Breccia Mountain with Mandy Absaroka Range, Togwotee Pass Area December 5th, 2009
Mandy skins across the flats below Breccia Mountain.
Mandy decided it was time to get her skis on again. We dropped the kids off at day care for the day, and headed up Togwotee for a day of touring and skiing in about the only area still with enough snow. Though, two days of cold and snow now, conditions are getting pretty close to be good here around Lander. Might have to take a closer look this afternoon.
Whiskey for Breakfast! (Tunes compliments of my folks... Prickly Pair)
Mandy leads the way up the Breccia Highway. Folks from Jackson are hammering it. Not much snow over there yet I guess.
Across the flats and starting the climb.
Many of these photos speak for themselves (click to enlarge/ read).
The grin!
The Grinch!
Gumby rips it up!
Mandy layin' down some more tracks.
Good stuff!
Beautiful country- didn't take long for blizzards to prevail over blue skies.
Feelin' it!
Could it be...
No way!
Gumby drops as a wildcat jumps out of the bushes and attacks his head.
Skiing for his life.
Looking back.
Not bad for a guy with a wild animal on his head.
"X" for extreme! Or somethin'.
Mandy scopes the line from above.
Then drops in and tears it up!
Back out on the flats.
Time to pack it in, gotta get the kiddos by 5pm.
Another great day! Cold- maybe got up to double digits- 10 degrees.
Mandy, thrilled to see the Jeep in the parking area.
Breccia Mountain/ French Spy Bowl Tour Absaroka Range, Togwotee Pass Area November 25th, 2009
Six thousand vertical feet...
Shad
Matt
Gotta chance to hook up with Matt yesterday for an awesome marathon tour of Breccia Mountain and French Spy Bowl... marathon for November anyway- for me. Ha! The weather was fantastic, the snow was variable. We eventually found some great power on the sunny side in the bowl. Everywhere else was really variable- powder pockets, punchy soft slabs, and totally wind scoured areas and areas with pretty minimal coverage. Sometimes all of the conditions existed on the same slope/ aspect in the same spot. It was tricky skiing in some places. Although it's pretty stable now, add another two or three feet to this base and wowee, it could get pretty unpredictable. It was great to get out though and finally summit Breccia and tour around in French Spy Bowl.
Matt paves the road up towards Breccia Mountain
Making our way up a ridgeline toward the top of Breccia.
Pausing for a breather near the top.
The snow looked so good going up, we couldn't resist a warm-up run down the ridge. (click to enlarge and see lines)
Matt scoots across the top of Breccia Mt. towards French Spy Bowl.
French Spy Bowl (We dropped into it from the couloir on the far, far looker's left- left of the U-shaped gap.
Looking back up our tracks going down Breccia Couloir.
Matt makes his way up toward the aprons on the sunny side of the bowl. The snow proved to be the best over here- finally, some good pow-pow!
Earning our turns.
Worth the work! The snow was great on this aspect.
My assessment of the conditions.
Matt readies for another run.
Looking down at Matt's tracks.
A look back up at a couple of nifty runs (click to enlarge).
Making my way out of French Spy Bowl, up to the peak of Breccia Mountain.
Matt on top of Breccia Mt.
Shad on the summit of Breccia, the Tetons in the background.
I drop into the last little coolie of the day. Sublette Mt and the Togwotee Pass Highway in the background.
Kind of scralpy up top.
It got a little better though- still tricky.
Matt blows in.
Carvin' it up- just in time for Turkey day!
Gooobble, gobble, gobble, gobble!
A look back.
Looking back up at Breccia and some of the lines we skiied as the sun sets.
When the day was done, Matt's altimeter said we conquered 6000 vertical feet plus. That's a pretty awesome day for me, in November. This was only the third time I'd been out this year. It's shaping up to be a pretty good start on the ol' ski season for me this year though. It sure made the Turkey taste fantastic today. Mmmm, yummy. Time for some pie!
Turns Before Trick or Treat Absaroka Range October 30th and November 1st
Jack-o-Lantern courtesy of Tally and Seamus
Friday, October 30th
First real turns of the season, for me.
