Author: Bill

Attention, Web Lodge dwellers! Gather around the virtual campfire, for news abounds! As you know, our beloved chat haven took a tumble recently, leaving us lost in the wilderness of silence. But fear not, fellow wordsmiths and picture enthusiasts! Tonight’s online meeting brought forth a resounding “YES!” – the Web Lodge must rise again, eChat in tow!

Now, here’s the plot twist: our current host seems to have a grudge against e107, the platform that powered our beloved chatroom. “Lame,” as our fearless leader puts it. But worry not, dear reader, for we have a secret weapon: BORTAL technology, still in its beta stage, but brimming with potential.

Think of it as a phoenix rising from the ashes, each pixel meticulously rebuilt using this innovative BORTAL tech. It might take some time, but slowly, surely, the Web Lodge will reclaim its rightful place in the digital cosmos.

In the meantime, we have each other and our “cool pictures” (what a beautiful photo it is, by the way, even if its connection to the blog remains a delightful mystery). And yes, Pologra, your voice is always welcome, even without the shackles of a login.

So, stay tuned, dear Web Lodgers! The journey to rebuild our online haven has begun, and BORTAL tech promises an exciting, if slightly unorthodox, path forward. Together, we’ll create a space that’s even more vibrant, welcoming, and, of course, chat-tastic than before. Let the pixels fly!

Ah, the early days of March 2006. The internet feels more like the wild west and less like a valid tool. Let’s dive into the chaos and charm of these times, shall we?

First off, the saga of my website’s disappearance into the digital abyss was as dramatic as a soap opera’s plot twist. Imagine this: One day, you’re the proud owner of a bustling online community, and the next, you’re scouting for a new web host because your site decided to play hide and seek without your permission. I landed a deal at $5 a month—practically a steal, considering my site’s now quieter than a secret whispered in a library. But hey, the call of the wild has always been louder to me than the ping of an online notification.

Speaking of the wild, let’s talk about my recent skiing adventure at Lolo Pass. Picture this: Me, gracefully executing tele-turns on the slopes, feeling like I’ve finally cracked the code to skiing nirvana. It was a moment of pure bliss, punctuated by my disbelief as I retraced my tracks. It’s like discovering you can actually cook a gourmet meal after years of kitchen disasters. Just in time for a spring break adventure in Montana—Paul, get ready for some epic slopes!

And then, NPR threw a curveball my way with a story that’s too absurd to make up: a lawsuit against the Forest Service over a grizzly encounter. My advice to newcomers in Montana? Embrace the wild or pack your bags. The rumored defense involving marital betrayal is the cherry on top of this surreal legal drama.

Now, onto the bittersweet tale of Lolo Pass Lodge’s website, which has been sputtering and coughing like an old car that’s seen better days. Wrestling with my CMS, e107, feels like I’m trying to herd cats—utterly futile. And as much as I dread the thought, maybe it’s time to consider if the Web Lodge has run its course. Is there a spark left to rekindle, or should we let it go gently into that good night?

Before I decide to metaphorically “burn down the lodge,” I’m calling on you, my digital family, for a chat. Let’s gather in our online powwow and weigh the fate of our beloved digital hangout. Who knows? Maybe we’ll decide to rebuild from the ashes or simply cherish the memories and move on.

And just a heads up for those trying to reach me—my spam filter has turned into a digital bouncer, turning away emails left and right. If you’re trying to get in touch, make sure to respond to the confirmation request so you can bypass my overzealous email guardian.

So, here we stand at a crossroads, deciding the fate of our virtual lodge. Will it rise like a phoenix or become a cherished memory? Let’s chat and find out.

P.S. Forgive the typos—my fingers are rebellious spirits that refuse to be tamed by conventional spelling and grammar.

Ah, steer clear of clicking any links – the website has bid us adieu. This snippet is all I’ve managed to salvage for now. I stumbled upon a new host, but alas, the website’s size is a behemoth, and with dial-up speeds (yes, dial-up in this day and age), uploading is a mission impossible. So, the website has entered the digital void! I can’t pin down when it’ll make its grand return.

Talk about a website meltdown! Our beloved Web Lodge went belly-up today, leaving us users stranded in the digital wilderness. Turns out, the host was having some serious issues, and things went dark for the whole day.

But wait, there’s a silver lining! Our host, Vik Patel (bless his tech-savvy soul), sent an apology email explaining the reboot woes and the efforts to fix things. And here’s the best part: free rent for next month!

