I was out for my evening stroll along the shore of the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful orange and dark grey hues of the horizon, illuminated by the late sun, amazed me. The evening was cold, and I felt a chill in the air. I took a few steps into the ocean. The water was icy against my fur. Waves crashed against my feet as I strolled. I stopped and looked out towards the horizon. I felt a deep connection to the ocean and knew my life would never be the same.
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
On this day in history, ‘Hey Zeph! Want an Action Wipe?‘ I asked, after cleaning the blood from my shin.
— Saved by a Package, 2013
The morning mist hangs low, The water calm and still, Two fishermen on the bay above, Their nets with shellfish fill.
The sea, serene and gray, Reflects the sky above, A peaceful start to the day, For those who fish and love.
Their boats on silent glide, Through the early morning light, As they pull in their nets with pride, And savor the catch in sight.
A tranquil scene, this bay, In black and white serene, Nature’s beauty on full display, In this Pacific Northwest scene.
“I don’t know, I am spitting up blood and have asthma …”
— Rebecca Rush 2014
Pedaling my Farenheight
On the damp and cold shore
Dark clouds gather in the sky
As I ride on more ... and .... more.
The waves crash with a thunderous sound
The wind whips at my face
I feel alive, free and unbound
In this solitary, single place.
2004: Comanche For Hire – Ah, the Sikorsky Comanche, envisioned as the James Bond of helicopters, decked out in stealth technology and promising a new era in aerial missions. Yet, like a Bond movie taking an unexpected turn, its fate hangs in the balance.
2006: lodge rEBUILD – 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.
2007: 1st Place Expert Overall – Hello everyone from sunny and warm Missoula Montana. Last weekend I traveled to Lewiston Idaho and competed in the Devils Slide Mountain Bike Race. Here is my story.
2008: Difference a day makes – Just two days ago, I was battling hypothermia in a snowstorm. Contrastingly, last night’s ride was in sunny, warm weather, albeit brief.
2010: Thrust – This is part 12 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 “Mountains” photo album is “Thrust”.
2011: Devils Slide weekend – Ross and I just stood there dumbfounded at our surroundings. The sun hit our faces and we squinted to look around at all the things we once knew but have somehow forgotten.
2012: Path narrows – Ah, the morning ritual, my friends! You know, the one where you’re not waiting for that pesky alarm clock but rather the sweet beep of your trusty heart rate monitor.
2014: JayP Backyard Fat Pursuit Part 2 – [Part 1] To West Yellowstone Between the adrenalin from the send-off at the first checkpoint and riding pretty hard the warmth was finally coming back to my body.
Cruising down the beach on my fat bike, it was all about the wind in my hair and that wild, carefree vibe – kind of like that feeling you get when you’re the first one at a buffet. Pure exhilaration. The sand kicked up, decorating my shins with gritty souvenirs as I pedaled with gusto. But then, cue the dramatic music, I spotted storm clouds gathering on the horizon, and my gut started doing somersaults. Classic me, venturing too far down the beach, now seemingly on a date with disaster.
As if on cue, the wind decided to turn it up a notch, and the rain began its relentless dance, drenching me in what felt like an instant. There I was, wrestling with my raincoat like it was a piece of IKEA furniture, making my way through the sand and wondering at what point my adventure turned into an episode of “Survivor.”
And just when I thought my luck had bottomed out, a sound – part screech, part howl, straight out of a horror movie – had me whipping around. It was just the scrub trees, bending and swaying in the wind, but in that moment, I swear they were snickering at my plight. Guess Mother Nature has a sense of humor too.
2002: Great Training Weather – Good morning world! It has been great weather here although it has been cold. I have taken two days off to recover from last weeks training. I seem to be on track to have a great season.
2006: Stupidity Lives On – 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?
2008: Morning Commute – Riding my K2 to Univision Computers each morning is my mini-epic: me, weaving through the city like a caffeine-fueled hero in a budget action flick.
