Once again, the third outdoor education trip proved well worth the lack of sleep.

Last weekend, I joined seven students to snowshoe New Hampshire’s White Mountains. After leaving school around 8:00 a.m. Friday, around three hours later we arrived at a perfect hiking trail by Cannon Mountain.

The weather was a perfect 24 degrees as we began our journey and traversed steep terrain. Along the way, due to the already packed snow, some students switched to wearing yaktrax, a sort of traction slipper that fits over boots.

After about two hours of hiking, we crossed a frozen lake and reached a cozy cabin, where we enjoyed a variety of delicious sandwiches for lunch.

With renewed energy, the sun began to set as we continued to hike several more miles. With the temperature dropping, we enjoyed encountering icier terrain. Under the moonlight sky, we loved the challenge of climbing (and sliding) through obstacles. Throughout, the cover of darkness fostered a tranquil, almost meditative mood.

Having hiked 9 miles, we returned to the Mellow (the School’s new white bus) around 6:30 p.m. feeling exhausted but fulfilled.

After spending the night in a warm and comfy hostel, we arose at 8:00 a.m. with sore muscles. We eagerly embarked on a short hike around a beautiful lake before heading home to watch the Patriots win the Superbowl.

As far as weekends go, this one was just about perfect.