road trip idaho

Hello! Currently on a roadtrip and stopped in Sandpoint, Idaho! Since we have rolled into town, we have had happy hour, a free yoga session, and dinner with new friends (which we made at yoga). I can't type much right now because it's getting late. The one pic with me and Jenny in it is at Glacier National Park. Also, the pic with a big lake is McDonald Lake in Glacier. The pic that looks like the desert is in the Badlands in South Dakota. Enjoy the pics! Hopefully I can get on the internet again before the trip is over!

Colorado River- West Water River Trip

Hello! I just rolled into town last night from our company trip out to the Utah. We floated the West Water section of the Colorado River. The trip was put on by the owners of the rafting company I work for during the summer. They supplied all the food, boats, and transportation for 15 of us total. It was a fantastic trip. It turned out to a be 3 day, 2 night affair. We spent the first night at the put in for the trip and the second night on the river. The first day on the river was rough because we had to row into the wind and the river was very calm (think like a lake), but the next day was filled with big rapids (so fun). I don't have any pictures of my boat running the rapids, but they will surely surface soon. This is officially the end of rafting for the Arkansas crew. People are all setting out in different directions from here on out. I am lucky enough to be headed to West Virginia to go raft the Gauley River (check it out on youtube), where I will find a reunion of boater friends. That's the next big trip and it's less than a week away! WOO! Now here are some pics from the West Water trip. The first picture is of one of the boats in our group floating through a cool section of the canyon. The second picture down is of our second campsite. Finally, the last one is of my feet during a break from rowing. Beer in one hand, camera in the other.

End of the season adventures

Hello everyone! It's the middle of August and the water has dropped significantly and many friends and guides in the valley have started to head back to wherever it is they are from. It's definitely a rough part of the year for anyone staying until the bitter end (me). We are staying pretty busy at work, but things are starting to slow down- which only means there's more time for adventures! Here are some pics from my most recent adventure. A friend (Bowlin) and I climbed Mount Missouri (14,067') yesterday and here are a few pics from that. Enjoy!

The first pic is of the trail headed down- that's my friend in the lower right- sketchy trail! The next pic is of me in front of the Missouri Basin at the top of Missouri Mountain. The last pic is of me on the climb up- you can see the Missouri Mountain's peak at the top right of the pic- it's a LONG way up there.

Gunnison Gorge River Expedition

Greetings everyone! I can't remember the last time I got on the internet twice in one week, much less made two blog posts. Anyways, I got back from the Gunnison Gorge a few days ago- what a trip. The whole party was made up of 4 boats and 5 people- one big raft, one little raft, a kayak, and a little thing called an Alpacka. The weather was crappy the first night, but there was a wall-less shelter with a roof that we stayed under. The weather while we were on the water was perfect. Not too many people go on this stretch of river because the road to get there is crazy and there's a mile hike to the river (and you have to carry everything in- including boats). We got everything rigged up and spent two great days and one night in the gorge. Here are some pics. I will most likely post more on my picture website so be sure to check that out. The first picture of me and Jenny on an awesome side hike on the trip. The next is of me and Jenny just as we got to the bottom of the hike into the river (boat and all). The last is of me on the river with a friend kayaking in the background.

Summer Living

Oh my. I haven't posted anything in two months! Needless to say that it has been a busy busy summer- full of fun so far. I find myself at the library currently with it downpouring out there. Anywho, it has been a fantastic summer so far. I have had about 4 days off the entire summer and I usually find myself on the river on my off days anyways- been doing alot of boating. Time not being spent working has been dedicated to all sorts of fun things. I have been rock climbing, mountain climbing, kayaking, camping, and all sorts of other fun things this summer. I am still living solely out of the car (which really keeps me motivated to stay active from sun up to sun down), but the past week I have been house sitting for a friend. I must say I have forgotten how great it is to sleep in a bed. in a room. with a bathroom in the house. I really felt like a king for the past week, but alas the friend has returned and I am back in the car. Nothing to fret though because I am headed on vacation tomorrow for the next three days. I am headed to the Gunnison Gorge to float down the Gunnison River for a few days. Should be quite the adventure and you can be assured there will be many pics. For now I'll share a couple photos from the summer so far. Enjoy.
The top picture is of me on top of Mount Shavano 14229 feet above sea level. The next picture is of me rock climbing at a place called Bob's Rock just outside Buena Vista. The last picture of a raft full of Keystone Science School counselors (including Liz) hitting Pinnacle Rock Hole- a great hit.