That’s right, folks, a whole month of web hosting on the house thanks to the downtime. Now, what in the world should we do with those extra $9? Let’s just say a celebratory taco feast might be in order!

So, while the website hiccups were definitely inconvenient, Vik’s apology and free rent gesture turned a sour situation into a spicy one. Here’s to learning from tech mishaps and, of course, enjoying the occasional free taco! Cheers!

FutureHosting.Biz is the company that hosts this site. It has been down off and on all day. If you sent me an email today then I did not get it. I emailed customer support and they told me to chack my site … I did … and it was still down. It just came back up but there is still problems(see the timestamp for this post … it is 2:00 PM MST on a thursday here). If this upsets you as much as it does me please direct your anger towards FutureHosting.Biz

I was talking to my Dad tonight when the battery in my phone went dead. When that happens you cant talk at all. They called back and got the answering machine. Then they called again. I was pissed and decided to end it all. Now I have no more phone. Follow me to my blog to see the results.

So I tried to throw it against the floor and it held up pretty well so I got out a hammer and made that little phone pay for being useless. The bad thing is that I forgot to take out my headset and it got broke.

So its off the Big Lots this friday for a new phone. Untill then, dont call me! Well you can but you wont get anything. What am I thinking no one calls anyway. Well I had a blast but now must hit the sack. I got one of my favorite workouts tomorrow. Big Gear Climbs! Oh yea!

Here I am, lounging around with my mom and sister, legs propped up like I’m some kind of royalty, but honestly? I’m just beat. Today’s ride took me east, chasing the horizon towards Rock Creek, and wouldn’t you know it? I got caught in not one, but two downpours. Let me tell you, getting soaked to the bone isn’t quite the adventure in this season as it is in the height of summer.

I reckon it’s time to hit the ‘ol blogging trail and sign off the internet – gotta free up the line for Dad’s call. Had this grand plan to pour my heart out in a blog post, but my brain’s decided now’s the perfect time to forget what on earth it was about. Ah well, to heck with it. I’m clocking out.

Hey there, friends! Bill checking in after a fantastic day that ended with me glued to the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. Did anyone else catch those flying people? Seriously, how cool was that? It’s like they borrowed some moves from our biking adventures up here in Montana!

Now, let me spill the beans on my secret weapon – a power smoothie that’s practically top-secret. After downing that, I’m all set to hit the hay and tie up some loose ends before the workweek kicks in.

But before I tuck in, let me tell you about my latest adventure – a 3-hour ride up the Blackfoot River, covering about 25 miles all the way to Potomac. It was my first 50-miler of the year, and boy, did it feel good. The ride might seem flat, but the total climb of 1,300 feet (all pretty gradual, mind you) says otherwise.

I kept a comfy pace, averaging around 150 beats per minute throughout the ride, with a couple of short hills to really get the heart pumping. And let me tell you, today’s weather was a blessing. I think it might have even touched the upper 40s. The only downside was those darn wet roads thanks to melting snow. Seriously, there’s a ton of the white stuff up there!

I had my trusty MP3 player with me, and some of the tunes had me singing and grooving along. Well, as much as one can dance while pedaling a bike. The highlight? Some good ol’ Doors tunes as I cruised back to Bonner along the Blackfoot River. It was almost like a spiritual experience, I tell you.

Now, it’ll be a couple of months before I can enjoy dry roads and bask in the sun, but today was as good as a winter bike ride could get. As the Olympic flame goes out, I’m putting together a bowl of raisin bran and bidding you all goodnight. Sleep tight, and dream of your next biking adventure!

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On this day in history:

2005: Lolo Peak Area Today – My friend Alden Wright and I have teamed up this weekend to snowshoe up a East ridge of Lolo Peak.

2004: JOB UPDATE – As you all know the government has canceled comanche. Sikorsky aircraft along with UTC has no clue what to do with us.

2003: Computer Funnies – At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry.

2002: Me Fat – Today is blue. I am blue because my body fat reduction and/or weight are not where I want it to be. I seem to be gaining weight with muscle mass.

From the latest outdoor misadventures back to a time of personal reflections and career uncertainties, this list offers a chronological reverse journey through the captivating and varied experiences shared in blog form.

G5 – I guess you have to be there … in my mind. Too many coffees! I am going to Lolo Pass today … well that is the plan. I did see some road bikers while I was coming to the coffee shop and now I want to go road biking. Doh!

