On the night of November’s full moon, the sky was full on overcast, without moon or star in sight. I drove around for awhile, but wasnt able to get any photos. Last night was December’s full moon, called the Full Cold Moon. It was bigger and brighter, dubbed a “Super Moon.” It’s not the best name, I feel like it doesn’t give the moon justice. Then again, I wouldn’t know what else to call it. The sky would be clear at its brightest, and the temperatures were going to hover around 28 degrees, perfect for a night outside.
Thinking of where I should go to capture the monthly event, a few locations came into my mind, one being in the center of a rural road, another being near where I live…. Ultimately, I thought I should hike Sterling Peak at Smugglers’ Notch. After thinking about it more and more while finishing up my shift at the Pizzeria, I decided I would do it.
By the time I got home around 9:30, I attempted to sleep right away. After about and hour, sleep wasn’t happening. I was too anxious, thinking about each and every variable, every item I needed to bring.
So I decided I would get out of bed and get ready.
After much thought, also decided to take Brixton with me. My goal at this point was to “attempt” to make the hike. I would feel it out.
Once I finally had everything I needed (snowboard gear, many layers, snacks, iced coffee, camera gear, headlamp, emergency kit, etc.), I headed out, taking Brixton with me. Fast forwarding to arrival, I parked not far from the Sterling lift station. I put Yak Traks onto my winter boots (not snowboard boots), and headed up Sterling Liftline.
It was a nice night to be outside. The clouds had cleared, the full moon was shining bright. With the sky bring a vibrant dark blue, it contrasted with the chairlift, with the moonlight glimmering white onto the fronts of the dark green chairs.
I made my way up slowly, Brixton trotting fast as can be. His energy was endless the whole way up. I had to readjust and remove layers on the way up. It was much warmer than expected (around 30 degrees), so with all the movement going on, I wasn’t the least bit cold. I did have to take quite a few breaks though. I lost one yak trak, which made it difficult to go up the steep areas. I would use the lift towers ever so often as gauges for break time and rehydration.
Before not too long, I was halfway up the mountain, at lift tower 15. I decided it was time to take my first photo of the night. This would keep me going once I saw what kind of photos I’d be able to capture in the bright full moon sky.
After seeing the raw photo in the camera, I had a burst of energy and motivation to reach the top. My spirits were lifted! I put my camera away, then thought, “why not use my tripod as a skit pole?” so I did. I extend one leg all the way out and used it to help me climb the steep slopes of Exhibition, a black diamond trail. Out of curiosity, I checked to see if I still had my left Yak Trak. I lifted my boot and saw nothing. I laughed to myself.
From here, could almost see the lift house at the top. I was thrilled. Brixton was a good distance ahead, but he ran back down to greet me. I was about to climb a very steep grade, using my tripod while attempting to get closer to some trailside trees. Brixton ran down this then ran back up with no effort.
I eventually made it to the Rumrunner trail, the main highway. It was groomed nicely, so I did decide to take a photo of the groom lines with the moon in the sky. I didn’t use a tripod for this one so I could get as low as possible.
In hindsight I wish my camera was higher off the ground so I could get more of the trail showing.
We made it to the top!
I turn around and see the clouds flowing over the Mount Mansfield ridge line, so that becomes my new objective. I unstrap my snowboard from my backpack and set it down. I won’t need this until I head back down. I set up my tripod and aim it at the horizon where Mansfield meets the sky. zHere I am taking many exposures in order to get it right. Brixton is getting antsy, so I put him in the hut. I take a long exposure in order to capture the smooth movements of the cloud cover.
It was an amazing site to see so high up on the snowy mountaintop. I wish I had more time up there so I could have captured many more angles and areas, but it gets cold and safety comes into mind. It was time to go into the warming hut with Brixton.
It was noticeable warmer in here, but the heaters weren’t on. I ate the food that I had and rehydrated myself and Brixton. I entertained myself with a ski magazine and Seven Days newspaper.
With Brixton curled up next time me, I thought maybe I should take a nap while the moon lowers to the horizon. I could wake up and get more photos! I began to get settled but I had a feeling of coldness in addition to wetness. My undershirt layers we sweaty, and that sweat was getting cold. With the heaters not running, I began to doubt my trust in the building and myself. I quickly changed my mind and go my things together to head down the mountain.
Once I thought I was ready, I opened the door and stepped outside. It was much colder at this point. I could feel the chill in the air unlike before. I look to grab my snowboard and it’s completely covered in frost. Not this best sign, but I remain calm. With my headlamp on, I sit down onto the groomed channels of snow and strap myself in. Once I get up and start going, Brixton is amped. He’s never snowboarded with me before this. I make a steady decline, but it doesn’t feel right. If you recall, I ended up wearing Sorel snow boots, which don’t have the sturdiness and bulk of a boot made for snowboarding. It’s freezing cold, but I decide I have to stop and fix my boots if I’m going to make it down safely. I stop on my heels and sit back, quickly unstrapping my right binding and untying the boot to tighten it. I pull snug so that boot is secure to my foot and leg. Why did I not do this when I first started? Beats me. My fingers are extremely cold, but I move onto the next binding and boot. Done. I feel much better now.
Im able to pick up more speed and turn with ease. Brixton is doing a great job, but I am still concerned about him running so fast downhill, so I slow down and I take small breaks to check on him.
I pass under the chairlift, and 100 feet later I look back. I immediately think “this is art,” so I recklessly decided to pull out my camera and take a quick long exposure. I didn’t bother to setup my tripod, so it’s just the camera and my glove. I have trouble, take two photos and move on. In the end, they were both blurry, so this was a waste (or was it?) 😦
After this, everything went smoothly, we both made it down and got into my car as soon as possibly to crank the heat and head home.
In the end, I may have not achieved the most amazing photography or got exactly what I was looking for, but this adventure in a familiar, but different setting was well worth it. I was able to experience a bright, mild, and snowy night with absolutely no wind to be felt. I’m extremely thankful for all of that, plus the fact that my dog was able to come with me. I feel that I may have put him and myself in some danger, but I wouldn’t have done this in the first place if I didn’t feel confident in our abilities. While it would have been an even better experience if a friend or two joined in, I’m just glad I was able to get out and experience our world, and my home ski resort, Smugglers’ Notch, in a new light. Bring my first time hiking with a snowboard strapped to my backpack, and my first time night riding, I think it was a nighttime well spent 🙂
art.of.a.rock 