tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30322565592206111212024-03-18T23:32:32.124-07:00Free the HillsFree the Hills is the Hillmap.com blog. It focuses on climbing and backcountry skiing and using hillmap to enable adventure.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-4442888005439858922014-08-04T08:33:00.000-07:002014-08-04T08:33:21.458-07:00Comment Monday on Snowmobiles in National Forsts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fq4Bexr9T3M/UUd5BFi7MyI/AAAAAAAAAYc/Sgl6v9tS2rE/s1600/Scouting+Diamond+Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fq4Bexr9T3M/UUd5BFi7MyI/AAAAAAAAAYc/Sgl6v9tS2rE/s1600/Scouting+Diamond+Head.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinning up a ridge near Blewett Pass in WA, on the side of Blewett Pass closed to snowmobiles</td></tr>
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Now is the time to let the Forest Service know what is important to you as they make rules about where snowmobiles can go in the National Forest. Comment period open through Monday, August 4th.<br />
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<a href="https://winterwildlands.org/long-awaited-winter-rule/" target="_blank">More info available here from the Winter Wildlands Alliance</a><br />
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This is very important for backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and other users as it will shape how our wild places are used for years and maybe decades to come. <br />
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As it stands, all areas of the national forest will be open to snowmobiles unless specifically closed. I think it makes more sense to close the national forest to snowmobiles unless an area is specifically open to them. There is room in the forest for multiple user groups, and especially as snowmobiles become more powerful and capable of reaching remote & wild locations it is important to assess their impact to other users as well as wildlife and the ecosystem on each location.<br />
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More Info</h3>
<a href="https://winterwildlands.org/long-awaited-winter-rule/" target="_blank">Winter Wildlands Alliance</a><br />
<a href="http://montanabackcountry.org/" target="_blank">Montana Backcountry Alliance</a><br />
<a href="http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FS-2014-0004-0001">Regulations.gov</a>Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com372tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-34897813092883705642014-04-17T11:48:00.002-07:002014-04-17T11:48:40.273-07:00The Disapearing Rio Grand<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ryanbressler/812538016" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="AZ 2000 colin above canyon country by Ryan Bressler, on Flickr"><img alt="AZ 2000 colin above canyon country" height="337" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1173/812538016_d9634ec566.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colin McDonald looking out over Utah's canyon country on a trip we took in high school.</td></tr>
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Colin McDonald is one of my oldest friends and he and I shared many formative adventures. Since then he has worked at several major newspapers and pursued a career in environmental journalism tinged with on-the-ground exploration. He has <a href="http://www.chron.com/news/article/Exploring-Texas-by-kayak-1742362.php">kayaked the length of the texas coast </a>dodging oil tankers, <a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/environment/article/Agency-says-bridge-on-Medina-River-must-be-removed-4431611.php">documented river obstructions from the water</a>, biked closed roads and shared many other stories.<br />
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His latest project is a bit bigger.<br />
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He plans to travel the length of the Rio Grande from its headwaters in Colorado to the Gulf of Mexico by raft and, for the 600+ miles of the river that rarely contain water these days, by foot. He'll be documenting his journey and exploring issues surrounding the river as he goes. He will be bloging for the Texas Tribune via satellite and I'm looking forward to reading his posts.<br />
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Colin has spent the past months preparing as Ted Scripps fellow in Environmental Journalism at UC Boulder and will begin his trip in June. He started <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/220603928/the-disappearing-rio-grande">a kickstarter project</a> to raise support for gear for himself and for parts of the trip. It is a cool project and I encourage you to both support him and follow his progress. His kickstarter will be finishing soon and every additional bit of support he gets will help him tell more and better stories.<br />
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(Also, I apologize for the slow post rate lately, we have had a lot of things going on but will be posting more regularly soon.)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com300tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-40704244926941732772014-03-13T08:58:00.002-07:002014-03-13T08:58:25.516-07:00Voile Charger Review: The Best Value in a Backcountry Powder Ski?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can just see one of the skis in this picture.</td></tr>
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I expected the 191 Voile Chargers to be a challenge to ski. I've spent much of the last few years on much shorter backcountry oriented skis and picked the chargers up for a great deal used in a really-to-long-for-me size thinking they'd be a fun ski for open slopes, powder days and high speeds inbounds. Instead I've found them downright playful and surfy. Mounted with <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fdynafit-tlt-vertical-st-alpine-touring-binding">Dynafit Vertical st's</a> they have been a blast in variety of conditions both in bounds and out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypzDV-58L6A/UxO_k-FVrvI/AAAAAAAAECM/RiPxX-841mw/s1600/IMG_6384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypzDV-58L6A/UxO_k-FVrvI/AAAAAAAAECM/RiPxX-841mw/s1600/IMG_6384.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I swear they're in this one too somewhere in the cloud of cold smoke.</td></tr>
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They are a joy to whip back and forth in tight trees and carve surprisingly well. They are a similar width to my 175 Black Diamond Justices (114 mm vs 111 mm) but have much more tip rocker and a slightly tighter turn radius (25.4 m vs 31 m). At first I found this tighter radius a bit hooky but after adjusting to them and detuning the tip and tales a bit I've decided I like it. They are still on the long side compared to many skis but they seem to lock in carved turns better than the Justices. The chargers aren't particularly quick from edge to edge but make it easy to carve big arcing turns down groomers when you need to get back to the lift and can be made to make tighter turns with some tip pressure.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadows and glades. </td></tr>
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Of course it is in the soft snow where they truly shine. Even on the lowest angle slopes they just skim over the snow. They are the perfect ski for the high avalanche danger conditions we've had this year, I'm able to have a blast in meadows and glades that would be too flat to ski on skinnier skis yet they are nimble enough to pick their way through tight trees or make quick small turns down a ridge line when the safe route demands it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chargers on an inbounds day!</td></tr>
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They also make short work of the variable windslabed conditions that can prevail on the upper slopes of our local ski area. They roll over the transition from surfing soft snow to edging wind slab and back with ease. They can get chattery at high speed on variegated hard snow but I've never felt out of control because of it. They are quite stable and I find myself straight lining chopped up heavy snow through the runouts at bottoms of runs just because I can. The tapered tips seem to just spear through the snow staying right on track.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-rLkmxBw0k/UyEiSBQXSaI/AAAAAAAAERM/LpJCNdaWUck/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-rLkmxBw0k/UyEiSBQXSaI/AAAAAAAAERM/LpJCNdaWUck/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting through wind effected powder with ease at Lost Trail.</td></tr>
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I cut some <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fbackcountry-backcountry-climbing-skin">discount backcountry.com rebranded g3 climbing skins</a> in 130mm xl skins for mine. This is a lighter weight and thinner nylon skin with good glide and I've found the combo quick enough on the up track. I've done a fair amount of trail breaking this winter and the Charger's big rockered tip just floats up to the top of deep snow, turning the chore from an off balance lurching huff to something that can be done with a bit of cadence and rhythm. </div>
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Perhaps the most impressive thing is about the Chargers is that they are made from carbon fiber in Salt Lake City in the USA yet at $595 cost less at full retail than many comparable foreign made skis do on sale. As with any light backcountry ski the top sheet is thin and mine already had a few chips when I bought them used, but the bases and edges are holding up well despite a few rock and log strikes. Voile has really figured out how to make a great, lightweight ski on a budget. Someday I'd love to try the skinnier Voile Vector or rando race oriented WSP for spring and summer ski mountaineering style. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charger's breaking trail in their natural element.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-3826035694568461742014-03-04T07:31:00.001-08:002014-03-04T07:31:55.493-08:00Short Tours and Dawn Patrols <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I've mentioned, February was an incredibly busy month at work for me. I ended up working more weekends and evenings then I can generally stand. The only thing that kept me marginally sane was the ability to slip away occasionally for a few hours and squeeze in a quick tour on the lower slopes of Ward mountain near our house.<br />
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The unusually heavy snowfall we've been getting made for excellent, convenient dawn patrolling. Past attempts to ski on Ward have usually involved hiking to the snow but for the last few weeks it has been possible to ski to and from the car.<br />
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The down side of all this snow is that the avalanche danger has also been elevated. Recently a slide even destroyed a home in Missoula. To mitigate risks, I've been practicing obsessive terrain management. I've been studying slope layers on hillmap, carrying an inclinometer and acting under the assumption that anything that can slide will. There are a few small roll overs on the east face of Ward you need to be aware of but it is also possible to find routes through the lower meadows and treed north east ridge line that avoids all terrain steeper then 28 degrees yet offers enjoyable skiing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the steep north face.</td></tr>
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Snow conditions on these mellow slopes have been generally excellent offering up cold smoke powder. This won't last long and I'm looking forward to skiing some corn on the same slopes. Sunday there was a bit of an inversion with warm pacific air moving in up high. I turned around when the snow began to stick to my skins and a warm breeze could be felt choosing to lap the lower slopes where cold air and powder still lingered.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone skin track.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photos by Jen, motion by Google+</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A textbook safe track up a ridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Somewhere in the lower meadows. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skis on to the car. </td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com182tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-18007906450300357922014-02-28T10:57:00.002-08:002014-02-28T10:57:51.206-08:00A Ski Along the River and an Afternoon Owl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPYzjnL-QBA/Uw6Y9t-sOnI/AAAAAAAADwE/lHd7iiWAu80/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPYzjnL-QBA/Uw6Y9t-sOnI/AAAAAAAADwE/lHd7iiWAu80/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This month has been a bit overloaded for me. I've gotten out a few times but I've mostly watched the snow pile up as I've spent far too much time working. Upon completion of a major work project just before the deadline I grabbed my cross county skis and headed for the river flood plane near our house.<br />