With one elk in the bag, and a three day weekend on the calendar- and snow in the hills, it was time to focus on hunting some powder. I decided to do a solo tour around the base of Sublette Mt. on Togwotee Pass. It was cold snowy and very windy. I got some turns in though.
Looking down on part of my first run.
Looking back on a couple of runs.
Happy to have icicles in my beard again!
Lots of North facing tree skiing- other aspects were pretty thin.
Sunday, November 1st
Getting ready to head up Two Ocean- would seem right to start they season without it!
Two Ocean Mountain on Togwotee Pass
On top of Two Ocean, the Tetons it the background.
The snow was deeper- though it was good, it was a little wind effected and a bit creamy. Can't complain too much though, for November.
After few runs, it warmed up pretty good- almost too much.
It was so warm when I got home, I couldn't resist- I had to ride. Turns of another sort I suppose.
Nearing the end of a great day. Powder turns for breakfast and a road ride for dinner!
Hunting in the Absarokas October 10th and 11th, 2009
The Cabin
The Cabin Interior
Headed up to my folks for some deer and elk hunting this weekend. Lots of snow. Dad drove his jeep up into the cabin in a blizzard Friday night. Hadn't heard from him since he cleared the last high point before dropping into the cabin. Figured he was safe, but it gave me a good reason to get out and up there- check and make sure anyway.
My transport up the mountain, to the cabin.
Once I got up there and found everyone in one piece still, figured it was time to hunt. Decided to try a new method...
I tried hunting off of skis this weekend.
Conditions were perfect for it.
My first turns of the season!
Looking towards the East Fork, getting ready to sail back down to the cabin.
Ski Hunting Video
Never saw anything to shoot at, but the XC skiing was good!
Dad, speckin out the elk tracks from the night before, that went right by the cabin, Castle Rock in the background.
Good stuff!
Dad and his two Jeeps (the dog's name is Jeep).
Driving up out of the cabin.
Looking into and up the Wiggins Fork Canyon
Dad climbing up out of a steep draw above the Wiggins Fork.
Didn't really see much this weekend. A couple of Elk ran by the cabin Saturday night, about a mile away. A deer or two, here or there- nothing worth shooting. Not much shakin' up the Wiggins either. After I left though Dad went back up Bear Creek, where we had scene sign of some bigger herds, and got into them- a group of 40 or 50 elk. I guess he shot a few times (out of range) and chased the heck out of em' till it got dark. Maybe he'll get one tomorrow. When I got home, I heard Barney had got one Saturday afternoon and was looking for help to drag him out- seems like a good year for elk hunting so far.
Mexican Creek Elk Hunt Shoshone NF, Southern Wind River Range October 9th -13th, 2009
The pursuit of large ungulates seems to lead me on rather epic adventures often including very challenging situations... alright, I'll be honest- sometimes a dumbarse attack or two as well. This year I'd like think I avoided the latter, but definitely not the first two. A few days before elk season opened, one day after school I took the family up the mountain on a mad dash to set up a camp. I borrowed an old tent from my father-in-law. I'm not sure he would have loaned it to me, if he would have understood more about what it would lead to. Anyhoo... Mandy and the kiddos helped me set it up, about half of it in the dark. We ended up getting home about 10:30pm that night- did the whole 4WD ride down the mountain in the dark. Camp was set though. My plan was to use it all throughout Elk season. I couldn't wait to get back up there and try it out. The rest of this blog entry/ trip report is dedicated to telling story of my first four nights in my canvas castle, while hunting the ever elusive Mexican Creek Elk- a couple of them being unintended.
The First Night: Friday, October 2nd
Arriving at camp
I packed everything up Thursday night, preparing for a quick get away after work Friday. Friday, I zipped home, changed and loaded up- headed up the mountain before 5:30pm. The area is only about 15 miles up the mountain from our home in Lander, but most of those miles are up rough mountain roads, and the last four or five miles is pretty much mostly an ATV road. It's alright for 4WDs when conditions are dry, but it's so rough you can't go much more that 5 mph in a vehicle. ATVs are much faster. I dumped my ATV at the bottom of the mountain, opting to park my truck down there in case the weather got bad. The forecast called for snow on Sunday, and I didn't want to have to drive my truck down slimy, muddy, snowy switchbacks. Been there before- not pretty. Took me about 3o minutes or so to buzz into camp on my ATV loaded with a few days of supplies. When I got to camp, it was still standing- impressive considering some of the winds it endured a few days before. I was thrilled. I unpacked and fired up the stove... double bonus- it appeared to work really well too. I gathered a night's worth of wood before settling for the night.
