Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Six things to take from a 7.5 mile hike

This morning I hiked from the Summit Trail to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. This trail head starts at the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. The 7.5 hike is a consistent uphill grade, covering 4,139 feet to the top of the mountain. It was certainly not an easy hike by any means, and was something that I had been looking forward to accomplishing. There are six things that I took from my day on the mountain.

1.) Always Be Aware:
With recent bear activity in the area the smart thing would be to hike with a friend. I did not have anyone to hike with on this Tuesday, but I had bear spray on me and was sure to make plenty of noise on the trail. It can be nerve racking knowing there is bear activity in the area where you are hiking, but that comes with the inherited risk of what you are doing in the first place. Coming across a bear is a rare occurrence but as a hiker you need to be ready and know how to react if the situation arises.

2.) Take in what you’re doing:
This was a very strenuous hike. In order to get the most of it, I found it helpful to stop on occasion for a break and take in what I was doing; hiking to the Summit of one of the most amazing ski mountains in the world.


3.) Compare the summer mountain to the winter mountain:
It was a unique experience to take in the mountain and all of its glory during the summer. It has a totally different feel and look than it does in winter but it is an awesome experience to see the runs that I am used to skiing up close and without snow on them. Just a few short months and I will be skiing this mountain day in and day out.

4.) The last Mile; Push hard don’t look back:
The last two miles of the hike was a steeper vertical incline. The sun was becoming warmer, the a and the thought of reaching the summit began to linger in my head. I had to concentrate on each step to stay focused. I couldn’t come all this way and not reach my goal of summiting the mountain. I focused on finishing what I had started and before I knew it I had summited the mountain.



5.) Take in your accomplishment:



6.) Count the days until ski season begins:

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Rivers, Mountains, and Streams: All of the above.

There is something special about living 6,237 feet above sea level. While I have not yet started working in Jackson, there is plenty to keep me busy in the meantime. Every time I get in the car I cross over a river. Every time I blink I see a mountain. Outside my apartment is a window of opportunity so large it is hard to grasp. Going to sleep every night is exciting; getting up in the morning is a thrill.

Most residences in Jackson do not have air conditioning. During the summer and into the early fall there is simply no need as mornings and evening are pleasant as the temperature rises and becomes warm during the day. Come winter the heater will become necessary as heavy snow storms constantly come through with below freezing temperatures.

Whether visiting Jackson or living here no one should be spending time in his or her place of residence during the day. Beyond the city of Jackson you can fly fish, road bike, run, or hike; and that is just during the summer. Sure you might be able to do those things in another city, but in Jackson you can drive twenty-five minutes to Grand Teton National Park and explore one of the most beautiful National Parks in America. Drive beyond Grand Teton and you will find yourself in renown Yellowstone National Park.

Spending time outdoors is something every individual should strive to do. Turn off your television, your computer your phone take in the fresh air and go explore.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Think it’s to hot in August to Ski? I beg to differ; so did they.

On August 22, 2011 I took the tram 4,139 to the top of Rendezvous Mountain at Jackson Hole. I descended 800 feet into Cody Bowl. As I made the trek in the snow packed surface caught my eye; two sets of ski tracks. Two dedicated skiers had hiked a long ways to make just a few turns.


What a great example of the dedication of the sport I love.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Chasing the Storm

I recently moved to Jackson, Wyoming. The drive started in Birmingham, Alabama and spanned 1,900 miles until my arrival in the town of Jackson. I drove though Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska and finally into the great state of Wyoming.



After a long day on the road, the Wyoming border was just a few miles away. As I drove west across the state of Nebraska I was inching ever so close to the could mountain air, when the skies began to darken.



I quickly checked the radar and saw nothing appear at first. The clouds continued to darken and the wind began to howl. Lightning became more and more frequent to my east. Just as the rain began to fall weather advisory appeared on my cell phone; 50 mile per hour winds plus penny sized hail coming directly in my path.

As I drove into the heart of the storm most trucks and cars had pulled over my Tahoe was shifting with the severity of the wind; but at this point in my journey west there was no stopping.

After a 15 hour day driving, nothing could stop me from getting across the border into Wyoming. In a few months that same storm will be covering the mountain of Jackson and bring fresh powder for me to ski the mountain of Jackson Hole and explore the wild west all winter.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

PGA Championship Tuesday August 9, 2011: Beat the Heat

Tuesday proved to be another great day at the Atlanta Athletic Club. A lot more players decided to play 9 or 18 holes today than Monday, with the start of the tournament drawing near. It was another warm day and many players to start their practice round early in order to avoid the Atlanta heat. Check out some of the pictures from Tuesday at the 93rd PGA Championship.


Graeme McDowell takes his second shot on the par 4 18th, one of the most difficult finishing holes in golf.

Phil Mickelson, his caddy Jim "Bones" Mackay, and Jeff Overton take a break from the Atlanta heat on number 15.

Rory took time to sign autographs after every hole today.

2011 British Open Champion Darren Clarke and 2011 U.S. Open Champion Rory Mcllroy played the Front 9 of The Highlands Course together this morning.


Rory Mcllroy practicing a sand shot on number 5.

Paul Casey on Number 6.

Phil Mickelson was on the putting green around 7:45 AM this morning.




Monday, August 8, 2011