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It wasn't an epic adventure or anything, but sliding around quietly I came upon some beautiful views and a few birds.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uFNs_Q--wQ/Uw6Y-Oc5RoI/AAAAAAAADwM/gbz-l7uQNd4/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uFNs_Q--wQ/Uw6Y-Oc5RoI/AAAAAAAADwM/gbz-l7uQNd4/s1600/IMG_6323.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">River ducks and Ward Mountain</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzUa8Sk6T3s/Uw6ZFykNvmI/AAAAAAAADxc/T2zIcRPJDzE/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzUa8Sk6T3s/Uw6ZFykNvmI/AAAAAAAADxc/T2zIcRPJDzE/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duck take off and landing marks I think.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzXnPBIukus/Uw6ZGSyYH9I/AAAAAAAADxg/vT-XlWQY6PU/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UzXnPBIukus/Uw6ZGSyYH9I/AAAAAAAADxg/vT-XlWQY6PU/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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In the woods an owl flew by and me and landed in a tree. I set my camera to burst mode and watched him for a while.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m39GpHB_CXY/Uw6ZgKciVUI/AAAAAAAADzc/Hanv0Uyol1o/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m39GpHB_CXY/Uw6ZgKciVUI/AAAAAAAADzc/Hanv0Uyol1o/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JIiyKB8FFI/Uw6ZknCun5I/AAAAAAAADz4/W8DvtavR4uw/s1600/IMG_6352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JIiyKB8FFI/Uw6ZknCun5I/AAAAAAAADz4/W8DvtavR4uw/s1600/IMG_6352.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNdQ1ldSTlk/Uw6ZlZ9UJsI/AAAAAAAAD0A/oB9gXUXb9G4/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BNdQ1ldSTlk/Uw6ZlZ9UJsI/AAAAAAAAD0A/oB9gXUXb9G4/s1600/IMG_6354.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Max electronic zoom.</td></tr>
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Just as I was turning to leave he began to fly and I caught a burst of him in flight:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-36631037009709522672014-02-20T16:52:00.000-08:002014-02-20T16:52:05.654-08:00Ice & Snow<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vLXFq_OJBE/UwaafyhsxtI/AAAAAAAABho/W4AS9wCW4k4/s1600/como+ice+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6vLXFq_OJBE/UwaafyhsxtI/AAAAAAAABho/W4AS9wCW4k4/s1600/como+ice+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice sheets colliding on Lake Como</td></tr>
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I love watching the changes in nature as weather ricochets from one extreme to the other. Here are some photos from the last month from bitter cold, clear days to the heavy, wet snow melting on my roof now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqnlsk3YMds/Uwaews7Fi4I/AAAAAAAABis/P_mSVmsAzwU/s1600/20140216-IMG_6271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cqnlsk3YMds/Uwaews7Fi4I/AAAAAAAABis/P_mSVmsAzwU/s1600/20140216-IMG_6271.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deep, fresh snow at Lolo Pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoRazt6pO0M/Uwaas-XajII/AAAAAAAABhw/Dus5mZl79PQ/s1600/jen+como.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoRazt6pO0M/Uwaas-XajII/AAAAAAAABhw/Dus5mZl79PQ/s1600/jen+como.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Como</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkZBf7RiafU/Uwaa30ILB8I/AAAAAAAABh4/YmELe-16WQw/s1600/20140208-IMG_6207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkZBf7RiafU/Uwaa30ILB8I/AAAAAAAABh4/YmELe-16WQw/s1600/20140208-IMG_6207.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slush and ice floating down the Bitterroot River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYEHjn1HedA/Uwaa_yPcg4I/AAAAAAAABiA/N6FtziZCK48/s1600/20140201-IMG_6185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aYEHjn1HedA/Uwaa_yPcg4I/AAAAAAAABiA/N6FtziZCK48/s1600/20140201-IMG_6185.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The flicker eating crabapples in our front yard</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uptV67MF5ow/UwabIuZzxmI/AAAAAAAABiI/CR-3s3wTzgA/s1600/como+ice+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uptV67MF5ow/UwabIuZzxmI/AAAAAAAABiI/CR-3s3wTzgA/s1600/como+ice+2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice on Lake Como</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPP8oZd7Cig/UwabQ6RuVYI/AAAAAAAABiQ/-54XmfTG0Bg/s1600/lee+metcalf+and+mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPP8oZd7Cig/UwabQ6RuVYI/AAAAAAAABiQ/-54XmfTG0Bg/s1600/lee+metcalf+and+mountains.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half frozen lake at the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Preserve</td></tr>
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<br />Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-75989717654309469042014-02-13T08:38:00.001-08:002014-02-13T08:38:17.808-08:00Ultra-cheap, Ultralight Short/Kids Tenkara Rods<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pds4r2WOZEU/UvPFnMr0vcI/AAAAAAAADY4/a9gPWujy9Z0/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pds4r2WOZEU/UvPFnMr0vcI/AAAAAAAADY4/a9gPWujy9Z0/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" height="182" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two collapsed sub $10 5.5' and 7' rods at top with an 9' foot all-fishing-buy rod and 11' fountain head rod at bottom.</td></tr>
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I've been an extremely casual fly fisherman since I was a kid. I've always enjoyed exploring mountain streams and practicing casting more then actually catching fish. In the last few years I've found that <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0762763949/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0762763949&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">Tenkara</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0762763949" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
is a great match for my style, the gear is simple and light enough to carry on a hike where fishing is only an afterthought.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SityOLkcgr4/UvPRT1vaL9I/AAAAAAAADZA/4MjRG2CLTnM/s1600/Fishing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SityOLkcgr4/UvPRT1vaL9I/AAAAAAAADZA/4MjRG2CLTnM/s1600/Fishing.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few casts on an overnight trip in the cascades.</td></tr>
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Tenkara USA and Tenkara Bum sell a variety of nice rods, I've had good luck with my cheaper <a href="http://tenkaraflyfish.webs.com/tenkararods.htm">11' Fountainhead Stonefly</a> and a cheap 9' rod I bought from <a href="http://www.allfishingbuy.com/Tenkara-Rods.htm">all fishing buy</a> for brushy creeks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-DwAQN2tPA/UvPR4BWB8dI/AAAAAAAADZI/At2Smudw0aA/s1600/SmallStream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-DwAQN2tPA/UvPR4BWB8dI/AAAAAAAADZI/At2Smudw0aA/s1600/SmallStream.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working my way up a small stream with minimal gear on a warm day.</td></tr>
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My young nephew has started to express an interest in fishing so I decided to see what was out there in terms of cheap and short rods. In turns out that you can find a variety of rods on amazon and ebay using searches like"<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=tenkara%20rod&linkCode=ur2&tag=frthhi-20&url=search-alias%3Daps" target="_blank">Como Telescopic Fishing Rod For Travel</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />."<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TF1OW4/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005TF1OW4&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B005TF1OW4&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=frthhi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005TF1OW4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6O5MUY/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E6O5MUY&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00E6O5MUY&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=frthhi-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00E6O5MUY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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I bough two, a "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TF1OW4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005TF1OW4&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">Retractable 7 Sections Telescopic Blue Fishing Rod 2.1M</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B005TF1OW4" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />" (about 7') and a "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E6O5MUY/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00E6O5MUY&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">1.7M Length 6 Sections Fresh Water Telescoping Fishing Pole Rod Yellow Black</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00E6O5MUY" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />" (about 5.5'). I bought both from the seller uxcell and they showed up in a single package after a couple of weeks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWebULqXU4g/UvPFk3sffGI/AAAAAAAADYQ/FIKPaP7UYIw/s1600/IMG_6195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWebULqXU4g/UvPFk3sffGI/AAAAAAAADYQ/FIKPaP7UYIw/s1600/IMG_6195.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Current conditions are not the sort I fish in.</td></tr>
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I haven't had a chance to use these rods yet but I'm initially impressed by them for the price. The shorter one feels a bit dead due to the short length but the 7 foot one seems lively enough to enjoy casting with. I'm looking forward to trying them as an ultralight option for myself in addition to teaching my nephew with them.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QR5U6xBJvuI/UvPFn2yKKuI/AAAAAAAADYk/qRcn_RcUEmc/s1600/IMG_6199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QR5U6xBJvuI/UvPFn2yKKuI/AAAAAAAADYk/qRcn_RcUEmc/s1600/IMG_6199.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both my rods came ready to fish with firmly attached lillians. </td></tr>
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They lack any sort of handle but are extremely light and compact. One user review on amazon compares the rod to an unfinished blank and suggests fashioning a handle on ones own. The small diamater of the grip region will be nice for my nephews small hands though I may add some cork road bike handle bar grip tape.<br />
<br />
I plan to set them up with <a href="http://www.tenkarabum.com/hi-vis-fluorocarbon.html">TenkaraBum Hi-Vis Fluorocarbon</a> and tape some paper clips to the rod as a line holder. I'll start my nephew out with a short, easy to manage line but i'm I'm curious to experiment with using a longer line on them for more reach. I may also pick up a longer (12-15') one for myself at some point as even my 11' Stonefly is a bit short for larger alpine lakes. Building ones own "zoom" mechanism to allow a variable length rod would also be a fun project.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-16582206834081893472014-02-06T11:04:00.000-08:002014-02-06T11:05:02.008-08:00Warmer than hot chocolateIn honor of the nation-wide freeze today, here are some of the warmest things I know:<br />
<br />
<h3>
Bouldering in the sun</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVDnUdVqTVc/UvPOOB2vt0I/AAAAAAAABf4/w0pkx7gCpqQ/s1600/Ryan+Larrabee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cVDnUdVqTVc/UvPOOB2vt0I/AAAAAAAABf4/w0pkx7gCpqQ/s1600/Ryan+Larrabee.jpg" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
The smell of flowers wafting on a hot breeze</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eKXO86AkJEo/UvPPIl4VzxI/AAAAAAAABgQ/pGLfLm56730/s1600/flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eKXO86AkJEo/UvPPIl4VzxI/AAAAAAAABgQ/pGLfLm56730/s1600/flowers.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Sweating in a raft before jumping in the river</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmn9wJXEt8g/UvPOuThdL8I/AAAAAAAABgI/eofZHGtTXvU/s1600/Bitterroot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmn9wJXEt8g/UvPOuThdL8I/AAAAAAAABgI/eofZHGtTXvU/s1600/Bitterroot.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<h3>
Cuddling in poofy coats</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--T6BP3hs33M/UvPXTzNff2I/AAAAAAAABgk/fzNLn7GkmxY/s1600/poofy+coats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--T6BP3hs33M/UvPXTzNff2I/AAAAAAAABgk/fzNLn7GkmxY/s1600/poofy+coats.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
