These are the days of our lives

The Final Countdown

2008-03-31T19:42:00.005-06:00

Today it really hit me that in three days I will be rafting and living in the wilderness for the next three weeks. I am ecstatic and can't wait! Dropped off Laurel and Omar at the airport today, and we will be meeting up again in two days in Flagstaff to start our float down the Grand Canyon. Did I mention that I can't wait?!?!?!

Had a great Saturday with Anna. We did the tourist thing, with the underground tour, a trip up the Space Needle, dinner at Moxie in Queen Anne, and we capped off the night at the Paramount with a spectacular performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Back on Track

2008-03-27T00:44:00.005-06:00

Went skiing today for the first time since hurting my knee, and it was great! Jon and I got up to Alpental at noon and put in three hours before heading back to town. There was a lot of fresh snow, but it was heavy, especially towards the bottom.

Afterwards I went to a Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition event at the aquarium. It was great, with wonderful food, drink, music, presentations, photos, and people to chat with. Good stuff for sure.

It's SPRING!

2008-03-24T16:53:00.005-06:00

The sun is shining warmer, the days are getting decently long and good things are starting to bloom all over. In nine days I'll be in Arizona getting ready to float the Grand Canyon, and I am getting really excited.

It's been a pretty social past couple weeks or so with Mary's birthday, Greendrinks, a concert at Gabriel and Jill's with Bill Horist and Obelus, another house concert with Beast, Please Be Still a couple days later, dinner for Mary's birthday, Stone Soup nite at Dan and Lara's, and Honkfest. Good fun, crazy, interesting stuff!

Otherwise I'm almost healed up and can ski again. Soon, I'll be able to run, then hike, and finally alpine climb once again.

daylight savings...

2008-03-09T16:50:00.002-06:00

March always seems to go by pretty fast, usually because I'm having fun. This year is no exception, though the real fun will begin in April with the Grand Canyon trip.

Saw the orthopedist the other day and she said my knee is healing up exceptionally well and I was happy to hear that!

In other news, I went on a lovely paddle with Omar, South from Fauntleroy to Three Tree Point. It was a beautiful sunny day with great views of the Olympics and Mt. Rainier. I got a good workout on the way back as we had a four mile paddle into a 10 mph wind.

Is it spring already?

2008-02-25T15:13:00.003-07:00

We have been having balmy weather for the last ten days or so. I'm loving it, riding the bikes tons, and getting stuff done. I have a lot of dreams right now, but one reality I'm dealing with, which is the need to find gainful employment. Time to start working the networks and really hunting down some contracts. March is right around the corner and I am optimistic about what will come to fruition.

Riding Again

2008-02-24T15:11:00.006-07:00

I can ride my bicycle around again! I have been tentative about riding around with my hurt knee, but yesterday rode 27 miles all around town with Stephen and Jon, and it was fine! It was totally awesome to get some exercise and realize that I don't have to drive much any more, especially since we have had nine straight days of brilliant sunshine and warm weather.

Friday I drove up to B'ham with Jeff and Doug. Alan and Rachel threw an awesome dinner party, and Marlin and Christine were visiting from Santa Cruz. It was great to catch up with them and meet a bunch of other cool folks like Nate and Jessica.

Marlin, Christine, & Doug have bikepacked all around the world. Amazing stuff. Check out M&C's amazing 3d slideshow website.

On Saturday Doug and I split early and the other guys had an amazing day of skiing. B*&^%rds!). I'll be good to go this spring, if there's any snow left...

Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-21T13:30:00.003-07:00

Thanks Julie, for pointing out the lunar eclipse last night! The moon was right outside my bedroom door and I spent a pleasant celestial moment checking it out.

Straight Edge

2008-02-13T16:33:00.002-07:00

That's right! Ha ha, I like it!!! It was scary decision though. Now I have to get up extra early every day to shave it up. By crazy coincidence I met up with Lawrence at Rudy's. Then I bought a new battery for my motorcycle and went and had lunch with Karin in Pioneer Square. OK, back to work!

Febluary

2008-02-12T16:28:00.001-07:00

The days are flying by. I can gimp around pretty good and hope I can start riding my bicycle soon. Right now I'm working on a new website and business plan. Other than that I've been really social hanging out with friends around town. Saw Into the Wild, produced by Sean Penn and adapted from John Krakaur's 1996 book. It was really good, and definitely struck a huge chord in me.

Torn MCL!

2008-02-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I tore my MCL on the inside of my left knee during a ski crash. You can see the tear on the right side of the knee in the image above, high up on the white ligament. Bad timing, but fortunately the tear isn't catastrophic so no surgery is required and I can get around with a brace. Unfortunately, no more skiing for me this season. My doctor will look at the MRI today and give me her official diagnosis...

Excellent Weekend in the Mountains

2008-01-28T02:18:00.000-07:00

Met up with Jeff on Saturday morning and drove across Steven's Pass on highway 2 for some ski touring on Lichtenberg Mountain. The snow was great and we enjoyed a steep climb up and powdery decent, after which we met up with Doug at the Nordic center and Mary & Suzie who spent the day at the ski area. We stayed at the Chiwawa mansion and hung out with a big bon fire before curling up and watching Amorres Perros. My hip was hurting from the tour so today I read and stretched while the others went skate skiing.

Weekend at Mt Baker

2008-01-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Awesome weekend of telemark on Mt Baker. Stephen and I drove up Friday and stayed at the Mountaineers Lodge, along with a boyscout troop, Captain Snore, and handful of friends from back in the day. Kevin organized the trip and I got to catch up with some cool folks, and do some serious skiing. I took it easy because I was worried about my hip, but it turned out to be fine. YES!

Moving again

2008-01-13T23:37:00.000-07:00

Today was a gloriously sunny day, and I had two huge quality of life boosts. First, much to my joy, I found that I can ride my bicycle around no problem, and get some serious exercise again. So, I went for a quick ten mile spin around Seward Park and back. Then, I charged my moto battery and got the bike running after it has been sitting all winter long with no love. Looking forward to getting up to Mt Baker this weekend for a couple solid days of skiing.

2008-01-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

It's been a wet winter so far, with lots of snow falling in the mountains. I'm still healing so am taking it slow. Right now I am working hard, doing a lot of research, and spending a lot of time on logistics that keep popping up.

Happy New Year!!!

2008-01-01T17:06:00.000-07:00

The day didn't start out very good... Someone hit and run my car while it was parked out front of the house and my insurance doesn't cover it. Bummer.

Sadly, I couldn't make it to Bellingham to meet Stephen, Summer, Jeff, TJ, Al etc, because I didn't want to risk the trip before getting my car inspected. So I met Jon for a bite at Ruby's in the U Distirict (old stomping grounds) then Suzie and Lisa invited us to spend the evening with them on Queen Anne at a Warrior's party. A nice way for the day to turn out.

