Schools, Farms, and Skis

I learned how to be a great person because of skiing.
And because of skiing I learned how to live a great life.

Ski Mountaineering in Alaska; 2003

For me skiing took patience and it taught me to enjoy my life in new and different ways.
Today skiing is still teaching me how to live properly.

Getting ready to ski Little Rainbow in the Pintlars; 2004

Little Rainbow above Storm Lake, Pintlar Mountains Montana.

I love skiing,,, and because of skiing I have a message when I go into a school. 

I'm enthusiastic about life....

And I realize how important these next generation are to making a positive,

and greener future.

Captain Green Man w/ bicycle and skis.

Because of skiing, I've learned how to value life differently.

To value my food and my family above profit and material things.

Is it ok to show summer pictures in the winter?

I remember crashing a lot when I learned how to ski.

Being cold and wondering why I was having so much fun at the same time.

I remember the day I realized the truth about skiing.

The exact moment when I knew what it is about skiing that makes it so perfect.

And makes people feel so free.

It's everything!

Everything mountains and earth,

snow crystals and air,

everything magical and real,

all at once

with no barriers between life, love, snow, and mountains

Everything about my relationships with love, 

and how this relationship can catalyst my future.

Sacajawea Peak, Bridger Mountains Montana

Super freekin' stoked....!!!!

I love being the mountains in Winter! 

It's so amazing what you can see out there. 

The majestic Bridger Mountains in Montana! 

For a relatively short mountain range 

the Bridgers are have sharp 

jagged peaks, long elegant ridge lined, and perfect powder snow! 

Skiing into the Mountains. Sacajawea on far right.

The surreal adventure of solo winter mountaineering. 

I froze my ass off a few times. 

Lost the use of my right hand for about an hour,

had to jump around in my big puffy down jacket

while setting up camp. 

Bridge Mountain Majesty. So beautiful in full winter gown.

Not sure if I bruised my big toe or if this is partially due to 

frostbite.

Had to question everything;

where to camp,

where to stash the bike,

how fast to move,

what layers to where,

am I too cold or can I keep going?

Ice climbing boots work well for winter bicycle riding!!!

Yes, keep moving.

When your almost there,

It feels like perfection.

"The Great One" on Naya Nuki.

All my fears and doubts were replaced by sheer joy on the ski up to the top 

of Sacajawea. 

The mountains are so peaceful, soft, and quite in winter. 

How much stuff can you fit on a BOB Trailer?

The 7 Summits of Bozeman

Project...

My goal is to climb and ski the highest peak in each of the 7 mountain ranges the surround Bozeman in the next 5 months. All 100% Human-Powered! This is a fund-raising climb-a-thon to raise money for our organic farming networks, (that include School presentations on fitness, farming, and a plant-based diet to support a better you and better community, and our BIKE TO FARM summer group rides). Pledge by the mile or vertical foot! Donate today! (find the donate button on the right and make a contribution to support Human-Powered Mountaineers Inc.)

Because food is the most important issue we face in the world today.  Buy local, support organic, and make a difference!

Old Rad Dog Rio

Rio "Old Dog" 1992-2006

Old Dog turned grey at two years.

He held an air of authority and intelligence beyond that of any dog.

My companion, gardian, and best friend.

Rio saved my life more times than I will ever know.

(And a few times that I do.)

We skied off hundreds of Peaks together, from Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and Colorado.

Hitch-hiked thousands of miles in every type of weather possible.

And he never complained once.

Animal companions are a special part of our lives.

I keep this photo of Rio framed in my house

from one of our last adventures together,

rock climbing at Stone Hill near Eureka, MT.