It was nearly nine o'clock Friday night before we pulled into the parking area, a narrow strip of asphalt along the main highway. There were nine of us, in two vehicles. Three other members had taken a different route, following the Interstate around the north side of the mountains, while we skirted around the south side on secondary highways.

They pulled in from the other direction before we got the trailer open.

It's about two-tenths of a mile hike in to the lodge, which we round off to a quarter-mile when discussing it with the boys. But an easy, level walk on a well packed snow machine trail. Gear is loaded onto the plastic sleds, and each of us heads out.

Some walking by flashlight.

But we soon realized there was more than enough moonlight to see, and all saved their batteries after the first trip. And I, with my blinding camera flash, quickly became quite unpopular.

A few used showshoes, and a couple were on skis.

The trail is actually a road when there isn't any snow on the ground, a wide swath through the neatly groomed forest of straight lodgepole pines. There's a buck and pole fence on the right, but it was mostly buried under snow. No wind, so the night was quiet except for occassional voices, muted by the snow, and the crunch of snow under your feet.

When the trail empties out into a meadow, you veer right through the trees, and were greeted by this view of the lodge, with snow drifted up onto the front steps.

It's a comfortable place, with sleeping berths for 28. An efficient wood-burning stove at the far end

and a wonderful stone fireplace at the other. Right next to the totem pole.

Not to mention electricity, a fully equipped kitchen, and an electric water pump in the shed out back. Temperature in the lodge was already comfortable from it basking in the sun during our record warm days. The night was warm as well, with no need to bundle up for the hauling of gear.

Took several trips to get all the gear and food sledded in, but we were all abed and enjoying the lingering fire in the hearth well before midnight.