Gaper Day 2010

Traditionally, on Gaper Fools Day, everyone gets dressed up like a completely clueless touron and skis like an idiot. This year April 1st was a 16inch powder day and it was still snowing! But that didn't stop everyone from acting a fool (after getting in fresh pow turns early in the day).

Jordan and I were posing for a picture just when a bottle rocket went flying past- hence the serious stoke on my face!

And as per usual, we all gathered at Nick Wilson's for Aprés.

And drank beers, danced on the deck and welcomed more snow for our last three days of ski season!

Magical, Mystical Mind of Trish

I had an interesting conversation in the hot tub the other night. The woman I was talking to lives here and was very interested to find out my "story." Mostly the story about how I ended up in Jackson Hole. My simple answer is always: "Broken engagement and I decided I was tired of being responsible." Both true, both also very vague. The next question is always, "but why Jackson?" That to me is the answer. Jackson Hole... it just made sense.

But WHY JACKSON?

Jackson is surrounded by mountains. Beauty on every corner. Friendly people (for the most part). Jackson is a playground year round. And when the going gets tough in Jackson, you're not too far from some other really cool playgrounds. All of these very rational reasons to choose a place to live.

The funny thing is I had never been here. I had not really even seen pictures so much... I didn't move out here with a group of friends. The only real thing I was going on was that Lola said I would love it here. Lola is a friend of the families; I barely knew her personally. It all just fit together. I was moving to Jackson Hole. I would stay with Lola for a month or so and get a job and make friends and make a life. I did.

However, tonight I started to get the impression that maybe Jackson Hole is the one doing the methodical choosing of her residents. There are some interesting stories about how people ended up in JH. I know a guy whose van broke down here twenty-five years ago. I know a woman who was planning on moving to Oregon, made a pit stop here and stayed, Uhaul in tow. I get the feeling that this area- whatever you want to name it- is a magical place that chooses its residences with careful planning.

Jackson Hole is a vacation spot for most people. Tourism is our biggest industry- Jackson brings in 3 to 4 million people a year, yet has a population of roughly 8,600 (town limits). How is it that more people don't just stay?

My only guess is that it has to to with the type of people. The people that visit range from cross-country, RV-driving retirees to families of six to young professionals to spring breakers. (I'm going to generalize and stereotype here) A lot of tourists, in the winter months especially, are über rich professionals from back east. I'm willing to bet that the money is what keeps them in their home towns. The money, the glitz, the cars, the wardrobes, the fancy restaurants (which we do not lack here, but you get my point). The "city folk" stay in the city because it's what they need to survive.

Those of us that end up in Jackson Hole, are polar opposites to the "city folk." Speaking for myself, and quite possibly the rest of the population of this valley: We need big spaces, open air, mountains, fresh air and water... we need adventure!!

I think that this valley knows that in some way... it draws people like me, and Josh and Brandi and Scherba and Steiner and.... it draws us in. There is some mystical, cosmic force. And I am GLAD it found me!

Everyone's a Meterologists...

When you hear the saying "talk about the weather," you generally think of someone making small talk. right? Well, here in Jackson talking about the weather is a serious conversation. No one relies on a single weather source, many are armature meteorologists with barometers and tools to predict weather patterns on their own.

On my bookmarks bar, for instance, I have three different weather sights. The Weather Channel (is quite generic), the Jackson Hole Avalanche Sight and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association). the JH Avie sight updates twice a day with all kinds of numbers about pressure and jet streams etc etc. Everyone has their own take on the weather.

