The last time I went snowshoeing was four years ago today (January16). For the past two years or so I have been thinking about doing it again but not having proper boots dampened my plans. Having finally bought new boots (in Moab, Utah, of all places!), I got my revenge today.

To commemorate my "re-activation" I duplicated the hike of four years ago: a short but satisfying jaunt to Divide Lake, near Snoqualmie Pass. The lake sits on a level portion of a ridge, in the forest, right behind the upper boundary of a ski area. I'm pictured here at Divide Lake during a pleasant lunch break. The hot chocolate and cold egg nog were treats, as was the delicious fried-egg sandwich made by my loving wife. The snow was about five feet deep.

Feeling emboldened after the nice lunch, I continued southward to a microwave tower situated higher on the ridge. Feeling extra-emboldened, I left my snowshoes hidden near the lake because the snow everywhere was so hard that snowshoes were unnecessary. Digging a foot pit here and at the tower was difficult because of the snow's hardness.

I got to Divide Lake by ascending unused portions of the ski area. A Ski Patrol member told me that uphill travel in the ski area is forbidden, something I had never heard before. The rule has something to do with reducing the risk of collisions on the slope. Aren't collisions reduced when the approaching parties are facing each other? And doesn't being at the edge of ski slopes or in the woods further mitigate the problem? I must be as dense as the forest I traveled through.

Joe Tripod, who accompanied me on this trip, did not mind standing in the cold snow to effect this self-portrait. For him, it was just another assignment fulfilling his mission statement.