Fresh Tracks in Caribou

There is truly nothing as beautiful as the sound of fresh snow crunching under your feet as you move along the untracked road. This photo was taken a few weeks ago while I was cross country skiing through Caribou with family. I came upon it again this weekend, I couldn't help but close my eyes and remember exactly when and where I took this photo. The wind was something fierce, (looks like fog in the photo) and if you made the mistake of stopping in an open area it would nearly blow you over if not form a snow drift around you. The snow was so light that had you picked up a handful and threw it in the air, you would see a thousand rainbows explode into a drifting cloud. In between the snow-laden gusts large swatches of a cloudless azure sky blazed against the crisp white of the powder landscape. I could almost taste warm hot cocoa and a chili bread bowl waiting for me at the end of trail, a blazing fireplace and a couch that envelops you as you sit.

Ok, I am going to go back to my memory and plan my next cross country ski trip.

Skiing in Vail/Beaver Creek

What a great weekend, Marc rented a condo at Arrowhead and we were a 2 minute walk from the slopes. The room was great and we were able to chill with family and eat veggie lasagna while watching the world poker tour after the end of a very long skiing day. We left around 7 am from boulder on Saturday morning to drive up here. The drive wasn't too bad till we hit Idaho Springs, from then on there was snow falling everywhere and there was 2 or 3 roll over accidents by idiots driving too fast for the conditions. Other then that the drive was fairly uneventful as we pulled into Arrowhead. Amazingly, there was barely any one on the mountain on a SATURDAY!!! and it was snowing big flakes of powder. By the end of the day I was still finding fresh tracks on the edges of most runs and through the trees. And oh my the trees. Big open glades of Aspens spaced evenly apart making for a tremendous run. I spent most of the day skiing with Jacki, and helping her down the hill, since her cataracts were acting up and I hated to see her struggle with blindness and bumps. A tragically sad situation that rarely turns out for the better. That night we ended up closing out at the hot tub, sipping on beers and faceplants. Only to wake up to a sunny sunday full of fresh powder that fell over night. Now, for the drive home, :(


Hope all is well with everyone that keeps up to date on my goings and comings.

Nic

Skiing at Arapahoe Basin

First off, this ski resort is my kind of resort.. my speed... my type of runs etc... I had to love spending the day up here. The drive up the mountain side made the whole trip worth it, let alone the incredibly runs and the beautiful scenery from the top of the mountain. Of course, finished off the runs with the classic FacePlants at the bar at the end of the day. I am geared up and ready to go for the next time! Can't wait to come back.

Nic

Cross Country Skiing in Nederland

Went cross country skiing with Paul and Lisa up at Caribou in Nederland. One of the many towns that we are looking to buy a house. It was absolutely fantastic, aside from the hard blowing wind and the constant stop and go advancement of our party.

We had first tracks through almost 2 feet of fresh powder, which of course made my one massive forward face plant on a downhill stint quiet enjoyable. After only a few days out on the slopes and on the trails, I have come to realize that the only time I truly enjoy Colorado powder... is when I am cross country skiing. When I am up on my Sticks on the mountain, it's no where near as fun as hitting the little patches of powder found amongst the Cascade Concrete. It's funny, after the last trip up to Breckenridge, I was talking to one of Marc's friends and he said the hardest days of skiing he has ever experienced was up in the formidable Cascade Crud.

Skiing in Breckenridge

Okay it took me a little bit to post this because sadly it took me a bit to load up the photos.

Went skiing at Breckenridge (first time back on some sticks on real snow) with Marc, Julie and Tom. The town is absolutely beautiful, still decorated in christmas lights and fresh powder.

Starting College

Well ladies and gentlemen, I am now officially an International Affairs student at the University of Colorado at Boulder... WOOO HOOO... For all of those that know me well, although I am now a 'Buff' on the surface, I will always be a Huskie/Coug at heart.

Caribbean Cruise

My family and I went on a cruise out of Galveston for the Christmas holiday.
What follows are some excerpts from my journal entries.