Well here is hoping everyone is having a great weekend.

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On this day in history:

2006: Blackfoot Ride To Potomac – Hey there, friends! Bill checking in after a fantastic day that ended with me glued to the closing ceremonies of the Olympics.

2005: Lolo Peak Area Today – My friend Alden Wright and I have teamed up this weekend to snowshoe up a East ridge of Lolo Peak.

2004: JOB UPDATE – As you all know the government has canceled comanche. Sikorsky aircraft along with UTC has no clue what to do with us.

2003: Computer Funnies – At a recent computer expo (COMDEX), Bill Gates reportedly compared the computer industry with the auto industry.

2002: Me Fat – Today is blue. I am blue because my body fat reduction and/or weight are not where I want it to be. I seem to be gaining weight with muscle mass.

From the latest outdoor misadventures back to a time of personal reflections and career uncertainties, this list offers a chronological reverse journey through the captivating and varied experiences shared in blog form.

Yo, check it! Straight chillin’ at Break Espresso, finally wrangled all my pics into submission. Gotta say, it felt kind of like trying to herd cats, but caffeinated cats. #adultingproblems. Anyway, about to grab my trusty steed (that’d be my bike, not a literal horse, although a majestic unicorn would be pretty sweet for cruising around Missoula) and hit the pavement. Tomorrow? Lolo Pass for some epic skiing! Feeling like Tom Cruise channeling Maverick in Top Gun, minus the questionable mustache. Speaking of questionable choices, I see that February typo glaring back at me. But hey, gotta own it, right? Like that time I accidentally wore mismatched socks to a job interview… let’s just say confidence is key, even if it’s misplaced. So, enough rambling, check out the links below for the photo dump (think of it as a visual feast, not a train wreck… hopefully). Peace out, and remember, stay cool, stay caffeinated, and don’t be afraid to rock mismatched socks every now and then.

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, A DELIGHTFUL JOURNEY THROUGH THE ARCHIVES:

2003: What I really Want – A moment of technological simplification, desiring only the essentials like a new camera and a powerbook for summer adventures.

2002: Emotional Alchemy – Sharing the anticipation for a book called “Emotional Alchemy,” following an outstanding mountain bike ride and a need for rest.

This curated list of blog posts offers a glimpse into my biking adventures, poetic reflections, and life’s simple moments, painting a vivid picture of the journey through years.

I am sitting at Break Espresso, the sun is out, and we are above zero. What a nice day today is going to be. I am just getting done uploading some more photos. This batch is from three different situations. Woods Gulch Hike, University Mountain Hike, and the ever-famous Beetle In Peril.

The first set is from a hike Marcy and I did up Woods Gulch. This hike took place because the other roads to other trailheads were inaccessible because of ice. I got halfway to Blue Point enjoying great snow before turning around.

The second set is from a night hike up University Mountain. The hike is awesome because at the top is a beacon and it gives off an eerie signal when the weather is just right.

The last two photos are from when I almost took the beetle down a drop off at the South Fork of Lolo Creek. This was done as I tried to go hiking up to Lolo Peak.

I hope the world has a nice day. I need to get out so I can be back in time for the biggest race in the Olympics. The team relay in the Nordic genera!

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY:

• 2002: Back to Training, Brookfield Park MTB Tonight
• 2001: I Can Only Do So Much

Each post captures a unique moment, from thrilling adventures to contemplative reflections, embodying the spirit of evolving adventures through the years.

It’s super cold out. So, I’m indoors, catching up on uploading pics from my Montana trip early this year.

Drove from Lambert to Missoula in a day. Nearly fell asleep at the wheel multiple times, so I started snapping photos to stay awake. Not sure which is riskier: taking photos while driving or nodding off.

Just leaving Break Expresso, planning a movie and nap at home. Later, if it gets a bit warmer, I’m off for a bike ride—crazy, right?

ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, FEB 18:

• 2002: Single Track is Calling

Just posted new pics on Photo Oasis, capturing my New Year’s at Aunt Paula’s in Lambert, Montana. The place’s vastness brings a unique mix of freedom and solitude. Despite the freezing temps, the sunsets and sunrises are unmatched—something I’ve missed since moving from Connecticut to Missoula, where mountains block the horizon. I’m now sorting through photos of my journey back home, eager to share those next. Stay cozy!

https://goo.gl/photos/zaoGyeqhRSGPkrYE6