Sorry for the lack of updates. I will get them up next week.

So,what I have been doing for the past two months?

Skiing. Lots of it. In the backcountry.

You can see all the pretty photos here until then…

Four seasons ago was when I really started to get into backcountry skiing.

I had dabbled a little bit in it when I first moved to Colorado back in 1999. I bought a pair of used rental skis and boots and off I went….falling. A lot.

The skis I bought were at the lighter end of the backcountry touring scale. They were a little wider and shaped than traditional cross-country skis, had metal edges for some of the backcountry terrain and could do moderate climbs. What does that mean? Without boring you with the technical details, it basically means I was regulated to rolling terrain without any steep climbs and mainly day use. They were (are) great skis for beginners.

They were kind to me as I learned how to ski. I took baby steps (glides?). I still tended to use my snowshoes more. I could walk. I could go without falling. But even then, I knew that plodding along on snowshoes was just that..plodding. Hiking put me in a rhythm that felt natural. Snowshoeing? Felt plodding, clumsy, clumping, awkward. The few times I glided along on skis without falling, it felt natural as well. It was not only an efficient way to exploring the backcountry in winter…but it was almost poetry in motion. Something about gliding along in the powder, making the turn just so, hearing only the “Shwissssh” sound as the skis moved along the powder. It was almost flying.

In 2002 and 2003, I learned to ski more. But the snowshoes were still my fallback. I was still plodding more and enjoying the magic and poetry less.

In 2004, for the first time, I spent equal time on skis and snowshoes..but still tended to gravitate towards snowshoes. They were an old friend, accessible…and my girlfriend at the time didn’t ski.

In 2005, I vowed to ski more. Learn this skill better and capture the magic more often. I did not want to plod anymore.

I skied. I turned. I learned to love the powder and embrace the rhythm. I was still awkward…but getting better.

A friend asked me to ski up to the Arestua Hut with her. Sure! In my ignorance, I did not check out the route. How hard could it be? I ski..I’m learning..right?

The fishscales did not work on the nearly 2000′ gain of steep climbing. It was not pretty as I muscled my way up the trail. The relatively narrow skis and my touring bindings prevented this still newbie skier from any grace. I floundered in the powder. I did not quite make the turns and crashed often. It was not pretty.

Over the past four seasons, I became progressively better. I learned to use wax-able skis, bought skis and boots that fit my style of skiing best and have embraced the powder. Make the turns on the narrow backcountry trail. I often feel the magic and poetry in the winter of Colorado.

There was always a little nagging thought though. A small inkling. I have heavier skis and boots for more technical backcountry skiing, but have rarely used them. I’ve always said I love touring more (and I do), and technical less. I love the lighter gear and the simplicity of gliding along a mountain trail. But truth-be-told, I shied away from more technical skiing because of the memories from four years ago. The thought of being out of control on a steep mountain trail, continuously doing falls so as to not crash into a tree, did not sound appealing.

I’ve rambled enough. I decided much like four years ago to embrace what I am not comfortable with. To improve my technical skiing. Time to use my tele gear more. To embrace the powder in a different way.

And what better way to do it than to again ski to the hut? To go back where I was not graceful and did not feel the poetry and the magic?

At 9 miles R/T and 2000′ gain (and described as steep, difficult ascent/descent), it would be a challenge. But at 11120′ and nestled below the Continental Divide, it would be a memorable trip, too.

I joined my friend Mark again today. We met at a local grocery store, drove up and began our climb from the local ski area of Eldora. The USFS trail snaked behind the ski slopes and continued along into the woods.

The day was a stark contrast to last week. Sunny, warm, blue skies. A perfect day.

The route then split off and we made our climb in earnest.

Two hours after starting, we reached the small cabin that had been renovated this past year.

At the cabin. Photo courtesy of Mark Thomas.

A great place to relax…and enjoy the double mocha espressos left behind by another group!

After sitting in the warm-ish hut, enjoying lunch and relaxing, it was time to head back down.

Ahhh..cozy!

The first few turns were not graceful. I was not use to the stiffer boots that had a lack of flex compared to my lighter, lower and more pliable touring boots. But I was still flying..it was somehow more fun.

DOH!

But on one very steep and continuous hill (perhaps over 1 mile along twisty and steep single track), something clicked. I made the turns, I did not lose control. I anticipated, embraced and reveled in that wonderful combination of grace, speed and delight that happens when skiing is just so perfect. The magic was happening. The poetry was felt.

At the end of the hill, I had a big smile on my face. What was a frustrating slog four years was a triumph today. I did not conquer the trail….I found the way to enjoy it. My skiing skills had improved a small bit from four years ago.

We continued along familiar single track. The rolling terrain I love. But today I found a new way to embrace skiing. Something else to add to my repertoire of winter fun.