Dec 23rd: (on the road from Houston to Galveston)
One thing I notice right away as we drive along the miles and miles of cracked highway corridor; the advertisers must have it easy. Their flashy billboards and bright colors provide a welcome relief to the travelers eyes, bombarded by the utter drabness of dilapidated buildings, dusty laundry, and industrial parks. even the small vestiges of humanity that are tucked in between the tons of concrete are quickly forgotten. Their rusty memories congealing together in my brain leaving me with a feeling of despair

(on the boat)
We are finally onboard. Our room is great, with a beautiful balcony that looks out across the aft of the ship. Directly to the right of us is my mother and Jeff, then Irene and Wally.






Dec 24th : Christmas eve at sea










Dec 25th: Christmas with the family on board.
I am watching MASH.... and I can't help but say that I miss being in the military with my 'friends and family'.

Dec 26th : Jamaica - Snorkeling
Dec 27th: Grand Cayman - beaching....











Dec 28th: Cozumel Mexico, ATV TREK
(Tom split his lip on this trip)

Ice Climbing

WOOHOO!!! I went Ice climbing on the 9th of this month up at Estes Park through the Colorado Mountain School. Holy Cow, it was one of the best things that I have ever done. It was definitely hard to nail down the whole front points of my crampons slamming into the ice instead of bouncing off the toe of my boot.

The whole expierence was great, from the elk herds and the 3 coyotes on your path, to the amazingly talented and knowledgeable guide Eli Helmuth, to the hike in to the snow and the biting icey chill of the ice. I definitely have to give a big shout out to Eli and say that anyone that is looking into ice climbing, hiking, mountaineering, climbing in general or anything of that sort in the rocky mountains. His website is Climbing Life. Check it out, or sign up for a trip with the man yourself and fall in love with a new sport or an old one :)

Pictures from the trip version 3

The Garmin GPS took us down a dirt road that had signs that stated "entering flood area". WEEE have to love Topeka.

This is a photo of the GPS road map.







Percy and Rose as my copilots. (awaiting mom in the store)










Finally in Boulder !!!

Pictures from the trip version 2

Percy and Rose traveling in the car.
What wonderful traveling dogs. Nearly the whole time they slept on top of each other and behaved like two small drugged up doggies. Both of which, they are not (or were)









Camped on the Illinois side of the Ohio river. Able to actually light up a campfire.





St Louis Missiouri. If you don't recognize it, well, sucks to be you.

Pictures from the trip version 1

Good morning Rose, are you ready to move?







November 10th - bye bye Augusta..... breakfast brunch at New Moon Cafe at 0800.










The van is all packed and ready to go. at 1230.




Mom and I at Woody Gap nearly to
Deep Hole Campground in Suches Georgia.

Belated trip end.

Ok, so I feel really bad, I actually got into Boulder a few days ago. I have just been so drained that I couldn't bring myself to write anything. For once, I did not even write in my journal the whole trip. After the last stop in Nashville we drove across Kentucky and camped just over the Ohio river in Illinois. It was a little odd since the state park was located so close to a 'downtown region' that we listened to the deep rumble of trains passing by all night. It was nice to have the smoke curling off the fire as we played Scrabble (which I came to find out that my mom absolutely hates that game) and listened to the wind blowing through the trees and rustling the falling leaves. Thank goodness we had listened to the weather forecast driving across Kentucky, for it started to rain that night, and although it petered off several times, it rained consistently nearly the whole night. The drive through Illinois was droll and filled with miles and miles and miles upon miles of nothing but foggy flat country, dead deer and highway. That day we made all the way through Illinois and Missouri and to somewhere west of Topeka. A state Park out in the middle of BFE Kansas. It was beautiful driving in and seeing a flock of about 10 plump female turkeys, white tailed deer bounding across the road and the signs of many other wild animals (possible bobcat, wolves, raccoons etc..)

The next morning we took off about 6 am, drove and drove and drove across the windswept tundra that is Kansas. There is not much to speak of in Kansas aside from something like 80+ road 'waffles', 50+ mile per hour winds, and dust, lots of dust. It was nice as soon as we crossed the Colorado border and in short order started to see the rockies as floating large thunder clouds in the distance.

