Looking up at the trailhead to set off for our snowshoe hike, we were starting to think we’d brought a few too many snowshoes. Some snow on what looked like distant peaks, but not a lot going on where we were.
Yet just around the corner, within a few hundred yards of the trailhead, there was snow underfoot and all around. As it was quite well trodden, the snowshoes remained attached to the back of our rucksacks – which I might add were a bit on the heavy side, containing enough food and drink for 2 nights. And as eating and drinking are some of our favorite things to do, we didn’t exactly pack light. Picture one of those pack mules that trudge to remote places in the mountains, looking like they have the weight of the world on their back. That was me.
So slow going for the four miles up to the yurt, I’d say snail’s pace – or maybe the pace of a snail on his holidays, chilling out and enjoying the view. Worth it though, when we got to our very own home from home, and were able to enjoy basking in the afternoon sun, sipping a well earned beer. An Avery Maharaja IPA no less.
The first job (or should I say Darren’s first job!) was to light the wood burning stove. Plenty of firewood available and not one, not two, but three axes. Followed by snow collecting to melt for drinkwater, for cooking and washing.
The wood burning stove worked a treat at heating up the yurt. It had a cosy feel to it, despite being on the large side, sleeping up to 12 people. Enough room for the two of us to swing a cat. Or enough room to play table tennis.
The highlight of the food items we brought with us would have to be our cheese fondue. Working from a theory of maximum calories to weight ratio, we brought gruyere, swiss cheese, garlic, white wine and seasoning, and threw it all in a pot. Served with baby new potatoes and pitta bread for dunking. I think there may have been a few comments on texture issues had this been served in a finer establishment. But to us, it hit the spot.