Baking in a tent to avoid mosquitoes</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKWWvBkjaxM/UvPb9aTv0bI/AAAAAAAABhM/J7qsEecBkOA/s1600/mosquitoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKWWvBkjaxM/UvPb9aTv0bI/AAAAAAAABhM/J7qsEecBkOA/s1600/mosquitoes.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Scouting rocks during the heat of the day</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xolpoLJy908/UvPOgE0uLGI/AAAAAAAABgA/LdrVxwdNVqw/s1600/Jen+lolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xolpoLJy908/UvPOgE0uLGI/AAAAAAAABgA/LdrVxwdNVqw/s1600/Jen+lolo.jpg" height="474" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h3>
Belaying on a sunny ledge</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw4ZxPNRHOg/UvPaW3DJplI/AAAAAAAABhA/TErkcN6Wx-g/s1600/ledge+belay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vw4ZxPNRHOg/UvPaW3DJplI/AAAAAAAABhA/TErkcN6Wx-g/s1600/ledge+belay.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Stay warm out there!Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-33147142003731820112014-01-30T07:57:00.000-08:002014-01-30T08:03:00.717-08:00Excuse me while I vent<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B81hnk8m-C8/UulxgWpeVaI/AAAAAAAABe8/5GFa2ko65Eo/s1600/Ryan+venting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B81hnk8m-C8/UulxgWpeVaI/AAAAAAAABe8/5GFa2ko65Eo/s1600/Ryan+venting.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan taking advantage of the full zip vent</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
It's time to vent about venting because women get the short end of the zip.<br />
<br />
Zip base layer tops are a fantastic invention: zipped all the way up they warm up your neck, zipped down they allow a bit of a breeze to cool you. The longer the zipper, the more options you have to tailor how much venting you get.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnGzS1KH4Eo/Uul21ySrgLI/AAAAAAAABfI/pfP7tj1Xs6M/s1600/stoic+side+by+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pnGzS1KH4Eo/Uul21ySrgLI/AAAAAAAABfI/pfP7tj1Xs6M/s1600/stoic+side+by+side.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The excellent Stoic Merino Bliss 150<br />
Men's (left) zipper length: 12 3/4"<br />
Women's (right) zipper length: 7"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Zippers on men's zip tops are much longer than on the same piece made for a woman. <br />
<br />
I understand that there is a balance of modesty and venting for women's clothing. There are many, many occasions where I don't want to accidentally flash the people around me if the zipper creeps below bra line. If the zipper doesn't allow for anything but modesty, I won't flash anyone. But when I'm hiking and sweaty and only the trees will see me, give me a long zipper! All a good zip top needs is a high quality zipper that locks in place (as most of these garments already have).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxsQ1GPV5eY/Uul2-bfBrQI/AAAAAAAABfQ/JqPf75E0ztE/s1600/capilene+side+by+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QxsQ1GPV5eY/Uul2-bfBrQI/AAAAAAAABfQ/JqPf75E0ztE/s1600/capilene+side+by+side.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patagonia men's R1 (left) zipper length: 17.5"<br />
Patagonia women's Capilene 4 (right) zipper length: 15.5"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Yes, I could just buy tops made for men. And I do have a couple. I love the amazingly long zipper on my men's Patagonia R1 top. However, I prefer clothing that fits me better and I don't mind when it looks nice on me as well. <br />
<br />
Also, it seems like a long zipper would provide nursing access for those adventuring with a baby.<br />
<br />
I do own one base top with a nice, long zip: my Capilene 4 top. The Cap 4 top is great: it breathes incredibly well, dries quickly, keeps me comfortable in a wide range of conditions, is shaped to work with a woman's curves (unlike my men's R1) and has a nice, long zipper.<br />
<br />
Here's hoping that more women's tops are made with zippers more than 12 inches long!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="width: 414px;" id="pcwContent3"></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
avPcwShowInlineFromSearch('pcwContent3', 'Patagonia Capilene 4 top womens', 'search_results_count=5');
</script>Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-63507012680872456742014-01-21T09:39:00.002-08:002014-01-21T09:39:27.539-08:00The Backyard Project<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FAVyW-a_o-A" width="480"></iframe></div>
<br />
We rarely repost content here but this video from Arc'Teryx resonated with me on a number of levels.<br />
<br />
I've long been attracted to the idea of visiting peaks one can see from your own backyard. Growing up near Puget Sound I'd plan trips to peaks of the Olympic skyline. Now I live in a valley where the horizon is filled with the brush guarded, rarely visited summits of the Bitterroot and Sapphire Mountains.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_WMjqCgufk/UYcLqrW0sdI/AAAAAAAABbo/Oem17IDUVqk/s1600/Hillmap-Blog-190608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_WMjqCgufk/UYcLqrW0sdI/AAAAAAAABbo/Oem17IDUVqk/s1600/Hillmap-Blog-190608.jpg" height="158" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bitterroots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The shenanigans required to recreate on such minor summits of the Pacific North West are rarely glorified. This may be the first commercial skiing/boarding video I've seen that includes shots of steep icy forest approaches, Devil's Club, a Canoe and an early retreat after an approach that took longer than it looked on the map. I'm not sure who originated the term, but I recall Colin Haley fittingly referring to this sort of thing as "sub-aplinism."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RzNe3YTyz0/UU8vm1eFEXI/AAAAAAAABRg/AMNi0-Hde68/s1600/Hillmap-Blog-2887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8RzNe3YTyz0/UU8vm1eFEXI/AAAAAAAABRg/AMNi0-Hde68/s1600/Hillmap-Blog-2887.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shenanigans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It also include shots of people just having fun in their local mountains. Too much of outdoors media is focused on the biggest and best. Videos of skiers ripping massive spines in Alaska or setting the latest speed record on a much traveled mountain are cool, but I don't find them particularly inspiring. I relate much more to the idea of catching sight of a random mountain (valley, crag, boulder or swimming hole) and deciding to go check it out. I wonder if crash pads would fit in a Canoe...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6vr1jNYIe0/UtyKrYsGPdI/AAAAAAAADUU/VkdGJPavgnw/s1600/IMG_6118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b6vr1jNYIe0/UtyKrYsGPdI/AAAAAAAADUU/VkdGJPavgnw/s1600/IMG_6118.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g2VX0MsBV0Q/UtyLFmgY8RI/AAAAAAAADUc/5gTw9DpLolk/s1600/IMG_6104-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g2VX0MsBV0Q/UtyLFmgY8RI/AAAAAAAADUc/5gTw9DpLolk/s1600/IMG_6104-PANO.jpg" height="164" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J7ZWl-S6Pg/UtyKpo6GBYI/AAAAAAAADUI/48agsm5nvZ0/s1600/IMG_6116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J7ZWl-S6Pg/UtyKpo6GBYI/AAAAAAAADUI/48agsm5nvZ0/s1600/IMG_6116.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-21393044361046067752014-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:002014-01-16T10:55:14.342-08:00Import and Export to your GPS using Hillmap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FxeYPMLQ5E/UsxcCeAcQuI/AAAAAAAABd4/GdOMWlR0iLg/s1600/import+gps.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FxeYPMLQ5E/UsxcCeAcQuI/AAAAAAAABd4/GdOMWlR0iLg/s1600/import+gps.png" height="364" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Use <a href="http://hillmap.com/" target="_blank">Hillmap</a> to create, share and explore tracks and routes for your GPS device. You can import or export files from Hillmap directly to your GPS.<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b> I used a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003IHV6YG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003IHV6YG&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20" target="_blank">Garmin GPSMp 62s gps</a> for the example in this blog post. Many of the newer GPS devices should work similarly, however, some GPS software will not interact with your computer in the same way. The instructions for hillmap will be the same for all devices.<br />
<h3>
Import GPX files</h3>
<div>
To import and view a GPX file from your GPS, first connect your GPS to your computer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From here there are two ways to import. The first way is to choose Import Gpx from the tools menu (see photo above). A screen will pop up for you to navigate to the GPX file on your GPS. When you select the file, it will show up on <a href="http://hillmap.com/" target="_blank">Hillmap</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftgLtES6u7U/UsyRWEUMcZI/AAAAAAAABek/qPShXNt6Ekg/s1600/gpx+tracks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftgLtES6u7U/UsyRWEUMcZI/AAAAAAAABek/qPShXNt6Ekg/s1600/gpx+tracks.png" height="450" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GPX track imported after our trip to <a href="http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychULEghTYXZlZE1hcBiAgICAws-HCAw" target="_blank">Glen Lakes Peak</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The second way, and the way I like best, is to drag and drop the file directly from my GPS directory into hillmap. In this case I open up my Garmin directory (my GPS), and find the track I want in the GPX folder and drag and drop it onto the hillmap screen.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h3>
Export GPX files </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs3LK4sKyoY/Usx0-WbRRkI/AAAAAAAABeI/p3kJn7Pax78/s1600/export+gpx.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs3LK4sKyoY/Usx0-WbRRkI/AAAAAAAABeI/p3kJn7Pax78/s1600/export+gpx.png" height="266" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After you have <a href="http://blog.hillmap.com/2011/11/about-hillmap-and-how-to-use-it.html" target="_blank">created a path</a>, you can export it to your GPS as a route or track. <br />
<br />
Open up the Tools drop down menu from the top bar, and select Download Gpx (see above image). The Export GPX File window will pop up, and you can choose to export as a route or a track. A route is a set of waypoints, and a track is a line drawn on the map. A track works well with a map display on your GPS.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzx9ezNojI/UsyNRN2fguI/AAAAAAAABeY/kAHSKCfbLgM/s1600/drag+and+drop+export.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLzx9ezNojI/UsyNRN2fguI/AAAAAAAABeY/kAHSKCfbLgM/s1600/drag+and+drop+export.png" height="324" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drag the downloaded file to your GPS directory. In this case, the directory name is Garmin and the file GPX.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Select Route or Track, and the file will download. You can then drag and drop the downloaded file to your GPS directory, or open it on your computer if you have the right software. <br />
<br />
When you disconnect your GPS from the computer, the file will be stored on your device. Every GPS will work a little bit differently and you may need to look at the instructions for which file to store your track or route in and how to access it on your device.<br />
<br />Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-81956121287182364662014-01-14T11:14:00.000-08:002014-01-14T11:14:22.221-08:00Remolding the Toes of Intuition Liners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjd1vuCh4aY/UtNIA0wdQsI/AAAAAAAADRE/oUELlbA2uyU/s1600/IMG_6091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjd1vuCh4aY/UtNIA0wdQsI/AAAAAAAADRE/oUELlbA2uyU/s640/IMG_6091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been skiing my Scapra Maestrale boots with the wrap liner from my old Scapra Spirit 4s when I want a bit of extra stiffness. The Maestrale liner has a flexible soft ankle region which helps them tour well but doesn't give the boot shell a ton of support. When skiing cut up variable snow with the stock liners the Maestrale can collapse forward from lower shell deformation.<br />
<br />
My Spirit liner is a bit stiffer and higher and takes up more volume in the ankle of the shell despite being from a smaller shell sized boot (26.5/27 vs 27.5/28). I have wide feet and my spirits were quite tight lengthwise (too tight for long tours) but snug side to side. The larger Maestrale is around the same width but has more toe room. I decided to remold the front of the liners to give my toes some more wiggle room and better fit the front of the Maestrales.<br />
<br />