With the drought we've had here (and ONLY here it seems!) the weather has become one of those things that if you bring up, you may end up in an argument... Snow is something we, as a ski town, rely on! The conditions on the hill are sub-par and people (i.e. Josh) are starting to get very frustrated and antsy. Tourists have booked their condos/rooms and flights and are not getting the prime ski vacation they had hoped for. What little poweder we do get is skiied up quickly. Locals are getting frustrated because we've been having days with temps as low as 22 BELOW with no snow to insulate our pipes. I never thought a winter drought was that big of a deal, being from Alabama- but snow is how we fill our rivers in the spring and keep fresh water in our wells throughout the summer. This isn't the first time in Jackson Hole's history this has happened. In 1976-1977 only 128 inches fell at Rendezvous Bowl (summit) all season (jackson averages 450 inches annually). Right now we are recording 142 inches fallen, with a 32inch base at the summit. But only 79 inches total mid-mountain (where I'm skiing) and a 25 inch base, most of it man made. Because of the lack of snow, we only have 45 or 116 trails open!

Luckily, today, we have experienced a steady stream of light snow. Two to three inches expected to accumulate. Apparently there is another system on its way, hopefully blessing us with another four to six inches by 2010.

Nesting and Waiting...

The off season is officially upon us.  It's the time of year when the town clears out: the summer residents are moving south for the winter, the ski bums haven't quite gotten here yet and the gapers (tourists) have stopped flooding town square.  The off season is a time to slow down and shift gears.  Summer was amazing! It was a world wind of sun, water, mountains and tons of activities... The winter will be jammed packed full of skiing and snowshoeing.  But October and November's weather forces you to put the breaks on.  Today, for instance we woke up to wind howling, snow flurries and chilly weather.  The idea of going on a hike was less than appealing.  So for the first time in a long while, I am staying in and doing NOTHING.  

The catch is, I'm very bad at doing nothing. So instead, I have been organizing, doing laundry and in general "nesting." I almost have the house dialed in and comfortable.  Josh's mom is in town and she's been making lasagna all day for us to freeze! The boys have been keeping the fire ablaze all day, it's just been a delightful day! I love the off season! 

It seems I have been doing little but making up excuses as to why I'm not blogging. Truth be told: I haven't had very much alone/down time that has coincided with inspiration. 

First, my computer had an unfortunate run in with a cup of coffee.  Didn't work, submerged it in rice and now it does.  There is a DVD stuck in the drive but Internet and music still work. Le sigh, I should really be discouraged from owning nice things ;)

But the news of the week is the new condo! Last I updated you, we were talking about moving in together.  In the meantime J and I have hit some growing pains in our relationship, moved past them and signed a lease.  We now live in Teton Village, Wyoming.  For those of you who have never been to Jackson, let me try and give you an idea: 

okay.  Broadway is the main street. Town square is at the corner of Broadway and Cache. From Town, you go south on Broadway, take a right (up in the map) on 22 and head to the stop light, turn right and go about 6 miles to Teton Village. The Village, as it is more commonly referred to is centered around the ski hill.  There are some shops and restaurants, a few five star hotels, a bunch of rich people and some condos slightly off to the side.  I now reside in one of said condos.

This place is NICE! It's a vacation rental by summer- rented by the week.  By winter, it is ours! There are four of us living in this fabulous two bedroom, two bathroom condo- Me, Josh, our friend Bungee and Lady Elu.  Granted, three of us are sharing a room =).

We have a fire place, a wet bar, a separate dining room, kitchen with laundry off it, a gigantic balcony and best of all- it's ski-in.  We can pretty much cruise right up to the back steps. 

I promise I will have pictures up soon! Right now I'm just sitting here basking in it all while the boys drink beer on the porch.  

Anyway.  I PROMISE now that I am settled (and living with two boys who will inevitably win the battle on "what do we watch on TV") I will do more blogging.  I vow here and now to take more pictures and let my (two) faithful readers know what is going on in Teton Village and the rest of Jackson. 

Hope you have a great day!!!

Peace! 

Waterfalls Canyon Trip

Every day is a new adventure here in the Hole.  This weekend was no exception.  

