If it’s been a bit too dark and dreary for you, fear not. The winter solstice, the first day of winter, arrives on Wednesday, December 21, when the hours of daylight start to grow longer. Some of us plan to be on top of Badger Mountain to watch the sun set, at 4:14 PM, from the west peak facing Rattlesnake Mt.

We’ll be going up the Skyline Trail.  Meet at the Westgate Parking lot, off of Dallas Road, at 3:20 PM (if you want to walk at a brisk pace, you could leave a little later).  Bundle up, and bring a flashlight for the trip down the mountain.  If there is still snow, Tracs and a pole are excellent for stability.