Spring Ritual

S-Couloir, North Face Ptarmigan PeakLast night I participated in fun Anchorage spring time ritual for a small group of local die hard skiers. After a partner texted me the other day that late evening conditions were prime on the S-Couloir on Ptarmigan Peak, I waited for a weather window to have a go. In spite of the weather gurus predicting nothing but rain for the next 10 days, yesterday cleared perfectly in the afternoon and at 7pm, I made a call and secured a mountain bike for the approach.

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North to Alaska

After 7 years, my favorite Teton photo.It's hard to believe I left the ski mountains of my dreams. But on March 21st, with a painfully heavy heart and tear-filled eyes, I drove out of Jackson headed for Alaska. Ahead were new adventures, for sure, but leaving my home and friends was the hardest move I've ever made. It really wasn't the mountains, although they're the best anywhere, I would argue. It was more the community that they inspire. After many years, I finally achieved the sense of belonging I'd always wanted but never attained. And now I was leaving. What was I thinking? And as I passed the top of Teton Pass and glanced back one last time in my rearview mirror, I cried again. 

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