Catamount Yurt, Idaho

The notorious reputation of spontaneity I have built for myself was tested this weekend. A close friend (who knows me too well) informed me Friday morning of a hiking excursion into the Idaho Wilderness which they had planned for Friday night.
I was almost offended that he had just assumed that he could give me a few hours notice, expect me to drop my multiple and extremely vital responsibilities, pack up my bags and be ready to roll in a matter of hours... but then I realized I was only angry that I had become so predictable (well played Jayson, you know me all too well).
After a 3 hour car ride we had arrived at the trail head, about 9pm. Light snow showers produced a small obstacle, but the real kicker was the infamous Idaho wind, which made it impossible to see farther than about 25 feet into the blowing snow. Prominent land marks were completely invisible and the trail was drifted over, but we pushed on. We spent a few extra hours in a misguided state, but a change in command amongst the ranks led us back to the trail.

After finding the path, we followed it into the trees which sheltered us from the howling wind, and where the trail took a steep uphill turn. We climbed for about an hour before the snow cleared up and we eventually arrived at the Catamount Yurt.

There's nothing better than starting off a morning with a great breakfast, and this trip was no exception. We fired up our camp stoves and served ourselves a 5 star breakfast of pancakes and bacon. As we hiked out, the clouds had cleared and started to settle in the valleys and the sun was out to wish us a safe trip home.