On the way back, the rolling single track goes along the edge of a run at Eldora. It was too tempting to pass up (and the other ski tracks seems to show OTHER people give into this temptation). Yes. We poached a run.

It was fun. I was in control. And we literally skied from the hut directly to Mark’s vehicle. The skis were not even taken off when we reached the parking lot. There was enough snow to do a quick glide to the car. How fun is that?

OK. I had more coffee. Let’s get a beer!

Today was simply awesome. I felt as if my ski skills have matured a lot in the past season or two. I want to embrace the winter even more. I love touring. I think I am going to love more technical skiing, too.

Photos from Mark
Photos from Me

Sorry..no photos. I forgot my camera when I packed for the weekend. Doh!

Adrianna and I went to a nice brunch at the Brodsky’s house. A true multi-cultural gathering. Lox next to ham!

After the hike, Adrianna and I did a quick, but beautiful hike to Gem Lake in Rocky Mtn National Park.

I was regretting not having my camera. The lighting on the rocks and the growing pink twilight made for some memorable views. Adrianna was delighted with the hike. It was new for her and she was pleasantly surprised how something so beautiful could be so accessible. The length of the hike was perfect for the amount of delight we had.

After the hike, Adrianna was nice enough to whip up a traditional German dish called “Heaven and Earth”. Good winter food!

The following day I went on a 2-3 tour near the old Apex Mine to just below Colorado Mountain. The tour combined some off-trail skiing in the trees, some kick and glide along the road and some freshly falling powder.

Subtlety beautiful with many different types of skiing/terrain. To paraphrase my friend Terry, “It does not take a whole day of cross country skiing to get a full day’s workout”.

A wonderful, rewarding little jaunt!

There is no such thing as bad weather; just bad clothing.
–Scandinavian saying

A friend of mine just finished his contract. I do not plan starting a new job until after the First. Another friend is gainfully unemployed.

In Boulder alone, it was 0F in the late morning (and -7 in the early morning..supposed to be -8F, -40 tonight with the windchill!). Five-thousand feet higher in the mountains? 50 MPH gusts and about -5F w/o the windchill.

BUT..there was new, fresh, and wonderful powder!

So what to do. Grab a beer? Sip some tea by the fire? Read a good book?

Naaah…wax up the skis and go skiing!

Mark, Kevin and I did a three hour tour (seriously) in the Brainard Lake Recreation area.

As always, the worse part of the trip was at the trail head parking lot. Putting on the skis. Making any last minute adjustments and futzing with gear.

Once we got going though we went from freezing to moderately cold.

Dorky skier by the dorky SKIERS ONLY emblem on the sign.

Mark’s facial hair would get frostier as the day went on!

We glided along the single track and (mainly) out of the trees. After a little bit, the wind picked up again. Time to make some more adjustments!

The skiing continued to be everything I love about touring. A complete workout (upper and lower body, core, endurance and cardio) in beauty of the (very cold today!) Colorado winter.

We had a nice and constant downhill back to the car in the freshly fallen snow. Gliding along, no one around. Just the unique sound of the skis making a schuss sound.

I am covered in snow. It is about -5F out. The wind is blowing. I’m happy! Life is good!

We drove down, grabbed a beer and some hot chili at a nearby watering hole and called it a most wonderful day.

I can’t complain.

Well…I am a bit despondent that biathlon training was not an option today!

__________________

When the light fluffy stuff falls..I don’t think cocooning in my home, sipping coffee and reading a good book. (Though, I did that yesterday )

I think schussing along the powder. Climbing up to the ridge and seeing the Continental Divide capped in snow while sipping from my thermos of hot chocolate. Gliding along the single track and going further into the backcountry. What can be better?

When snow was predicted for the local mountains, an e-mail was sent out, the crew gathered and maps consulted. We would ski!

The chosen area was something new to me and a few others. Surprising because many of us have skied by it many times over the years, but we never explored this side trail.

The new trail for us was the Wapiti Trail. With the Sourdough Trail extension, it would form a lollipop of ~8 miles and perhaps 2000′ gain. Throw in some rocks poking out along the narrow single track at times, and it made for an interesting early ski.

Rather than bore you (more) with the details, I’ll just sum it up quickly:

1) Getting suited up in the windy area. The trees were blessedly wind free.

Wendy and d-low adjusting the gear

2) We encountered a jeep road on the way to the Wapiti Trail. Made for a fun ski..esp if it is only your second time on skis!

But a nice little run if you are used to skis…

3) The Wapiti Trail ended up being single track, black diamond “most difficult” trail. We noticed the sign after going down the trail with its eight CAUTION signs. A nice, fun challenge for an experienced Nordic skier (and not something I could have skied 5+ years ago with any confidence! ..but perhaps a littler hairier for a person on backcountry Nordic skis for only the second time. Guess which person is on skis for the second time? (I think her slight “I did WHAT?!?!?!” look gives it away. ) (We had planned an easier ski..but everyone was up for something more challenging. Little did we realize how challenging it would be. )

All in all, a wonderful first tour of the season. I can’t wait to get out more!