The process is similar to molding an Intuition for the fist time (see <a href="https://intuitionliners.com/fitting/shop-fitting-instructions/">here</a> and <a href="https://intuitionliners.com/fitting/home-fitting-instructions/">here</a>) and should also work if you just need to make more space in the toes (or anywhere else) without remolding a liner.<br />
<br />
The basic supplies you need are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004NDX7O6/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B004NDX7O6&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;">Heat Gun</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004NDX7O6" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: white; border: none !important; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0) 0px 0px 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px;" width="1" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span></li>
<li>Toe caps or padding for the spot you need more space. I used the toes from some old socks and some neoprene bike shoe toe covers I found for cheap but you can get the real thing <a href="https://intuitionliners.com/tools/">from Intuition</a>. If you are just heating the toe you can also wear multiple pairs of socks. If you're molding more then just the toe make sure the padding doesn't go too far back or you'll loosen up spots you want to be snug. </li>
<li>Ski socks.</li>
<li>Your insoles.</li>
<li>A book or bit of 2x4 to stand on.</li>
<li>A bit of wood or cardboard to work on so you don't accidentally melt your workspace. </li>
</ul>
<br />
You might also consider using tin foil to shield areas you don't want heated.<br />
<br />
Prepare your workspace with a chair to sit on while putting the liner in the shell and some entertainment and a cold drink to enjoy while you wait for the liner to cool on your foot.<br />
<br />
First pad the areas of your foot where you need more space and put your foot bed on <i>under</i> your sock:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuoEWaZ5VJU/UtNIC8jB3hI/AAAAAAAADRU/1nHn0ZDLPKQ/s1600/IMG_6092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UuoEWaZ5VJU/UtNIC8jB3hI/AAAAAAAADRU/1nHn0ZDLPKQ/s640/IMG_6092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This padding goes too far down my foot but i'm only heating the toes. If I was molding the whole boot I'd cut the toe cap shorter.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qKUaC74QcI/UtNIDv7UU2I/AAAAAAAADRg/Q1pdo4aLF9Y/s1600/IMG_6093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7qKUaC74QcI/UtNIDv7UU2I/AAAAAAAADRg/Q1pdo4aLF9Y/s640/IMG_6093.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sock goes over this contraption.</td></tr>
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Getting the hot liner with your foot in it without any creases or folds is the most tricky part and you may want to practice before you start cooking. If you are heating a large area or the whole boot you may want to use a couple tricks:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Tape the inside back of the shell with smooth packing tape to produce a smooth surface you can easily slide the liner in on.</li>
<li>Have 2 thin plastic grocery store shopping bags and some silicone lubricant spray handy. When the liner is hot put a bag over it and spray with lubricant. The bag covered liner should slide right into the shell.</li>
</ul>
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Also make sure the shells have the micro adjust buckles adjusted how you want them before you start. Loose buckles during molding will yield a tighter end product and tighter buckles a looser one.<br />
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When you're ready to cook, carefully and slowly heat the toe with the heat gun until it is warm and squishy throughout. I started with the gun set quite cool but ended up using a temperature setting around 500 degrees. Keep the gun moving and bring the temperature up slowly. I tried to get some hot air into the inside of the toe but mostly heated the outside. Be careful not to get areas you don't want to remold too warm.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9AmN1n_Dn0/UtNIEde9yvI/AAAAAAAADRk/5v0Nu5uPXVA/s1600/IMG_6094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9AmN1n_Dn0/UtNIEde9yvI/AAAAAAAADRk/5v0Nu5uPXVA/s640/IMG_6094.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once the liner is hot and squishy put your sock clad foot in it and insert the whole mess into the boot like you practiced. Once your foot is in do up the buckles put the boots in ski mode, give the heel of the boot a kick against the floor and then flex the boots forward to make sure your foot is in the right place. Stand with the toe of the boot on a book or bit of 2x4 while it cools. This last part is intended to form a heal pocket and is less crucial if you're only remolding the toes though you still need to get your foot in the right place somehow.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXQoTat7Q7Y/UtNIGKhF5sI/AAAAAAAADR0/WdwUU1_GEFM/s1600/IMG_6095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXQoTat7Q7Y/UtNIGKhF5sI/AAAAAAAADR0/WdwUU1_GEFM/s640/IMG_6095.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I started working on the second liner while standing there waiting for the first to cool which worked well. In the end you want to let each liner cool for at least 15 minutes.<br />
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I haven't had a chance to ski these since I remolded them but the end result seems good, plenty of room to wiggle my toes but still a firm hold on the rest of my foot and lower leg.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-4861892891657864142014-01-07T10:21:00.002-08:002014-01-07T10:21:51.925-08:00Mounting Dynafit Bindings on Voile Chargers With a Milling Machine <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyuRJxXwpGw/UsDBv_91tbI/AAAAAAAADI0/YqxB1GPz70k/s1600/IMG_6038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyuRJxXwpGw/UsDBv_91tbI/AAAAAAAADI0/YqxB1GPz70k/s640/IMG_6038.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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After not riding lifts once last season I've been mostly skiing in bounds this year. This has been an easy decision to make: the early cold snap has left the backcountry snowpack faceted and unstable in many places while our local ski area has had consistently good conditions. (Not to rub things in for our Washington friends).</div>
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I love the light weight and shortish length of my 175 Black Diamond Justices in the backcountry but they are a bit short for inbounds use. I sometimes end up feeling "over the handle bars" plowing through variable cut up and snow. I decided I needed a set of skis that were longer and more stable but still light enough to tour with. When a deal on a pair of lightly used 191 Voile Chargers popped up I jumped on them. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eiKJ-x52sM/UsDBwMojTBI/AAAAAAAADIs/_hX5psOnTW4/s1600/IMG_6037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9eiKJ-x52sM/UsDBwMojTBI/AAAAAAAADIs/_hX5psOnTW4/s640/IMG_6037.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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They arrived the day before we drove to visit my parents in Washington so I decided to bring them with and take advantage of my Dad and his milling machine to mount a pair of Dynafit Vertical ST's on them. A typical ski shop will have a set of jigs for each binding that allow the binding to be centered and accurate holes to be made with a hand drill or drill press. A home ski tech might use paper jigs to accomplish the same but is a time consuming and somewhat error prone process.<br />
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A milling machine (in this case with edge finder and digital readout) side steps the need for jigs and allows one to precisely position holes by moving the table. The most time consuming part of the process was measuring the bindings to determine where the holes should go. We ended up mounting the boots about 1.5 cm's forward of the line to reuse some existing holes from the previous mount.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiFLa5nKhAs/UsDByO7mffI/AAAAAAAADJA/FX42WmhkPpA/s1600/IMG_6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiFLa5nKhAs/UsDByO7mffI/AAAAAAAADJA/FX42WmhkPpA/s640/IMG_6045.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've been out on the skis for two in bounds days now and, while they are definitely different, am really enjoying adjusting to them. Surprisingly, I've found that the increased rocker and shorter turning radius makes them easier to turn than the Justices in some situations despite the longer length. The first few runs I actually surprised myself by hooking/turning too quickly as I had assumed they would require more aggressive skiing then the shorter Justices.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5z2sr0KZ4o/UsS806oRUHI/AAAAAAAADJk/ONVZlgA9_7w/s1600/IMG_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h5z2sr0KZ4o/UsS806oRUHI/AAAAAAAADJk/ONVZlgA9_7w/s640/IMG_6046.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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They seem to respond well and playfully to my usual balanced skiing style and soft Orange Maestrale boots while the longer running length and rocker and slightly increased weight does indeed handle chop better and eliminate the occasional over the handlebar/buried tip feeling I got in variable in bounds snow on the Justices. They also carve surprisingly well though I can only compare them to backcountry skis.</div>
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(This is in no way a full review as I have only two days on them and haven't toured on them yet. I'll do a more in depth review once I have more time on them.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04j-xrHY9LE/UsS9gzb_IMI/AAAAAAAADMM/OworJ1KVBi8/s1600/IMG_6054-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-04j-xrHY9LE/UsS9gzb_IMI/AAAAAAAADMM/OworJ1KVBi8/s640/IMG_6054-PANO.jpg" height="128" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from near the top of Lost Trail.</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com84tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-41108663194247034092013-12-30T12:08:00.000-08:002013-12-30T12:08:00.222-08:00Photos from 2013<h3>
January</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vza9JDPGlNQ/UrSRX8WVM-I/AAAAAAAABbk/GFupBya92Ow/s1600/January+Ry+GSpot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vza9JDPGlNQ/UrSRX8WVM-I/AAAAAAAABbk/GFupBya92Ow/s640/January+Ry+GSpot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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February</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItPW1hD9xBw/UrSRfhkhNoI/AAAAAAAABbs/NtKy5poAEak/s1600/Feb+Jen+lolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItPW1hD9xBw/UrSRfhkhNoI/AAAAAAAABbs/NtKy5poAEak/s640/Feb+Jen+lolo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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March</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMK0pr76JQI/UrSRoyhr2FI/AAAAAAAABb0/qE0V10ttsPQ/s1600/March+Bass+Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zMK0pr76JQI/UrSRoyhr2FI/AAAAAAAABb0/qE0V10ttsPQ/s640/March+Bass+Creek.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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April</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgJ7zeDPuq0/UrSRxtB7KnI/AAAAAAAABb8/84ym68XLwVU/s1600/April+driveway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NgJ7zeDPuq0/UrSRxtB7KnI/AAAAAAAABb8/84ym68XLwVU/s640/April+driveway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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May</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hT1gqMXadk/UrSR4hxme2I/AAAAAAAABcE/lrUGTKGZPaQ/s1600/May+Cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4hT1gqMXadk/UrSR4hxme2I/AAAAAAAABcE/lrUGTKGZPaQ/s640/May+Cabin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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June</h3>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPR86u4NmG8/UrSSA5DWkgI/AAAAAAAABcM/ZYscHlEBmHQ/s1600/June+view+to+blodgett+pass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPR86u4NmG8/UrSSA5DWkgI/AAAAAAAABcM/ZYscHlEBmHQ/s640/June+view+to+blodgett+pass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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July</h3>
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August</h3>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6OqaRijmm8/UrSSRqbz20I/AAAAAAAABcc/Yv26FnYLryA/s1600/August+Ry+Rapids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6OqaRijmm8/UrSSRqbz20I/AAAAAAAABcc/Yv26FnYLryA/s640/August+Ry+Rapids.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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September</h3>
