Day: March 12, 2024

Cuddles isn’t the four-legged, furry kind of support system; she’s my partner, my better half. Imagine being so in tune with someone that they just know when you need a little extra TLC. That’s Cuddles for you. Yesterday, she was like a beacon of light in what felt like my personal episode of “The Twilight Zone.” Out of nowhere, she swept in, suggesting a walk, as if to remind me that, hey, life’s still out there, buddy.

And you know what’s even better? We ended up doing a strength session together. It’s kind of like those YouTube reaction videos to Jinjer that I can’t get enough of. One minute you’re expecting the usual, and the next, you’re thrown into a whirlwind of awe and surprise. That’s what it felt like – unexpectedly therapeutic and a little bit like a hardcore workout session inspired by Tatiana Shmayluk herself.

Now, as I sit here, reflecting on the rollercoaster that was yesterday, I’m trying to channel that same energy into my blog. It’s Tuesday, a fresh start or a sequel to yesterday’s drama – only time will tell. But with Cuddles by my side, I’m pretty sure we can tackle whatever plot twists life decides to throw at us next. Maybe today we’ll find that spark again, or if not, there’s always the hope of a brighter tomorrow.

I introduce Mr Bear, who will be taking over authoring posts here on the site. Any comments or concerns should be directed to him. Without further adew…

Hi, I’m Mr. Bear, a golden cuddly bear with a bow tie. I live in Missoula, Montana with my trusted human friend, Maureen Mislivets, as well as her partner, Bill Martin. While I don’t wear pants and am afraid of water, I’m a quick learner and always looking for ways to improve myself. I’m not great at communicating with humans, but I’m always eager to learn and improve. In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature and cuddling up with a good book. Overall, I’m a kind-hearted and dependable friend who is always ready for new adventures.

MrBear

Suddenly summer is a reality. Winter, where did it go? Even the mud is drying up. This and other realizations bring us to this week when the daylight savings time thingy expired. And now there is more light.

Spring fever season is upon us and with it brings outdoor adventures.

Hello, guest blogger Lamie here. Our clan is worn out from travel and to make things worse we arrived back at the pad after the Togwotee Winter Classic, a 6 hour drive, to a 3 day eviction notice. Seems the front office “missed” the auto payment check from our bank. So now we are “running” with the mishap and looking for a new place to live. We have some leads so please stay tuned. in the meantime Bill will be back tomorrow with a race report blog.

I would be lying if I said I just got back from the Togwotee Winter Classic. I actually got back a couple of days ago.  I have struggled to come up with stuff to post about. Life is good but my ambition is stormy. like these photos.  I have photos from this weekend but I am so buried in previous photos that it will be years before I can get to the pretty Jackson Hole photos.

So today I decided to go rifling through my photos from a snow bike trip to the Big Hole. And I came up with these shots of angry skies. Kind of unsettling but good stuff to post while I try to settle my issues with life and get back on track. Looking at these shots it seems that mother nature was settling some issues of her own.

Today I hope to get back to training with one of my favorite regimens. Core!  So much fun.  NOT! Maybe I am just procrastinating my way out of training again.  No, if I learned one thing this weekend it is to get into shape.  I got totally schooled in the bike race.

But no worries. I will get back into shape  And I will find my way again.  If this blog shows anything. I have been down this path before.

This is part 17 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s inductee and now a resident in my “Cycling” photo album is “Push“. I took this photo July 30th, 2009 at 7:39 PM with my Canon SD1000 point and shooter.

Connecting with friends, both the story behind this photo and last night have one thing in common, connecting with friends. Isn’t that the essence of living life to its full happiness? That great feeling when you first spot a friend that you haven’t seen in a while.

Last night I gathered with friends and made new ones. We gathered because of a movie playing at the Roxy called Race Across the Sky. The movie was Olympic coverage style and so that was not what made the night great. It was connecting with fiends. So this weekend make a effort to connect with friends and go mountain biking.

When I got back from the worlds last year I gathered with my friends from Plattsburgh New York. The little one “Willow” was about to take her first MTB journey. She rode in this cool seat that fits between the rider and the handle bars. It was pretty cool.

This shot was taken in the Rattlesnake when “Niko” and I left the group for a little outing on some side single track. We took on some gnarly stuff and I took this awesome photo that because my camera was broken blurred the image. So I went with it and burred it some more and made it high contrast black and white. The result I think kind of stand for the image or icon in my inner soul of the sport I love, mountain biking. Mountain biking, the reason friends gathered last night.

Hello from the snug, albeit somewhat nippy, nook of my home here in the heart of Missoula, Montana! This morning threw a frosty wink my way, sparking a hearty internal debate over the merits of leaving the warm embrace of my blankets. But, folks, fasten your seatbelts because Mother Nature’s got a plot twist up her sleeve. The sun, in its infinite kindness, has chosen today of all days to make a grand entrance. And if the local grapevine holds any truth, we’re on an upward trajectory to the lofty realms of the upper 30s.

So, what’s the word on the street for us, the proud inhabitants of this picturesque burg? It spells a day teeming with possibilities. Whether you’re itching to explore the trails, mildly perturb the wildlife with your fledgling photography skills, or simply savor a steaming mug of joe amidst the flora, today is shaping up to be more than just a pretty picture outside your window. Bundle up, my friends—it’s shaping up to be a spectacularly average day in Big Sky Country!

Howdy, adventure seekers! Bill here, and I’ve got a little tale from our recent outdoor escapades. Last week, Marcy and I set out to conquer Carleton Ridge from Mormon Peak, but after a solid 6 miles and a “snow too deep” roadblock, we had to make the tough call to turn around. That adventure turned into a 12-mile marathon, and it ate up a whopping 9.5 hours of our day. The kicker? I didn’t even make it to the ridge!

Now, today’s a different story – no grand expectations, just a quest for the summit of Lolo Peak. This time, I’ve decided to go solo, leaving Marcy behind. Last weekend, she might’ve overindulged in something she ate, and I don’t want to push her too hard. She’ll join me for this hike again next weekend, and fingers crossed that the last climb won’t be too much for her. If it is, I won’t hesitate to call it quits.

As always, you can check out the link to the map online. Today, my sights are set on the Mill Creek to Lantern Ridge Route. However, there’s a twist in the weather forecast – rain! After over a week of clear skies, it looks like this trip might be a bit dampened, quite literally.

But you know the drill, folks. When it comes to adventures, we roll with the punches, rain or shine. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s see if Lolo Peak is ready to welcome us today. Until next time, keep exploring, keep hiking, and keep that adventurous spirit alive!

Well a week is over and I still have a job. Work is ultra stressful. I get headaches every day. The latest word is that we are getting a stop work order tonight. Then we will be kept around till the end of the month. After that is anyone’s guess. Well the weekend is here so I guess I will relax and try to keep my mind off of it. I have a lot of work to do at my cyber shop.

Just jazzed up the ol’ ONLINE SHOP (now entering the “No Longer Available” zone). Tossed in some calendars and bite-sized posters at pocket-friendly prices too. Figured it’s a smart move—lure ’em in with the affordable goodies, and then, bam! They’ll circle back for the primo, framed treasures ($$). Sales have been more on the shy side, but hey, I haven’t rolled out the red carpet with a grand promotion yet.