Greetings again!
I am back in BV for the summer. The boating season started a little rocky when I flipped on my first commercial trip and hurt my ribs, but alas I am back in action and back to the river. I was lucky enough to have a bunch of friends come out and go camping and rafting for the week, which was to say the least, stellar. Beautiful weather, good friends, and big water for rafting- couldn't really ask for much more. Now that my friends have left, I have been working and hanging around the shop. I am currently living out of the car, which has been fun besides not having a fridge or shower. It has been great because it has forced me to go out and DO stuff when normally I might have flipped on the tv or something like that. Having a blast staying busy. The top pic is of my buddies that came out to visit- Chad, Ed, TJ, Mark (left to right). The middle one is us playing bags at camp while the sun sets over the Sawatch mountain range. The last photo is of one of our grand meals at camp.

Spring Time Fun

Hello Hello! It's been awhile since I have posted anything. Work ended on April 18th and I have been bouncing around trying to stay busy. I was sick for a really long time so I have been very motivated to go skiing (ABasin is the only resort still open). Even though it is April 24th today, ABasin had 10" of new snow yesterday so a bunch of friends and I went out. Great day until a friend broke her leg skiing off a cornice. Anywho, I am back in Buena Vista at the one and only Wally La La's (laundromat with free internet). Met up with friends last night and looks like there will be work for the rest of the week. The weather is not cooperating however, it's cold and windy with a chance of rain and snow in the forecast. Camping is less than ideal, but should be fun. Here are some pics from the past few weeks. The first picture is of everyone I work with in front of the ski shop. Every year everyone who works for Blue River Sports gets dressed up in a costume and we race from the top of the mountain on really tiny crappy skis. Crazy fun. The next pic is from a going away party for of the people we worked with. The last picture is of the East Wall at ABasin during some spring skiing. Hope you all enjoy.

A few pics

Ok ok, I know. It's been a long long time since I have done anything on this blog. I honestly don't really even have time to write a bunch. The pictures are from a few things. The one is from an ice sculpture competition. The next two are from a backcountry ski adventure. I'll try to keep posting more pics and maybe a few more words next time.

Pics from two days at Vail

Hello Hello! So I finally got my computer up and running and put the pictures from my two days at Vail. Both days were awesome. Enjoy.

January thus far

Hello everyone! It's been another 2 weeks since I've updated- sorry for the delay. I have been wildly busy with work and skiing and whatnot. I can't remember the last time I had a morning where I could just sit and drink a cup of coffee with no time constraints. Anywho, it's been an awesome two weeks. I finally got bindings for my skis and have been putting them to good use. In the past week, I went to Vail with two different groups and had a BLAST each time. That resort is unbelievably huge. I took a couple of pictures, but I'm having trouble getting them on, so once I work out the issue I'll post them.
Also, just in the past few days, Drake, a buddy from high school, came out to visit. I did my best to show him the life out here and I'm pretty sure his mind is blown. We hooked up with his cousin and his cousin's girlfriend on the slopes for a day and later for dinner and drinks (probably a few too many). Great people and great times- that's basically what it's been like out here.
I'll work on getting those pics up from Vail, but until then this pic will have to suffice. This one was taken by my roommate while we were skiing in the woods in Breckenridge. The shack behind me is two different floors and has skateboards for stairs. Pretty awesome. Enjoy.

