My Backcountry Vermont

Get Out and Backcountry Ski! (Festival) at Bolton Valley Nordic Center

2012-01-24T18:05:00.007-05:00

Sunday afforded us blue skies, sunshine, and beautiful snow, a welcome change from what has become the norm. It was the perfect day for the Catamount Trail Association's 4th Annual Get Out and Backcountry Ski Festival, a day of backcountry skis, gear, and folks sharing their enthusiasm for the sport they love: skiing, in the backcountry, by their own muscle power.That's something we can certainly

Back at it again.

2012-01-24T10:21:00.016-05:00

I'm very excited to be guest blogging again for S and T and getting the chance to share my outdoor experiences with you guys. I recently started a new career that has me working strange hours with days off at random intervals. There was a wonderful period when I would get the opportunity to join these guys on the majority of their outdoor adventures. Unfortunately, it’s been a while since I’

Through Snow, Sleet or Rain?....Sure!

2012-01-18T22:39:00.004-05:00

When we set out Tuesday morning, the new fallen snow to say the least was: amazing. However half way into our ski tour out our backyard, which was an indeterminable distance, it was well: a bit soggy. If there's on thing I've learned and profited from a little, it's this: It pays to carry F4 in your XC or BC pack when on any ski-tour-slash-BC-ski-adventure. F4 comes in many different

Backyard Powder Day

2012-01-14T17:39:00.000-05:00

What a great day to get out on skis. There still is not really enough for touring around in the woods, but the open fields around my house are great - especially the ones that got mowed late in the season. I had a great time with Odin checking out the local VAST trails and we found some great spots of fresh powder. I love that whoosh whoosh shoosh feeling - gliding through fresh powder. I

Sharing tea and time in the mountains

2012-01-09T23:20:00.002-05:00

As the Camel's Hump Challenge approaches, Sarah, Odin and I took the opportunity to climb the Hump and check in on winter as it seems this year it won't show its true face in the valleys below. We decided in the parking lot to hike for the summit and leave the skis behind. Winter hiking was our first passion before we discovered skis and we are always up for a winter hike to a winter summit.

23 and 1/2 hours: What is the single best thing we can do for our health?

2012-01-04T10:35:00.002-05:00

I was really moved by this video - it's just great! Enjoy, and here's to your health! Now get outside. And happy trails!

A new year with old friends.

2012-01-01T20:18:00.000-05:00

With a new year here and our unusually warm temps in Vermont it couldn't keep us and our dear friends from being outside. We found ourselves out the back yard skiing your typical VT field. With good friends always comes even better turns no matter what the conditions. So here's to 2012 may it be everything you hope for or even maybe a little bit more. Life here in Vermont is a lot like the

Notching It Up

2011-12-27T10:16:00.002-05:00

It seems the classic winter-in-Vermont outing for us is the trip to Stowe to head up into the Notch for some touring and some turning. (For those not in-the-know, this is Vermont Route 108 which is closed between Stowe and Cambridge/Jeffersonville in the winter.) We made a wonderful afternoon out of a quick trip to the top of the Notch, and then we made our first turns of the season on the way

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-25T15:10:00.001-05:00

Tristan and I got out for the first time this season on skis today, keeping up a multi-year tradition of skiing on Christmas Day (thanks to our new snow today!). On this most wonderful day, I am so grateful for family, loved ones, our warm home, a table full of wholesome food, our health, open space to recreate in and enjoy, and the feeling of gliding through fresh snow. Merry Christmas! Now get

Feliz Navidad / Merry Chistmas / Happy Solstace / Happy ChristmaChanaKwanzukah!

2011-12-23T13:14:00.001-05:00

It's looking good out there! May have to ski over to the farm store for our Christmas dinner....

Night shadows in the Stranahan.

2011-12-19T13:31:00.002-05:00

As some of you know Sarah and I enjoy being outside, with good folks, dogs, and food and beer afterwards. So as the Solstice approaches and the temps cool and the night feels longer we surround ourselves with all of these good things. About a year ago we transplanted ourselves yet again , this time on the Marshfield/Plainfield town lines. Our new home outside the city of Montpelier has

Running to a Bonfire! Wait...What?