Suzie and Lisa created a new gang called the Suicide Bunnies, based on the groundbreaking work Bunny Suicides, and they decked us out in great costumes. Some people thought we hadn't seen the movie since we were showing up as a new gang. Stephen rented it a few two years ago (along with Easy Rider I think).

The party was in an old three story apartment with rooftop deck and everyone opened their place for one big party. Thanks Sarah!

Happy Crazy Christmas

2007-12-28T10:15:00.001-07:00

Time's flying by with the holidays and all. Life is good, though my hip is still healing and I can't ski yet, even though it is DUMPING in the mountains. My 2nd grandfather passed away and that is heavy. Looking forward to 2008!!!

2007-12-21T03:53:00.000-07:00

For the last three weeks I have been totally debilitated by a hip sprain. In the mean time I've started consulting as a private contractor, and have a started work on a project with a wind energy development company, which is very exciting. In other news Hoonah and Marina are best friends now, and I am totally thrilled to be back in Seattle, reconnecting with friends and meeting new ones. Hopefully I'll be healed in a week and can start skiing!!!!

Seattle Snow

2007-12-02T23:03:00.001-07:00

Been a good weekend with friends, pets, and time to get settled while the snow flies. Baker and Crystal recently opened, so hopefully it will stay cold and I'll start getting some runs in.

Taking shape

2007-11-27T12:48:00.001-07:00

Getting settled in as are the cats. It's great to be home! Lots to do...

Back in Seattle!

2007-11-26T17:24:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I packed up the Subie and trailer, cleaned out my apartment and set out for Seattle. The trip was smooth, I was able to go 60mph the whole way, and made it in nine hours. Now I'm settling in and unpacking boxes, thrilled to be back in Seattle.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T22:12:00.000-07:00

Had a delightful dinner chez Claudia, and otherwise packed the day away in preparation for a Saturday morning departure.

The Final Countdown...

2007-11-21T18:51:00.000-07:00

A few of us got together last night at Gary's house for a final farewell. It was a lovely evening sipping wine, eating hors d'oeuvres, and telling stories.

Today was my last day at the office. Good luck, so long, and farewell Forest Service!

Let it Snow!

2007-11-19T16:04:00.000-07:00

Now we're talking!

Final weekend in Missoula

2007-11-17T22:34:00.001-07:00

Getting into the final this and final that mode, where I start thinking about all the things I wanted to do but never got around to, friends made, mistakes, and highlights. It's a process that I've gone through a lot in life, and while there are always some regrets it always feels edifying in the end.

Today was a warm and drizzly day, and Jennie and I hiked up Mt. Sentinel to get some exercise and pontificate about all those big questions like following your bliss, religion, choosing where to live, relationships, etc.

Now it's time to stay focused and make sure the transition to Seattle is as smooth as possible and I'm prepared for everything that lies ahead. I still have one more week here so the adventures are definitely not over yet.

Finally... Snow!

2007-11-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's a lazy Sunday, doing some research on the latest fisheries issues in Western Washington and watching the snow fly. The kitties are seeing snow for the first time and they love it! Took a hike up Mt Sentinel and it felt great to get out in the crisp air and get the pulse up.

A Fire's Burning (in my belly)

2007-11-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Last week I joined the Superior Fire Crew for a prescribed burn in an old logging unit. It was lots of fun, and our fire folks are really impressive when it comes to burning stuff up and keeping things in control, which can be like holding a tiger by its tail, as one firefighter said.

Big changes are on the horizon for me. Last week I decided to resign from the Forest Service effective November 27, without having another job lined up yet. After almost four years with the agency I have concluded that the organizational culture is incompatible with my non-career needs, and so now I am returning to Seattle and hoping that some job applications I have submitted will come through.

It's scary to walk away from a permanent job that pays around 70k and is loaded with benefits, but it's important for me to live life right - which means following my heart and making things work out with my head. Seattle, friends, the Cascades & Olympics, progressive culture, here I come!

Like a Virgin... Island

2007-11-01T23:16:00.000-06:00

Last week was wonderful. First I went to Portland to attend the Society of American Forester's annual conference. My colleague Kate and I put up a booth for the Forest Service and took in job applications. While there I got to chat with the Chief, and meet some really cool folks.

After that things got really interesting. I went to the island of St John in the American Caribbean to celebrate the marriage of two amazing human beings and very good friends, Jon and Aimee. The water was turquoise and the sand fine, sea turtles abounded, and the whole trip was full of great people and fun times. The only sad part was that I had to leave right as the sailing trip got under way.

On a bend in the road (less traveled...)

2007-10-17T19:45:00.000-06:00

Spent last week with Stephen and Mary in Seattle. While there I got to see some great friends, eat really good food, ride bikes thru town, and enjoy my favorite autumn around.

Now I'm back in Missoula, working at Superior. Today our engineers came out to inspect a tunnel and trestle along our soon-to-be opened Hiawatha bike trail, and it was very exciting to see the project come more to life as they added their bit.

On Monday I went out with a colleage to Missoula Lake and Mink Peak to take pictures for the budget request and close gates for the season. The larches are bursting yellow and the weather has been crisp and clean. Good fall around here. Super busy.

Riding Jon's Freedom Train

2007-10-01T21:08:00.000-06:00

It's the end of an era for Jon, so this weekend many of us gathered together in the depths of the desert to send Jon off in style before he marries Aimee.

Nothing Shocking (unless you're a cutthroat)

2007-09-27T21:44:00.000-06:00

Last Monday Brian invited me to come out with some colleagues to electroshock fish to save them from impending muddy waters because we are replacing a bad culvert on Cottonwood Creek. It was a wonderful day full of stomping around in the creek, lots of laughs, and fresh air in the great outdoors. We ended up catching 341 fish including the exceedingly rare perchthroat, known only to exist in the upper reaches of Cottonwood.

End of a Summer

2007-09-23T21:39:00.000-06:00

This weekend I said goodbye to summer in the company of best of friends at Stephen and Mary's annual Stupendous Selebration. For this year's party they put on an awesome scavenger hunt race. There were seven teams of four people, and to start each person on each team had to race mini bikes around the block before the team got the sheet of clues and the map. From there we had to run around the neighborhood, find clues and challenges, and attempt to earn extra points along the way by finding hidden teddy bears, playing ping pong, and horseshoes, and taking pictures for photo challenges where everyone judged the photos once the race was done. It was a smashing party and glorious race. Most of all it was soooooo great to spend time with kindred spirits in Seattle, without any doubt my ideal home.

