TRAVEL TIL' MY HOME IS FOUND

Can't Hide

2012-02-16T14:02:00.000-08:00

Can't Hide- Sarah Jarosz

Away, away and find your true love

He's gone away, to find a new love

But he don't know, that he runs in vain

And you my dear, will find love again

She cried, come home, my darlin' love

And you may find, that my heart's made up

And left me here, alone on my own

But through the tears, I know you'll come home

Around, around this whole world he's been

But he'll soon find his way home again

At last, at last, he's back by her side

This story tells that true love can't hide.

I woke up in a car

2012-01-31T01:32:00.000-08:00

I met a girl who kept tattoos for homes that she had loved
If I were her I'd paint my body 'til all my skin was gone.

Bill and I were listening to a song last night and this lyric was sung; he said he thinks of me when he hears it. I like that.

Thanksgiving!!!

2011-12-22T23:20:00.000-08:00

Thompson River

Finally, the fall semester is over! I can write, I can post photos...geez, I can finally take photos! It's been too long. But despite all the business and stress of school, I was still able to have an amazing Thanksgiving break with family and friends. Being apart from my family in California for the holidays is a fairly new thing for me, but I was excited to be able to spend a few days with my grandparents in Montana.

Jackson had an amazing time: chasing the deer through the snowy hayfield, riding with me on the quad, and playing with my cat, Maverick.

such a good lookin' dog

The new rooster

Jackson and I playing in the snow

Thompson Falls has a beautiful old cemetery

Old brick wall lining the entrance to the cemetery

Old barn near the Forest Service road

Bighorn Sheep

Interpretive sign about the Bighorn Sheep of the Thompson Falls region

Just up this road a ways over 60 Bighorn Sheep were blocking the road. Jackson and I were on the quad. and approached to a safe distance and watched the sheep graze and lick the roads, maybe for the sodium-chloride in deicing agents?

Bill loading the Glock

I spent a few days in Montana, then left for Idaho. I was spending Thanksgiving with Bill and his family in St. Maries. With all the kids and friends in town for the holiday there was a lot of fun to be had. We went to parties, watched movies, went shooting, went on a nice walk through the hay field, and did a lot of relaxing. The break was very needed.

He's a good shot

Here I am shooting the revolver...I didn't hit a thing.

Bill shooting the revolver

Ryan...look at that form

All the kids!

Missing Summer

2011-10-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Missing summer.

Fall around the Palouse

2011-10-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Jackson enjoying a bone on my bed

Fall has come to the Palouse. The thick, handmade quilts my Gramma has made me now cover the bed; the sunlight is streaming through my big bedroom windows differently, more concentrated and picky in its reach; the local harvest has come and gone, and our neighboring community, Whitman County, recently surpassed productivity records. Winter wheat went from 73 bushels per acre to 75, and Spring wheat rose from 55 per acre to 61 bushels .

My desk area.

My front window

Jack loves the bed

Fall is one of my favorite times of year to get outside, and Jack pretty much demands frequent access to the woods, so I have been spending as much time as possible up on Moscow Mountain. Moscow Mountain is a fun and easily accessible outdoor recreation area near town, with trails for walking, running, biking and dogs.

Fall colors

We all share this resource and really appreciate it, as the Palouse hills tend to be privately held lands, making the mountain one of our few proximal public land areas.

Jack loves it

He does really well on the trail, often stopping to wait for me to catch up

Taking a rest after a long hike up the mountain

Phillips' family farm, another recreation and outdoor educational facility in the Moscow area.

The view down across the Palouse from the top of Steptoe Butte

he view down across the Palouse from the top of Steptoe Butte

Jack and his new friends, photo by Friends of the Moscow Dog Park

Jack and Axel, photo by Friends of the Moscow Dog Park

A weekend in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest

2011-10-06T00:05:00.000-07:00

I spent a few days in St. Maries, Idaho recently, where a friend and I had a great time out on the lake. It was one of the last warm weekends of late summer/early fall, so we took his boat out on the lake to swim, fish and get some sun.

Jon got a lil' pike

We caught Small Mouth Bass and Northern Pike all day, which was super fun. Jack hung out in the boat all day too, and only when we swam too far from the boat did he get upset...which resulted in him chewing the rope attached to the anchor. He sure knows how to go for the jugular.

Jack on the dock at Harrison, Idaho.

Mr. Jackson

A floating payphone on a former island? at Harrison, Idaho.