A panoramic view of the interior of my canvas condo.
Complete with gas lighting
As darkness settled in a full moon illuminated camp- beautiful evening.
Sweet dreams... of giant wapiti.
The First Day: Saturday, October 3rd
The view of my camp from a ridge above it, Red Butte in the background
Well rested, I got up very early the next morning, fired up the stove, fixed some coffee and some oatmeal and prepared my pack for morning hike up the drainage behind my tent, up to a ridge (Windy Ridge) that's always proved to be a good spot for elk to hang out.
Calling for elk on Windy Ridge
The only thing I saw on my hike up was a pretty nice deer. Too bad deer season wasn't open yet. Doubt I'll see him after it opens. Ha! Conditions were dry and sunny- not the best for hunting elk in this area, so decided to try my bugle. I found some interesting blinds of sorts constructed out of stones and sticks. I parked it in one of these an bugled. I did this for hour- enjoying the views. No answer though. No elk. Oh well.
Bragg Mountain
After my morning hike, I headed to camp, ate lunch and then decided to take a stroll up Bragg Mountain. Didn't seem like much was shakin' anywhere and I was curious about the view from the top of this hill, so it seemed like something to do. It was.
Looking down into the North Fork canyon from the top of Bragg Mountain.
Looking out towards Red Butte and Lander from the top of Bragg Mountain. I guess I have "Bragging" rights now.
After the Bragg Mt Hike, it was time for a nap.
A look back at camp as I headed out for my third hike and final hike of the day- another none productive one.
My Saturday night feast.
Complete with live entertainment... featuring a homemade rendition of the Big Wapiti Blues!
After jammin' out for a while, I threw a big log in the stove and crawled in the sack- probably around 10pm. I thought maybe Barney, a trusty ol' hunting partner, might show up. However I figured he'd roll in a little earlier. I gave up on him around nine. Go figure though- there was a hollerin' at the tent door not long after I hit the sack. The Barney had arrived. Mexican Creek elk were doomed, I thought. I slept well.
Day Two: Sunday, October 4th
Early Sunday Morning
As I peaked my head out the tent door early Sunday morning and saw this (2 to 3 inches of snow on the ground) I grinned and said to Barney "We're in business!" Conditions were perfect for assaulting elk in this area now. I figured it was only a matter of time now.
Barney blazes trail through 3 going on 6 inches of snow- looking for elk.
We put a three hour hike in this morning and never cut a track. Visibility was low as wet, soggy snow piled up at an alarming rate. It appeared that the elk just were here yet. Barney figured they just were here yet- still higher up. More likely, I thought, they recognized the sound of Barney's four wheeler the night before- knew it was Barney, and ran for their lives... I'm sure he's a legend amongst them- a terrifying one. Probably not one of them who hasn't lost a relative or two to Barney over the years.
After a few hours of slogging through snow and blizzard, we arrived back at camp, cold, wet and tired.
After lunch and couple of hours of resting and drying off, Barney decided his presence was intimidating the elk, so he figured he'd head down the mountain and return a couple of days later- maybe catching them by surprise, after the storm. I decided to weather out the storm. I'd made some arrangements to take Monday off anyway and figured with Barney leaving and the snow flying, the elk were sure to come. After Barney left, I spent some time shoveling snow, shaking the roof and gathering/ cutting firewood. Then I headed out for another trudge through the snow in a different area- hoping to fine some tracks at least.
A look back at camp on my way out for an evening hunt.
I figured I'd better brush my four wheeler off and fire it up at least. Over a foot of snow now.