2011-12-15T20:27:00.001-05:00

That's right! We ran to a bonfire. Nothing too ground-breaking to report here, just that our wonderful neighbors called just as we walked through the door after work and invited us up. Since we had planned on doing an after-work run anyways (since we can't ski...ahem!), we thought, let's run to the bonfire! They were just a few miles away and they promised beers on our arrival. So we put on our

Camels Hump Challenge! February 5th, 2011

2011-12-15T19:58:00.007-05:00

Tristan and I are both skiing the Camel's Hump Challenge this February! It is a 13-mile ski tour around the summit of Camel's Hump and the day is filled with good people, camaraderie, hot chocolate, and warm food. This will be Tristan's second time skiing the Challenge (third if you count breaking trail the day before last year) and it will be my first time! Though I have volunteered there in the

December 11 = A Perfect Day for the Beach!

2011-12-12T18:47:00.001-05:00

Tristan and I have a knack for adventuring together. We are known among some circles as the ones who head out into a winter storm at night to frolic and see the sights. And we have a rhythm that we sink in to easily, or it seems to find us. But with schedules and jobs and demands and housework (this is new for us!), we have been finding little time to let go and truly have an adventure. Recently,

No Snow? No Problem. The Cross Vermont Trail is Awesome!

2011-12-06T09:29:00.002-05:00

It seems fairly often we get customers in Onion River Sports asking about this "Cross VT Trail" they've heard about. It sounds great and they want to know where it is, how to get to it. Is there a guidebook? Unfortunately it can be a little tricky for those not in the know to find it and follow it. There is a website, though, and excellent signage once you find the trail. And once you discover it

How to Select & Buy Telemark Skis & Backcountry Skis - by ORS CrossCoun...

2011-12-06T07:13:00.008-05:00

This is a wonderful run down of this year's backcountry skis, including those new fat skis everyone seems to be coming out with this year: - Alpina Light Terrain and Alpine Cross Terrain (best for doodling around in the woods); - Madshus (used to be Karhu) Eon (narrowist, best for light touring and zipping along a woods trail) and the Eon Waxable (a waxable backcountry ski); the Annum, a

Acouple things I am truly thankful for.

2011-11-27T20:47:00.000-05:00

As of late I have found myself way busier than I think I have ever found myself. It's in theses moments that we can often forget what really is important in our lives. Certain things come to mind; family, good friends, good health, enjoying ourselves in the moment, letting go, the outdoors. As I let go and returned home I was once again reminded that it is the people close to us and that

Thankful

2011-11-27T15:34:00.000-05:00

We had a really great time this past week catching up with family, good friends, and some of the beautiful places we grew up hiking and biking in northeastern Connecticut. We really are from a beautiful spot; we are so lucky to have had access to the outdoors like we did. Look where it has brought us! We're very thankful for that.

A Wodstove Turkey and Crayola Adventure

2011-11-27T15:32:00.000-05:00

We spent the Turkey holiday in Connecticut with family. While we didn't have snow, we still managed to get out to some favorite spots and T did a turkey-day ride with the guys he grew up riding with. On that particular day, I stayed home with the fam. My Mom and I cooked our family's supper on / in the wood stove (go us!) for a real wood-fired turkey. It went really well and came out so good. I

no-SNOW-vember

2011-11-15T15:28:00.000-05:00

Don't get us wrong - we hate that there's no snow yet as much as the rest of you skiers and snowshoers, but Wow! this weather could not be better for mountain biking. Last night's balmy temps, warm breeze, and clear skies made for perfect riding conditions. At least its not 30 degrees and raining! Oh...wait, that's the forecast for tomorrow, I think. Anyways, rock on no-SNOW-vember, the month

Winter Headlamp Run Series

2011-11-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday we got a group of eight together for a headlamp run and dinner. We're working on getting a crew together to head out weekly or bi-weekly into the late fall, winter, and early spring nights to recreate together: running, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, or skiing, followed by a group dinner and to be hosted at locations around the central VT area. This is a great way to stay active

When one bike fails; grab another.

2011-11-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

A recent mountain mis-adventure had me turning around five minutes into a ride, only to drive back home. But instead of sitting at home and feeling sorry for myself, I headed back out on the 'cross bike. I rode beautiful dirt roads at sunset - very cool! When one bike fails, don't give up: grab another! Don't be afraid to try something different.

