The hut that shall not be named

Tucked just beneath the western slope of the continental divide, we found shelter from the blustering night in the hut’s dark and time-scoured walls. We left the highway with hours of daylight left, but it almost wasn’t enough time. As darkness fell on the river gully we had been hiking, it was clear that we had overshot our destination. Alex had stayed before at the mountain shack, but during his first trip they had similarly hiked-in in the dark. So we were wandering at this point. And the conditions were starting to worsen. Weather can be brutal on the divide, we were experiencing classic blizzard conditions at 11,000 feet when we put our headlamps on.

Despite our aimless rambling, Alex felt confident that we were close. I suppose I did too, for that matter, maybe I just needed to believe it. Our options were stark…we needed to find the hut, or we’d have to face the bitter defeat of trekking back to the car. I began to ask myself how long I think I could maintain a smile while searching in the dark. But as I’m struggling to keep my stride, I hear hoots and hollers from up above me. Our beloved guide, Alex, had led us in the right direction. Sanctuary at last. We excitedly let ourselves in to view our accommodations. Never before have a seen such a hospitable outpost in the backcountry. It was clear that this hut was a well kept secret who’s patrons are well equipped and generous. In a desolate setting where individual responsibility could cost you your life, this hut is a vivid beacon of community and the human spirit.

As we read the guestbook, it became apparent that we weren’t the only ones who had difficulty finding this place. Every other entry said something like “Can’t believe we found it!” or “Must have walked past it 5 times”. As we continued to read about the hut’s mysterious and legendary origins, it became less of a structure and more of a sacred or spiritual place. A place adventurers and transients can call home. Where respect is the central creed and etiquette means everything.

I’m being as delicate as possible with this post, so as not to tarnish the pure seclusion of this mystic hut. I do not wish to share its name or location…but if you can recognize it from these photos, then you must share the same feeling of stewardship that I do. Here are some shots of our headlamps and lanterns creating a glow in the room through minute long exposures...flash photography is implicitly forbidden in this place.

Side note - aside from guiding us there, alex managed to fit a chainsaw in his pack so we could make our contribution. Last photo proves it, with Matt taking a hack at a log, and Alex sawing away in the background. Enjoy.