My luck didn't improve on my evening jaunt. No track, no elk- nothing. Not a fit night out for man nor beast. I got back to camp, shoveled some more snow, at dinner and turned in for the night. I was beginning to wonder just when this storm would stop. There was nearly two feet of snow on the ground now. I was having my first thoughts about maybe how hard it could be to get out of here, if the snow continued. I slept alright anyway.
The view outside my tent, just before I went to bed Sunday night.
Day Three: Monday, October 5th
I awoke to sagging but holding strong roof. The snow had tapered off, though it was now nearly thigh deep. I made coffee and oatmeal while warming up near the blazing stove- plotting my attack for the day. I was thinking with this much snow, there'd have to be some elk down and around now. I decided to try the same hike as I did the day before with Barney. Immediately I noticed the deer were out and about- lots of deer tracks. I took this as a sign that critters might be more active today, although it was still snowing and overcast. After making only a third of the distance in twice the time, because of the snow, I cut my hike a short and climbed- or wallowed up a hill above my camp. While making may way back down to camp, I noticed some critters not far from my tent. I figured they were deer, some that I had seen the night before. As I got closer, I realized they were big deer. Big deer with small ears. Then I saw one with antlers- holy crap/ Boone and Crocket size antlers- for a deer. Then he turned sideways. Elk! Right there by camp- not far from my four-wheeler. The hunt was on!
You might say, I got my sneak on. It was a down hill assault. Between the trees loaded with snow and the white-out squalls- they never saw me coming. Until I popped out from behind a tree 200 yards away in front of the five by six bull that had just settled down for a nap. He stood up when he saw me. Then I employed my typical method of full on assault. I leveled off my 300 H & H magnum and put the squeeze one of the hot dog sized cartridges. Kaaaboooom! Thwack! He just looked at me- trying to walk slowly away. I knew I hit him, but my practice over the years, I've grown to perfect, seems to be to go for a gut or arse shot first. This usually slows them down a bit, where I can charge them and finish them off at closer range. Such was the case here. I gut shot him with the first shot. I proceded to fire off a few more rounds in haste- just to get him moving. I reloaded and charged. He made a run for the trees. I gained on him. at 50 yards in the trees I fired off a few more round- grazing his back and poking an eye out. He ran some more- I was right behind him, snow flying, dodging trees, grunting and panting the whole way. He stopped again as he got out of the trees, I fired once or twice more- this time from 15 yards away. This time I took out his front running gears. He was going down. I reached down for more shells- "Shit!", I thought. I was out of ammo already. There was more in my pack, but I didn't have time to fish those out... "Fix Bayonets!"
Actually, I just waited. He didn't go much further, and didn't try when I didn't follow him. I could see him the whole time. I knew he was beggining his journey to reunite with his former cousins and brothers that Barney had sent on their way in years past. It was smooth, peaceful journey.
Parting shots of the majestic.
He's gone. Just grubs now.
I paused for a few shots with him, using the time delay- I was alone.
The 300 downs it's third bull. Now the real work began...
20 or 30 minutes later I had him cleaned out.
Took me about an hour or so to drag him threw the two and a half feet of snow, down to the parking area by Uncle Tom's Spring- at least it was mostly downhill.
I drug him out hole.
As I was dragging him out some hunters that were staying in a nearby cabin that I had met earlier showed up. They helped my drag him the last 100 hundred yards or so. They had watched me dragging him for a while. As they approached, one guy said "Jesus, I thought you were just dragging the head and cape!" Then another guy exclaimed, "Nope, that's the whole fuckin' elk!" The third guy said, "Cripes son, what'd you eat for breakfast? I want some." "Oatmeal", I replied.
After getting the bull to the parking area, I began quizing the hunters about the private road they used to access their cabins in the area. I was concerned with the snow, and the fact that I had seen absolutely nobody else in the area, that the road I had to use to get out was going to be impassible- the snwo being too deep. They told me that they did use another road, and it could get you out (it was all down hill), but that they wouldn't leave to go down it until they had all or most of their elk. They hadn't gotten any yet. I told them where I was camped and that I was going to scout the road and try to get out, but if I didn't- I might need their help, because I only had food and water enough for another night. They were nice folks- willing to help.