Weekend of Moto and Rafting on the Tieton River

2007-09-16T22:30:00.000-06:00

photo courtesy of Osprey Rafting Guides

This was a great weekend: Met up with Stephen and his coworkers in central-Washington for some rafting and camping along the gorgeous Tieton River. It was time spent with good company, lots of laughter, and in the great outdoors. The river was very exciting with lots of waves, big holes, rocks to bump, a diversion dam, and the opportunity to rescue people after they got thrown out of the raft.

Overall I put in over 900 miles of motorcycling to get out there and back, and Stephen and I finished up the weekend with a fun tour of the Yakima Canyon. Tight, twisty, and scenic - just how I like it... Otherwise I-90 is dreadfully boring except some stretches on the Idaho/Montana border.

The Waning Days of Summer

2007-09-09T21:35:00.000-06:00

The temperature has gotten into the sweet zone, and this Saturday I had to get out even though I have a huge backlog of reading to do and I still feel a little sick. I rode my moto down to Kootenai Creek in the Bitterroot Mountains and hiked up to N Kootenai Lake, which ended up being over 20 miles round trip. Most of the hike was pretty but not that scenic. The lake made the trip well worth it though, as it was absolutely superb.

Otherwise the hike was time well spent pondering my feelings of being stuck away from the people and cultural stimulus that are important to me and my sense that my destiny is to work in podunk towns if I choose to stay where I'm at. Personal values are hanging in the balance, and I feel like I've made some bad moves to end up where I am now, despite its many heavenly aspects. I love the mountains, issues, coworkers, and the work itself (for the most part) but am dismayed at the bureaucracy and anachronism remaining in the agency.

Superior Summer

2007-08-19T21:20:00.001-06:00

Went floating down the Bitterroot with Max on Friday, and spent the weekend taking care of business. Started working in Superior last Monday and now I have and hour commute each way. It's really smokey right now and outdoor activity is minimal, but hopefully fall will bring clear skies, cooler temps, and time for some backpacking.

Transitional

2007-08-06T23:05:00.000-06:00

Days are flying by...

Stephen's Pictures Now Up

2007-08-04T17:55:00.000-06:00

Make sure to check out Stephen's pictures of Kauai, he got some great shots, especially of that tall, dark, and handsome guy!

http://picasaweb.google.com/sbentsen/20070627To20070709KauaiHawaii

In other news, fires are burning and I'm keeping busy covering fire information for the Lolo. Fun stuff! Here's a picture of the Chippy Creek Fire. Wow!

I'm a father!

2007-07-31T14:06:00.000-06:00

OK, sort of... It feels that way as right now I'm bottlefeeding a couple of adorable, tiny, noisy little babies. They are absolutely darling and I'm as happy as can be just hanging out and playing with Hoonah (the orange tabby boy) and Misha (the grey tabby girl).

Post Kauai

2007-07-22T21:20:00.000-06:00

Kauai... I struggle for words to describe the scope of the experience. Beautiful beaches, 3000 foot tall waterfalls, quality time with best of friends, amazing birds, snorkeling with sea turtles, craggy deep canyons full of plants bursting with all shades of green, hovering among cliffs and waterfalls in a helicopter... the list is huge, and the visceral impact goes way beyond what I am capable of with language. Amazing.

Summer Solstice...

2007-06-22T19:35:00.000-06:00

Life is good. Counting down the days to Hawaii (5), getting out, & working hard. Finally got a fly fishing setup, and tomorrow I'm going to float the W. Fork of the Bitterroot with Max. Now all I need to do is learn how to cast.

2007-06-21T19:22:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Stephen, now officially a professional engineer!

2007-06-18T21:26:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I went climbing with Brett and Christine at Lolo Pass. Just off the highway there are huge granite crags looming large in the pine forest. It was great climbing, but I am rusty and it was chilly. Last Friday I saw my third mountain lion ever!!!!! I rode up the Rattlesnake about 10 miles after work and on my way back down saw a big 90 - 100 pound kitty in the trail looking at me, then it ran up the hill. Wow!!! That was the best look I ever got. On Thursday I saw my first montana bear. It was a young black bear, nice and chubby, running up the road as my colleague and I were driving up to Hoodoo Pass.

2007-06-14T22:40:00.000-06:00

Life's big decision points, you know, like those times when love and or career are at a crossroads, really matter and you got to take them seriously. How does it feel, how will it feel, what does the future hold? You got to be one with uncertainty, go with the best answer you can come up with, then you can go back to living in the moment, and get into the journey... Can't wait.

2007-06-11T23:04:00.000-06:00

This has been a most perfect weekend in Seattle. Friday afternoon I loaded up the moto and made the 500 mile trek to Seattle via I-90. The weather was perfect and the highway rolled by like winding ribbon across the landscape. Got there just in time to celebrate multiple graduations with tons of great friends at Suzie and Joseph's house. On Sunday Stephen, Jon, and I wandered around the city in the rain doing lots of things I miss like drinking a perfect cup of espresso, eating amazing Thai food, and in general traipsing around town. Sunday night we celebrated Jimmy's birthday at a party complete with old friends, new ones, great dancing, food, and conversation. Monday came too soon, and after a nice brunch on Lake Washington with good friends I made the rainy ride back on my trusty steed...

2007-06-07T19:23:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Suzie, Jeff, & Mary who are graduating this week after a long and winding road through grad school!!!

June Bugs

2007-06-03T22:28:00.000-06:00

June has gotten off to a good start! After Stephen and Jon left I went fly fishing on Rock Creek, explored the Rattlesnake via mountain bike, and hiked up to a little summit above Bass Creek in the Bitterroot. It got up to 90 degrees today, but as the afternoon wore on thunderstorms started hitting the backside of the mountains, making for some great light.

Looking chic on Lolo Peak

2007-05-29T22:12:00.000-06:00

Stephen and Jon finally made it out from Seattle and bright and early on Saturday morning we set out to ski Lolo Peak. The 30 minute drive to the trailhead was great, and the trip just got better from there. We had to pack our skis up for a couple hours, but soon hit the fresh snow that fell only days before. The view from the summit was fabulous and after devouring our sandwiches we carved nice big turns (except Stephen the turn farmer) straight down the north face in quintessential spring slush. Ahhh... Sunday was rainy so we hung around town, and Monday rolled around way too quick.

As the days go floating by...

2007-05-23T21:47:00.000-06:00

Yesterday Brian graciously took me floating down Rock Creek. After waiting out a passing thunderstorm we set out on the river. Right off the bat we hit the Dalles, with rolling and rushing class 3 rapids, which were plenty exciting but easily handled. Most of all it was the perfect way to get to know the river better and enjoy some good company.

Otherwise the days are floating by pretty quick, with lots of time in the field balanced with many a rushed hour trying to get projects done, get through medical clearance for firefighting, meetings, etc. Missoula is finally getting some much needed rain, as the land is ultra thirsty. In a couple days Stephen & Jon are coming out for a visit, and I am very excited to hang out with some good bros this side of the Columbia.

