another snowball fight broke out, with giant globs of powder flying through the air. The 5 inches of fresh snow on top of the plow mounds made for amazing snowballs... or snow chunks. I nailed Jacob really good, and he retaliated by coming after me with the entire snowman. I still have nightmares of the snowman attack! Lindsey hid behind the car eating snacks, but we eventually noticed that she wasn't there and brought her back into the mix.

I have not had that much fun in a very long time. We played like kids. We laughed until I almost wet my pants. We drew strange looks from "civilians." It was truly an epic snow fight.

The weekend also brought good food, stimulating conversation, Tomb Raider, movies and books. And what better way to relax: I've said it before and I'll say it again. I have wonderful, amazing, caring, hilarious friends. I am truly blessed. :)