As I hiked down the trail back to the car I sang. Not a soul felt like hiking in that cold snow. I sang louder knowing that John and I were the only two people left on the trail. The karaoke disc in my head played silent Christmas songs and I sang them out loud to an empty hall. I’m sure John and the trees enjoyed it. After all, I feel like I’m a great singer and I’m sure the trees would agree.
The thoughts in my head were bouncing as well. The day was exceedingly hypnotic, fresh, crisp. I watched the snow collect on the pine needles and pull the dying grasses to the Earth. The clouds were low in the sky and the images of being there were perfect. The catching was on and my goal of the “Big Trio” was accomplished. There was a bounce in my step in the few miles of trail to the car.
Just before we made it to the car, I thought one last thought. Hot Chocolate. Not just any put-it-in-the-microwave cocoa. Cocoa from scratch. White Hot Cocoa. My mouth began to water and my body went into relaxation mode. After the hot cocoa, it becomes hibernation. Yes, this potent stuff has coma inducing side-effects. Here is how it is done:
Warm up 1 cup of cream in a big pot:
Add 1 cup of white chocolate morsels and allow them to melt, don’t get things too hot, good things take time:
Add 4 cups of half & half slowly. I usually do it 1 cup at a time every minute or so. If you go too fast the chocolate will recombine and leave strings of chocolate on top of your mug:
Right before you serve, add 1/4 teaspoon of the best vanilla you can find:
Serve. Enjoy. Hibernate.
Also, in an 8oz glass you are looking at like 1200 calories. Just saying. Note the beer mug I served myself, I need insulation this year.
backcountryfishnerd 
November 2nd, 2011 at 7:29 pm
I feel like I will never experience your joy since I don’t plan on any early winter fishing…but I’ll drink a cup to you and yours.
November 2nd, 2011 at 7:43 pm
We don’t need fishing to enjoy some cocoa. You could always sing Christmas songs in your backyard while it is snowing. OR… You could chase down some pelletheads in the snow and finish it off with hot cocoa.
November 2nd, 2011 at 7:44 pm
An empty trail and willing fish are a holiday in themselves…deserving of any Christmas song coming out of your Karaoke machine…
The hot cocoa sounds pretty good…looks like I have to run back to the store.
November 2nd, 2011 at 7:48 pm
Indeed sir! It is a perfect night for it as well.
November 3rd, 2011 at 11:24 am
Ha! I remember you talking of this magical hot white chocolate at Haiyaha. And yeah, with this weather of late, my karaoke disc has been permanently set on the Christmas disc too.
Those are beautiful fish you guys found. Worth braving the cold…
November 3rd, 2011 at 10:52 pm
As usual, thank you Erin! You better not be lactose intolerant! After the drake season next year, we have to go up there. I might bring some in a thermos.
November 3rd, 2011 at 10:53 pm
Also, please note the post-spawn brown….
November 4th, 2011 at 10:23 am
Indeed…noted. 😉
November 4th, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Coma inducing is an understatement. Oh.. to be young and skinny again with a high metabolic rate. Although I am enjoying a really good, smooth rye whiskey as I write this, White Hot Cocoa, and good whiskey is rationed to about once a month.
November 4th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
It’s only ok because it is a seasonal thing. You can overdo it though. This is how I pack on insulation over the winter. If only I could grow a full beard…
November 4th, 2011 at 9:01 pm
I’ve always wanted a beard too….
November 5th, 2011 at 11:21 am
Erin… be careful what you wish for. 😉
November 5th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Bearded ladies are kinda creepy Erin, I’m with Larry.
November 5th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Oh, I agree…I’m just envious of you men. Beards are cool. They’re like built in scarves. I tried doing the ‘yeti’ thing….was told that’s creepy too…