23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

I was really moved by this video - it's just great! Enjoy, and here's to your health! Now get outside. And happy trails!

Walking In

This video is exactly what I needed right now.

After working on a writing assignment last night, in which Tristan and I articulated what outdoor adventure means to us, I was left remembering those times on mountain tops, or in deep wooded hollows, waking up to the sun filtering through trees onto the fabric of our tent, or crossing the most beautiful stream you had seen yet. I had nowhere to be but there, nothing to do but walk, or sit and take in the view if I preferred. The colors, sounds, smells, all of it. But mostly the feeling is what I remember: truth, pureness, vitality, health. And don't get me wrong, there were hard times and low times, but they were real too, and part of the experience.

I am so grateful to have had these experiences, like backpacking the Long Trail, spending three weeks deep in the central California wilderness, and living for four continuous months on the Appalachian Trail. I can't believe I have been so lucky. To know these places and these people. They will forever be in my heart, moving from there to my extremities, where these past experiences become just as my flesh. And they are in Tristan's heart and being too; we will forever be connected by these shared times, having been nourished and grown from the same vital tonic.

Last night, as we finished our writing assignment, it was late and I was tired, with a cold setting in. I thought as I shut down the computer about the visions in my head conjured from the sharing of our experiences: I have to get back there.

Finding this video today brought it all back.

"Walking In", courtesy of A Secret Burger Media production.2011.

Powderwhore's "Breaking Trail" Trailer 2011

Yeah yeah! Going to watch this lovely film tonight at the Savoy in Montpelier! It looks like these guys have put together another exceptional film, and it appears they are expanding from their telemark roots to include others: I see a snowboard or two, some AT-ers perhaps? It doesn't matter what you're on - just that you get out there!  

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a bea- ...

Okay, I'll stop singing Mr. Rogers tunes. But, hey, check out some pictures from a recent ski we took up VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers; read: snowmobile trail) in our neighborhood! It feels a little like trespassing or sneaking around forbidden land, but I am assured by Tristan, the authority on VAST, that we are in fact allowed to be there. Muscles not motors, right?! Er, motors not muscles? Anyways, it turns out there is an expansive view from the hill we found, almost 360 degrees. We fall a little more in love with our home every day. And our skis. Hope you're finding a scrap of snow somewhere to ski on, too!
















And a video!

A Mad day

You couldn't have asked for better weather, great single track and a swim in the Mad river with a better group of close friends. We can often forget how good our lives are and the good people around us that make that life all the fuller. I am lucky and will say it again: I could not live in a better place with even better people! I live in the mountains with an extraordinary woman and trusty dog Odin. I work with a bunch of great people as well who share the same thoughts and ideals in life that I do. I have friends who ski, ride and make wonderful company! This is what makes Vermont great! So here's to the people around us that make our lives interesting and with out them; dare I say would have life be pretty boring! Life isn't just about ourselves but about surrounding ourselves with the people we love and care about and hey, it doesn't hurt to have then rip on skis or bikes as well!
Till next time!
Tristan

Skijouring? Wicked..

Out for a usual after work ski when I noticed walking Odin on leash he can really pull me! This idea or concept known affectionaltly as skijouring sounded fun and led to this short but punctuated video, just watch the light; enough said.

Shot Ski!

So a couple of old tele skis, four shot glasses and three good friends: Shot ski!

Odin on the Pinnacle

Fun With Bikes

We spent Friday morning riding at Kingdom Trails in East Burke. It was great riding overall and we went back and did Kitchel a second time, with the camera, to capture the fun. Unfortunately, Noah broke his bike, but he still finished the trail. Check out the video!

Early spring ride VT Rt 12