My friend Markham proposed a trip to Utah prior to Thanksgiving. A chance to see one of the most gorgeous places in the American West, get in one last backpacking trip of the season and get in some needed outdoor time before his child is born in a few months. (All my friends are having kids it seems!)

My trip idea was to go to Canyonlands National Park just outside of Moab.

It would be a relatively short drive, would have some backpacking opportunities and is a place I do not know that well.

We made the trip up on the fly and picked a place the looked promising.

The Salt Creek Trail was described as rugged, little used and offered views of canyons, petroglyphs and access to arches. A-ha!

On Wednesday, we grabbed our permit, hiked in 3 miles or so along and 4WD road and made camp for the night.

The morning was cold..and each morning would get progressively colder. I had brought a 20F bag and would layer. All I can say is that by the last night, my water bottle had frozen solid. :O

Cold morning in camp

No matter. The views awaiting us were ones to pull us further and further into the canyon country. Cutting the trip short was not an idea that crossed our minds.

As we progressed along the trail, we zigged where we should have zagged. We missed a cairn on the “trail” and ended up walking down a side canyon. Very easy to get turned around in this area! After some map consulting and some off trail traveling, we wound up back on the trail. A side trip we had not planned..but still nice none-the-less. I do not think there is such thing as a bad view in this area!

We continued down the drainage enjoying the red rock formations around us. The warm sun, easy hiking and ample water made the hike a delight.

We pushed further down the trail and decided to make camp…at 4:45 pm. We had only a half-hour of daylight left. 13 hr bag nights makes winter camping interesting to say the least.

At this point, we decided to head back. Camp along the road we hiked in at and do an early morning hike to The Confluence Overlook. It was something we both wanted to see.

Thought it was an out and back, what we saw the day before looked new. Each bend of the canyon revealed something new. And, the side trip to Angel Arch was something we just had to do.

At 150 ft high, it was an impressive sight. All the more impressive because we had to hike there to see it. No easy to access pavement. Just the rugged terrain leading to the view.

Sitting under the arch, drying out our gear and simply delighting in the view around us…well, I ain’t gonna complain.

We hiked out and retraced our steps. The canyon continued to delight.

We made good time, reached the Peak-a-Boo campsite and pressed on. A stealth camp was made off the side of the 4WD road and we settled in for one last (long and cold!) night.

The following morning, we did a “gorp and go”, reached the car in short time and gratefully turned on the heater. Ah…..

Markham and I soon reached The Confluence Overlook trailhead. A flat rock at the trail with a commanding view of the canyon country below made for an impressive place to drink the morning coffee. I was dirty. Sand was all over my clothing and body. I did not care.

Drinking my coffee in the morning sun with no one else around was as good a breakfast I’ve had in a a long time.

After this pleasant and leisurely interlude, we dropped all the gear we did not need and made our way down the trail. In direct contrast to the trail we hiked the past few days, this trail was well marked and apparently well used (based on the footprints). The scenery around us was just as enchanting.

Over the washes and through the arches we went. We both kept on using adjectives of “beautiful”, “gorgeous”, “awesome” and both commented how lucky we were.

We reached the confluence overlook and enjoyed the views of where the Colorado (formerly Grand) River and Green Rivers meet to form the actual Colorado River [1].

As at our breakfast stop, Markham and I were in no rush to leave. This view has been described as one of the best in the park. We sat and simply enjoyed the view. The history geek in me could not help but reflect how I was looking at the meeting of two of the most important (if not THE most important) river systems in the American West. The culture, the politics, the history..all below me. This river system has shaped the American West perhaps more than any other facet of the area. Impressive to look at it…impressive to contemplate.

We packed up our gear, let another hiker enjoyed the solitude we also enjoyed and made a quick hike back to the car.

The journey in the park was over.

As we were making our way to Moab and driving along the desolate, but raw beauty, terrain of Utah some very appropriate music Sufi music was playing.

By coincidence, we were listening to the Dead Man Walking soundtrack. The haunting, Middle East based music, formed the perfect backdrop as we left the desert behind and approached Moab. The haunting chants coincided eerily with the scenery around us. Songs of devotion, passion and contemplation. As my friend Chris said about the desert, it is no surprise that three influential world religions came out of the desert….

We made our way back to Colorado and arrived in Boulder at 10:30 or so.

The short, but wonderful, journey was over.

My trips to the desert are not as many as my trips to the mountains. Perhaps that is why these desert forays stand out in my memories so much.

A land of starkness..but all the more beautiful for it. Someday I hope to take a long journey in this environment.

Until then, I have my memories. And I am thankful for every time I return.