2007-05-17T21:34:00.000-06:00

photo credit: paparazzi bentsen

Stephen finally put up his photos from the ski trip & I highly recommend checking out his pics here: http://picasaweb.google.com/sbentsen/20070506NorthCascadesSkiTours.

This week has been awesome at work with lots of time in the field checking out the different ranger districts, interesting meetings, and getting to know people better. It's been in the 80's everyday, and all the rivers have peaked a month early.

Looking forward to this weekend to get out and about some more. Hopefully explore the Rattlesnake for some mountain biking, and get up Lolo Peak finally.

2007-05-14T20:48:00.000-06:00

GPS track and map of ski tour on Silverstar Mtn courtesy of Stephen

Spent Saturday at a “bear aware” event at a forest park near town. It was mostly full of girl scouts and it was great to see them learning how to camp, be safe in bear country, and appreciate wildlife. Sunday I went for an hour long run on Mt Sentinel with about 2500 feet of elevation gain. Every time I do it, it feels better and I get faster. I guess that’s to be expected, but at first the loop was pretty painful. In other news I just booked a trip to Kauai for a couple weeks in early July to backpack and lounge on the beach with Stephen, Mary, and Suzie. Can’t wait…

2007-05-12T08:05:00.000-06:00

The spring weather is perfect in Missoula, although it's dry and the landscape needs some more rain. The folks in fire say that how much rain we get over the next 6 weeks will determine how much of a fire season we have out here. Right now there is a lot of prescribed burning going on trying to get rid of all the small burnable stuff while there is still some moisture in the landscape before everything gets real dry before too long.

In other news I just picked up tickets to spend two weeks on Kauai in early July with Stephen, Mary, and Suzie, and can't wait to see that part of the world and do some backpacking with good friends...

Having a gas at Washington Pass

2007-05-07T21:55:00.000-06:00

And some of us had more gas than others (you know who you are...)

What do you get when when you mix great people, sunshine, wilderness, and awesome skiing? A peak experience (no pun intended). Definitely one of the key things that I live for... Met up with Stephen, Jeff, and Doug for a super-sweet weekend of ski touring in the North Cascades. On Saturday we did the Birthday Tour and found some great spring conditions, a party in the alpine, peace and quiet, plenty of turns and amazing scenery. We started at the Blue Lake trailhead, below Liberty Bell and ended up at the hairpin on Highway 20 after a full day of touring.

On Sunday I forgot my camera battery in my car, sadly, but the kick-ass day in the backcountry will be forever etched in my cranium (or wherever memories end up). After working our way through some dense forest we ended up below Silverstar Mountain and skinned up to the high country where we found tons of great skiing and more massive views culminating in an exciting singletrack descent through forest and glade to get back to the car, with enough time to chow on brats then make the 6 hour trek back home.

Make sure to check out Jeff's Javasport blog for more pics and prose...

May Days

2007-05-04T00:08:00.000-06:00

It's been a fun and fast week. On Tuesday I took a couple of local reporters out to the field so they could do a story about migrant workers that do tree planting in burned-over areas, which was a pleasant way to spend a day. Tomorrow I'm heading out to the North Cascades for some backcountry skiing with friends for the weekend, which will be wonderful, especially since fresh snow has been falling. Yippeeee!

Maintenance Month

2007-04-29T22:03:00.000-06:00

On Saturday I rode my bike up Mount Sentinel via the Crazy Canyon singletrack. In all it was 15 miles with 2000 feet of elevaion gain, all from the beauty of my back door. The ride is about 2% street, 70% fire road, and 28% singletrack.

Otherwise it was all about maintenance. Clean the moto and auto, organize garage, mount an attack on the spider mites colonizing my rubber plant, etc... The weather has been perfect and it's only gettin' better.

Back from Butte

2007-04-27T23:22:00.000-06:00

Just got back from a spur of the moment week in Butte, where I trained to be a wildland fire information officer. Butte is a fascinating town, full of history and interesting relics. Apparently, Butte boasts the largest St Patrick's Day celebration in the country, and at one point had more Irish people than any other city in the union. I personally find it pretty unsightly, but you can't help and wonder in awe at the open pit mines surrounding the town, the crater 1800 feet deep and over a mile across filled with acid, and large white statue of a religious icon looking down at it from a nearby mountain.

Got back to Missoula today and went climbing after work with my friend Sean, and was surprised at being in fairly reasonable shape given how little I've been getting out lately... On my way to meet Sean I came across a critical mass bicycle ride with over a hundred kids rallying to the cause of cyclist rights. It definitely makes car drivers mad. The cyclists say they are not getting reasonable accomodation on the streets and cyclists get killed often here. Whether or not they are right, there's no question that our society is more represented by overweight people driving huge cars much more than is necessary, and cities like Missoula do hardly anything to promote safe bicycle infrastructure.

Another weekend on the West Fork

2007-04-22T21:42:00.000-06:00

Another fun weekend hanging out with Max on the West Fork of the Bitterroot. Rode the moto down for some target shooting to get sharp for hunting season. I'm looking forward to bringing home my own steak, especially the organic, free range, venison kind.

April Showers

2007-04-20T23:24:00.000-06:00

Been swept away in the spring rush of work, great weather, and more work. Finally, I have found a great niche where I LOVE the work I'm doing, not just in concept, but in the day to day nitty gritty aspects as well. The Lolo is a superb place to be, and the issues are sooooo interesting. In the course of a single day I deal with everything from the internal budget situation, to the local newspaper wanting to do a story on our contractors that hire seasonal migrant workers, to a big contentious ski resort proposal in town and so much more. My job is all about people, their opinions, values, and how it all fits into managing forest ecosystems. Thus is the life of a public affairs officer...

Turned 31 on April 12, and Max helped me celebrate over good food and drink. After that I went canoe camping with a bunch of coworkers in the Gates of the Mountains. 7 of us met up for a weekend of canoeing up to Meriweather Gulch, about 20 miles N of Helena. This area was 1st discovered by westerners when Lewis & Clark paddled upriver on the Missouri. After a long trip through the plains of E Montana, they remarked on how entering the canyons here was like going through the gates of the Mountains. Later, in the 50's, 13 smokejumpers died on Mann Gulch, a truely tragic event.