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October</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5A6CXnJ-V0/UrSSo9BQzYI/AAAAAAAABcs/Wccx9hqnLiU/s1600/October+fall+colors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5A6CXnJ-V0/UrSSo9BQzYI/AAAAAAAABcs/Wccx9hqnLiU/s640/October+fall+colors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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November</h3>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qV5Zc-5UKCk/UrSSxVHdqKI/AAAAAAAABc0/nbglhkDKyiM/s1600/November+Ry+Ward.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qV5Zc-5UKCk/UrSSxVHdqKI/AAAAAAAABc0/nbglhkDKyiM/s640/November+Ry+Ward.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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December</h3>
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<br />Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-1794415561711455822013-12-23T22:08:00.000-08:002013-12-24T22:28:16.961-08:00Happy Holidays from Lost Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtAxqyJ_xEg/UrhxOkNi_3I/AAAAAAAADFs/VpTTWRRdlBw/s1600/IMG_6019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XtAxqyJ_xEg/UrhxOkNi_3I/AAAAAAAADFs/VpTTWRRdlBw/s640/IMG_6019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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We'll be holiday stuff for the next week or so and may not post regularly but here are a couple of shots I took this weekend while skiing between powder frosted x-mas trees at lost trail pass. Early season conditions there are excellent as they've managed to catch at least the edge of a few storm and already have 50+ inches of snow.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3C-plVPdfQ/UrhxdqR_8EI/AAAAAAAADHg/wclrbvbE2r8/s1600/IMG_6035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H3C-plVPdfQ/UrhxdqR_8EI/AAAAAAAADHg/wclrbvbE2r8/s640/IMG_6035.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The thinning they did this year to combat pine beetles has also opened up a number of glades and narrow schutes through trees which are a blast to ski.<br />
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Lost trail is an remote little gem of an area. It has almost as much skiable terrain as Snoqualmie pass but only a handful of double chair lifts and rope toes which access two points along a long ridge. Its perched at 7000 feet up by where the continental divide meets the Idaho state line. From my limited experience here it seems to catch a bit of both maritime and continental weather systems resulting in reliable snow.<br />
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I'll have to spend more time up there to know for sure.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-5546063409098284242013-12-17T08:13:00.000-08:002013-12-17T08:13:28.438-08:00The essential mid-morning snack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Mid Morning Snack is a substantial snack I pack to eat in the car shortly before arriving at a trailhead. It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out that a day of skiing, hiking or climbing was so much more fun if I wasn't hungry when I arrived, and I make better time if I can go for awhile without a lunch or snack stop.<br />
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Some favorite mid morning snacks are: scones, hard boiled eggs, yogurt, other yummy baked goods. Sandwiches work to, or anything you can eat easily in the car.<br />
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Whole grains and protein give me more energy during the entire day. Although the occasional donut is very enjoyable.<br />
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When we lived in Seattle, Ryan and I would stop for scones and coffee on our way out of town. Now we don't really have that option, so we make our own. I usually substitute some or all of the flour in a recipe with whole wheat flour. Adding nuts and seeds ups the protein, and in some things I use less sugar than the recipe calls for.<br />
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Here's our favorite recipe for scones modified from allrecipe.com <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/simple-scones/">Simple Scones</a>. <br />
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Ingredients:</h4>
2 cups whole wheat flour<br />
1/3 cup sugar<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
8 tablespoons frozen butter (1 stick)<br />
1/2 cup sour cream<br />
1 large egg<br />
Nuts, dried fruit, etc. if you like extras<br />
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Directions:</h4>
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.<br />
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Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Grate butter into flour mixture. Use your fingers to work in butter. Mix in fruit/nuts. Don't mix in too much, you want to keep the butter cold so your scones will be a nice texture. The mixture will look like peas and coarse meal.<br />
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In a different bowl mix together sour cream and egg until smooth.<br />
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Use a fork to stir sour cream mixture into flour mixture until large dough clumps form. Use your hands to press the dough against the bowl into a ball. It will seem dry, but keep pressing and the dough should come together. If it doesn't, a little extra sour cream can help.<br />
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Place dough ball on a lightly floured surface and shape into a circle about 3/4 inch thick. My dough usually gets a little crumbly, and I just pat the extra stuff into the top of the circle. You can sprinkle sugar on top.<br />
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Cut the dough circle into triangles, I end up with 8.<br />
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Bake until golden, about 15 to 17 minutes. Cool for a few minutes. I like to eat mine with butter and honey when they're warm, but also great plain when I'm in the car.<br />
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<br />Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-64857495536535199482013-12-12T08:56:00.000-08:002013-12-12T08:59:06.087-08:00La Sportiva Vertical K: Inovative, Cushy, Minimal Soft shell Trail Shoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The designers of La Sportiva Vertical K took some risks resulting in a unique shoe that works really well in some situations. They used a simple, mostly spandex upper and EVA foam midsole to create a light weight shoe that blends weather protection, breathability and a surprising amount of cushioning. </div>
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After testing on a number of runs, hikes and scrambles, I've concluded this is a close-to-ideal shoe for long, big vert days on good trails in inclement conditions. Its light weight (~ 7 oz) also makes it a perfect approach shoe for skiing/climbing days where shoes need to be carried while you're wearing ski boots or climbing shoes. Even heading uphill with skis on my back I found myself feeling light footed and running sections of trail in these shoes.</div>
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<h3>
The Soft Sole</h3>
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I was initially a little frustrated with the Sole of the Vertical K's as I found my feet getting beat up on long rocky sections of trail. The minimal drop (4mm) blown foam midsole offers a lot of cushioning but the lack of any sort of rock plate means there is very little protection from sharp under foot rocks.</div>
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On smoother trails, however, the mid sole provides a remarkable amount of comfort for the weight. I appreciated this pounding down 3000 feet of forest trail after an early season ski day. The flexibility of the midsole allows the foot to flex naturally and feel the trail which is a good thing until the trail gets too rough.</div>
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The sole itself is sticky rubber with small lugs and large grooves between the waves of the midsole. I found that it works well on dirt, smearing on slabby rock or wading through fresh snow. However the softness of the midsole limits the ability of the shoe to edge while scrambling up rocks or to kick steps in consolidated summer snow, limiting this shoe's usefulness off trail and above tree line. It is a running shoe optimized for use on terrain that can actually be run.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="text-align: left;">The Softshell Upper </span></h3>
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The soft, spandex upper of the Vertical K is my favorite part of the shoe and I hope other designs copy it. It offers an excellent blend of weather resistance, breathability, comfort and durability.</div>
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Climbers and skiers long ago figured out that tightly woven stretchy "softshell" fabrics like schoeller and power shield held up best to aggressive use and maximized comfort in all but sustained day long downpours. I'm surprised it has taken shoe manufactures this long to catch on. </div>
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The spandex used in the Vertical K's offers similar comfort. I've been able to run through inches of sugary fresh snow and damp grass and keep dry feet. I've never liked goretex in footwear as I tend to sweat out so the amount of weather protection and breathability offered by these shoes was a pleasant surprise. </div>
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As with softshell garment fabrics, the upper also seems to improve durability in a surprising way. I typically wear out running shoe uppers in the flex zone, just behind the stiff toe bumper where the coarse mesh develops holes from repeated flexing concentrated into a small area of fabric. On the Vertical K this area is still going strong thanks to the easy flexing fabric and minimal toe bumper.</div>
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I also often get blisters or hotspots on my toes on long sustained descents as my toes are forced into contact with the shoe. The ergonomic shape and softness of the Vertical K upper have minimized this phenomena and my toes were happy even on a 6 mile descent.</div>
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I'm sure this upper won't hold up to repeated abrasion and the tiny toe bumper doesn't offer much protection from kicked rocks but I don't feel either of these things are particularly important in a running shoe. I try to place my feet between rocks when running or hiking and am willing to give up this sort of ruggedness for increased comfort and resistance to wear from repeated flexing.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-87946547693496849492013-12-10T09:12:00.002-08:002013-12-10T09:12:32.882-08:00Coldest Days of the Year?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just Before the Real Freeze</td></tr>
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Temps at the house hit a low -8 F this weekend and never got much above 15 F. In the mountains it was colder, so cold they closed the local ski area Sunday. Fortunately we'd bundled up and gotten out Friday for a few cold runs in what powder was left after opening day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The View of Lost Trail From the Drive Up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice Beard</td></tr>
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Saturday we discovered that the river was freezing in an odd way. I'd wondered if it would freeze over with a solid sheet that could support weight but instead it has formed a breakable uneven surface. I don't fully understand why but I think that the moving water has been freezing first in eddies near the side and amongst rocks where the water moves less quickly. As the channel fills and ice dams form the water levels rise and the rivers flows though different channels leaving the entire river bed a broken mess of icebergs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water fall over an icy dam. </td></tr>
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Sunday I went for a run up Blodgett Canyon...or as much of a run as I could pull off in multiple layers, mittens and light boots.<br />
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The falls between Shoshone and Nez Pierce looked to be frozen fairly solid.<br />
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The sun broke through as I was heading back down canyon so I stopped to take a few more photos:<br />
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A couple more shots of the river from Monday. Fully filled with broken, breakable crusts of ice and faceted frost:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com78tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-58417504184618587792013-12-05T10:21:00.000-08:002013-12-05T10:21:13.828-08:00Tips for picking a shoe for trail running in snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Trail running for me tends to be during the shoulder seasons, fall and spring, where conditions are snowy, slushy, muddy, icy and beautiful. Running on a trail covered in snow requires more attention to footwork and a bit of predicting what might lie just under the fluffy white cover: uneven rocks? ice? dirt? A good pair of shoes goes a long way to help navigate these slippery situations.<br />
