Hearts may have been in bloom on Valentine’s Day, but Mount Ellen had winter frost on its breath. I set off around 2pm, boots crunching into fresh powder, a solo mission into the swirling snow. The sun played hide-and-seek with the clouds, and by the time I reached the treeline, it was a full-blown whiteout. The topo map, crumpled in my pocket, felt more like a cryptic fortune cookie than a navigational guide.
Did I summit? Honestly, I’m not sure. The trail blurred into a dizzying expanse of white, each gust of wind whispering its own confusing directions. Summit or no summit, the real victory was in the fight itself. Slogging through knee-deep snow, battling the wind’s icy whispers, every step felt like a mini-conquest.
Zero visibility meant zero photos. No summit selfie to mark the occasion, just the echo of my own breath and the crunch of snow underfoot. But there’s a strange beauty in that, a raw intimacy with the mountain, stripped bare of filters and fancy angles.
So, was it a failed summit? Not in my book. It was a day for pushing limits, testing boundaries, and learning the language of the blizzard. A valentine to the untamed spirit, the one that thrives on uncertainty and embraces the wildness within.
The descent was slow, a cautious ballet on slippery slopes. But with each step, the world regained its shape, the trees emerged from their snowy disguise, and I stumbled back into the valley, a little wiser, a lot colder, and strangely content.
This Valentine’s Day, my heart didn’t find its mate at a cozy fireside. Instead, it found solace in the fierce embrace of Mount Ellen, in the hushed symphony of falling snow, and in the quiet resilience of my own two feet.
Resources:
Mount Ellen: This is a mountain located in Vermont, standing at 4,083 feet1. The mountain is part of the Green Mountains and is usually a fairly quiet summit in the summer, but can be busy (due to ski crowds) in the winter1. There are three possible approach trails to the summit: Jerusalem Trail, Long Trail from Lincoln Gap, and Long Trail from Appalachian (App) Gap1.
Winter Hiking: Hiking in winter can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it also presents its own set of challenges. It’s important to dress appropriately, check the weather conditions, understand winter trail conditions, and prepare for shorter daylight hours2.
Photography in Snow: Taking photos in the snow can be tricky due to the bright, reflective nature of snow. Overexposing your photos can help avoid grey snow3. Using manual focus can also help achieve sharp images3. However, sometimes the beauty of a winter hike is best captured in the memory rather than in a photograph.
Descent: Descending a mountain in winter conditions can be challenging due to slippery slopes. It’s important to take your time, watch your footing, and use appropriate gear such as crampons or microspikes for added traction2.
On this Valentines Day in history:
- 2002: My Emotional Profile – A reflection on the quest for love and understanding, highlighting the importance of emotional connections and self-awareness.
This post captures a moment in time, offering insights into my personal journeys, challenges, and the beauty of adventure.
Boneshakerbike 
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