2007-04-08T00:43:00.000-06:00

Been getting out a decent amount since April started. Mary visited for a few days from Seattle, and we went climbing, dipping in the hotsprings, and feasting with Brett, Merica, and Mike (and Tyler and Seamus, the dogs). At the same time I started a new job on the Lolo, and that's been busy and exciting. Check out Mary's climbing photos from her sweet camera here: http://picasaweb.google.com/merrymaryk/RockClimbingInMontanaYeeHaw

Quick March in Missoula

2007-03-25T20:26:00.000-06:00

"Outrageous! Totally ridiculous! Completely absurd!!!" Thus are the best descriptions of how fast time is flying right now. March came and went in an instant, and the excitement is only beginning. Spring time in these parts means the field season is starting at work coupled with long days and beckoning mountains once work is over. Migrating birds are starting to come through, green grass is peeking up through the dried remains from last year, and the warmth is getting everyone jazzed to be outside.

Mary came out for a visit and we had a brilliant time hanging out with friends, hiking, skiing, and soaking in hot springs. Before that I went climbing with Brett at Kootenai Creek and took my first lead fall, which was very scary and reminded me to warm up to climbing before launching into it too fast and hard. In better news, I finally discovered Mt Sentinel, which is the perfect after-work workout mountain, and finally pulled my moto out of winter storage, which brings me much joy and fuel efficiency. Next week I transfer to the Lolo National Forest and will begin working with the public around here in earnest. I can't wait...

March Madness

2007-03-14T09:16:00.000-06:00

March has come in fast and strong! On March 1st, I met up with Diane and her sister for a philosopy lecture on campus about how the concepts of conservative and liberal have been hijacked in our contemporary vernacular by the pundits. On the 2nd, I zoomed to Seatac airport and caught a flight to Park City, where the boys meet up to play every spring at Jon and Aimee's house. We all had an amazing weekend of Utah powder, sunshine, and downright nitty gritty good times.

On Monday, the 5th, I flew back to Seattle in the AM, picked up my coworker who flew in from Alaska, and we drove down to the Mt. St. Helens area (Randle, WA) for a week-long training on the banks of the Cispus River. Met a bunch of great folks, learned a lot, and got to hang out with some friends from DC. When training was over, on the 9th, I drove back up to Sea-town just in time for happy hour with Stephen and his colleagues in capitol hill.

So, it was a wonderful weekend in Seattle. A bunch of us got together at the Rendez-vous lounge and celebrated Mary's birthday on Friday, went shopping with Suzie downtown on Saturday (good men's clothes are hard to come by in Missoula), and enjoyed some of my favorite thai food, in the U district with Stephen on Sunday, before driving back to Missoula...

Ahhhh.... It's been a whirlwind, and more is on the way, with changing jobs and duty stations (I'm only going across town). Seattle is so much fun, and I dearly miss all my good friends there, but Missoula deserves some serious attention for a while, because it's just that awesome.

Wonderous Weekend Wandering Within Wallowa Wilderness

2007-02-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

photo credit: fixiewrek

Drove down to Joseph, Oregon last Thursday to meet up with a solid crew of good friends to ski tour in the Eagle Cap Wilderness with the Wallowa Alpine Guides. After getting to the yurts we were all blown away by the fresh snow and comfortable digs our guides set up, including warm sleeping yurts, a dining yurt, and sauna yurt (ahhhh...). The powder was unreal! Light and fluffy, yet substantive enough to carve to your hearts content.

Friday was blue skies with intermittent storms blowing through and we climbed high up on Hidden Peak for a full day of fresh lines and glorious views. Saturday it DUMPED all day with sustained 20 mph winds and 60 mph gusts. Because avy danger was so high we stayed in the trees and got in 7000 vertical feet of fresh powder turns.

Sunday, the sun returned and we headed back to Hidden for more luscious pow. It was so sad to leave by lunch. We all wanted at least another week, as the company was so good, the setting brilliant, and skiing soooo sweet. Next year's trip is already in the works, and if anyone wants a guided backcountry trip, I heartily recommend Connelly and his crew at the Wallowa Alpine Guides. They truly kick ass.

Also, if you want to see more exciting photos or read more tales, make sure to check out the Java Sport and Gritty Kitty blogs linked to this page for trip reports, and Fixiewrek's photo page linked to my photo page.

Riding and Rolling

2007-02-19T21:57:00.000-07:00

Been back in Missoula for a quick fling and will be heading out again soon. On Saturday I rode up Pattee Canyon and back for a 22 mile trip, doubly up and down muddy, slushy, and scenic roads. Went to Discovery on Sunday and got in some turns with Jim Wilson, who runs a local gear shop and is fun fellow. It snowed ultralight powder almost all day, so each run got better and better.

Going to Hell & Looking for Metalheads

2007-02-11T23:45:00.000-07:00

Or visiting Hell's Canyon and fishing for steelhead...

It's been a great weekend, getting to know Idaho a little better and spending time with Gerry, who so kindly took me fishing. It's just about the end of steelhead season, and they are playing hard to get, but Gerry knew right what to do in order to get into 'em. What a blast! Hooking into these finicky fish is a real rush, especially when you have to work for it soooo hard. We jet-boated up and down the Salmon River back-trolling and casting salmon eggs from shore. At one point I hooked a big hog and it started pulling out line from my reel and fighting with mighty jerks, but alas my hook wasn't set well enough and it got away. Must have been at least 40 inches (wink wink).

After fishing on Saturday I set out to find Pittsburg Landing on the Snake River deep in Hell's Canyon. What a gorgeous place! The road was muddy, tight, narrow, and long but it was well worth it. Saw a herd of elk on a steep hillside above the river and tons of deer. The landscape is really steep, and I got there right as the sun was setting so everything was somber and majestic.

After fishing today I forgot my coat in Gerry's rig and had to drive 2 hours to Lewiston each way to go pick it up. It took so long because there was a blizzard on the highway. Yikes. Visibility was really bad in some places with so much snow falling, and going around a couple corners my subie slid out on the snow, sending me into the oncoming lane even though I was only going 30 mph. I had to crank the wheel and floor it to keep from going into the ditch. Fortunately it was late and no one else was on the road. That was scary, and now I'm seriously thinking about snow tires... The drive over Lolo Pass should be interesting tomorrow!

Tiiiimbaaar!!!!

2007-02-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

Today I met up with a couple coworkers, a timber sale administrator and a safety officer, and we inspected a logging operation above Elk City. The logging is being done as part of a stewardship contract to thin areas of crowded lodgepole pine, whose proceeds go to instream restoration on the Forest. Because the weather is so warm right now, the frost is thawing on the logging roads so the logging trucks can't make any runs to the mill. If they did they would do too much damage to the roads, creating big ruts and mud bogs, so we had the muddy/slushy/icy roads to ourselves (phew!), despite there being at least 50 loads ready to go on various landings in the sale area.

On the drive up we saw a moose running across a frozen river, tons of white-tailed deer, some river otters, turkeys, and bald eagles. Very cool. While we were up there we chatted up the loggers, checked out the machinery and their trails, and watched them working away. It was very interesting to check out the bad-ass machines and talk to the friendly loggers. On the drive back we saw a bunch of elk, and talked about the state of the agency's timber program today. There is still a lot of conflict, and the values run deep. All I can say is that I believe how we do timber today is an excellent example of democracy in action. No one is getting their way completely...