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<h3>
Traction</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKfSUEQvzFA/UqC525QkOFI/AAAAAAAABZY/JtkpZhXIf44/s1600/IMG_5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vKfSUEQvzFA/UqC525QkOFI/AAAAAAAABZY/JtkpZhXIf44/s640/IMG_5884.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: old Patagonia Nine Trails with the tread underfoot worn smooth, Brooks Cascadia 8s, La Sportiva C-Lites.</td></tr>
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The most important aspect of a good snow running shoe is traction: will the sole grip the snow or just slide right off? This is not the ideal time to break out your three year old beater shoes with the tread worn smooth in order to save your nicer pair for less mucky conditions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-n3dE7CqK0/UqC6CDhhToI/AAAAAAAABZg/_yHF6N_47tQ/s1600/IMG_5885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-n3dE7CqK0/UqC6CDhhToI/AAAAAAAABZg/_yHF6N_47tQ/s640/IMG_5885.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serious tread on the C-Lites</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006E14G6S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006E14G6S&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">La Sportiva C-Lites</a> (see photo above) are a good example of a shoe with excellent traction: the tread is deep, almost like rubber spikes that confidently grip snow, mud and pine needles. These were Ryan's top choice for running all last winter. I use the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094KYY5Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0094KYY5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">Brooks Cascadia 8</a>, a shoe with less aggressive, but still quite good, tread. I find they are more comfortable on harder surfaces.<br />
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Decently sticky rubber on your shoe's sole is also an asset, especially when running over wet rocks and talus. However, the stickier the rubber, the faster it wears out. The stickiest rubber is often on shoes with less aggressive tread - and I'd choose great traction with semi-sticky rubber over mediocre traction with really sticky rubber for trail running in the snow.<br />
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<h3>
Good fit, not sloppy</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIwwA-v-LkU/UqC6sN69PbI/AAAAAAAABZ4/ir4KMgiX7WE/s1600/IMG_5895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iIwwA-v-LkU/UqC6sN69PbI/AAAAAAAABZ4/ir4KMgiX7WE/s640/IMG_5895.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I searched long and hard for a shoe with a comfy fit, snug heel and just enough (not too much) room in the toes. These <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0094KYY5Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0094KYY5Y&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">Cascadias</a> fit just right.</td></tr>
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When the snow covers the trail, you can't always see what your foot will land on, or how it will land. A loose and sloppy fit can increase your chance of stumbling when the shoe lands in a way you were not expecting. Don't size tightly, you still want enough room for your toes, but don't use a very loose and sloppy fit. If you are shopping for new shoes, try on a few different pairs in different sizes to get the feel for a shoe that has room for your toes but not lots of extra space at different parts of your foot.<br />
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Log some miles in your shoes prior to the snowy season in order to get used to your shoe and how it responds in different situations. Your strides will feel much more confident if your shoe doesn't give you any surprise responses.<br />
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<h3>
Stable heel, stable shoe</h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Compare width of the La Sportiva Quantum (left) with the Patagonia Tsali (right). The heel on the Tsali is wider compared to the width of the shoe.</td></tr>
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Most trail runners have a relatively wide and stable heel, and this is especially helpful in slick and snowy conditions. A wider, more stable heel helps prevent you from rolling your ankle when the heel lands on a rock or an uneven patch of ground. To test heel stability, rock from side to side on flat ground. How much effort does it take to roll onto the side edge of your shoe? It should take a little bit of effort. I have found that the Patagonia trail runners, like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CRX7FQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005CRX7FQ&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">Tsali</a> above, are lightweight and stable shoes.<br />
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<h3>
Footwork</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QcQ242-gls/UqC-a_1bCgI/AAAAAAAABaU/4gdq-1m_0SA/s1600/Ryan+climbing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3QcQ242-gls/UqC-a_1bCgI/AAAAAAAABaU/4gdq-1m_0SA/s640/Ryan+climbing.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan using footwork to send a boulder problem</td></tr>
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I carry the concept of footwork over from climbing, but it is just as applicable to running and hiking. There are better and more secure ways to place your feet on different types of surfaces. You get better the more you practice, and the more you pay attention to what works well and what does not. Good footwork is the most important factor in secure footing on the trail, even more important than good shoes.<br />
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A more sensitive shoe (you can feel the ground through the sole) or minimalist shoe will help you practice footwork. But you can have great footwork in any kind of shoe. An example of footwork is digging in and gripping with your toes while ascending a slippery hill.<br />
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<h3>
Waterproof?</h3>
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Yep, snow melts through the mesh uppers of most running shoes. If this bothers you, a waterproof shoe may be the thing for you. I don't use waterproof trail runners because my feet would probably get wet with sweat if they were encased in a not-so-breathable waterproof membrane (even if they are advertised as breathable). Also, if the snow is deeper than the ankle on your shoe, snow will creep into the shoe anyway and the waterproof membrane will keep the wet in with your foot while the mesh will allow some of that moisture to escape. In my opinion, a better alternative is a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BW4GCK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005BW4GCK&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">short, light gaiter</a> to keep snow out of your shoe and a good pair of socks.<br />
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An interesting alternative to a waterproof shoe is a shoe with a less permeable upper, like the soft shell on the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005DLQSC0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005DLQSC0&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">La Sportiva Vertical K Miles</a> (full review coming soon). The softshell upper is more breathable than a waterproof upper, but also repels snow melt much better than mesh.<br />
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Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-49520489317452958112013-12-03T09:15:00.000-08:002013-12-03T09:15:03.390-08:00The Yearly Snowshoe Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We go snowshoeing but once a year...<br />
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when the snow is thick, but not yet thick enough for enjoyable skiing (this is my opinion - Ryan accompanies out of love for me, not the snowshoes).<br />
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Saturday up Camas Creek in the Bitterroots was one of those days: patches of snow deep enough to wade through, and patches melted out and muddy. Hoar frost in many places, and some cracking crust that I hope did some consolidating in the warm spell this week.<br />
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My <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003EFF6MA/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003EFF6MA&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">MSR snowshoes</a> are burly plastic and steel, and I don't worry about scraping them up on rocks the way I do with skis. <br />
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I love the quiet and slower pace of the snowshoes, nimble navigation through any and all conditions and mostly I love being out in the mountains at a time of year when no one else is around.</div>
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There's a big storm blowing in the mountains right this moment, expected to drop 18 inches or more in some of our favorite backcountry ski locations. I imagine next week we'll abandon the snowshoes for the skis.</div>
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Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-34885758572473064602013-11-26T08:02:00.001-08:002013-11-26T08:02:26.993-08:00Photos From A Late Fall Inversion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Bitterroot has been in the grips of a late fall inversion. Days dawn with blue skies and temperatures around 12 F.<br />
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This change in weather has prompted a reinvigoration in my interest in trail running. We've gotten just enough snow to offer a taste of the coming winter but not enough for the skiing to be really good.<br />
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The running however is phenomenal. Hoar frost and frozen leaves crunch under foot and familiar vistas are made new again.<br />
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Most of these photos were shot up Blodgett but even the town park has been filled with cold weather surprises like a fuzzy friend waiting on a log or a bald eagle surveying the frozen river.<br />
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Sunday we headed up to Lolo pass for some mellow turns. The snow was crusty, thin and covered in hoarfrost but the views were stelar. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-71285034789361233152013-11-21T09:36:00.000-08:002013-11-21T09:36:15.141-08:00Pocket Wilderness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Signs of Beaver in Hamilton's River Park</td></tr>
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I've always been attracted to the small wild places. Growing up near Puget Sound I would seek out the one spot of old growth Madrona forests along the see cliffs or run deep into the old clearcuts around my town to find a lonely spot with a view of the Olympic mountains.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view up towards Blodgett Canyon a few minutes form our house on foot. </td></tr>