Walking In

2011-11-04T12:50:00.002-04:00

This video is exactly what I needed right now. After working on a writing assignment last night, in which Tristan and I articulated what outdoor adventure means to us, I was left with the deep remembering of those times on mountain tops, or in deep wooded hollows, waking up to the sun filtering through trees onto the fabric of our tent, or crossing the most beautiful stream you had seen yet. I

Doing what we love.

2011-11-01T21:51:00.001-04:00

A group of women who hail from UVM that all hike together every Tuesday! Happy to hike down with their current issues of VT Sports Magazine! Sarah , Odin and I hiked to the top of the Stowe Pinnacle to hang out with folks and talk about Vermont Sports Magazine's new blog "Get Out". Who knew we would meet so many good people up there!?. Although if there's one thing I have learned in

An Early Taste of Winter

2011-10-30T21:00:00.003-04:00

We awoke Sunday to the quiet of snow and a bright white blanket covering the dimly lit morning landscape. Sarah rushed outside with Odin to take it all in. After some tea and a little work around the house, an afternoon hike up Spruce Mountain, with spectacular views from the fire tower, seemed like a perfect way to spend Sunday. It's a great hike and right in our backyard. It felt good to us to

Fall Back [Spring Forward]

2011-10-29T12:31:00.001-04:00

As the weather reports roll in warning of the inches of snow that could accumulate overnight (eeeee!!!), I am warming up by the fire after a brisk walk with the dog looking back through pictures from some of our Fall adventures. Fall is a great time to reflect, to look back; Spring energizes us into forward motion (towards the garden, out the door, go, go, go). This contemplative feel to the

Happy Halloween: It's time to ride your bike and your skis!

2011-10-28T21:52:00.002-04:00

Riding into the night.

2011-10-13T18:12:00.010-04:00

As the air outside cools and we feel time grow tighter and the leaves change their amber colors we can feel our daylight get shorter. This is some of the best time to ride here in our Green Mountain State. As green turns to beautiful shades of yellow, red and orange, our green tunnel takes on a new and fantastic feel. The trail even seems to change as the leaves fall; we feel them crackle

Powderwhore's "Breaking Trail" Trailer 2011

2011-10-13T09:41:00.003-04:00

Yeah yeah! Going to watch this lovely film tonight at the Savoy in Montpelier! It looks like these guys have put together another exceptional film, and it appears they are expanding from their telemark roots to include others: I see a snowboard or two, some AT-ers perhaps? It doesn't matter what you're on - just that you get out there!

Mountain Biking in National Forest - pretty cool!

2011-10-09T10:30:00.003-04:00

We recently got a tour of the new trails in the Moosalamoo/Silver Lake area in southern/central Vermont. What a treat! Patrick Kell himself (of Vermont Mountain Bike Association fame) led a group of 20 or so from Vermont, Pennsylvania, and New York. It was great to see the new trails and all the hard work that went into making them, and even better to make new friends while we were out there

Mt. Philo: Hurray for Vermont State Parks!

2011-10-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

Tristan and I recently spent a few days in Burlington with the Vermont Sports tent at the Nor'Easter Festival. We decided to make a trip of it and stay there, and we picked a campground that offered a walking distance commute to the festival each day. I'm not going to name names, but the campground rhymed with Morth Meach Mampground. So there's a hint for you. Anyways, this campground was not my

It's that time of year

2011-09-28T10:17:00.004-04:00

GMPG

VT Sports magazine at the Nor'easter

2011-09-27T22:01:00.000-04:00

Sarah, Odin and I spent the last four days in Burlington enjoying the sun, music, gear and good folks at the EMS Nor'easter festival. It was people like Sam Hayden a young climber pictured above that was featured in one of our latest issues and his family that truly made it a wonderful weekend. It was great to talk with Sam about getting outside and sharing climbing as a family. This is

Hiking to a Secret Orchard

2011-09-21T08:20:00.000-04:00

We've discovered a "secret" apple orchard that is within hiking distance from our front door. When we found it, we had nothing but sweatshirts to use as makeshift bags to carry out our loot. We made a wonderful sauce, apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, and these are some of the best eating apples we have tasted in a long time. Last night we headed out to our spot again, this time armed with

Does It Get Any Better Than This? Biking Through Fall in Vermont.

