Category: Blog Posts

I just got back from the airport where I dropped off my good friend Paul. I’m going through so many emotions and physical sensations right now that I cannot pinpoint exactly how I’m feeling. This song keeps playing in my head, “give me emotion… la la la la la.”

Yesterday was our last hurrah. We went to Lolo Pass for some dreamy, creamy telemark skiing. After that, we spent the afternoon looking through the bargain bins at REI. To finish out the day, we stopped at the Iron Horse Saloon for our last meal together. What a week!

Now I must go to work, and frankly, I don’t know if I can survive the day. A sore heart, sore ribs, exhaustion, and loneliness! I sure hate it when a good friend leaves. Just like in the movie “Touching the Void,” I plan to set little goals for myself. I’ll try to make it through the first hour, then to break time, and on to lunch. If I can only make it through the day!

Ah, Sunday—the universal day of reflection after a Saturday spent paying homage to the gods of beer, Thai delicacies, and cinematic epics about the raw, unfiltered human spirit. Just last night, “Touching The Void” graced my screen once again, proving its undying worth in the pantheon of movies that make you question your own tenacity (and sanity, if we’re being honest). The day before, despite proclaiming it a ‘rest day’, my buddy and I still managed to conquer Waterworks Hill—a feat that seems minor only if you ignore the aftermath of our brawl with Little Saint Joe, a towering behemoth in the Bitterroots flirting with the heavens at over 9,000 feet. And now, here we are, bidding adieu to a Spring Break that’s been nothing short of epic. Paul’s off to the snowless lands of Plattsburgh, New York, tomorrow, while I’m about to clock back into the real world.

Come Wednesday, we found ourselves in a dance with nature, hiking and skiing our way up to the Rocky Mountaineers Cabin perched on Little Saint Joseph Peak. This rustic escape, nestled around 7,500 feet up, gave us a much-needed respite from the biting cold, courtesy of its humble wood stove. Kicking off our ascent at the crack of dawn (or what felt like the middle of the night at 5:45), we didn’t hit the cabin until the stars were high, lugging our 40-plus pound packs over a merciless 4,000 vertical feet climb from the trailhead. Talk about a workout that makes your regular gym session whimper in the corner.

Upon arrival, we were welcomed by fellow adventurers—proof that warmth and good company can be found even in the most remote corners of the earth. The cabin, already toasty, and the morning advice on prime skiing spots were blessings in disguise. The previous occupants made their exit just as we set out, carving our first paths in the pristine snow, surrounded by vistas that would make your jaw hit the floor.

The decision to extend our stay was as swift as it was wise, made over lunch with a view that could put any postcard to shame, gazing out towards Saint Joe Peak and the snow-capped sentinels of the Bitterroot Range. Another night under the stars was non-negotiable.

Our final day’s ski was nothing short of legendary, marking a descent back to civilization that felt both triumphant and bittersweet. Reaching the car as darkness embraced us, we capped off the week with Mexican food and a growler of local brew. What a week, indeed—a tale of friendship, endurance, and the unforgiving beauty of nature that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Spring Break Saga Continues…

So, imagine me, just vibing at Break Espresso, my phone turned face down (apologies to the almighty Gmail deities, but it’s content creation time, baby!), soaking up the vibes of another epic week gone by. Oh, those skiing tales I teased you with earlier? Strap in, my friend, because the ride just escalated to new heights of crazy—and, dare I say, comedy gold.

We made our grand return to Lolo Pass, and folks, the sunset was nothing short of a Bob Ross masterpiece—think majestic golden skies and shadows performing a ballet on the snow. It was like glimpsing Mount Fuji through the lens of a ski aficionado’s dream. Words like “breathtaking” barely scratch the surface. ✨

But then, the plot thickens. Mid-descent, my boot decides to bid adieu, snapping in half and leaving me as deflated as a party balloon post-celebration. Major downer, right? But, in the spirit of when life hands you lemons (or, in my case, rebellious ski gear), you make lemonade (or perhaps venture for a hot spring adventure instead).

So, with a “let’s roll with it” attitude, we set our sights on Idaho’s hot springs. Picture the scene: Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, under the cloak of night, following a half-hour trek through the wilderness (because, apparently, relaxation must be earned), and WHAM! We’re suddenly extras in a scene that could fit snugly in a Coen brothers flick. There’s this woman, battling the sub-20 chill, in a comedic struggle with her attire. Suffice it to say, these hidden oases come with their own brand of entertainment.

Awkwardness quickly gave way to bliss as we melted into the warm embrace of the hot springs, our earlier troubles (and perhaps a sneaky snowflake or two) dissolving into the steamy air. Capping off a day of serendipitous twists with a possible elk cameo near Elk Meadows (because on-the-nose naming is just part of the charm, right?).

In short, spring break keeps delivering the unexpected, and honestly, I’m here for all of it. Keep your eyes peeled for more escapades (and fingers crossed for fewer boot catastrophes)!

Ah, Fridays. They swoop in like a superhero, signaling the start of the weekend marathon: launching laundry into the machine with the finesse of a discus thrower, navigating the grocery aisles with the strategy of a chess master, and embarking on the sacred pilgrimage to Kettlehouse. But, in a twist that would shock M. Night Shyamalan, my internal clock decides to join the dark side, thinking 3AM is the prime time for a wake-up party. Seriously, why do I suddenly become the life of the party when the rest of the world is off in dreamland?