Josh had a long weekend off work, so he headed to the lake to put around on the Wailer.  I had to work Wednesday until 8, so I told him I would meet him up there early Thursday morning. Wednesday night around 9 or 10, he calls (from the boat) to tell me to plan on backpacking, we're going to do Waterfalls Canyon, which sits between Eagle Rest Peak and Ranger Peak, just to the North of Mt. Moran.  "Okay!" I said cheerily and started repacking my pack for lightweight travel rather than luxury lake-side "boat camping."  

Thursday morning I get up early and head for the park.  Josh and Sherba were out fishing with another friend who works at Signal Mountain Lodge, so I told them to take their time, I was going to lie out.  I sat by the lake at Spalding Bay for about an hour or so, reading, catching a tan and just relaxing.  The boys came to get me, Sherba went home and Josh and I headed out to meet up with Pete and Abby, friends of Josh's, for our hike.  With "Team PBR" all accounted for, we crossed the lake to the base of the mountain to begin our hike.  (if you would like to follow along, click here in a new window and look for Mt. Moran- across from Colter Bay Village, head North a touch and locate Wilderness Falls... from there direct line towards Colter Bay was out route)

Here's a picture of our hike from about mid-way up.  The white stuff (snow) dead center of the picture is about where our camp site was.

Upon first glance, the worst part of the hike was going to be the change in elevation.  Jackson Lake sits at about 6500 feet, Columbine Cascade, where we camped is at 8,000 feet and Wilderness Falls is at 9,400.  Upon arriving at our "dock" we were swarmed with mosquitoes, so we high tailed it up the mountain and record speed.  Once we got out of the mosquito territory, we entered bushwhacking territory.  Eventually, though, we found some semi-flat ground and set up camp.  

We made dinner, drank a couple of PBRs and went to sleep.  The next morning, we woke up bright and early, packed up base camp and went for a day hike up to see Wilderness Falls. 

There was some climbing involved... 

Abby and I kept up with the boys for as long as we could, but we got to the top of Columbine Cascade and noticed that there was some class 4 scrambling that I was comfortable with going up, but knew I would not be so comfortable with on the down climb, so we decided to wait for them about a mile before Wilderness Falls.  I was bummed that I could not see it in person, but I sent Josh with my camera.   The entire time he was gone I was not sure if I was more nervous that he would fall, or drop my camera ;).

The boys came back, cameras in tow and we headed back down to base camp.  Downhill scrambling is super fun! You just get down low and crab crawl the whole way down.  My arms are SORE!! 

We did have a great view for the down-scramble though...

Once at base camp, we loaded up full packs and headed out, thinking this time we would go high and try and miss some of the brush and forest that we hit on the way in.  We found a game trail and cruised for the first mile or so and then hit some seriously THICK growth.  I was not sure if I was stepping on ground or bushes, all the while holding onto poor saplings and bushes trying to keep from tumbling down the side of the mountain.  I will spare you the details of my minor mid-(non)trail breakdown and skip to the end... we made it! Down through the thick, through the thin, through the burn area, through the SWARMS of mosquitoes and to the BOAT!!!

We coined the term "Reverse Normandy," stormed the boat and took off at full throttle (about 8 miles an hour) headed for Leek's Marina- we desperately deserved pizza and beer after that one! 

by the way, although I HIGHLY recommend Chacos for hiking on trails in the summer time, I do not recommend hiking in Chacos when you are off trail...

Well there you have it, my Epic adventure up Waterfalls Canyon.  And as a side note, today Josh and I ran into an old friend of his, who claimed that he attempted the same hike and turned back.  SO, I am feeling VERY accomplished and proud of my physical and mental ability to climb mountains!  

PEACE!!

Tricia

I don't worry, 'cause I'm sittin' on top of the world...

Last year if you asked me what I felt about summer, the response would be something along the lines of "it's the worst season, it's hot and I hate life." Well today was the first day that the temperature has reached 80. I don't have A/C at my house and it's not even a little bit warm in the house, however, I haven't really even been at home.  I haven't watched a second of television. I haven't been bored. I've been dirt baggin' it in the woods.  I do not hate life, or summer... in fact, I'm kinda in love with both.  