Before I loaded up my elk, I hiked back to camp and took my ATV downthe road to scout conditions. I had issues driving it up the first serious hill I came to- really big issues. The next hill was four times as long twice as steep and snow as likely even deep on it, because it was in the trees. I was exhausted from hunting and dragging elk all day and only had half a day left. At this point, I knew I'd be staying another night- if nothing else, just to gather my strength for day of shoveling my way up snow hills, just to get home. I went back to gather up my elk.
My elk loaded up on my ATV.
Apparently I didn't eat enough oatmeal to load him whole onto my ATV. I quartered him up in order to conquer this job. I figured it would ride better this way too. I knew it was going to be one heck of interesting ride out.
Before turning in for the night, I went out to check on the elk and warm up the ATV again.
While I was out, the folks from the cabin cam by again. I told them I didn't think I'd be able to get out the way I came. I had cut more wood and was set for the night, but I told them after that, I might need help. I was also banking on the possibility that Barney would return to hunt on Tuesday, like he talked about Sunday. I thought maybe he could break open the roads by going down them on his way in. Later that night I called him- I did have cell phone that I used to call Mandy once a night. The batteries were getting low though. My hope was renewed a bit that night after I called Barney. He indicated that he did intend to head up my way the next day, with a friend on another, bigger ATV with chains, shovels and winches.
My "survivor" clip- settling down after big day of hunting and packing elk, preparing for a fourth night in my canvas cabin.
My best friend through it all- the stove. Don't leave home without it!
I slept nervously all night, not knowing exactly when or if I'd be able to off the mountain. Around 11pm that night as I was drifting in and out of slumber, I began to hear noises. Elk noises. The elk were talking. At first I thought I was dreaming, then I got up. There were bulls bugling, snorting and grunting- at least two of them. Ten yards from my tent. Cows and calves were chirping and squeeking all over. It sounded like a herd of 40 or 50 elk, surrounding my camp. They were here now, in full force. It was a good omen.
Day Four: Tuesday, October 6th
The next day I awoke to bluebird conditions and shots being fired. I had made arrangements to call Barney at 8am to check on their progress, if they hadn't arrived by then. The news was bad. In short he said, "You aren't getting home this way." Turns out the big, steep hill that concerned me was the issue. They sent the bigger ATV with chains and a winch down the hill, in hopes of plowing it a bit so as to make it possible to drive up it. It didn't work. They spent an hour or two winching that machine back up the hill. Yikes. I told him that I'd heard shots and was hoping that it was the folks I met yesterday and maybe they'd gotten some elk and were going to head down. I packed my gear and set out to find them.
As I was packing my gear onto my ATV, I saw one of them drive by. I followed. Turns out they had gotten into a bunch of elk- the night before and that morning. Probably some of the same ones that came through my camp the previous night. They had three down. I explained my predicament and gave them the latest on the road conditions. I offered to help them track a wounded elk and drag the others etc. They said they'd get me out- they had to get their elk down now too. I helped them track their elk. I found the trail. After a couple of hours of hikingup hill through deep snow, it became clear that the elk was not critically wounded and that he was not slowing dnw any time soon. The shooter made the call to bail on it. It was time to go home... finally!
The view Tuesday morning from up high on ridge around the Mexican Creek area.
The private road they used to go downthe mountain worked good. It went through three locked gates though, and it was so buried in the snow, I never would have been able to find it by myself. Eventually it ended up spitting us out on the North Fork road about 12 miles or so from Lander- 30 from my truck. I actually had to drive my four wheeler- loaded up with elk and all my gear- through Milford, down the highway and up Main Street in Lander. I'm sure that was a sight for passing motorists. I dropped the meat off at the processor on the way home. I drove home on my four wheeler. It was good to be home. This time, it was almost maybe the best part of the hunt.
Seamus checks out the elk- pets it actually.
Couldn't pry him off the four wheeler.
Me the kiddos and the elk.
It wasn't over though. I still had to go get my truck, which was still parked at the bottom of a different road at the base of the mountain. After hugging mom and kiddos, I set off again on the ol Bombardier Quest 650 to go get my truck.
Approaching my truck.