Christmas in CO

Shoot! Has it really been almost a month since I updated my blog? My apologies. Anyways, it's been a crazy busy month. Between work, being on the mountain, and in town festivities I have barely had a minute to relax- which has been kind of nice actually. It was definitely different being away from home for Christmas, but a buddy of mine threw a Christmas party (with a turkey and all) which turned out great. It was a wild mixture of random people ranging from kids my age to a couple that was about 60 years old. It really felt like Christmas.
In other news, I was lucky enough to meet up with the Murphy's at Winter Park for a day this past week. Ofcourse, I forgot my camera so I can't post a picture, but it was absolutely fantastic seeing all of them. After my day there I was also able to make it down to Monarch Mountain down in Salida and met up with a friend of mine. It felt great to play in some deep snow for a change. I even got a plate of Christmas cookies out of the deal (thanks Mo!).
My coffee is running low and my watch it running late so I must be going. I have no idea what I'll be updating on in the coming weeks, but stay tuned and hopefully I can get some pics up. I hope all is well with everyone. I hope everyone had a happy holiday and have an even better NYE.

Business as usual

Well, all the Texans have left, thankfully, and the mountain is back in the hands of the locals. Went out skiing yesterday and I'm starting to get the hang of it. Today, I am meeting up with the only other guy at work who is able to get up early and catch the first chair up the mountain. The picture here was taken from the porch of the house I live at a couple of mornings ago. Enjoy.

Thanksgiving in CO

Happy Thanksgiving all! So, it has been quite some time since I last posted. Basically, I have been snowboarding, skiing, or working in the past couple of weeks. My managers and owners at the shop I work at are simply the best. They work out schedule so that we can get on the mountain as much as possible. The mountain has slowly been opening up, piece by piece, which is going to help spread out all the damn Texans on the slopes (seriously, they have invaded Breckenridge).
Anywho, I am having my morning cup of coffee before I get on the hill this morning (texans don't like to get up early). After a couple of laps I am off to Salida to have Thanksgiving with a friend and her family.
I hope everyone has a great and safe Thanksgiving.
(I'll work on taking more pictures).

Rock Climbing Adventure

Today, an unexpected adventure presented itself. My roommate, Stuss, asked if I wanted to go rock climbing in Boulder- more specifically the Third Flatiron. Having absolutely no experience, I agreed. Went through a quick 101 lesson before and off we went. He led and I followed- taking turns belaying and climbing. For seasoned rock climbers its considered a pretty easy climb, but this being my first climb ever- I was terrified. Made it up without any problems after 5 pitches and about 4 hours. Once at the top I learned how to rapell (a 40 foot, two 75 footers off the back). Overall, learning experience. Enjoy the pics.
I start work tomorrow so that should be a whole nother adventure to begin!

Halloween in Durango

I am back in Breckenridge after spending Halloween in Durango, Colorado. The weekend started out ridiculous with the drive down. I had to go over Red Mountain Pass in a winter storm and it turned out to be real sketchy (sorry Mom!), but 4 wheel drive saved the day. Anywho, once in Durango I met up with my friend and met all her roommates and friends. Quite the cast of characters. I have forgotten what it was like to be in college again. Had a great time, and met some really great people. Now I am back in Breck and have a week to go before work starts. I imagine I'll hit up A-Basin once or twice this week and other than that just be hanging around.
The first picture of the San Juan mountains on my way back to Breck from Durango and the second is the construction of the Koolaid man (which I was for Halloween). Enjoy!

Breckenridge- getting settled

It's about 10 in the morning here in Breckenridge. I am drinking my morning cup of coffee in the house I'm living at and watching the snow fall outside. We are scheduled to get up to 32 inches or something absurd like that. It's awesome. I spent yesterday snowboarding at A-Basin. Only two runs open, you can't beat getting on the slopes in October. Today I am headed down to Durango to see a friend and hang out for the greatest of all holidays: Halloween. Should be a scenic drive. I would have put on some new pics but I'm feeling rather lazy this morning so I will post them another time. Cheers!

