Cigars, Alpine Huts and Snow?

A late spring trip to Colorado's epic 10th Mountain Division hut system drew 13 Salt Lakers and 2 from Denver.  The Jackal hut was our destination.  A hut that sits above 11,000 feet with a view that is unreal.  The group of 15 saddled up together at the end of a dusty April road.  A beautiful valley, although a super low snow year meant that we would start the trek in the dirt rather than the snow.  After a little extra effort due to the low snowpack, we all arrived and settled in for two nights.  What an incredible place, fully stocked with a guitar, bonfire pit and history steeped in North American skiing.

Generations of Beards

I grew out the beard in an attempt to recreate this photo. Me and my Dad - circa 1979. Grace and me - present day.

Wasatch Powderkeg Race III

So this was the 10th anniversary of the Wasatch Powderkeg, and my third consecutive year racing. The race has two division, the Race and Rec divisions which climb 6.9k vertical and 3.8k vertical respectively. I raced the rec division again in my downhill boots and snuck back onto the podium with a 3rd place finish. I was 60 seconds off the winner's pace, but more importantly I was proud to get back on the podium after finishing third my first year and 7th last year. The Powderkeg does it right and awards artisan clay medals to podium finishers. Also, I love that this race sits in my city's backyard, which always draws a talented group of mountaineer/climbers. In fact, in the race division this year the national champ raced, and he got second! The race always draws my good friend AS from Colorado who is hungry for a win next year. I'm sure he'll get there. 

2012 - 3rd Place 1:55:49 3.8k 6miles

2012 - 2nd Place 1:45 3.5k 6.5miles

Groomer Faceshot

Today I got a little carried away skiing the groomer corduroy magic at Solitude.  Sorry Tim, I owe you a beer. 

Groomer Faceshot from Tim Roberts on Vimeo.

The Other Half Marathon - Moab

 The Salt Lake crew kicked butt at Moab's The Other Half Marathon this past October.  Great time to be in the desert before winter hit.  Of course, Aaron, my mom and Grace were super fans.  Grace and Grannie Annie were always on the move, expected when you combine a one-year-old and an art teacher, ha. 

Ladies of the Wild West

Grace's 1st Birthday Bash

Grace turned one on September 15th, and a grand celebration was in order.  You know, a picnic style backyard pizza party can't be beat. 

Tiana shows up with a red nose.  Is she a clown, is she Rudolph, no it's Tiana.

Girls are ready to open some presents, Captain Delirious catches all the action on video.

Proud grandpa and a kiss for the birthday girl.

Say Cheese!

Where's the smile.

Grace isn't sure what is more exciting, the presents, the party dresses or playing with the big girls.

Always time to throw in a wave.

Max and Maggie helping out. 

This party's a wrap, thanks so much for coming.  Whewww, I'm no longer zero.

Fall's in the air

 Hikes these days are less frequent than ever before and on this particular day, our hike lasted 1 hour.  With that said, the short hike was refreshing and very rewarding to get outside with the ladies.  Apologies in advance for so many photos with of the plaid.   

One last laugh with little Grace on the Great Western Trail.