I've been sitting by campfires, climbing trees, chillin' with friends, making new friends, playing fetch with Elu, riding on boats, sleeping under the stars and LIVING

Insomnia

Sometimes it sucks to be me... right now is definitely one of those times.

I have to work at 6:30 tomorrow. This is not usually a problem; I like working the morning shifts.  

The problem lies in the fact that it is 12:33 AM and I cannot sleep.

Why? Because I am a thinker.

Being a THINKER has it's ups and downs.  Generally, I enjoy escaping into my own little world and waxing philosophical about life, love the pursuit of happiness.  My head is a haven from the rest of the world.  My overactive imagination is actually one of my favorite qualities about myself. Sometimes, though, it comes and bites me in the ass! 

Thinking leads to more thinking.  One little iota of an idea grows and grows into this entire metropolis of things that could happen or should have happened or did happen.  YIKES!! 

Tonight's train of thought has led me to a list.  A list I think I will share with you.  Here, my dear readers, is a list of things I want in life: (beware of sub-categories)

1- a career

-that has a future

-that has benefits

-that I enjoy doing everyday

-(I tried and tried to come up with examples of actual careers I wanted to have, and I honestly DO NOT KNOW... and this is a terrible feeling). 

2- a significant other 

-who has a career they enjoy

- who wants a future (preferably with me)

-who also wants the same things on this list

3- to Travel 

-and to have the means to do it right

-a significant other to join me would me a huge bonus

-to live in another country for at least three months 

4- to one day own land

-5+ acres

-a veggie garden

-custom-design my home on that land

5- to one day own my own business

-a cafe/bar

-a sustainable and eco-friendly policy

-local and home-grown veggies! 

6- to learn how to be completely self-sufficient

-financially

-emotionally

-environmentally (ie: solar panels and water wheels)

7- to hone my creative side

-write a book

-learn how to solder silver

-become a better photographer 

There are not a lot of things on this list. I feel fairly confident I can accomplish over 75% in my lifetime and at least one in the next two years. (I'll keep you posted)

So now, at 1AM, I am going to hope that my list making has calmed my brain enough so that I might catch 40 winks- or whatever the phrase is.   

Summer continues...

After work on Saturday, Josh, Jeff and Brandi called me to get my ass down to Alpine and on the boat and bring my camping stuff! It seems that Josh had somehow convinced some man that he was responsible enough to test drive this guys boat for sale.  So, I loaded up Elu and headed for the boat ramp. Elu greatly enjoyed her first time on a boat... 

And Josh pretty much loved driving a boat... 

The scenery was beautiful.

Brandi decided to drive to the campsite while the rest of us went on an adventure! Luckily for us, cell phones worked on the river and we were able to meet up with the car, and drive into town for staples like beer and Jagermeister (and I was able to get my car so I would be on time for work the next day).  The weather held out on us, and we ended up with a relatively clear night. Very few hang-ups...

Except:

Elu and Kipper (Brandi's dog) got sprayed by a skunk

Josh caught himself on fire (just his pant leg)

The dogs found Elk legs, hooves still attached

Overall, it was a nice Saturday evening, and Elu was pooped!!

SUMMER!!!!!!!

I love summer! I forgot how nice it feels to have warm sunshine on your face, and how much better beer tastes when you drink it during the day.  Thursday and Friday were my days off this week and BOY did I have a BLAST!!

Thursday, Josh and I decided to make it a point to do NOTHING. And nothing we did! We went into town to run the few errands that needed running and eat breakfast, then we picked up a half case of beer and went to his house.  He lives on Paintbrush Trail, about a mile UP the mountain.  His back porch has a killer view of the Grand (Teton). We figured sitting around doing nothing would be a lot easier if he had comfy chairs.  It was in the upper 60's, so naturally we wanted to sit outside.  Here's how we managed that: 

so we listened to music and drank a few cold beers in the sunshine! (I worked on my tan as well).