Talkin' terse on the Nez Perce

2007-02-07T19:26:00.000-07:00

The days are flying by here in Idaho, and I'm loving the setting: Rolling hills, carved up by steep valleys, with rivers and streams in all directions. Yesterday I went with some colleagues to the Red River ranger district, based out of Elk City, which used to be a timber and mining town. The town is at the end of a long and winding road from Grangeville, and has definitely seen better days. What it still really has going for it are nice forests full of wildlife & hotsprings, endless trails, and gorgeous rivers and streams full of fish.

We were there to begin rolling out a new travel management plan, where roads will go from being open to vehicles unless otherwise posted to closed unless otherwise posted. Where we've done this in other parts of the country locals have usually grumbled heartily, and the Elk City Dust Devils will probably not appreciate the new rules either. But, it's got to be done...

After work I went on a great walk with fellow biologist Dana and her black lab along a long ridgetop overlooking the Clearwater River. Ahhhh..... Very nice.

Strangeville Grangeville

2007-02-05T19:05:00.000-07:00

Got an alpine start to get to Grangeville, Idaho this morning where I'll spend the next week and a half on the Nez Perce National Forest. The drive on Hwy 12 and 13, over Lolo Pass, took about 4 hours going nice and slow. The drive was mouthwateringly gorgeous, with delicious, twisty curves mile after mile. As a bonus, there was no traffic and hardly any ice on the road.

The sun rose slowly over the mist and fog-shrouded trees covering the rolling mountains, and lit up the Clearwater River with its thin and winding rivulets meandering through a frozen channel. Otherwise, today was all meetings and background, getting to know the basics of the Forest fisheries program here.

Welcoming weekend with waterfalls without winter weather

2007-02-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

Missed a powder day today, and I feel a little sad about that. But, today was the way I wish most of my saturdays would be. Easy going, hearty breakfast and java, good company, good tunes, no rush, yet getting out and ending up completely worked and exhilerated in the mountains. In the end home by 6 with a whole evening for whatever.

Today was climbing with Brett at Graineater and Mule Palace, up Finley Creek. Simply a most excellent day, with multipitch climbing up a big waterfall and top-roping an ultra-stout mixed route. Enough can't be said about the 30 min drive, door to trailhead. Missoula is a hidden gem. Anyway, I digress. The weather was very warm, like 20's with lots of sunshine and little wind. Hopefully I'll still find some pow tomorrow.

Days of Missoula

2007-01-30T23:38:00.000-07:00

Woke up to an inch of snow but most of it melted off by the afternoon, with tons of sunshine and balmy temps. Worked in the office then got an oil-change. While waiting I stumbled on a local second-hand store and ended up buying 15 books, even though I have a backlog of about 30 books I have been wanting to read for a long time. In some cases years. Called Stephen seeking sage insights in how to squeeze reading into one's life as he seems to have it down. He said I have to try reading more enjoyable stuff that doesn't feel like homework all the time.

Today I met Brett, a friend of Pauh's girlfriend Mary, in Seattle. We met at the local Irish pub where quiz night was in full effect. "Who was the Canadian prime minister between '67 and '73?" I don't know either. There were cool rounds where you have to ID songs and portraits circulated at the tables. It was also cool meeting a friend of a friend of a friend. Perhaps we'll get up on some waterfalls before the winter's out.

Weekend of tele

2007-01-28T23:09:00.000-07:00

This was a perfect weekend for cruising on groomers. It was cooold, the sun blazed, and there was good coverage at both Snowbowl and Lost Trail. On Saturday, I got in a half-day at Snowbowl after running errands, and was ever-amazed at the beauty of the 20 min drive to the lifts. I ended up skiing with a cool cat named Jake, who's also learning to tele and went paddling on a wave in town after skiing. Amazing to be able to kayak and ski in town all in one day. He mentioned that there are Sunday night pool sessions at the university to work on rolling, which I want to get down, after getting the bug from Maggie, Dorcas, and Pat last summer in DC.

Today, I got up bright and early and met Max and Scott at Lost Trail. We got in a full day, flying down the long, luscious groomers at mach 3. Visibility was unlimited and the slopes were just about empty. Perfect day of cruising...

In other news, I have been listening to the new Shins album, "wincing the night away," which just came out last week.

There are some really good songs, but sadly they lost their edginess, trading their high energy jams for ballads and lullabies. I had such high hopes, but must relinquish the Shins to pop at this point.

Baaaadlands

2007-01-24T19:28:00.000-07:00

Today I met up with Dan at our main office in Bismarck and we drove out to the Medora Ranger District where we met up with Arden, who accompanied us to the badlands. We inspected a pond that was built in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, looked at some prairie dog towns we are managing, including some that had to be poisoned so they would stop encroaching on private landowners, and examined some oil drilling platforms.

The weather and wildlife were phenomenal. Lots of golden eagles, bighorn sheep, antelope, porcupine, rough-legged hawks, ferriginous hawks, prairie dogs, elk, buffalo, etc. The badlands are gorgeous and it was neat being with expert birders who see all the critters and know what they are in the blink of an eye.

I have spent the last two weeks trying to understand the visceral, fuming hatred the locals have for prairie dogs. Just about everyone I met here loves to shoot them for sport, and consider the land they occupy as "destroyed." The issues are complex and the feelings run so deep, it is really a fascinating study in human nature. If I had to distill it down into a simple concept, it would be that just about everyone out here lives off the land or has family who does, and anything that restricts the use of the land is considered the enemy.

Prairielicious fishes

2007-01-23T23:45:00.000-07:00

For the past couple of days I have been deep in the grasslands, working on frozen ponds and lakes to create fish habitat. We set out bunches of old Christmas trees with concrete blocks chained to them on the ice, so when the ice melts the trees will sink and the fish will have cover to spawn in. We also laid out some fence line to isolate a peninsula for duck nesting so the grazing cows can't trample them, checked up on goose nesting buckets, examined prairie dog towns, and met with local volunteers who do bird counts for us. Highlights include seeing pronghorn antelope zipping across the prairie, watching golden eagles soar over the grasslands, and spending the afternoon ice-fishing. Tonight I came back to Bismarck and met up with a colleague at a local restaurant/bar and drank brews/chowed on pizza/listened to a local jam band. All in all a great time out here, with scarce periods for sleep, and vast periods of awe at the big skies, wildlife, and wonderful people. Now I am delirious with sleepiness and have to get up in a few hours to head out to the badlands bright and early...