Although the road was sloppy, it wasn't bad.
The one thing I have learned over the years is to leave my truck at the bottom of this mountain this tim of year, instead of using the upper parking area. The road can go from dry to white knuckle, greasy, steep switchbacks in a matter of hours. Been there done that. Learned from that dumbarse attack a few years back. Ha!
Had to shovel the two feet of wet snow out before I load up the ATV.
Eventually I got things loaded up and slopped my way down the road to the pavement. Whew! Made it! Now it was over. I cranked up The Black Crowes, a warm tingly feeling came over me, an ear to ear grin broadened and I let out one heck of a "Yaaahoooooo!" It was over, I made it. Everything came out in one piece, or all pieces (the elk). What a hunt!
The funny thing is, chances a damned good I'll be doing it all over again soon, maybe even in a few days- probably for someone else's elk.
Two Weeks Later...
Two week later- still standing!
Almost two weeks later conditions had warmed and dried out enough I was able to get back into my camp again. The mission this time was packing it out- before the next storm.
How in the heck will all of this fit?
Dunno, but it did.
Heading up out of Mexican Creek on the section of road that was impassible two weeks ago- the snow was just too deep in here, plus the road is very steep.
Everything back down at the truck- in one piece still.
Looking down at the load from the back of the truck. Whew! Got it all out.
Lined up with Russ, ready to start at the Bear Lake Classic near Garden City Utah.
The Bear Lake Classic is a good early season race in May. It's a flat 50 mile ride around Bear Lake. Packs tend to stay together for the entire race and it's a big pack sprint finish. This year I didn't miss the turn. Most of the time there's only split seconds separating winners from the rest of their group. That's how it panned out this year. There was an uphill time trial the night before that was fun.
Waiting for the start... first race of the season!
Waiting for the start of the Cat 4 group at the High Uintas Classic.
The High Uintas Classic is a great stage race. Maybe my favorite around here- or close to here. It's run by the Evanston cycling club. The road race starts in Kamas Utah and goes over a 10,000 ft. pass (Bald Mt) and ends in Evanston. The next day there's a Time Trial and Criterium. This year weather played an interesting role.
Lined up at the start.
The weather was cool at the start of the road race- a little rain. As we gained elevation, the rain got worse. At nine thousand feet it was constant- with intermidant snow/ sleet. The ride down the other side of the pass was fridgid at 40 -50 mph. Anyone that didn't have a jacket or sleeves or something got hypothermia and dropped out. Over half the riders in my group took DNFs (Did not finish). I finished, I ended up taking 4th or 6th in road race- 6th or 9th overall. Hard to say for sure- the results got all fubared in this race. The Crit did not count in the overall scores. It was definitely hard with the weather- a definite test of how much you coudl endure.
The WYDAHO race at Grand Targhee, on the 4th of July is just plain fun. It's a beautiful groomed seven mile single track loop. Experts do it three times- 21 miles. It's a shorter, sprint type race- not something I train as much for. Although I cut some time from last year, I didn't place as high this year- bottom third. I nearly won the hill climb again though! Had lots of fun.
Mandy's sister took bird's eye pictures of the race from the chairlift as they were going up.
Two third of the way up the hardest climb on the course.
Taming the Tetons was another circuit/lap type race at Grand Teton Resort. It was more technical than the WYDAHO race- more rocks, steep climbs, more switch back and steep descents- bridges and tighter trails. It kicked my arse. Was hard for me to go fast on. Hard to get into a rythm. Pretty much sucked. I came in dead last in the Expert division. The riders from Utah (it's part of MTB series from their state) smoked me. It was really fun riding- awesome, tight single track- I just couldn't go fast on it.
The day after the Tetons Tamed me, came the Teton Pass Hill Climb. This is two races starting in Wilson. One is on road bikes, the other is for MTBs. They both go up Teton Pass. I think it's a fundraiser for their local club. They do a great job with it. Andy from Wilson Backcountry sponsors it and hosts a picnic, lunch/ prizes afterwards. Because the Tetons Tamed me the day before- my times were slower than they were the previous year. Kind of figure this would happen though. Again- good training and a great way to spend a Sunday!