2008: Makes For Indoor Training – Good morning from Missoula Montana where today is stacking up the be a great day for a road ride.
2010: Meadow Of Giants – This is part 11 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009. Today’s latest entry goes by the grand title of “Meadow Of Giants”.
2012: Snow – Oh man, talk about a winter wonderland adventure this morning! The snow was just pouring down like crazy when I decided to brave it on my trusty “fatty.”
2013: Traveling by snow bike – Probably my all time favorite thing to do in the winter is cabin to cabin snow biking.
2014: JayP Backyard Fat Pursuit Part 1 – First 30 “Expectations … and perspective. Have no expectations. Don’t expect a groomed surface, or to ride, that it is all downhill from here, or even that you are almost there.
I really do not want to say this word or make comments on it. Everything is so political and this word is so toxic. It is all so toxic.
A lone tree stands at an angle, battered by the wind and salt spray, as I gaze over the vast expanse of the beach. They vested my privileged heart with the ideals that our country stands for, for the promise of freedom and opportunity that it represents. Looking at the horizon, a deep sadness crept over me. I am not liking the actions of those before us and the few in control today; the injustices in the name of progress.
I thought of the native peoples who have been displaced and mistreated, of the way their cultures and traditions have been trampled in the name of, um, whatever it is called. I thought of the countless lives that have been lost to greed and corruption, of the way industry has ravaged the natural beauty of this land for profit.
There is romance of what could be, for the hope that one day we might live up to the ideals that I “think” we are supposed to stand for.
As I look at the desolate scene before me, I can’t help but think about broken laws. Of course, the laws of nature. The branches in the dune stand stark and lifeless, violating the rule of life. The ocean scrub trees, bent and gnarled, are a testament to the force of the wind, powerful elements brought to their knees.
But as I ponder these thoughts, my mind wanders to the laws of humans. The laws we have created to govern ourselves, to protect us from the chaos of nature. And yet, even these laws are not infallible.
I think of the laws that we have broken, the laws that are broken every day. Riding an eMTB across a slice of non-motorized to access an island of moto trails. Minimally. More important; Laws of justice, of equality, of freedom. Laws that protect us, but are often twisted and manipulated to serve the interests of the few.
As the mist rolls in and the distant mountain fades from view, I am left with a sense of unease. A feeling that the laws we have created are fragile, that they are only as strong as our will to uphold them. And yet, in a world where even the laws of nature can be broken, how can we expect anything else?
My past posts from Feb 27th in history.
If there was a biography about you, what would the title be?
I stand on the shore, gazing out at the endless expanse of ocean before me. The sound of the waves crashing against the sand fills my ears as I take in the scene’s beauty before me. But my mind is elsewhere, lost in memories of a time long past.
I remember the last time you were here, with the one you loved. You walked along the beach hand in hand, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. But that was a lifetime ago, and now you stand alone, the only company the cold sea and the distant trees.
As you stare out at the ocean, you can’t help but feel a deep sadness inside you. You think about all the things that have lost over the years, all the people and places that are now only memories. You wonder what might have been, if only things had turned out differently.
The black sand mixed in with the beige reminds you of the yin and yang of life. The good times and the bad. The ups and the downs. The dune hiding the vast expanse of land behind it makes you think of how much there is in me that remains hidden, unknown, and undiscovered.
You feel a sense of isolation and loneliness, like the vast expanse of the ocean is a reflection of your own emptiness. You long for the comfort of companionship and love, but know that it may never come. You take one last look at the beach before turning and walking away, lost in your own thoughts and the memories that haunt us.
On this day in history:
2016: Remembering 11 Years Ago Today – One of my fondest memories was a ridge snowshoe with my friend Alden the we did back in 2005.
2015: Lucy and Buck – From 1803-1806, in an exciting journey to the Pacific Ocean and back, Lucy and Buck’s Corps of Discovery mapped the lands.
2014: Life Path – Last weekend my partner and I did a ride from Wise River to Elkhorn Hot Springs and then back the next day.