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In Seattle we lived near Discovery Park. It is hardly untouched but you could still find solitude and a view on some of the less traveled trails and beaches.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg23Fa7LMgc/Uo4_D9wXeoI/AAAAAAAACmo/GCXjIoRVoCY/s1600/IMG_5778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mg23Fa7LMgc/Uo4_D9wXeoI/AAAAAAAACmo/GCXjIoRVoCY/s640/IMG_5778.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And another a few days later with more snow.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Now I am fortunate to live near the edge of one of the largest bits of Wilderness areas in the lower 48 states. We can be somewhere truly wild and remote with a days walk. I still treasure the small places though. The places you can reach after work or on a morning run. The places you can get to without needing a car.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fofGgq6VyM/Uo4-pCeGbHI/AAAAAAAACjE/Y0GdePSukes/s1600/IMG_5696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fofGgq6VyM/Uo4-pCeGbHI/AAAAAAAACjE/Y0GdePSukes/s640/IMG_5696.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blodgett canyon is a long bike or run or a 15 minute drive from our house.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I think that everybody needs such places. A place you can go to catch the evening light after a crazy day or to be somewhere wild before a day at a desk be it a town park or a nearby trailhead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdJVuYLEwJM/Uo4-t9dSiDI/AAAAAAAACjs/FoIrX9TvYAs/s1600/IMG_5702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tdJVuYLEwJM/Uo4-t9dSiDI/AAAAAAAACjs/FoIrX9TvYAs/s640/IMG_5702.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iS3TR5E9Ci8/Uo4-1swNMaI/AAAAAAAACkw/NLK7LGv237M/s1600/IMG_5710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iS3TR5E9Ci8/Uo4-1swNMaI/AAAAAAAACkw/NLK7LGv237M/s640/IMG_5710.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beaver pond up Blodgett.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7b6ALmnyeeU/Uo4-4MBJX-I/AAAAAAAAClI/iYOTGiTMrbM/s1600/IMG_5713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7b6ALmnyeeU/Uo4-4MBJX-I/AAAAAAAAClI/iYOTGiTMrbM/s640/IMG_5713.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-90106415773355262962013-11-19T07:33:00.000-08:002013-11-21T10:39:19.410-08:00Boulders and crags under snow up Roaring Lion Creek<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4kvwkFWSsM/Uoqmr3eIMOI/AAAAAAAABWw/Xk_D-_VcrzQ/s1600/creek+beaver+pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4kvwkFWSsM/Uoqmr3eIMOI/AAAAAAAABWw/Xk_D-_VcrzQ/s640/creek+beaver+pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week's storm cycle blanketed the valleys as well as the peaks in the Bitterroot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5btj-L9YMEA/Uoqm84zJcmI/AAAAAAAABW4/Ni51qwrsgh0/s1600/snowy+boulder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5btj-L9YMEA/Uoqm84zJcmI/AAAAAAAABW4/Ni51qwrsgh0/s640/snowy+boulder.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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To my eyes, the first few snowfalls accentuate the landscape. Shadowy trees and rocks that usually blend into the background stand out starkly in their frosty finery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRL4Kluz8Ig/UoqnFI5P1rI/AAAAAAAABXA/uwgUvH93l68/s1600/snowy+spire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VRL4Kluz8Ig/UoqnFI5P1rI/AAAAAAAABXA/uwgUvH93l68/s640/snowy+spire.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne03ZvthVXA/UoqnOGS644I/AAAAAAAABXI/vJn_lJRxGOI/s1600/creek+crossing+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne03ZvthVXA/UoqnOGS644I/AAAAAAAABXI/vJn_lJRxGOI/s640/creek+crossing+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We brought both snowshoes and chacos - but used neither. The slippery log above saved us from wet, cold feet. We'll need another storm or two before snowshoes would be useful down low.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTZSmF4OBhE/UoqnXa-BPeI/AAAAAAAABXQ/OpCgQ59DHu0/s1600/gnarly+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mTZSmF4OBhE/UoqnXa-BPeI/AAAAAAAABXQ/OpCgQ59DHu0/s640/gnarly+tree.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kd_GiD9jNTU/UoqnemF0ZRI/AAAAAAAABXY/Htvuo9LpIPk/s1600/spire+in+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kd_GiD9jNTU/UoqnemF0ZRI/AAAAAAAABXY/Htvuo9LpIPk/s640/spire+in+sun.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj8euFMxyC4/Uoqnl1QTAWI/AAAAAAAABXg/5MIRkIiHHg8/s1600/spires.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj8euFMxyC4/Uoqnl1QTAWI/AAAAAAAABXg/5MIRkIiHHg8/s640/spires.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivCcO6jGxVs/UoqnsJmuTWI/AAAAAAAABXo/slBsmKFOW-Y/s1600/freezing+rapid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ivCcO6jGxVs/UoqnsJmuTWI/AAAAAAAABXo/slBsmKFOW-Y/s640/freezing+rapid.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Jen Gregoryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10431106200721898545noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-57398240735837200182013-11-14T08:50:00.000-08:002013-11-14T08:50:20.508-08:00Backcountry Ski Gear on the Cheap, Fall 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4R-UYQ--RU/UOSKP6xZvGI/AAAAAAAAAg0/yUvmirUATFQ/s1600/IMG_1297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h4R-UYQ--RU/UOSKP6xZvGI/AAAAAAAAAg0/yUvmirUATFQ/s640/IMG_1297.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm not planing on buying any new ski gear this winter but I can't help watching for deals so I thought I'd compile a list of some of the best deals I've seen this fall and some of the tricks we used to gear up on a budget in past years. The links in this post are affiliate links so if you buy something through them you are helping us fund hillmap.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Use Coupons and Sales</h3>
I've found some great deals using coupons from the <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fdealflyer%2F">Sierra Trading Post deal flyer</a>. They send out a coupon most days. The best one is a coupon for 35% off your entire order that comes out ever two weeks or so. I filter these and all emails from retailers to a "deal offers" folder in gmail so I can ignore them except when I'm looking for something.<br />
<br />
For the rest of the day (11/14) you can <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Foutlet%2Fcategory%2F1%2Fq%2FREI-OUTLET.com%2B2%2BDays%2Bof%2BDeals">get an extra 25% off snowsports equipment from REI outlet</a> using the code SAVE25OFF.<br />
<br />
Lots of retailers including <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2F">REI</a>, <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2F">backcountry.com</a><span id="goog_1684277685"></span><span id="goog_1684277686"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a> and <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10008&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.campsaver.com">campsaver.com</a> have 20% off coupons throughout the year. There should be plenty of these around Thanksgiving and before Christmas.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Don't skimp on Safety</h3>
<br />
Your friends lives depend on your beacon probe and shovel. This is not the place to skimp on safety or save weight.<br />
<br />
You can still save money though as there are sales and your local shop may have a package deal where you can get a discount for buying beacon, shovel and probe at the same time.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Best Deals</span></h3>
<h3>
Beacon</h3>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fortovox-zoom-plus--avalanche-transceiver%7Ep%7E6434v%2F">Ortovox Zoom+ from Sierra Trading Post</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
You should only consider buying a modern 3 antenna beacon that gets five stars on <a href="http://beaconreviews.com/transceivers/">beaconreviews.com</a>. If a partner shows up with a cheap one antenna Pieps Free Ride I am not going to want to ski with them. The Zoom+ is simple but well reviewed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fs%7Etranciever%2F%3FperPage%3D96">Sierra Trading Post</a> also has a few other quality beacons at the moment though coupons don't seem to work on them.<br />
<br />
In past years, 20% off REI member coupons have worked on beacons. They stock <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Davalanche%2Btransceivers">a lot of them</a>. There should be a coupon around Christmas or Thanksgiving if you can wait that long.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Shovel</h3>
<br />
<a href="http://www.backcountry.com/g3-bc-avitech-shovel">G3 Backcountry.com AviTECH Shovel</a><br />
<div>
<br />
You should only consider shovels made from high quality 6061 T6 aluminum. Shovels made from cheaper aluminum or plastic won't stand up as <a href="https://lastpass.com/adobe/" target="_blank">this study shows</a>.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, both the top rated shovels in that study can be had affordably. I prefer the G3 Avitech which packs much easier and can be found in this discounted backcountry.com version. The V<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fvoile-t6-tech-shovel">oile Telepro T6</a> is also a great choice that isn't that expensive to start with but is slightly harder to pack due to the neck of the shovel blade.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Probe</h3>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2FStore%2Fcatalog%2FcategoryLanding.jsp%3F_dyncharset%3DUTF-8%26categoryId%3DbcsCat51100051%26sort%3D%252Bprice">Avalanche Probes from Backcountry.com</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.avalanche.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=5c956bbb-c147-4aed-a002-6b5c1fb66a0e&MediaID=62d2ba43-1d12-460c-b932-ed050e7652fa&Filename=Manuel+Genswein+probe+review.pdf" target="_blank">Here is a test of avalanche probes</a> that stresses ease of deployment and sufficient diameter.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Boots</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9piQyRyAS4/Un-24yg2-2I/AAAAAAAACYM/gdSratymqDA/s1600/IMG_5666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t9piQyRyAS4/Un-24yg2-2I/AAAAAAAACYM/gdSratymqDA/s640/IMG_5666.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Scarpa Maestrali are light on the feet or after you take them off and strap them to your pack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=12389&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsecondascent.com%2Fsnowsports%2Fbackcountry-skiing%2Falpine-touring-boots.html">Discount/Used boots you can try on from a local shop like Second Ascent in Seattle</a></div>
<div>
or</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fs%7Edynafit-boot%2F%3FperPage%3D96">Dynafit Compatible Boots from Sierra Trading Post</a></div>
<div>
or</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fscarpa-pegasus-alpine-touring-boot">Scarpa Pegasus Ski Boot</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Boots play the biggest roll in determining the performance, comfort and ease of touring of your new setup. Different brands and models fit differently so it may be worth buying from a store that can help you find the right fit. Some stores like <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=12389&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsecondascent.com%2Fsnowsports%2Fbackcountry-skiing%2Falpine-touring-boots.html">Second Ascent in Seattle</a> carry last seasons models at discounts as good as you can find online and have knowledgeable staff who can help you get the right fit and mold your heat moldable liners. <br />
<br />
Many touring boots also come in several versions a high end carbon version, a stiff and light Grilamid or Pebex (or PX) version and a more affordable but heavier Polyurethane (PU) version in addition to Men's and Women's versions and 3 or 4 buckle versions. Make sure you know what version you are looking at before you decide if it is a good deal.<br />
<br />
There are lots of great deals around on previous years' models. I've seen various versions of the Dynafit Zzero which fits narrow feet and the Black Diamond Quadrant Prime and Slant which fit wider feet.<br />
<br />
The latest generation of boot are lighter and offer more range of motion for touring if you have a bit more money to spend. The Scarpa Maestrali (similar to the gea/blink/rush/pegasus) started a trend towards $500-600 boots that ski and tour really well. The Pegasus is the most affordable of the line made from PU, with the more expensive versions being stiffer and lighter. I have the orange Maestrali and love them. If you decide to go this way take a look at the Scott Cosmos (last years Garmont branded version had tech fitting issues) and La Sportiva Specter as well. <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Falpine-touring-boots%3Fsort%3D%252Bprice%26nf%3D1%26p%3Dbrand%253AScarpa%257Cbrand%253ALa%255C%2BSportiva%257Cbrand%253ABlack%255C%2BDiamond%257Cbrand%253ADynafit">Backcountry.com stocks most of these and some are on sale. </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Bindings</b></h3>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fdynafit-tlt-speed-radical-binding">Dynafit Speed Radical</a><br />
or<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fdynafit-tlt-radical-st-binding">Dynafit Radical ST</a><br />
or<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fs%7Efritschi-diamir%2F%3FperPage%3D96">Fritchi Bindings from Sierra Trading Post</a><br />
<br />
It is worth splurging for dynafit bindings as they tour better and weigh less then frame bindings. They rarely go on sale but, if you don't need brakes you can save some money by going with the light and simple Speed Radical. I prefer a binding with ski brakes like the Radical ST for use in avalanche terrain or in bounds where brakes or leashes are required.<br />
<br />
If you can't afford Dynafits, sierra trading post has some deals on older <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fs%7Efritschi-diamir%2F%3FperPage%3D96">Fritschis</a> (use an email list coupon to save even more).<br />
<br />
<center>
<div id="bindingprice" style="width: 414px;">
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<script type="text/javascript">
avPcwShowInlineFromSearch('bindingprice', 'Dynafit Speed Radical', 'search_results_count=5');