I really want to write more about my whole trip, but right now I am so blasted in my mind with all of the change and all of the things that I feel that I have left unfinished and all of the things that are yet to come. I will post the pictures and greater descriptions of the tour within the next day or so in between family visits and the holidays.

Everyone have a great Thanksgiving.

Nic

Left home

Alright, will fill in more later, but left home at 1230 on Sunday and camped overnight at Deep Hole Campground. By far and large one of the best campgrounds in all of northern Georgia. Partly because it is cut off from all other major camping areas and also because it restricted to the 8 campsites there right on the bend in the river. It was quite notable how low the river was running, so much so that the usual canoe and kayak launch platform was about 2 feet above river level.



Overnight the temperatures dropped down to about 25 degrees as we watched Hoodwinked while we were all snuggled down inside the tent.

Early morning tried to make coffee in the camp percolator... what a well timed disappointment to have piss colored coffee to try and warm your fingers and your insides.

Left about 830 am from Deep Hole and headed up towards Chattanooga TN, which if we were to stick to the GPS road map that mom brought we might have found ourselves off-roading across the national forests of northern GA.

Now I am sitting at Panera Bread Company, thankful that I finally changed my underwear.


One thing is for sure, the changing color of the leaves on the trees in the Piedmont area were so amazingly beautiful that quiet a few times I wanted to stop and snap a picture.

Kinda on the road

Ok, so technically I am not on the road to Boulder at this precise moment. However I am in the process of cleaning out the van and making sure everything that is going in the van is perfectly packed and what have you to fit the dogs, myself, and my mom. I have tried to keep down to 3 large Tupperware containers (all of which can be removed at night to accommodate my mom's air mattress) I am perfectly content to sleep in the Mountain Hardware Skyview 2 tent (with Rose and Percy) on our prefectly comfortable Thermarests. It's silly that I have actually planned out the whole layout of the interior of the van when it's packed. I am just hoping that all of the incidentals will fit in to the nooks and crannys that might fit here and there. Add on top of that my momma would rather stay in a hotel at least one night of our trip (23 road hours but I want it to last at least 4 days). I am a little perturbed that my mother wass trying to dictate exactly how my road trip was supposed to go. I hate to say it like that and mean that this is solely about myself, but I had already started planning this trip ahead of time with stops in certain areas and my van situated a certain way. Eh... OH well.. guess what I get to do in the am... (after taking a van full of recyclables to North Augusta) clean, clean, clean the van and then go to Tuscany Spa for my pre trip massage...mmmm... massage.

Packing out and moving on up

Just had to note for those of you watching... I am watching the movers pack memories and mementos into boxes...... oops.. that cup just took a bit of damage. Sigh.. the joys of military movers, thank goodness I will never have to deal with the bottom end of the spectrum and the cheapest deal again. Unless I am desperate of course.

Alright everyone have a good one, the next posts will be from the road!!!

~ Nic

fire at the lake

Recently was down playing with poi and doing some yoga lakeside with a few friends. Here are some 'snaps'.

My journal writing has somewhat tapered off recently. Especially with the fact that I am a little stressed out by this move. While the majority of people use their journals and diaries as an escape, or another 'ear' to listen to their grievances.... I can not. My journal is usually filled with page upon page of lists, random events, simple mutterings, and general fluff. It's as if by filling my journals with the mundane, I am able to express through my letters to friends and family the greatness of each day.

That has always been the one thing that has greatly saddened me with the 'golden age' of technology. Although I did not grow up in an era that predates computers, I can't help but love the feeling of a handwritten letter from a long lost friend. When was the last time you walked to your mail box, pulled out a letter addressed to you, and stopped on your lawn or your driveway and just sat down to read it. Relishing in the moments of remembrance and happiness. Even the saddest of letters is most treasured in my home.

Last friday I went to a friends football game. The second time in my life I have ever gone to a high school football game to watch the coach and not the team. It's funny how different the whole high school football scene is down here compared to back home. I always thought of the 'Dirty South' as being pro-football everything. Back home the high school football stands are always packed. Even the small schools will always have full stands, and it's usually LOUD!!!. Oh yeah... and we usually try and make lots of noise when the opposing team is kicking off... not our own. I thought I was sitting in the wrong section when I heard all of the parents going nuts as their team tried to kick a field goal. Weird. :)

Alright.. this was random and I know it, so... I am going to go meet my realtor in half an hour and hope that this house sells as soon as possible... and at a good price of course!