Living it up in Bismarck

2007-01-20T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a neat. Did a spinning session at the local YMCA, with my coworker Mark and 25 other folks, that pushed me to my limits. Just when I thought I couldn't do any more the instructor would say "now 10 seconds of sprinting out of the saddle!!!" over and over. After lunch I met up with my colleague Dan and his family and we went sledding in a local park. I felt like a kid again, screaming down the icy hill going insane speeds while spinning around and around and trying to avoid the bushes on the side of the hill. After dinner we went to a great operetta put on by the Bismarck Civic Chorus that included scenes from The Wizard of Oz and Les Miserables. Some of the acts were very edgy, and the singing was great.

A Fortnight on the Dakota Prairie

2007-01-19T19:35:00.000-07:00

Greetings from Bismarck! It's always great exploring a new place, especially when you come with no expectations and are pleasantly surprised by what you find. What I'm finding here are a bunch of great people and a whole new appreciation for the grasslands. It's definitely cold, but not as much as Bozeman was last week, and the pristine rolling hills are a great metaphor for how I want my heart and mind: Open, expansive, and full of diversity, complexity hidden in the simplicity, and uniqueness. Unfortunately, most of the prairie is now over-exploited for oil, farming, and grazing, leaving only tiny refuges of the original character of the landscape.

Since arriving, I have mostly been in the office getting to know how the area is managed on paper and in meetings, though yesterday Dan (my tourguide/mentor) took me out to do a winter bird survey and check out Fort Mandan, where Lewis & Clark holed up for the winter on their way through. Starting with this weekend the rest of my time here will be about immersion into the cultures and landscapes of this place. I can't wait.

Weekend in Bozeman

2007-01-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

After a crazy post holiday week in Missoula, including two nights of birthday partying for Max, I went to Bozeman to hang out with Diane and get up into the mountains. It was FREEZING, between -5 and 5 degrees all weekend, but the sun was out and the sky was crystal clear. On Sunday, Diane, Russ, Emmanuela, and I went up to Big Sky for a day on the slopes. It was my first trip to Big Sky and I was totally blown away by the Gallatin Range, which is full of crags, cliffs, narrow ravines, rushing streams, and a couple nice big peaks.

The road on the way up was awesome. Tight, twisty, and scenic. I have to revisit it this spring on my moto. For now it is very icy. There were crosses every mile or so along the road for all the poor souls who didn't quite make it up or back down the road. Sometimes in a spot that was perfectly straight, and it was hard to imagine what fate could have befallen those who died there.

Big Sky has been suffering this year with whimpy snowfall, and despite getting 8 inches last week there were still lots of treacherous runs with rocks just waiting to take a chunk out of your ride. My edges definitely got a few dings in them, though we all had a great time, and the mountain was lots of fun. With more snow it would be epic, especially with the tram that takes you to the top of Lone Peak.

Lost Trails of the Bitteroot

2007-01-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

Still riding high from the holidays, I found myself suddenly immersed in a snowy wonderland... sometimes after making a cartwheel head over heels... It was pure pow at Lost Trails and we had the benefit of Max's house 20 minutes away, deep in the Bitteroot Valley. Having finally sealed the tele turn on the groomers I spent an entire weekend learning how to throw my weight around in the heavy stuff. Heeeee Haaawwww! And Max grilled up some scruptuous Elk and Venison that we devoured like snow beasts in the West Fork.

Today I drove up to Bozeman with my boss and we met with the fish bio on the Gallatin NF to roll out a regional strategic plan for the fish of Region 1. Driving through Western Montana fills me with a constant sense of awe and serenity. The countryside means serious business, and the mountains form in riffles, sometimes with treecovered lobes looming over elk and turkey heavens right here on earth. hallelujah! I love this place.

Seattle Swankfest

2007-01-07T22:12:00.000-07:00

Post Peru: lazy days chez stephen & maria, partying, skiing with lawrence and jon, and capping it off with a trip to the chiwawa for new years. it was great to meet up with summer and jeff, and meet their great friends Doug, Marlin, Christine, & TJ. after the fashion show we moshed to trip-hop, salsa, and country, then made snow angles by the bonfire. a more fine new years one could scarcely ask for.

then i drove directly to missoula on hwy 2, totally devoid of traffic and socked in with fog and snow. gotta love the subie. now i'm back in town and it's time to get busy.

Peruvian Christmas

2006-12-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

I just returned from a week in Lima, Peru where I met up with my mom and we spent time with family and friends. The last time I was there I was 3 years old, and everbody remembered me as a little tyke, which was fun, especially when they pulled out the photos. It was great to meet up with relatives, hear the gossip, and see how everyone is doing. This trip was all about hanging out, eating, and wandering around the city. The weather was great, and the seafood was really satisfying.

Weekend of tele

2006-12-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

This has been a superb weekend. On Friday I was lucky to meet Max during a holiday party at work and this weekend we hit the slopes all day long on both days. On Saturday we skied Lookout Pass and got 4 runs full of fresh tracks in 14 inches 0f powder over a 50 to 80 inch base, and spent the rest of the day enjoying the groomers. Today we went to Discovery, and met up with local Missoulian Jim, who kindly gave me pointers on my technique. The mountain had a low base so most of it was closed, but a series of long and lucious groomers were open upon which we just made laps all day long as I tried to free my heel from the bondage of the alpine turn. Now I am WORKED! Took a long bath and I can feel the full body soreness starting to set in...

It's that time of year

2006-12-15T22:42:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by with work picking up steam, so many things to do, people to meet, and places to go. I finally got furniture at the local Rent-A-Center and while I was there I met Santa! It'll be nice to finally have a sofa and kitchen table...

Over the last couple days the temperatures have gotten into the 40's and it started raining so all the snow has melted around town, which is the wrong direction that things need to go around here.

Fortunately, the highs for the next few days will be in the mid 20's and it's snowing again. So tomorrow I'll be going for 1st tracks with my coworker at Lookout Pass on the border between Montana and Idaho.

I've been following the situation on Mt. Hood pretty closely for the last few days and really hope the 3 guys up there will be able to get down tomorrow. Please send positive vibes their way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKUUHth_HEI

In other news, Stephen has been without power in Seattle for a couple days 'cause of the crazy weather out there, but I don't feel sorry for him b/c he's heading off to Mexico tomorrow...

Snowbowling

2006-12-11T00:06:00.000-07:00

Today, I finally made it up to Snowbowl to try out my new tele gear: Got some K2 World Pistes, Black Diamond O1 bindings, and Scarpa T2X boots... It was pretty much my 1st time dropping the knee on the slopes and I was thrilled to be getting out. Just a couple of weeks ago I felt trapped in the middle of nowhere with nothing but metropolis and suburbs sprawling endlessly in all directions, but now I am exactly 11 miles from my front door to the ski lifts! From the top of Snowbowl there are great views of Missoula to the South and wilderness to the N. Talk about a massive increase in quality of life!

