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The Entire Enchilada
I’ve you’ve never been to Utah, and do something other than go canyoneering, you should probably do this: Make sure you’re a solid technical rider, or you will loose teeth. Seeing this video (not mine) brought back good memories of an extended trip, climbing up from town to do that descent, back in 2007.
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How miles grow
This time last week I was embroiled in internet discussions, trying without success to convince people to think outside the visitation box of American summer in the national parks, entreating them to embrace winter. Because cold and snow aren’t so bad. And we should go into the wilderness not just on terms friendliest to us.…
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Glacier, circa 1933
Last night, in a patrol cabin in the Glacier backcountry, I was rustling through the media drawer, mostly decade-old magazines, hanta virus info, the log book, and decks of cards, when I found something magic. A very old map of Glacier, still just barely in one piece. We were enthralled at all the changes which…
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Thermomolding for Distance
Thermomoldable ski boot liners are really cool. They’ve yet to make it into many/any boots designed for touring (horizontal miles, rather than vertical), but they should. They’re warm, act as a vapor barrier and don’t absorb much moisture, and with care and proper technique can be impressively flexible as regards fit, both for a variety…
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Just skiing
Not a lot (of snow), but more than enough for the moment. Boogies and all. We counted six melt-freeze crusts in four feet of snow. Upper slopes will wait until things sort themselves out. Yep. Here, we call this irony.
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All the hats
I like hats, and my collection often and properly earns me derision at the hands of M. Rather than deny the dorkiness inherent in this, I embrace it. I’ve de facto pared the collection down quite a bit lately, such that a mere five hats get regular use. They are pictured below, and a discussion…
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Prematurely seeking death
If individuality is a lie, or at least phantasmagoric, than solo backpacking must be suicidal. Right? In spite of, and because of this, I enjoy it immensely. Especially in our current snow drought, when I was able to do a substantive, 40+ mile loop over two days without needing skis or snowshoes. In January. Remarkable.…
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The 145 Altai Hok
New skis made it this weekend. 3 lb 4 oz per as pictured above, or 2 lb 14 oz a ski naked. Compare to this photo of the 125. Not too much weight gain for the extra area of the 145. Dimensions are the same as the proto 125: 121-110-121. Inserts are more forward than…
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Tracking Gulo gulo
I first met Sally in July of 2010, during this trip. I had crossed over the snow in the Fifty Mountain meadow and was amped to inflate my newish packraft on the Waterton River. After the patrol cabin the trail takes a brief uphill detour through thick cow parsnip, and I was motoring mindlessly before…
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The Six Seasons of Desert Solitaire
After reading all his major works, I concluded about a decade ago that Desert Solitaire was Edward Abbey’s best, most interesting book. I’ve had my copy since high school, and carried it back to our cabin last week and read it cover to cover once again, in only three or four sittings. Less than 24…
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Bedrock & Paradox 
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