2012: SMSS – Alright, listen up! Sunday morning? More like Sunday Mourning Shit Show, or SMSS.
2010: Push – This is part 4 in a series of blog posts that I am dedication to my favorite photos of 2009.
2008: Cyclist v.s. Mother Nature – Oh, today’s the day for a beastly two-hour spin! Who’s up for the challenge?
2006: Geeze … Gotta Get Get Going – G5 – I guess you have to be there … in my mind. Too many coffees!
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.
What were your parents doing at your age?
Asking themselves the age-old questions. For me it is:
Amid the coastal grasses and dead trees,
a marker stands, its colors bright and bold.
It makes me wonder what lies beyond the seas,
and how many stories of life remain untold.
As I gaze upon this marker so grand,
I ask myself what more I have left to do.
Have I lived my life as I had planned,
or do I need to start anew?
With each passing year, the questions grow,
As time marches on, relentless and sure.
But this marker, with its orange, blue, and white glow,
reminds me to seek adventures and more.
So let us take the road less traveled
and leave our fears and doubts behind.
For life is short, and time is unraveled,
but in this moment, true happiness we’ll find.
2016: WNA 32 – Rollin Fatties up Olsen – A recount of the steady growth of WNA number 32, where two strong cyclists showed up, marking the continuation of a weekly tradition.
2015: Posers – An arduous climb up Avalanche Peak in Yellowstone Park, where a tiny cute creature and the strong winds made for a memorable and desolate adventure.
2012: My piece of solitude – Revisiting an old friend, a trail that brings back single track skills memories, and an encounter with a private plow truck on an icy road.
2012: Fallen – Observing the melancholy beauty of trees on Pipestone Pass, where one fallen tree seems to evoke despair in its companion.
2010: Morning Trail – Capturing a quintessential Missoula moment for any mountain biker, “Morning Trail” highlights the beauty of South Sentinel as dawn breaks.
2009: Dirt Coalition – Sharing aspirations to join the GT Dirt Coalition, and catching up on the internet during a rest break from a decent block of training.
2008: Hard Miles – A recount of a challenging 60-mile ride up route 200 in the rain, bringing about a sense of unexpected energy and strength.
2007: Lolo Pass Ride – An ambitious 66.1-mile journey to Lolo Pass, featuring around 5,000 feet of climbing and a cramp that led to late-night blogging.
2007: I Just Keep Ending up Here! – A cozy moment at the Break Espresso, savoring a Carmel roll and a cup of Joe, a simple pleasure amidst biking adventures.
2006: Turah Turah Ride Tonight – Reflecting on a great training ride to Turah and back, feeling good all the way home compared to a previous exhausting experience.
2006: New Pictures Uploaded – The challenge of organizing and uploading pictures likened to herding caffeinated cats, all while chilling at Break Espresso.
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.
If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
In this context, the branch on the beach could symbolize the concept of stability, as it stands firmly on the sand despite the waves crashing around it. Similarly, laws are meant to provide stability and structure to society, but sometimes they need to be changed in order to better serve the needs of the people.
Just like how the branch must bend and adjust in order to withstand the force of the waves, laws must be flexible and adaptable in order to address the changing needs of society. In this sense, the image of the branch on the beach can symbolize the idea that laws must be able to withstand the changing tides of society, and that they must be flexible enough to bend and change when necessary, in order to provide a solid foundation for the people.
2017: Team MoBill Part 4 – Encounters – The beginning of the Team MoBill Story, tracing its origins back to 2010 and an Adventure Cycling holiday party.
2012: Taking the long way – Reflecting on a preference for the scenic route, even if it means arriving after dark.
2010: Spirit – Part of a series on favorite 2009 photos, featuring Zepahnie Blasi taking in the Pipestone Valley’s vastness.
2008: Great Riding in Seeley – Chronicles a training ride to Seeley Lake and supporting friends at the Snow Joke Half Marathon.