No pictures from the Enduro. Went down there last minute with Chuck. They let us in late because they knew Chuck and we were from Wyoming. This was a great race- a near 70 mile loop. Lots of single track and dirt. A pretty fast 70 miles! Not knowing the course, I took it easy- still placing in the top third of our category. Chuck won our age group though- kickin' arse and takin' names. I really enjoyed this race- I'll probably have to do it again.
Leadville 100- the big one! The one I train for all year. Was hoping to go under nine hours this year. It weren't to be though- mother nature had plans of her own.
Wearing the Wyo jersey, just before the start.
The start- Dave Wiens defending Champion in green with Lance Armstrong in black behind him.
As you can see- the road was wet. The first few hours of this race was cold and wet. This killed me. I didn't drink enough. When I rolled into the dam aid station at the bottom of the biggest (2500 ft.) climb- my water was still pretty full. Yikes! As a result I ended up cramping big time two thirds of the way up Columbine (the name of the Mt. that was the last big climb). It was my slowest tie up the Mt ever. Chuck and Karla's Tandem time up that Mt was faster. Grrr!
Lance rolls through the Dam aid station- probably only an hour or so ahead of me at this point.
The storm finally started breaking when Lance rolled back through the Dam Aid station on his way back- probably only a few hours ahead of me at this point.
I felt better going into the last huge climb (power line). The climb still wrung me out though.
Rolling through the last aid station.
My sister, who flew down last minute to crew for me- which was awesome, met me at this aid station and told me Bob was only 10 minutes ahead of me. That inspired me to kick in gear a bit more.
I caught Bob near the top of the Boulevard, just few miles from the finish. I caught this guy on the red carpet, just before the finish line. I'm right behind him in this blurry picture. My time was just under 10 hrs 30 min- my slowest out of three attempts. Not drinking really killed me. Lance Armstrong one the race about completing it about 4 hrs ahead of me.
Bob did awesome, finishing his 11th Leadville just a few minutes behind me.
Chuck and Karla rolled in a while after Bob- taking third place in the Tandem Division. Next year will be their tenth on a Tandem!
This race rocks! After Leadville the pressure is off. The Five O' is based out Spearfish, SD. It's a 50 mile groomed single track Lolly Pop loop. It's totally awesome/ classic Black Hills style riding- good stuff! Fast and rolly! The last aid station (bacon station) they hand out bacon and PBRs. Yummy! After the race, you can kick back listen to tunes, watch your kids race and slurp free beer. It's a good time. Good folks too! I did well this year- was on pace for 4hrs 30 min. Absolutley smokin' for me. I was hydrating the whole time. However, even though this was my third time racing this race- I missed a critical turn right off the last ascent and went off course a few miles. It cost me 15 or 20 minutes. Bummer- maybe shouldn't have had that PBR at the last aid station. Ha! Still finished under 5 hrs, placing 30/ 120 plus riders in my category. Guess I'll have to try it again next year though- I know I can do better!
I probably had about as much after the race, watching Tally race her new Strider.
Ready, set, go!
Cousin Maddy and Tally both claimed their prizes (water bottles) after finishing their races. Great fun!!
Unloading, early in the morning, getting ready for LOTOJA- a 206 mile road race through three states and over three mountain passes. A killer! It starts in Logan Utah and ends in Jackson Hole, WY. Chuck said it hurt him more than Leadville- I decided I needed to try it. It hurt. One thing I'm starting to learn- if the race starts in the dark, or you line up for it in the dark- it's gonna hurt.
Some of the first packs taking off- in the dark.
Go Lander Cycling!
All LOTOJA riders get a leg stamp- they had trouble figuring out where to put mine.
It was light out (barely) by the time my pack started.
The fifty rider Cit Cat 5- 35 plus pack I raced in. I signed up for the race back in March, before I bought a Cat 4 license. They wouldn't let me change. Oh well- worked out alright because there were other folks from Lander in this group.
And they're off!
10 hours later at the finish in Jackson Hole at Grand Teton Resort.
A video finish!