Friday my boss, Jessa, and some friends of hers were rafting the Snake.  I was invited to fill an extra spot.  We took off from town around noon and finally got to rowing around 1pm.  Oh how I love rafting!! There were 17 of us in three boats.  The water was a tad chilly, but we had a blast regardless! 

After a full day of water and sun, I was ready for bed at 9pm last night! Got eight hours of sleep before the 6am shift this morning! 

I love this town! 

I love sunshine!

I love summer!

I heart my friends! 

Non Africa related...

Le sigh... life in Jackson is full of ups and downs and they are mostly related to the weather.  Yesterday was the best day I've had in a long time. And I did NOTHING. I repeat. NOTHING.  Elu and I hung out with Josh on his back porch in the mountains all day yesterday.  We made it into town to run a few errands but that was it, the rest of the afternoon was spent drinking beer, eating hamburgers and sitting on the back porch in the sunshine.  Life in Jackson is pretty sweet. 

Cabin Fever

I have figured out what it is... this thing that won't go away in my head.  This feeling of grumpiness and depression, sleeping all the time, crying without warning.  It's totally CABIN FEVER!  I haven't seen the sun in days, it's cold and everyone is leaving town for the off season.  

The Internet is my only salvation.  I'm actually glad I'll be working a lot.  At least I'll be out of the house. I just NEED to see grass! I NEED Vitamin D, I NEED to go on a walk without having to wear layers of clothes.  I want to feel the wind on my face without feeling like it's about to freeze off! I want to go to these places:

 

Instead I'm knee deep in snow here in Winter Wonderland!!!

That is why right now, I am vowing to save up my money so at this time next year I can go to Mexico.  Anyone want to save money for Mexico with me??? 

On a lighter note, I'm going snowboarding today.  It's the last week the mountain is open and I figured, hey, why not!! But after today I'm going to find a really neat-o spot in the shed to put my board and I'm hanging it up until next winter! I'm going to get my bathing suits out and spray on some self tanner and hang out in my living room listening to Jimmy Buffet while sippin' Mojitos (my Daddy would be so proud). 

Snowmen and Trampolines

Today I played with Oliver Kimmel while his Mommy was out running errands. We got all bundled up in our snowsuits and went outside to play. I played on the trampoline and built a snowman...

And for an added treat, here is a picture of Elu's favorite activity.

she loves to run along side (or rather in front of) the car on the drive to Lola's place.

Moving again...

Okay, so I know I sound like a crazy, antsy girl> but I'm moving again.

NO, I'm not coming back home.  I'm staying in Jackson.  Only moving to Wilson.  The "cool side" of the Hole.  The country. By the end of the week (God willing) I will have the lease on a log cabin.  My friend and coworker, Sarah found this place and we went and saw it today.  It's precious. A little run down, but with character! It was built in the 1930's as part of the first family homestead in Wilson.  Our landlords and neighbors live in the big house, next door.  The house that we will be renting was built when the daughter moved out and had babies of her own.  As more babies were born, another room was added on.  It's three bedrooms and one bath. There's a mud room/gear storage area and two entrances.  The house sits right on Fish Creek, so in the summer we'll be able to tube from our house to "downtown" Wilson in about 15-20 minutes (by river, it's about 1 mile from downtown via roads). 

Anyway, trying not to count any chickens... but this place is sweet! and we just have to give her deposit and sign the lease and it's ours. lalala! Can't wait to live in a house with just ONE other person!! 

A weekend update

LE SIGH!