Grinnell, Iowa and another 1000 miles

Hello hello from lovely Fort Collins, Colorado. It's about 55, sunny, and I can see snow on the mountains to the west. Conditions are pretty great. I rolled into town about an hour ago and found a coffee shop to hold up at for a little while. Two nights ago I met up with my buddy, Drake, in Grinnell Iowa. Had some, beers and laughs. Actually, one too many beers because I was a bit hungover the next day so we went to the house he was house-sitting and ate pizza and watched crappy TV until I hit the road around 3 in the afternoon. Spent last night at a rest stop in GodsCountry Nebraska. Started snowing pretty hard and I really didn't feel like driving anymore so I figured a night's rest could do me good. I am headed to REI today to pick up my season ski pass (YEEEEEWHOOOOO!) and then bumming around until the opera show at 7:30. I talked a friend of mine who is coming for the show as well- hopefully meet up with and grab dinner.
That's about it for now. The plan is to stay here for the night and then on to meet my roommates in Breckenridge tomorrow. Cheers!

Chicago Marathon, garage work, and a Hawks win

Looking at my last post, it's been quite some time since I've posted anything. For the most part I have been enjoying some down time at home just generally relaxing. Two Sundays ago I had to run the marathon that I had signed up to do 6 months prior, cursing myself the entire time. Met up with a bunch of good buddies from high school and went to the starting line. We all started out together but about half way through there were four of us (me, Rees, Kevin, and Sam). We kept a great pace throughout the entire race and ended up running faster during the second half (how I don't quite know). We ended up running the marathon in 4 hours and 34 minutes, which is around 10:25 each mile. No land speed records, but we started and finished it together- something to be said about that. After the race I made my way to a friends place downtown and we all celebrated finishing the marathon.
The day after I was recruited by my buddy, Ned, to help paint a garage. After about 20 hours of work in 30 hours we were told by the homeowner we had screwed up the job. Whoops. Hopefully I can get some pictures from Ned to show our handy work.
The days after the marathon and the garage were spent rather lazily (which I think I deserved), until this weekend when I went up to Madison to root on the Hawks. We ended up winning by 10 and I had a great time tailgating with an old friend and meeting a whole bunch of new people.
As for now, I am slowly gathering my belongings and getting organized for my return to Colorado. I am scheduled to leave on Wednesday and stay with my friend, Drake, in Grinnell Iowa. After that I am hoping to meet up with friends in Fort Collins, Colorado for an (believe it or not) opera show that a guy we know is starring in. Should be a hilarious awesome time if I can make it. More updates to follow.

Back in Crystal Lake

Well, 3500 miles later I made it back home. After a quick trip to Ann Arbor for some lunch with friends and a night in Grand Rapids, my unexpected east coast road trip has come to an end. It's hard to believe that I knew people everywhere I went- really nice to have friends all over the country. My days are a little less hectic now and filled with soooo much food. I am currently trying to train for the Chicago Marathon (I have done little to no training) in hopes of just finishing, which will prove to be difficult enough.
As for the winter- I am counting down the days till I arrive back in Colorado. I have a place to live and a job to go to when I'm back out there so all systems are ready to go for the winter. I could not be more excited.

Cleveland?

Hello all! I find myself in Cleveland, Ohio on this soggy morning. It's been awhile since I have updated. Spent a few days with my good friends in Boston- doing some site seeing and drinking too much coffee- very relaxing. I left Boston on Friday night and pulled over somewhere in New York. I was able to score another free continental breakfast which I am proud to say. On my drive to Cleveland I saw a sign for Niagra Falls so I made the game time decision to check it out. I have no idea when I'll be on the east coast again so I figured what the hell. Checked it out- pretty awesome- the falls were great but it was BEYOND touristy which I didn't exactly like. After that I drove through the most ridiculous rain storm of all time to get to the mighty might Cleveland, Ohio. I spent the night watching the Hawks game (they won against #5 Penn State at Happy Valley!) with fellow hawkeyes and friends. It's been a wild ride and my trip seems to be coming to an end. I'm heading up to Grand Rapids today to visit the one and only Kristin Miller and after that I am Crystal Lake bound.