almost august

anyone still skiing? there is tons of snow to be had at logan pass, and word is it is suncupped but good. probably got some snow yesterday as well. floral park is still in, but is soon to be spotty. but you can ski to the first waterfall, and there is snow at the chalet.

i know there is plenty of snow at the chalet, as i have been helping porter weighty provisions to the granite park chalet, which has less snow than sperry. i may get to help carry a few last things to the latter chalet one more time as well, before horses can finally get all the way. there. not an exciting job, but getting some money to go power hiking is all right.

the rivers are coming down, so they are filling up with boaters floaters and fishers. RIGHT! it is time to swell, crash and fish. but don't kill the local fish, they need to live.

almost time to get out on some bigger rides, but the high country is still dubious. but there are several lower elevation rides calling out our names.

thursday night race league is up and running and offering some good competetion. i keep getting crushed, but at least i stayed ahead of my wife, who came in ripped up and bloody from a nasty fall. but she finished and actually did better than she had the week before. soon, i will be chasing her as well.

this sunday, the foys lake triathon returns. should be interesting for us, as we have not done much flat water boating. fulling expecting to come out of the water near the back. can i make up ground on tires or sneakers? but unless i drown or my bike breaks, i will finish and there will be cold beer.

and then it will be august!

summertime!

yep, it is summertime and the living, though not necessarily easy, what with work and all, but certainly, the living is good.

trails all over the valley are in great shape. riding, running or just walking the dog. dry, smooth and fun.

thursday night race league started last night, with over 70 riders, of all ages, from single digits to me. at least i felt like the oldest out there at times. but it was fun and i am still alive. my wife did great as well, even if she added a few minutes going off course accidentally.

riding throughout the valley is fantastic, but we are likely waiting for another month before getting into the big mountain epics. but at least the weather is often cooler by late august and september.

skiing is still going on in many respects. the going to the sun road is finally open, so we all know what that means. and the big mountains have tons to ski, just be mentally prepared for the bushwacking that it takes to get into the places that have a lot of snow. i went up into preston park this past sunday, and there is plenty of snow. an easy way is to go up the gunsight trail, as the snow no longer comes down to siyeh bend. also went to granite chalet. up the trail about 3 miles (less every day) and onto skis for the rest of your visit. so much snow. a few guys are hauling supplies up there, as they cannot take mules or horses for some time yet.

i have heard the fishing is starting to come around. slowly, ever so slowly, the rivers are coming down and clearing up. and the fish are sure to be HUNGRY!.

which also means it is time to get the boats out. sure, the real boaters have been out for months, but for those of us that are recreational, fair weather boaters, now is the time. fast, fun big rapids, sunshine and warm temps.

anyone else love summer?

riding

man, sorry nothing has happened, but life has been full.

for those who like to mtn. bike, it has been a great past few weeks. all the valley trails are in great shape, the weather has been outstanding.

the new WF trail is in fantastic shape, and some of the new trail is up and running, though not officially open. but it is going to be great. after next summer the single track will go all the way around the lake and to the road, or close by. then we will see. but this year there is another 5+ miles coming on.

still lots of snow up high, so many epics are going to be more in september than august. but a great time to ride, so get in shape and get ready.

thursday night race league starts next week, july 14, up on the hill. should be fun.

went up to fernie for a long weekend of riding. totally different than here. very technical. rooty! GREAT downhills! every bit as confusing as here.

for those who are into boating and fishing, well,you are probably troubled with patience. it will come, than go thru the hot months, so there is that advantage. i prefer august anyway.

hiking is coming around. the east side and the outer edges of the mountain ranges offer the best non snow opportunities. but if you like snow, well, go skiing! i have not, but am sure there are still many great days to be had and some epics to be found. and if the park road crew ever gets out of bed, we will be skiing all summer

i will try to write a bit more. need life to settle down. but summer is here, days are long. life is too fun to not get out and enjoy what montana has to offer.

later!