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<br />
<h3>
Skis</h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWqWaNbFKgU/UU8vWOVZVNI/AAAAAAAABQo/7CSgfKbpL7c/s1600/Hillmap-Blog-2817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWqWaNbFKgU/UU8vWOVZVNI/AAAAAAAABQo/7CSgfKbpL7c/s640/Hillmap-Blog-2817.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thoroughly enjoy my BD Justices </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://gearx.com/snow-sports/skis/tele-at-skis.html?dir=asc&manufacturer=101_212_171&order=price">BD, G3 or Dynafit Skis from Gearx</a><br />
or<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fskis%7Ed%7E207%2Fblack-diamond-equipment%7Eb%7E2178%252c2723%2F">Black Diamond or G3 Skis From Sierra Trading Post</a><br />
<br />
Black Diamond has been continually revamping their ski line for the past few years and there are some great deals around on older models that still ski well. There are also some past season G3s and Dynafits around. I wouldn't recommend anything narrower then 88 underfoot for your only backcountry ski.<br />
<br />
My top picks are:<br />
<br />
BD Carbon Justice for a powder oriented ski (<a href="http://blog.hillmap.com/2013/04/black-diamond-carbon-justice-ski-review.html">my review</a>).<br />
BD Drift or Starlet for an all around fat turny ski (<a href="http://blog.hillmap.com/2013/10/black-diamond-starlet-ski-review.html">Jen's review</a>).<br />
BD Aspect for a ski mountaineering ski<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2FStore%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.jsp%3Fq%3Dvoile%2Bskis%26s%3Du">Voile skis</a> are also reasonably priced to start with.<br />
<br />
<center>
<div id="skiprice" style="width: 414px;">
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
avPcwShowInlineFromSearch('skiprice', 'Black Diamond Justice', 'search_results_count=5');
</script></center>
<br />
<h3>
Skins</h3>
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fs%7Eclimbing-skins%2F%3FperPage%3D96">Black Diamond Ascension Climbing Skins from Sierra Trading Post</a><br />
or<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10537&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgearx.com%2Fsnow-sports%2Fclimbing-skins.html%3Fdir%3Dasc%26order%3Dprice">Cosmetic 2nd G3 or BD Skins from Gearx</a><br />
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Black diamond and G3 both make solid skins that can be found on sale. It used to be G3's had more glide and BD's climbed better but the latest versions from both companies are pretty similar. I recommend nylon skins for your first pair.<br />
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Packs</h3>
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<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fs%7Eavalung%2F%3FperPage%3D96">Avalung Pack from Sierra Trading Post</a></div>
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You can use your existing 30-40 liter pack but if you have some extra money there are some deals to be had on Black Diamond avalung packs which offer dedicated "wet room" pockets for shovel and skins as well as the avalung safety device which may let you breath in an avalanche burial or tree well.<br />
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<h3>
Adjustable Poles</h3>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llFU6KlSJvo/UU8vRLRc8gI/AAAAAAAABQY/-ud6ExK0Mcw/s1600/Hillmap-Blog-2788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llFU6KlSJvo/UU8vRLRc8gI/AAAAAAAABQY/-ud6ExK0Mcw/s640/Hillmap-Blog-2788.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10921&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sierratradingpost.com%2Fski-poles%7Ed%7E206%2Fspecdataor%7Eski%2520pole%2520style%253badjustable%2Fblack-diamond-equipment%7Eb%7E2178%2F">Black Diamond Adjustable Poles from Sierra Trading Post</a><br />
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If you have them, you can use non adjustable poles or get <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&linkCode=ur2&pageMinusResults=1&suo=1384399158799&tag=frthhi-20&url=search-alias%3Daps#/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=black%20diamond%20powder%20basket&sprefix=black+diamond+powd%2Caps&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Ablack%20diamond%20powder%20basket&sepatfbtf=true&tc=1384399163620" target="_blank">powder baskets</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=ur2&o=1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> for some trekking poles. A pair of adjustable poles is nice for long tours so you can extend them out to cross country ski lengths for kicking and gliding through long sections of flat.<br />
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</h3>
<h3>
Puffy Coat</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikpnjcrku0s/UU9GithnE2I/AAAAAAAABSA/gV9VcgyaVA4/s1600/Hillmap-Blog-2744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ikpnjcrku0s/UU9GithnE2I/AAAAAAAABSA/gV9VcgyaVA4/s640/Hillmap-Blog-2744.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddie Bauer also has some sales throughout the year on the super warm Peak XV</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.rei.com/outlet/search/?query=brooks+range+coat">Brooks Range from Rei Outlet</a> (act today and use the extra 25% off code).<br />
or<br />
<a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10845&pw=132353&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theclymb.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dbergans%2Bof%2Bnorway">Bergans Down Parka From The Clymb</a><br />
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If you don't already have one, a nice warm puffy coat is an essential piece of gear for rest stops and for safety should you need to spend the night out. I would use a synthetic for a warmer wet climate, a light down for dry climate and a full on baffled down parka for a very cold climate. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3032256559220611121.post-68398076965694675952013-11-12T08:32:00.001-08:002013-11-12T08:56:35.470-08:00Going Light to Earn Some Early Powder Turns on Ward<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jb8aQdQ6EYw/Un-2AXKyQDI/AAAAAAAACU8/rcIDewuhYyU/s1600/IMG_5639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jb8aQdQ6EYw/Un-2AXKyQDI/AAAAAAAACU8/rcIDewuhYyU/s640/IMG_5639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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While I get my fair share of long days, few would accuse me of going "light and fast" on a regular basis. Jen and my usual style tends more towards well fed and comfortably warm. We also find it hard to pass up opportunities to check out interesting boulders and scenic swimming holes.<br />
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Saturday dawned beautiful, blue and sunny. I could see hints powder up high so I decided to experiment with a lighter style then I usually use to see if I could get in a decent bit of skiing despite a late start.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGFUlsF03n0/Un-0gjcCylI/AAAAAAAACQI/wPdBo5wSRK8/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGFUlsF03n0/Un-0gjcCylI/AAAAAAAACQI/wPdBo5wSRK8/s640/IMG_5601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ward Mountain is kind of my nemesis; I've started up it many times but never summited. This status is more a matter of convenience then anything else. It is 15 minutes from my house and the trail climbs steeply from the trailhead to the summit 5000 feet above. I've never given it a proper attempt but head there after work or late morning when I'm in need of a quad burning workout. Maybe someday I'll be fit enough to but it out in a few hours.<br />
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Its low angle upper slopes are covered by a forest that holds powder making it a good spot for mellow and safe skiing. (<a href="http://www.hillmap.com/m/ag1zfmhpbGxtYXAtaGRychULEghTYXZlZE1hcBiAgICAuJ2jCgw">Map with slope shading.</a>) Too bad they start 3k above the trailhead. I left the car around 11am in running shoes with my <a href="http://blog.hillmap.com/2013/10/adding-rocker-to-my-rock-skis-tr-and.html">home rockered 88mm underfoot skis</a> strapped to my pack.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeNSBMQ05tU/Un-0tn-75RI/AAAAAAAACQw/hBX5rKWgoH8/s1600/IMG_5608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NeNSBMQ05tU/Un-0tn-75RI/AAAAAAAACQw/hBX5rKWgoH8/s640/IMG_5608.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I dressed lightly in summer weight softshell pants and a <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fpatagonia-cap-4-expedition-weight-1-4-zip-hooded-top-mens">Capilene 4 hoody</a> with no baselayer but packed extra clothes for the upper reaches and a hunters orange vest for safety in the forest down low as hunting season is in full swing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGsmoQZK2G4/Un-4JUoHRBI/AAAAAAAACbo/VQeFJ-bF8dk/s1600/IMG_5618-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HGsmoQZK2G4/Un-4JUoHRBI/AAAAAAAACbo/VQeFJ-bF8dk/s640/IMG_5618-PANO.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the overhanging boulder overlook.</td></tr>
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The biggest move I made to lighten my pack was carrying less water than normal. I strapped a bike bottle to my shoulder strap and brought a Jetboil to melt snow. At the last minute I added a half full Nalgene after I saw how high the snow started from the highway on the drive up. I used some <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009L65F8G/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B009L65F8G&linkCode=as2&tag=frthhi-20">Skratch drink mix</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=frthhi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B009L65F8G" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
in my bike bottle and carried a ziplock of gummy bears in my pocket to keep a stable blood sugar and energy level with minimal breaks.<br />
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These moves proved worthwhile and I ran and hiked the first 3000 feet to the top of the clearcut in two hours. I stopped for about 20 minutes to switch to ski boots and eat an energy bar at this point and quickly melted some snow even though I hadn't yet finished my bike bottle. If I do this again I'll leave the extra Nalgene in the car.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ChvX9_zu8/Un-1ytrfWZI/AAAAAAAACUU/PXsHg8uUQy8/s1600/IMG_5634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ChvX9_zu8/Un-1ytrfWZI/AAAAAAAACUU/PXsHg8uUQy8/s640/IMG_5634.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I skinned another 1200 feet or so and reached my turn around time at a point along the ridge where you could see the true summit and valley bellow. I was incredibly happy to have got this high in around three and a half hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRPi0iGBnxU/Un-2bMc3NMI/AAAAAAAACcw/Crnei80-sCk/s1600/IMG_5651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MRPi0iGBnxU/Un-2bMc3NMI/AAAAAAAACcw/Crnei80-sCk/s640/IMG_5651.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First turns of the season.</td></tr>
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The top six hundred feet of skiing was quite enjoyable with boot top powder from the last storm lurking on a decent base. Bellow that I was picking my way through downed trees and stumps.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUFxfuB07_g/Un-4RD_Lq8I/AAAAAAAACb4/r9_nHhRwbkU/s1600/IMG_5656-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lUFxfuB07_g/Un-4RD_Lq8I/AAAAAAAACb4/r9_nHhRwbkU/s640/IMG_5656-PANO.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I de-skied at the top of the clear cut and booted back down to the overhanging boulder viewpoint where I ate my sandwich, switched back to running shoes and rigged my hunters orange vest as a flag from my skis for the the sunset hike out.<br />
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I'm sure I would need more clothing for a windy midwinter storm day but I was pleasantly surprised at how warm, dry and well hydrated I was able to stay while moving quickly. I'll do some full reviews in the near future but I was really happy with both my Cap 4 hoody and <a href="http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10060&pw=132353&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.backcountry.com%2Fla-sportiva-vertical-k-trail-running-shoe-mens">Vertical K running shoes</a>. I got back to the car feeling dry and comfortable from head to toe. I look forward to experimenting with this style more.<br />
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I also know that, while my home rockered 88mm underfoot skis performed well I'll be seriously tempted to bring the fatter skis next time as they do make those powder filled forest much more fun, especially when logs and stumps lurk not too far down. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11689894340874047714noreply@blogger.com11