This is the way I remember our climb of Black Peak: There was this really big-ass mountain; it almost kicked our butts. I told Jim that I didn’t want to die that day because that would make my kids orphans, and then I regretted not having a will. Then we found out human beings don’t succumb to death when only partially frozen, then we got down!

Okay now for the really good part. The Log House Inn in Marblemount serves pretty decent food at reasonable prices. Jim and I both had the beef stew and homemade biscuits. A big hearty bowl of comfort food, and fluffy, warm biscuits were what this climber needed to mitigate the memory of the previous night. At $5.95 it was indeed a bargain. Philip had the “broasted” chicken, which we found out is cooked in oil, under high pressure, KFC style. Served with mashed potatoes, corn and the same homemade biscuits this dish was also a great value at $7.95.

Now for the really good part, the Log House Inn makes homemade pie! The selection that day included apple, rhubarb and mountain berry. We chose the berry, though the rhubarb was a close contender. Jim and I were extolling the virtues of rhubarb to Philip, but he wasn’t having any of it. We just couldn’t convince the boy that a bitter vegetable; resembling odd colored celery with poisonous leaves would make a tasty desert. I believe that one needs to be at least 40 years old before the qualities of rhubarb become apparent. At $2.95-3.95 per slice what’s not to love? Have the friendly server heat your slice. Their substantial pie can be a bit too dense when served at room temperature. If you didn’t get enough of a good thing, pies are available to take home for $13.00 to $15.00 dollars.

Marblemount is blessed with two establishment hawking pie. The other is some sort of quasi famous place that has been featured on television. Our server assured us that his pie was much better; and he had the gut to prove it! I do believe a pie taste-off will be necessary..

Log House Inn: (360)873-4311. Closed end of October ‘till the roads opens in spring, get it while you can!