After weeks of bitter temperatures and wind, Ben and I lucked out on the most beautiful weekend of the winter thus far. We packed our bags and tied our boots, hitting the Caines Head trail head at 6 pm, Saturday night. The snow was deep in places until we hit the beach trail. The world was ours, full of sea birds, playful sea lions, fresh avalanche chutes, and crystal blue ice flows. After a late night around the fire, we awoke to a bluebird sky day. Ditching our packs for a jaunt up to the old fort we had to don snowshoes for four miles. The uphill trek was worthwhile as the views were breathtaking. This time last year, I hiked out to the fort with two friends and we were rewarded with a blanket of fog and mist. This year we could see for miles, only 2 boats on the water and no tracks before ours for weeks. All this, right in our backyard! 24 hours after setting out we returned weary and limping, but happy and hungry inside.