2011-09-17T13:25:00.001-04:00

Here are some pics from a recent dirt road ride. One of the best things to do is pick up the Vermont Gazeteer, maybe rip out the page(s) of interest, stick them in your jersey pocket, and head out on your bike onto the endless dirt roads. You're bound to find adventure in the way of beautiful scenery, farm stands, tucked away bakeries and general stores, or roads that appear on the map to go

A Perfect Fall Hike: Spruce Mountain

2011-09-17T12:24:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite things to do in the Fall is hike. It's a nice time to take in the scenery with the foliage, and the crisp air makes for more enjoyable hiking weather. In the end of September and early October, many of the days are clear and sunny, and the nights are crystal clear with bright stars and big moons - perfect for night hiking. Perhaps the most iconic hike in central Vermont is

Our Vermont

2011-08-16T13:37:00.001-04:00

Sarah's hard work in the garden Lots of apples from the yard. We lose power more then often. Showing Katie, Matt and Keelan the Hollister Hill farm stable.

Backyard Harvest

2011-08-03T10:42:00.004-04:00

Those who know us know that this has been a different kind of year for us, one in which we are getting accustomed to being homeowners. It feels like something we were meant to be, and we feel like we're in a place we were meant to be. As we drove home from work last night we stopped to look at one of our favorite views, just down the road from our home. From here, you can see the Worcester

How Singletrack is Born

2011-08-02T11:24:00.004-04:00

Joe's Yoke: A great way to get in crushed rock, old school. Kip trying out the bridges, even the unfinished ones. (photos courtesy of Kip Roberts and Kevin Jaques) The ORS crew met up at one of our favorite local places to ride, Millstone Hill, in the beautiful historic quarries of Websterville, Vermont to get our hands dirty and work with the likes of Kevin and Jason Jacques, Joe, and Ricky of

Life cycles; a ride in movie.

2011-07-25T09:34:00.001-04:00

With all our great outdoorsy folks we know, we knew this would be an easy one! Sarah, Odin and I planned to have an outdoor showing of the new video-ography of the life of a bicycle; Life cycles. With a group ride from Onion River Sports to Plainfield with good friends we grilled,shared drinks and sat down to watch which turned out to be an awesome outdoor movie showing. There's nothing quite

El Mont Diablo!

2011-07-20T15:51:00.002-04:00

Lunar quarry 2011

2011-07-20T10:26:00.002-04:00

The Centrifuge at Pine Hill Park

2011-07-14T08:08:00.007-04:00

This past Easter, we did our annual ORS ride at Pine Hill Park and I was very much excited when I saw this bridge, though it had not been quite finished. This morning our good friend Mike emailed me this picture to show after weeks of trail work in Pine Hill Park, the Centrifuge Bridge is done! Get ready to rip! T.

Garden Gate.

2011-07-11T20:29:00.000-04:00

Riding to Austria, Vermont

2011-07-09T09:13:00.001-04:00

Another fantabulously good ride last night out of Stowe Town Loops up to Trapp Family Lodge, which is a little taste of Austria right here in Vermont. This time, we were joined by the wonderful Caroline, Kate, Paul, Aaron, Mike and Dean. We pedaled on out of the woods and through the cattle field, then popped out onto the road leading up to Trapp Family Lodge. From there we could see the

Spreading the Good Word

2011-07-08T10:39:00.003-04:00

Bikes. You've just gotta love 'em. Who doesn't love pedaling around, speeding towards a destination, following a new or familiar favorite line of singletrack, avoiding cars and pedestrians to get to the post office, taking a cruise over to the farmstand to see what's for dinner, or just meandering with no particular goal or schedule in mind? I live for this. I think I know a lot of people who

Sun? Is that you?

2011-07-07T11:08:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe, with the wet summer we've had so far, that we were lucky enough to get a long weekend full of sunshine. How did we get so lucky? With a rare couple of days off and that strange bright light in the sky, we crammed a lot of action into one long weekend. There were the traditional events like the Montpelier parade and fireworks, and our annual hike into the Green

Endless dirt roads in VT

2011-06-29T11:26:00.000-04:00

Vermont Sports at the Vermont Sun Triathlon

2011-06-26T18:59:00.000-04:00