2007: Home Safely – A brief update on a safe return home and a casual mention of enjoying “Double Haul” at the “Board Room.”
2007: Product Review – Sharing insights from a 50-mile ride, including the aftermath of cleaning up and a hearty pasta meal.
2002: Sleeping Giant Hike – A recount of a challenging hike that could tire even Paul Bunyan, exploring the Sleeping Giant.
2002: Cool – COOL: Discovering a website dedicated to the frequently hiked mountain range.
Dive into these snapshots of time for a mix of humor, adventure, and the beauty of the outdoors through the lens of my experiences.
How does death change your perspective?
Winter is not my favorite time of the year. But if I were to die tonight and be able to look back on the things I leave behind; well winter may not have been the worst hurdle in my life.
Actually, it may have provided some of the most diverse, beautiful, and interesting elements of it.
But the question remains, how has my death changed my perspective? Don’t sweat the minor inconveniences.
So today I will try to make the most of what is available. A hike after work, perhaps? Did I even answer the question?
Write about your dream home.
https://wordpress.com/tag/dailyprompt
A dream home can be described as a place that is spacious, comfortable, and offers everything one needs to live a happy life. It should be situated in a peaceful and serene environment, surrounded by nature and fresh air. My home is in snuggles heart.
The interior of the home should be designed with the highest standards of luxury and comfort in mind. A large, open-plan living room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a fireplace would be the perfect place for gathering with family and friends. The kitchen should be fully equipped with top-of-the-line appliances, a large island, and plenty of counter space for cooking and entertaining.
ChatGPT
Naw, stuff isn’t home. Home is where you are comfortable. Comfortable and luxurious love that offers a peaceful and serene environment surrounded by nature, equipped with the latest technology and amenities (not provided), and designed with sustainability in mind.
Happy Valentine’s Day snuggles. Your love is the most important aspect of a home. The people who occupy it, rather than the material possessions. True happiness and comfort can be found in the company of a loved one, no matter where they are.
On this Valentines Day in history:
Each post captures a moment in time, offering insights into my personal journeys, challenges, and the beauty of adventure. Enjoy delving into these snapshots of life’s rich tapestry.
I am finding out from many sources that highly empathetic people who face nonstop exposure to a wide range of suffering have documented issues and are becoming more common. Compassion Fatigue is the term. Hmmm. I think I can relate. Starting with watching news and that guy I found in the street a few months back. And now my family stuff. Did I mention the dead whales and garbage I saw on the Oregon Coast?
From what I have read so far, compassion fatigue is trauma from feeling overwhelmed by the news, other people’s trauma, and the struggles of friends and family. It seems to cause a person to be preoccupied by injustice and the desire to fix it. As compassion fatigue goes on and gets worse, it affects apathy and massively chronic burnout takes hold. This can sabotage our relationships and connection with family. It will destroy physical, emotional, and happy energy. Just google the term. The one reoccurring point I read is that it resembles posttraumatic stress (PTSD).
Even if I am just crazy, lazy, and plain selfish (I get this from feedback), there are some things I am going to do (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/compassion-fatigue).
I’m trying my best to find a way to enjoy Missoula. Now that everything is covered in ice I have ordered studded tires. And studded sneakers. And now that I have studded tires, the weather has warmed up and now it’s just slushy. So when I buy a canoe, it will snow again. But at least I will have a fat bike and be prepared for that, right?
Okay, I kust looked out the window and it has snowed all night. Not to mention that it is 10 degrees out now. I better shovel the slush before it freezes.
Travel log j18 in the 23. Samples from the last decade seem to indicate that our current data is much better. We hiked costal light houses and found another state campground. Just like the light that led the way in ancient times, this place becons. We dont have cell here and the mom and dad situation is seeming dire.
Snow log January 4th 2023. After fabrication I have mounted the mounting plates for our table. We have a storage area under the galley table. Then the main mount which is by the b pillar on the passenger swivel seat.
Boneshakerbike 