So my attempts at the tele turn were kinda whimpy. I ended up on some serious slopes and found myself making alpine turns while feebly lifting one heel or another to at least look like I was trying. The snow coverage is ultra thin right now, and everyone on the mountain was praying for more snow and lamenting the scratches on the bottom of their boards or skis. Still there were some nice runs to be had, and at only 20 minutes from home, I will be spending a lot more time up there.

Cutthroats in Helena

2006-12-05T23:00:00.000-07:00

Woke up to about 4 inches of snow! I'm hoping Big Sky and Snowbowl get some of that good stuff...

Went to Helena to meet with fish biologists from other organizations to lay out a framework for partnerships. The people were great, and I learned a lot about what's going on out here. One really interesting dilemma is the trade off between keeping the cutthroat trout isolated with mini-dams (for example) so that imported species can't get to them, and giving the cutthroat access to streams that are currently blocked to them so they don't get wiped out if some tragedy were to befall their little stretch of stream. Even if that means exposing them to those pesky invasive fish.

http://fwp.mt.gov/fieldguide/detail_AFCHA02088.aspx

There are some interesting options, like catching pregnant cutthroats, hatching the eggs in ponds, then releasing the babies in auspicious places. One thing is certain: We have to make conditions favorable for the cutthroat from the ground up so their enclaves can sustain themselves.

The drive home was great. The valley to Helena has little farms along the Little Blackfoot River, and is surrounded by nice mountainous forest full of elk and hotsprings.

Missoulianation

2006-12-04T21:25:00.000-07:00

Today was my first day of work in Montana... and it was great. Good things are on the way. Today we talked with the state fish folks and tomorrow we are meeting with Montana's cutthroat trout steering committee.

This might be news to some, but Missoula and the surrounding area have lots of great fishing, and the region is particularly coveted by fly-fishers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_River_Runs_Through_It.

The rivers and streams are accessible, crystal clear, and full of luscious pebbles for laying fish eggs. There are tons of pools, logs, and bugs and all the other stuff fish love so much. There are also dams, roads, piles of mine waste, rampant human development and other stuff that the endemic fish don't like. Front and center are the invasive species, especially rainbow trout that think cutthroat trout are sexy and want to dilute their prized gene pool.

So for the next four months I am going to do my best to promote healthy human-native fish cohabitation in Montana, North Dakota, and Idaho. How well things turn out will certainly have a bearing on what happens come March...

Bozeman Ice Festival 2006

2006-12-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

On Friday I saw a post for the Bozeman Ice Festival http://www.montanaalpineguides.com/bozemanicefestival/ on the Montana ice climbing forum and decided to go. I hadn't climbed in the mountains in over a year and a half and it was the perfect introduction to Montana. The people were great and I made a bunch of new friends and climbing partners. Over the weekend pros showed us how to climb and we got to top-rope up gorgeous waterfalls with all the required equipment already in place. It was an inspiring event, and now I am looking forward to getting out all winter.

Missoula 'n olga

2006-12-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Finding my way around town... There are lots of good java and burger joints. A couple people have told me that Bozeman is more ski bum and Missoula is more hippie. Mostly, I'm itchy to get up on the slopes. I might have to make the 2.5 hour drive on Sunday to Big Sky where there is a 17 inch base. Hmmm, wish we had Baker's 120 inch base http://www.mtbaker.us/snowreport/index.html... Looking at apartments right now, and it's definitely a renter's market. You can get a room in a house for $400 easy, or a 2 bedroom house for $1000. Hopefully I'll find something private, with a view, lots of space, and a good kitchen...

Made it to Montana!

2006-11-29T22:22:00.000-07:00

Put in about 550 miles today and arrived in the pitch dark of 6pm. Long stretches of the highway were covered with ice, but amazingly everyone drove just fine on it. We were all going 75 mph on ice around corners and stuff! Only once, going up a steep hill did I accelerate too fast and lose traction for a second. I guess there's going to be snow and ice in my life for the next few months... Now it's time to find a place, get my moto winterized, ski, move in, and start work!

Dispatch from Sheridan

2006-11-28T21:11:00.000-07:00

Today I traversed most most of South Dakota and made it deep into Wyoming. The temperature was around 9 degrees Fahrenheit while the sun was out, but quickly dropped to zero and eventually -4. Despite the cold the roads are fine and there is no traffic. I-90 gained 4000 feet of elevation from S Dakota to here and my gas mileage went down to 10 MPG. Just S of here lies Cloud Peak, which is over 13,000 feet and I very much look forward to getting a look in the morning.

I tried to get a room in Gilette, WY but the hotels were all booked. A deskperson told me that the oil and gas industry is booming in Wyoming from Bush & Cheney's energy policy and Gilette is the nerve center for business right now. While on the road today I saw the Corn Palace, based on Andrew's recommendation (thanks Andrew) and it was very impressive. I was pleased to learn that Mitchell is a college town and has good espresso.

Thanksgiving with Mark Cannon

2006-11-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving! After 3 days with my good friend Mark Cannon in Bloomington my stomach is twice as big, and I am healed from a headcold that hit me in Illinois. Mark and I went moutain biking on sweet, buttery singletrack, hiking and squeezing through a tight cave, and feasting for Thanksgiving at Mark's girlfriend's house and at John Yate's house. Yes indeed, fabulous times and wonderful people.

Now I am in Iowa City at a "Quality Inn" (misnomer). The plants and I are making good time on the open road. John's motorcycle trailer is perfect, though I'm only getting about 15 MPG on the rolling continental hills.

Goodbye DC...

2006-11-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hee Haw! The start to the trip went well: I loaded up my sketchy storage pod one night and loaded up the Subaru and trailer on another night, after enjoying a fantastic happy hour with my wonderful colleagues (thanks everyone) and hitting a 5 am departure time to avoid traffic. I also repotted my 4 plants and they will be my company along the way...

How it all began...

2006-11-01T01:06:00.000-07:00

I try to steer my way through life, while letting it go where it will. Sometimes I get bummed that I am not somewhere else doing something else with some person or another. But in the end I am utterly amazed by the people, places, and events that surround me wherever I end up. I surrender... Life is just way bigger than my conception of it, and I am such a fool wandering through it all. I know what I want and am trying to get there: those moments where everything fits and flows, in the sheer moment blown away by the magnitude of the situation. On a mountain, in a river, in conversation, savoring food and music, feeling connected with a person, or immersed in people. I want to take it all in and spread it all out. To give the world every last ounce of myself. Yet, what comes out is pretty rediculous sometimes. Ultimately I have no idea what really waits around the corner, or next year. I'll try to get somewhere specific without limiting myself to what my mind can make of the world, in this tiny fragment of time and slice of space. So, I just keep on truckin'...