This episode we go walking, no climbing, in a winter wonderland and speak with a Mount Shasta rescue Ranger. Next, we break hops with modern day monks who combine scripture and brewing heavenly nectar. Finally, we saddle up with a determined cyclist who peddled coast to coast for a good cause. That and our usual craic on Life in 16 oz.

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center / Mount Shasta Avalanche Center & Home of the Mount Shasta Climbing Rangers on Facebook / Mount Shasta Brewing Co / Brethren Brewing Co / Brethren Brewing Co on Facebook / Michele Across America Blog / Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog Ministries / Bike the US for MS / Ride With GPS / Leave No Trace / Deschutes Brewery / Ninkasi Brewing Company / Uinta Brewing / Shelton Brothers Inc / Ridgeway Brewing Shelton Brothers / St. Bernardus Beer

This month's episode features an assortment of holiday-themed beers. They are, from left to right: 1) Sleighr Winter Ale from Ninkasi Brewing Company; 2) Jubelale, a Deschutes Brewery winter ale; 3) Ridgeway Brewing's Lump of Coal Dark Holiday Stout; 4) St Bernardus Christmas Ale, a quadrupel Belgian abbey brown ale; 5) Rise & Pine, a "hoppy dark ale" aka an American black ale, from Uinta Brewing. (Life in 16 oz./Paul Wade)

Nick Meyers pauses to show the ice and snow conditions while patrolling the east side of Mount Shasta. (Courtesy photo/Nick Meyers)

Nick Meyers and fellow climbing rangers take a picture from their base camp during a multiple day patrol of the mountain. (Courtesy photo/Nick Meyers)

Nick Meyers enjoys "skinning" uphill  on backcountry skis as the ascent and descent are more enjoyable. 'Skinning' requires an adhesive "skin" be affixed to the bottom of each ski to provide better traction for climbing uphill while wearing them. (Courtesy photo/Nick Meyers)

Nick Meyers and a fellow climbing ranger set up camp at the hard stand near Helen Camp in Avalanche Gulch. The stand is a permanent tent foundation used by Forest Service rangers and Boy Scouts of America. (Courtesy photo/Nick Meyers)

Nick Meyers kick steps along a cornice while headed to a launching point to ski down Mount Shasta. (Courtesy photo/Nick Meyers)

Kevin Whitehouse stands ready to serve a pint to churchgoers during their Thursday night service in downtown Manteca, Calif. (Life in 16 oz./Brandon McCarty)

Dan Machado lays down the drinking rules during fellowship with the Brethren Brewing Company outreach church service in Manteca, Calif. (Life in 16 oz./Brandon McCarty)

A crowd gathers for fellowship and beer during a typical Thursday night church meeting with the Brethren Brewing Company in Manteca, Calif. (Life in 16 oz./Brandon McCarty)

Dan Machado shows off the future site of the Brethren Brewing Company in downtown Manteca, Calif. (Life in 16 oz./Brandon McCarty)

Dan Machado shows off the future site of the Brethren Brew Company brewery in downtown Manteca, Calif. (Life in 16 oz./Brandon McCarty)

Michele and one of the dozen comfort dogs she met along the way.