ALL THE PHOTOS

[1] At the Confluence Overlook you can see where the Green and Colorado (formerly the Grand River) form the real Colorado River. What was called the Grand River flows into the Green. The Grand River was renamed the Colorado River in a fit of 1920s political wrangling for water rights. The water does not lie however. You can see what river is truly the main river.
ver#Grand_River

This time of the year is difficult for me in terms of outdoor activity.

The high country has a bit too much snow for enjoyable hiking…but not quite enough for skiing.

It is the time of the year where I go back to the foothills nearby. A chance to explore and enjoy the area I call home.

Of course, there areas are limited in size and space. Many other people in my situation also enjoy the same area. The local foothills are not a place to for solitude or a wild experience.

Unless of course you go off trail. Leave the beaten path and see where people don’t like to tread. Looking at a map and reading the terrain is a skill most people do not like to make use of.

Which is too bad because by going off trail the familiar becomes magical, the crowded becomes sparse and the mundane becomes new. Perhaps it is best most people don’t go off trail.

For the third year in a row now, my good buddy d-low organized a jaunt to Eldorado Mountain.

At perhaps 6 miles or so R/T, but with ~3000′ elev gain mainly off trail (and some lingering snow from a freak October snowstorm), it makes for challenging but enjoyable hike.

The hike started in Eldorado Canyon state park. A climber’s mecca and for that reason I do not go there that often. Still, the natural beauty of the canyon can’t be beat….

In the morning, the five of of us had the trail to ourselves.

We quickly moved up and off the trail and walked the flank of the mountain.

After some scrambling we came to a logical spot for some noshing. The warm sun, the view of the divide and the company made for the perfect place to take it all in.

After this break, we continued up the talus and made the ridge to the final summit push.

At the top of the summit, we again basked in the warm sun and enjoyed the view towards the peaks we knew well of our town and towards the not-so-distant snow covered Continental Divide.

Stolen from d-low. For some reason I did not take a summit photo.

We climbed back down, did a little correction of of course in the snowy flank of the mountain and made it back to the trail. The hiking became much quicker.

The views were nice all day, but being in such a small group with some close friends made for an especially nice day. The conversations were more personal and deep and perhaps a bit more revealing than hiking with a more casual group. Something about the outdoor setting and the rhythm of hiking helps to bring out these conversations. And much laughter was had from teasing that can only be done among close friends, too.

As we reached the parking lot and made it to the waiting car, we could not all but think what a good day was had. I don’t think it is any surprise that some of my deepest friendships were made and continued to grow in an outdoor setting. Looking forward to the years ahead where not only to see more mountains, explore more valleys and look upon more vistas…but to also continue to grow my friendships with people I care about and consider family.

MORE PHOTOS

A couple of hikes to end the Fall season….

A snowy day around Green Mountain with this gorgeous view near Gregory Canyon:

And of course the annual Ridiculous Pumpkin Haul.

Take a large orange gourd. Haul it up the mountain side. Carve said gourd. Light up pumpkin. Haul it back down. Grab beer after. Much fun had by all.

As I type this entry, a foot or more of snow is falling. Winter is here.

ALL THE PHOTOS

A few misc events going on in shoulder season as I await ski season.
Mainly foothills hiking:

Another photo from a local stroll this past week. Terry and I were above the clouds this past Wednesday hiking around the Flatirons. People who know me may say my head is stuck in a place worse than the clouds, but that’s another story….

This past Saturday, I did another trail work project with my buddy d-low.

A chance to actually make new trail rather than maintain or restore existing trail.

The work was done at Betasso Preserve. A gorgeous sunny day on brand spankin’ new trail we helped to construct. The trail is so new there is not even a name for it yet. When it is all said and done, there will be approx 4 miles of trail opened up by Fall of 2010. Coolness!

I am loving these local trail projects. Besides being close to home, I have a chance to give directly back to the community that I call home.

And today? A stroll on the Bear Peak/West Ridge loop I love so much. An unseasonably warm day with this interesting view ladybugs galore!

Another moonlit stroll tonight.

The theme was full moon October fest. A chance to celebrate the waning days of Fall by the most logical way: Haul in a grill, grill copious amounts of meat, and perhaps pack in a chocolate cake for a person’s birthday, too.
(Sounds logical to me anyway. )

I can give a detailed description..but the paragraph above sums it up.

This ain’t a lightweight cookstove..but man..all that grilled meat was awesome.

A crude comment could be made about meat handling..but I won’t go there. (A few of the women on the hike DID go there however. What’s a poor boy with Catholic guilt supposed to do ?!?!?)

And a cake had to be packed in for the birthday girl. On these moonlight hikes, you put in more calories than you burn. Happy birthday Katie.

…and after the hike? A happy hour pint at Southern Sun.

Hell yeah.