Then there’s that magical morning view from Mount Sentinel, a reward for last night’s adventure. The plan was a group conquest of Sentinel, but it turned into a solo mission. Middle ring engaged, I summited alone, and let me just say, I’m doing a victory dance over here. Who’s the MVP? Yours truly.

Looking ahead, the weekend’s agenda is a deep dive into refreshing the trail descriptions on my blog, with a sprinkle of optimism for hitting those trails myself. But alas, the sands of time wait for no one, and my brief escape is up. Back to reality, I go.

At MARS Stout Inc, I’m the one-man army behind our web services, ensuring everything from servers to PHP and MySQL runs smoothly. Recently, I’ve been developing an exciting application for our Tourism Services Division. I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Travelers Advantage, a part of the application now available to the public.

Although much of the site is still under development, the “Plan A Vacation” >> “Activities” section is fully operational. This feature leverages my Bortal Technology, PHP, MySQL, and a remote database maintained by the state of Montana, making it easy to find activities in Montana within just a few clicks.

I’m working on expanding the application to include “Places To Go,” “Events Calendar,” “Places to Stay,” and detailed city information with maps. With the core framework established, I anticipate rapid progress.

Useful Links:

• New Activities Application
• Montana Vacation Info
• MARS Stout Inc

Some Eating Place Neither Has Tried
Trapper Peak Ski
Over Niter in a Dwelling & Ski
Glacier Park Ski
Tipus all you can eat
Hong Kong Chief Lunch Special
Honey Teriaki
Berniece’s
Taco Del Sol
Staggering Ox Ooh…Staggering Ox late niter breakfast
mocha…a pie or something at Break
Schoom Crape
Beer at Kettle house
Iron Horse…eat lunch at Iron Horse
lunch at Charley B’s
Top Hat
RM cabin on Little Saint Joe
Moon MARS Stout from across the river!
Ski at Kooteni Cabinets Region
Check out Sports Store in Kalispell!
Canadien Rockies
Breakfast at Rattlesnake Gardens
Shopping trip to Big Lots
Greek place near Orange Street Market
Fries and fresh banana shakes in St. Ignatious
Winter trip into the rattle snake
Huckleberry Ice Cream w/ Chocolate @ Big Dipper
Lumberjack Saloon
Soak in Hot Springs
Chef Paul Bardis Night w/ “Into the Void” movie!
Throw a dart at a map, drive to it, find something to do!
Drive to the Big Hole, knock on a door and ask for directions!
Ski Squaw Peak!
Lolo Pass, Ridge South o Fuji

Weather Alert! Just in, the mountains are gearing up for a winter wonderland encore with two feet of fresh powder already down and a monstrous storm on the horizon, promising an additional 3 to 5 feet. Yep, you read that right. On top of the already staggering 50,000 feet (gotta be a typo, but let’s roll with it) of snow up there, winter’s far from done with us. Meanwhile, Missoula’s getting a light dusting, teasing us with the thought of spring that’s apparently still ages away.

Last night’s trek up Waterworks Hill with Marcy was a breath of fresh air, literally. We even made it back while it was still light out—felt like a win.

And get this, I stepped outside without a jacket the other day and actually felt the sun on my face. Pure magic. Makes me look forward to my buddy Paul hitting up Missoula for some good times. It’s funny how I catch myself wondering about what he’s up to, like picturing him chilling in Chicago while I’m stuck at work.

On the bright side, United’s throwing us a lifeline with a new flight route from Missoula to Chicago. Hello, convenience! This means more visits from friends and fam. Get ready, Missoula; we’re about to be a hotspot!

Ah, the classic conundrum of balancing openness with security—a dilemma as old as the internet itself. Imagine this scenario: your site, akin to a cozy mountain lodge nestled in the vast wilderness of the web. Pologra waltzes in with a suggestion that could either breathe new life into this digital retreat or turn it into a free-for-all.

She proposes, “Why not ditch the login requirement? Let’s make it more inviting, more fun!” At first glance, it’s like throwing open your home’s doors, not just to friends and family but to anyone wandering by. Intriguing, yes, but fraught with the kind of risks that have you double-checking your locks at night. Imagine a stranger breezing in, claiming, “I’m your mother,” with nary a proof in sight. It’s the wild west of identity, where anyone can be anyone, and privacy and security are the tumbleweeds blowing in the wind.

But here’s the twist—I’m actually considering it. Not in a “let’s throw caution to the wind” way, but as a genuine pivot in how we approach the Web Lodge. The idea isn’t to strip away all safeguards but to reimagine our digital gathering place as something more accessible, yet still secure. It’s a delicate dance on the tightrope of the internet, where every step could lead to innovation or a privacy faux pas.

So, while Pologra’s suggestion sends a shiver down the spine of our inner security guards, it also ignites a spark of creativity. How can we keep the lodge’s essence, its warmth, and community spirit, without turning it into a fortress—or, conversely, a free-for-all? It’s a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma, but one thing’s for sure: the Web Lodge is on the cusp of evolution. Stay tuned, adventurers. The next chapter might just be a game-changer.

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.