What an eventful few days I've had. Friday night was the dogsled races, as shown below, which was amazing! After the races, Sarah and I headed to Pica's (a Moe's-like place but a little more upscale) to meet up with some friends of hers from the ski school.  We ate and drank margaritas while discussing the night's plan. We decided on the Stage Coach (aka "the coach") to hear Steam Powered Airplane.  The Coach is out in Wilson, about a 15 minute drive (closer to where I used to live).  So, I agree to be the sober driver.  The Coach is GREAT!!! It's got a Bailey's (We miss you ole girl) to it.  It's a dive bar like the best of the dive bars.  The two pool tables are free to play, and have a slight lean to them.  Drinks are relatively cheap, they serve PBR in a can, and the bathrooms could use attention.  I think I may have to move to Wilson.  The band was great! Sarah's friend Mark was cute, I won three games of pool, and I was back in town at a decent hour.  All-in-all the trip to Wilson was worth it.  I took Sarah home and started to go home myself, but Jeff called, wanting to watch a movie.  I had Elu with me, so I figured why not. By the time I went to sleep it was nearly 4 am.  

Saturday I woke up with all intentions of going to the Village and getting a few runs in, but by the time I got to Lola's it was noon.  We could have made it, but neither Lola or I were feeling it too much.  So I let Elu run around her old stomping ground and chilled on the couch with Lola.  One of her friends came in town later, and we ate some dinner. Home, in bed, early, on a Saturday night~ I'm the most exciting 20-something single you'll ever meet

BUT SUNDAY!! I was up at 7 am, ready to roll! Lola and I ate a fantastic breakfast at Nora's  and headed to the Village.  Watching Lola ski and me snowboard (without any instruction from people who know what they are doing) is HILARIOUS!!!  The first lift up, Lola and I asked them to slow down the lift, but they slowed it down too much and I didn't get enough speed coming off the chair to coast out of the way.  I had to skate (which is just like riding a skate board, only one foot is strapped in to the board but not really at the right angle.  You're having to push one foot on the ground while the other is perpendicular to your body and it's overall not easy- for me at least).  SO anyway. I'm trying to skate off the chair and I fall over. I don't mind falling, it doesn't hurt me. But it sure hurts my pride. After the chair lift debacle, I get out of the way and begin riding down the hill. Lola falls, so I go on ahead, assured that she will catch up to me in no time, as I will fall again.  I side slip down the hole mountain, falling on the regular.  But I made it down! and I was able to control the board the cast majority of the time.  It was fun! We repeated the scenario a couple more times (only I mastered the chair dismount for the rest of the day) and called it a day, it was the Super Bowl.

I went to town, picked up Jeff and got fixings for burgers.  We headed back to Lola's to cook dinner and watch the game.  Upon arrival, we start cooking and turn on the TV.  The satellite is not working. We waited and waited hoping it would correct itself.  Nope. Never worked.  SO as soon as we gobbled down some burgers and french fries, we headed back to town to catch the second half at Jeff's.  The game was pseudo-interesting. Good, close game, but I failed to pick a team prior to the game so I was uninterested in the outcome.  

Game over. Weekend Over. Back to the grind. 

Dog Sled Races in Jackson!!

Friday night was the annual Pedigree Stage Stop dog sled expo in Town square.  They blocked of the Square from road traffic and had a festival like feeling to it.  Sarah and I walked from her house with Elu.  I was worried at first that Elu was going to be a pain, but she was actually VERY good.  She was in awe of the sled dogs.  And LOVED the attention. 

The dogs were a lot smaller than I thought they were going to be.  And they were mutts. There were no huge Husky or Malamute dogs on any teams.  They are not accidental mutts, they breed them for racing. To have long legs and lean bodies... something tells me Elu would be great at it. I forgot my camera, so I poached some pictures from Lola. 

It was REALLY cold! SO we couldn't stay for the entire expo.  6 degrees was fine for Elu, but Sarah and I couldn't feel our hands anymore after about an hour, so we left. 

If you're ever planning a trip to Jackson in the winter, this is a MUST SEE!!! 

Sunday Drive