End of the Road, start of a new road trip.

I just recently separated from the Navy (oct 23rd) and I am finalizing all of the little nitty gritty stuff around here before I move up to Boulder Colorado. My mom said she would be willing to come down and join me for the drive, I am looking forward to this road trip across the southeast.... Might be kinda like the trip across the northern states that we did.... twice.

If you are in the Augusta area and want to get any last minute plans together please call me or email me. I expect to be leaving the area around nov 11th.


As all things must come to an end, so must things have a new beginning. I am sitting here in front of my computer contemplating all of the changes that are set to take place in the future, and I can't help but cling to memories of the past. A part of me feels as if I am just on extended leave, and tomorrow or the next day I will polish my boots, throw on my uniform and drive in to work. It's almost lonely without that part of me anymore. I know that there will always be that unspoken fraternity between myself and everyone who has ever served, however, I am no longer a 'living' part of it. There is something to be said for the grand celebrations of graduations, marriages, significant birthdays, and other life changing events. At least with that grand hooplah one gets the sense of closure and enlightment all wrapped up in one extravagant night. I am not sure whether or not a large celebration for my seperation from the Navy would be most suitable for the occasion, however there is something to be said for the general acceptance of it being the end. It's still really hard for me to accept that that was that.... there is no more. I am not so much tearful over my 'release' nor fearful of the future, as much as melancholy over memories. Although my overall experience was fun, the last 2 years have been wonderful. I have been so many places, met so many incredible people, and ended up in a job that was perfectly tailored for me. Now I am left to sitting in front of my computer beyond my usual bedtime (no stress about enough sleep for tomorrow) thinking about such mundane things as "where can i find the cheapest gas now, how am I going to put my hair up, can i just wear the same clothes for the next week and will anyone notice?". It is a truly humbling experience, and it might be some time before I realize whether or not I have come to any self affirmations or grand conclusions about life.

I hope this road trip can at least usher in the new chapter....

As it is in all of my journals, the last pages of this 'chapter' will be left blank, a deep seated desire to truly never finish something, as if the thought of remaining something incomplete means that all of those involved will keep me in their minds. As if that thought of 'finishing' also symbolizes a finalizing of our friendship.

Anthony Shoals

Went climbing recently back up at Anthony Shoals along the Broad River. Here are some of the pics I took on that trip. Featured Climbers are Ant and Tony.







This final picture is following the one top out I had all day, and it was an easy problem. I had just spent the previous day up in Columbia at the climbing gym for 4 hours.

'Swamp Rocks'

On a tip from Ant, Tony took us out to this new project area, for now termed 'Swamp Rocks'.

Running the Augusta Canal Overflow

It's been hard to do any sort of whitewater kayaking down here with this region in a supposed 'drought'. Although recently thanks to a tip off from my 'bro' we were able to run down and catch the last remnants of the overflow from the Canal. Supposedly the day before it was running about a foot and a half high ( near edges ) , the next day when we go there it was running a scrape-able sliding 9 inches in the center, by the time we left 2 hours later it was down to a small trickle.

Stevens Creek and Turkey Creek

I was down hiking thr0ugh the junction with Stevens Creek and Turkey creek in South Carolina looking for some river info. Like where the gauge for flow level is etc.. and I snapped the following pictures. They were so beautiful I thought I should share them. The following, all though a somewhat boring movie by 'action' standards.... is what it was like during the whole hike, birds singing, the soft trickle of the creek below, a gentle mist following the rain storm... Film just does not capture it well.

Poi with Smudge

Recently went down to the lake to practice fire poi with a new friend "Smudge". Here are some pics from our escapade.

about 2 months

I have about 2 months left in Georgia. Time to cram in all of those trips and things that I haven't done up to this point!! Want to join me??? I am gladly taking anyone and everyone.

Cya out there!

