I just returned from one of my most special winter activities.....our annual hut trip! 

A group of my long term friends and I head into the Colorado back country each winter to get away to one of the 10th Mountain Hut's that sprinkle the mountains between Leadville and Aspen.  This area was used in WWII to train our Alpine soliders....in the 10th Mountain Division.  This was their training ground. 

What's amazing about our three days away is that we just disconnect.  No e-mail, no cell phones, no stress of everyday life.  We take a small step back in time, melting snow for our water, cooking over a wood stove, shoveling and shoveling and shoveling a path to the outhouse.  We use headlamps at night, or candles.  Days are filled with just "being" in the present, which might mean it's all about just getting to the hut....in our case a 6 mile trip with about 1500 feet of elevation gain to get to Uncle Bud's hut.  Carrying our food and provisions.  Laughing and joking.  Being totally and 100% yourself....after all, you are with people who love you for just who you are, and not any thing else....lifetime friends.   No makeup, showers or shaving.  

Wonderful meals is a focus.  When you are just "being" good eats is key to us.  Our meals could make the food network.  Can you imagine challah french toast, with bananas, pecans, carmel sauce and bacon?  We play in the snow.  Snack.  Nap and read.  More naps.   Life is just soooo good.  

My only downside was severe blisters...in my custom fit boots none-the-less!  But, I still had a GREAT time...how could I not with all that special friendship, love and thankfulness?  Here's a shot of me descending through the magical forest on our way home yesterday. 

Life is good, even with blisters.  May you all experience your own version of my hut trip....peace!