Skiing The Canyons And Swimming In A Crater

My ol' racing nemesis, college drinking buddy and general mayhem creator, Rusty Beat-all invited me down to SLC for a weekend of powder shreddage, bar hopping, snow shoeing and crater exploration. Twas a damn fine time! Joining me, DJ Jazzy Jeff Brown of Wazzu racing history, got in two full days of skiing and is likely now nursing a bout of post amazing skiing depression. Luckily, a few of us have a five day trip to Jackson Hole coming up to counter balance such things as w-o-r-k.

Loftus Hot Springs, Snowshoeing Banner Ridge, And Skiing Brundage Mountain

Alice - Toxaway Backpacking Trip

My lil' sister and brother-in-law were in the states for just over two months this last summer and over one of those weekends, we all got to go visit the Idaho mountains. A fantastic time ensued.

Headed into Alice Lake

The White Cloud mountain range in the background with Josh on the trail.

Tara and Josh

Laura and I

Raina, Dad, Laura, Tara, Josh, and I

Alice Lake

Josh and I split raft carrying responsibilities

Dad and I

Josh and Tara

Toxaway Lake

Jeff, Mike and I Take On The Bruneau Sand Dunes

Turns out, this isn't too terrible on the skis. I wouldn't suggest taking your new pair, but still, worth it with some old beaters without any doubt! What we learned is that it would be better shortly after it's rained, for sure bring a backpack that you can attach everything to, the furthest dune away from the parking is the best, don't wear shoes to climb the dunes, and be prepared for a stellar workout!

Bear Valley, Three Forks Hot Springs, Middle Fork Of The Owyhee, Mt. Borah, Seven Devils And A New Bike

This is the blog to cover many of last summers trips. Yeah, I kinda lumped them all together, but summer is too nice to be blogging right?

Bear Valley Lake

Jake, Ashley and Laura at the entrance to Minnetonka Cave

Laura and I

The stairway out of hell? Turns out it's cold

I think I saw an alien back in there

Be prepared for extreme winds at night at Bear Valley Lake! Many tents were blown down

Bear Valley hot springs, highly recommended!

Three Forks hot (warm) springs. It's an entire creek and extremely beautiful!

Lucy, Joey, Ozzy and Laura crossing the Owyhee River

And to think that is all nice and warm at about 95 degree. Best soaked on a hot summer day.

The mouth of the canyon along the Middle Fork of the Owyhee River. Watch for rattlesnakes before the canyon on warm days! We saw three

Crawdad warfare

It's a small creek in the summer with deep sections!

Just outside of Arco

Starting the ascent of Mt. Borah

After climbing 2,000 ft, only 3,000 to go

Starting Chicken Out Ridge

The Lost River Mountain Range

Mike on the class three scramble of Chicken Out Ridge... and then add snow.

The view from atop Mt. Borah

Tired and ready for dinner and a beer

The new Karbona Elite with Campagnolo Chorus! Finally, a nice road bike that is alllll mine.

The view of the Seven Devils from Nut Basin