I write to you from a quaint town in northern Washington. I would like so much to share with you my day's adventures.

Early this morning a group of us horsepacked high up an old track to a forested northern spur of Mount Baker. From there was too rugged country for the animals, and so we continued on foot, in light rain and snow showers. We each carried a pair of "Norwegian snowshoes" as they're called: long planks of wood used for sliding on snow. Yes, dear Shithead, snow - in October no less! So different from home - but I think you too will enjoy this wild country.

To get to the snow, we first had to traverse an endless ridge! The clouds parted now and then, revealing the occasional rainbow (darling, you are my pot of gold), and providing much needed motivation that would lead us to our goal.

From a breezy saddle where hawks circled above, we applied sealskins to our snowshoes - the snow was deeper here, and progress was much quicker with the snowshoes on our feet, rather than fastened to our rucksacks! The sealskins allowed us to make upward movement without the risk of slipping back and finding ourselves in a tumble down the hill.

The gale battered us, and sleet was often driven into our eyes, but despite these apparent inconveniences, we derived a certain satisfaction in sliding down on the snowy surface. So much so, that we had to go back and repeat our endeavour a second time! It was also a special occasion, for this was our friend William Frans' one hundred and twentieth month in a row where he has used these Norwegian snowshoes!

Later in the day, the snow and rain turned into a downpour. It felt like we were hours on the return journey to the pack-outfit, the swift movement barely keeping us warm enough from the cold and wet seeping into our bones. We were relieved to be back in town, where we supped at a small establishment run by an Italian family - delicous food to warm our bellies!

I have enclosed some photographs we took of our journey. You will be able to tell how much fun we had and I hope we can share this joy together in the near future.

I cannot wait 'til we are re-united,
Yours Truly
Ås Hohl