Nic

upcoming BURN

I have been contacted to perform at an upcoming event. I would like to have a small fire conclave there to help with everything, sooooo here it goes.. if you know how to or are interested in learning any of the following, please contact me so we can get this set up.

*Fire eater
*fire fans/fingers
*Fire whips/snakes/swords

I have one person who might be able to perform with nunchuckas, but if there is someone else who is willing to have a 'mock combat' performance with them... He would be more then happy.

Anyways.. Get ahold of me ASAP, the first small performance is the end of August at Clarks Hill Lake on the SC Beach next to the Strom Thurmond Dam.... Everyone is welcome to come!!!

Cascade creek, Tye RIver, Baker Creek

Decisions, decisions, decisions, I wish it didn't have to be so hard. Right now I am trying to plan out the next year. Not an easy feat considering the upcoming move to Boulder. I have a tenative polar job lined up, 6 months away locked in a steel box in harsh weather conditions.. psssshh.... been there!! I think the food would actually be better this time around.

Anyways there is a 'job' offer for me next summer to go work as a camp host at the Turn Point Light Station, which if I am going to be driving from Boulder through the Rockies.. stopping over in Omak and heading up to the island... I might just pack up the whitewater kayaks, grab mom and Jeff to act as my support crew, rustle up a handful of boaters and tackle one of the above creeks/rivers.

I first spotted Cascade Creek when driving over HWY 20. It kept peeking at me through the trees, little snippets of tempting glacier fed whitewater splashing it's way through boulder gardens and dense tundra. What frightened me... is what i couldn't see from the road or through the trees. Of course I searched and searched for what creek this was and finally found the relevant beta on www.americanwhitewater.org. Where of course, I was slightly turned off by the following comment which was posted last year.

"Do not run this stretch of water!!!! Full of log jams and debris. A friend and I attempted this area on August 10, 2006. We ended up losing our boat and all of our gear. I was pulled under a log jam for about 30 seconds and managed to climb out. We had to hike 2 miles through thick wilderness to the bridge on road 1550. This stretch of water is UNPASSABLE. Do not attempt!!!!"

Maybe I will have to be Cascade Creek on the back burner for now, or at least until I get a little bit more beta on it.

Moving on to the TYE, a pulse pounding creek that 'D' from River Recreation tipped me to when rafting down the Wenatchee with them. Although the rapids and large drops look significantly bigger then what I could see of Cascade Creek, I am at least a little more at peace of mind due to the nearby roads that parallel the creek. My biggest worry, only from looking at the beta, is a 'rapid' called CRACK IN THE EARTH, http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Photo_detail_photoid_4755_
I might be making up demons in my head... or maybe not facing the right ones... still... There is something exciting about planning all of this.

River Rafting on the Wenatchee

**All names associated with RIVER RECREATION are omitted or changed for privacy**
Recently took my mom and Jeff on a little whitewater rafting adventure down the Wenatchee. I chose River Recreation because of the reviews I read about their services on line.

They did a fantastic job!!!

All of the guides we had did a wonderful job at navigating us through the river and making sure we saw a fair share of the water find it's way into the boat. At one point our guide D had me get on the front of the raft and do a little bit of rodeo amongst this beautiful 7ft wave train. A gorgeous series of roughly 3 waves stacked one after the other, and there I am with only a little bit of rope and my 'balls' holding me in the boat.

All in all it was definitely worth it, and if anyone is planning on rafting any of the North Cascades rivers, I would highly recommend contacting these guys, everything about them is what one would expect of a high quality business. Maybe next season I will see them on the Skagit, or I might have to hit them up for the newest beta on Cascade Creek. My next BIG QUEST!!!.

Here is a few more pics from the trip.

Nic trying to eat B's hair. A game of 'trust'. I won.


Some of the rapids under the bridge.... like to slam you into a pole... not so good... D kept us out of trouble though :)
and finally... a pic of me and mom on the river.




For reservations or further information, please contact RIVER RECREATION at
http://www.riverrecreation.com/
or call 1-800-464-5899

here i gone again

It's been a while since i have done a burn... here I am spinning the rust off the chains.


Self Portrait - 26 June 2007