2005.01.13 - It seems that many of my trip reports begin in the same fashion, or at least with similar vocabulary. "The last part of my business trip... After concluding a business trip..." I'm quite lucky to have a job which requires semi-frequent travel, and interestingly enough, I'm actually writing this on a plane bound for Southern California. Combine this with a boss who understands that Saturday stay-overs can actually save the company money, and I have quite a recipe for "excursions" preceeding or following my business meetings. That being said...

After finishing up a series of meetings in the Baltimore area, I had the opportunity to take a few more steps toward completing the Winter 50. I left my supplier's facility just east of Baltimore with the goal of reaching Richmond, IN before turning in for the night. My tentative plans for the weekend were to visit Hoosier Hill, IN and Campbell Hill, OH on Friday, climb Spruce Knob, WV on Saturday and finally ascend Backbone Mountain, MD on Sunday before my return flight home. With slightly better than 600 miles to cover in order to reach the furthest point, a more realistic goal was to drive as long as possible before nightfall, when highway delirium would likely set in.

The car stereo provided companionship on the lonely drive, though before, I realized it, the lights of Columbus, OH began to fill up the windshield of the rental. Glancing at the clock, I decided that I could, in fact, reach Richmond before midnight. An early start the next day might put me in position to visit a few more peaks than I had expected! I slept like a child on Christmas Eve, restlessly waiting for day to break on my plans.

2005.01.14 - Morning came ever so slowly, and by 6:30 AM I was ready for the short drive out to Hoosier Hill. The brisk 10°F air greeted me as I pushed the snow white Escape into gear. Before the engine had even warmed up, I found myself passing by the only stop sign in bustling downtown Bethel, IN, not 2 miles from lucky number 13. I continued out to the highpoint road, and geared up for the 45 second hike to the top of Indiana.

The sun had just started its ascent above the horizon, so none of my pictures were coming out too well. As I was about to leave, however, the skies opened and there appeared one of the most beautiful sunrises to which I have ever been witness. What I anticipated to be a brief visit, turned into a lengthy photo shoot with a gloriously-adorned mother nature. As the sun rose higher, I felt the urge to get moving toward the day's next goal, Campbell Hill.

As I was leaving, a final set of Godrays streamed through the clouds, making for the most picturesque photos of the trip. A blessing was definitely on this weekend!