Mandy's folks agreed to watch our kiddos for this race, so Mandy could crew for me. Thank goodness they did. Mandy spent all day driving 200 plus miles, stopping at various aid stations meeting me for water/ food stops. Was nice to see her smiling face all along the way.
Everyone that completes LOTOJA gets a custom hanger to comemmorate the event. Yup... that's right... a hanger! Interesting. I definitely felt like I was hung out to dry by the time it was over.
My, my giant and my hanger. I survived.
After the helmet came off.
While loading my bike up we noticed a staple or wire that pierced the tire. Hard saying when that happened or how long I road the race like that. I never flated. Crazy!
I ended up taking 4th place in my Category- making the podium! 10 hrs/ 17 min.
I might try this race again- it did hurt though. Not quite like Leadville this year, but close. Need a few more months to forget about how much it hurt. Ha!
Ross Lake Fitzpatrick Wilderness Area, Shoshone NF August 6th, 2009
Recently I was called to duty for Lander LLama Company, to go into Ross Lake and pick up a fishing camp that had been dropped there about a week prior. I took few pictures along the way, even some video...
Heading up the Whiskey Mt. trail.
A look up the Torrey Creek drainage and Bomber Basin from along the Whiskey Mt. Trail.
Traversing a boulder field.
This trail is similar in nature to the Glacier Trail (the one used to access Gannett Peak). It's pretty much 4 to 6 miles of 2500 hot and dry vertical feet-- right off the bat, before you get to any decent camping. It's a grunt!
Looking back down at the trail head, about 2000 vertical feet later and a couple of hours.
A profile of the Glacier trail as it climbs up and over Goat Flats and Burrow Pass- it's a long hall. It pretty much follows the green all the way. Click to enlarge.
The basin/ cirque Ross lake lives in.
The flowers were still out in force. Pretty cool for August!
A look down the trail as it clear a pass below Whiskey Mt and heads down towards Ross Lake.
More flower and cool rocks along the way.
Time for a water break.
Looks like a good place to call home for the night! (backside of Whiskey Mt)
Later that evening I hiked down to Ross Lake to scout the trail and get a time estimate of how long it would take us to get to our "x" the nest morning. The lake was pretty cool- very large. Not alot (any) places to camp around it.
Ross Lake
Taking a breather- enjoying the evening and the view.
A fading view of the meadow we camped in, just before tucking in for the night.
The next morning we got up early and headed down the steep, nasty trail into Ross Lake.
Not maintained for horses.
Negotiating a "no fall" zone along the trail.
The llamas did great, although go up this steep stuff with full packs on was a little slower.
The llamas enjoy a water break in the meadow we camped in after climbing back up out of Ross Lake. It was about an hour and half of technical and steep climbing on the way out. Only had one saddle slip going up too- which was pretty good considering how heavy they were and steep the trail was.
I recruited one of my high school students to help with this trip. I'm not sure I could have managed by myself!
Going up an over the pass, heading back down to trail head.
I'm a 4th generation Wyomingnite. I love the wilderness. I also get a kick out of biking, skiing, snow boarding, and snow machines. I like to eat animals. On occasion I shoot them and hang them on my walls.
Mandy skins across the flats below Breccia Mountain.
Mandy leads the way up the Breccia Highway. Folks from Jackson are hammering it. Not much snow over there yet I guess.
Across the flats and starting the climb.
Many of these photos speak for themselves (click to enlarge/ read).
The grin!
The Grinch!
Gumby rips it up!
Mandy layin' down some more tracks.
Good stuff!
Beautiful country- didn't take long for blizzards to prevail over blue skies.
Feelin' it!
Could it be...
No way!
Gumby drops as a wildcat jumps out of the bushes and attacks his head.
Skiing for his life.
Looking back.
Not bad for a guy with a wild animal on his head.
"X" for extreme! Or somethin'.
Mandy scopes the line from above.
Then drops in and tears it up!
Back out on the flats.
Time to pack it in, gotta get the kiddos by 5pm.
Another great day! Cold- maybe got up to double digits- 10 degrees.
Mandy, thrilled to see the Jeep in the parking area. 
Back at home, safe and sound... sweet dreams!
