This story is about the rematch...the photo, unfortunately is from the first attempt, during the day.  Now on to the story! 

I have done some crazy things in my life...not foolish things, because as some of you know I have never identified with the "risk taker" brand.  One of the crazy, more uncharted, adventures I've had was to snowshoe to the Jardine Juniper in the middle of the night.

For those who might be interested in ancient trees, the Jardine Juniper is one such tree that can be found on the north rim of Logan Canyon.  I actually went back up this last fall, meaning the fall of 2008, and helped improve the trail.  It's a rather pleasant trail in the summer when you can see it.  When we went, there had to be at least two feet of snow on the ground.

In fact, one of the pleasant memories from the trip was that the only way to find the trail was to follow the space between the trees.  It was generally a straight line and trees don't normally grow that way in forests without trails.  Of course, at one point we had to cross a long slope without any trees and I think we ended up having to climb straight up to find where the trail was as we had tended too "level".  It's easier that way...except for the going straight up at the end, that is.

 It's lucky for you that we didn't roll, or slide, down that slope and plunge to our deaths, as I wouldn't be here to share the experience with all of you people that are probably a bit more wise...

Shortly after we began, the moon rose and it happened to be a full moon that night.  If you've never seen a "snowscape" out away from the city under the light of a full moon then you have missed a treasure.  The whole slope of the mountain was glittering like a bunch of diamonds.  To attempt to take you there I'll do my best at describing it for you.

It was the epitome of peace.  We stopped in the stillness of a quiet wood with a soft brush of moonlight painting the world a cool shade of gray.  Matching the stars was a glittering blanket of diamonds strewn across the snowy slopes.  At that point I was comfortably cozy blowing clowds of mist into the crispness of the cold night air.

I suppose to contrast that...I admit, it's a bit creepy walking around in the woods in the middle of the night.  You move your light around and shadows jump and scamper everywhere.  After an hour or so of that and I defy anyone to not start jumping at least a little bit.

In the end we did find the tree and I hope to post some photos soon.  They may be the few, if not the only, photos that exist of the Jardine Juniper in the winter and at dawn.  After all, who's crazy enough to hike up there in the middle of the winter, in the middle of the night?

For any who relate to that adventurous streak I will strongly recommend a night hike through the woods under a full moon!  But, some thoughts to make it even better...

Take a shovel...you never know when you might have to make a spot for your vehicle on the side of the road.  They don't always plow that high up.  Dress warmly..."of course" you're saying...but I'll say it again.  Dress warmly!  I don't want any of your next of kin hunting me down for having you follow my advice to your graves.  Much more enjoyable an experience in carrying that extra jacket than in shivering the whole way up and back.

If you're going to go on a winter hike make sure you know the lay of the land.  The mountains do not look the same if there's snow on the ground.  It's always better to go once in the summer to get your bearings.  Never hike a trail in the winter without someone that's done it in the summer!

And, last but not least, like any adventure...make sure there's someone at home that knows where you've gone, when you've left, when you'll get back, and in some cases what you took with you and who you took with you.

That said, enjoy and happy adventuring!