|| 5 A.M. rolls around and I give the alarm a slap. Botch the coffee (too early), don’t forget the boots, load the truck, and… dang, did I forget my headlamp? Nope, it’s on my head. Meet up with Adam, Erme arrives, load Adam’s truck, and start driving. Hit the trailhead parking lot, slap the skis on the ground, shoot a headlamp photo that might work out, and start skinning. My lungs hurt, bad. Skin, skin, and skin more until morning breaks. Pause on the skin track and take in the view. Meet the guys at the top, shoot another photo, pack the camera, drop into my line, and enjoy. I blew right by that perfect patch of shooting light. Screw it, this is too much fun. Hollar, high five, and head for home. ||