A beautiful morning in Avery, Idaho

The mighty St. Joe River, outside of Avery, Idaho

We spent Monday up in a Forest Service fire lookout atop a mountain, where we scanned for smoke. Jack made himself comfortable, and I settled in with a USFS Fire Manual.

Below are just a few of the photos of the day.

Jonathan scanning for smoke

Oh, sunlight!

Nothing but the tops of trees below my feet

The Fire Finder

The view out of the fire lookout

Lunch break allowed for a quick nap

The north side of the fire lookout

The south side of the fire lookout

A fishing trip and so much more

2011-09-07T22:17:00.000-07:00

I made it through the first week of school and classes are great, but had been looking forward to the weekend with such excitement because my dad and his wife are up at the family ranch for a visit. I loaded the truck up with a cooler, the camera, the dog, and my fly rod with the intent of spending the majority of the weekend on the river in some fashion or another.

The drive up along the Coeur d'Alene river was gorgeous as always.

The Palouse eco-region undulates along a road that covers some of the most productive soil in the United States, yet it is also one of the most threatened due to wind and water erosion as a result of industrial farming. The hills were gold with wheat, ready to be threshed, processed, and shipped around the world.

I drove the Thompson Pass, down into the town I've spent so much time in. The weekend was sure to be packed, as I was with the folks, but I was also meeting my friend Joe, out on the Thompson River for a day of fishing. We met at 9 a.m. and drove west of town to the outdoor sports shop so I could purchase a Montana fishing license. I almost forget sometimes that Thompson is in Montana, I guess since it's so close to where i live in north Idaho.

Thompson River gold

Joe rigged up my 5 weight fly rod with a #10 Caddis, but since I had no idea how to accurately cast a fly line my rig was slapping the water like a hopeless beginner (I've since been practicing in the large field by my house, and have made big improvements). Joe offered up a spinning reel, which he noted that some of his friends may consider it "meat", but nonetheless, it's how I grew up fishing. Within a few casts I had hooked a nice Cutthroat Trout, but as it hit the stoney bank, it's thrashing around tore the line and it swam off with a nice Rapala lure in its grasp.

Joe casting out on the Thompson

The day got late and it was soon too hot to fish with much result, so Joe and I hopped in my truck and headed north toward 17 mile bridge, listening to Jefferson Airplane, Chris LeDoux, and many more favorites.

We drove languidly along the gravel Forest Service road and even considered taking a very long detour, but fuel was running low, and I guess you can say it leaves another adventure on the table for the next time I visit Thompson.

Dreaming of Tensleep, Wyoming

2011-08-30T18:12:00.000-07:00

About this time last August, Tensleep Canyon, Wyoming

the nearest place called home

2011-08-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

The road from Bozeman brought me to my grandparent's house and ranch in western Montana, which feels wonderful to return to. Jack and I spent our time visiting the folks, sewing pillowcases out of random fabric that I've accumulated, and exploring the surrounding area. Above is the view from the Knotty Pine Bar in Trout Creek, looking out toward the Clark Fork River.

Old things around the ranch

who would have thought a greasy rag could be beautiful

a life at work

Grampa's welding table

the old Massey-Ferguson

sustainability

living on the road my friend

2011-08-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

farmland out west of Driggs, Idaho headed toward Ashton, Idaho.

As the late, great Townes Van Zandt said

"Living on the road my friend
was gonna keep you free and clean."

Ashton, Idaho

The key word in that lyric: "was" lends itself to a realization I had while leaving Pinedale, Wyoming, no matter how far you look ahead, no matter how fast you pack, how many goodbyes you attempt, or how fast you travel the highway, you can't outrun the way things are.

I was so worked up from the fast goodbyes and undeniable urge that I needed to leave Pinedale a week earlier than I had planned, that I didn't stop to set up a place to stay with friends. I had made plans to spend a day or two in Salmon the following week with a friend, Cody, who is on the Salmon, Idaho Hot Shot crew. I called and couldn't reach him, as he was on a fire out near Stanley, Idaho, so I chose to head north--Bozeman, Montana. I called up Eliza and hit the road toward my night's destination.

Ennis, Montana afternoon storm

I had a lot of time to think on the trip to Bozeman, a lot of time in my head. The windows rolled down, wind whipping my hair, and an afternoon storm hammering Island Park, Idaho all the way up to Montana's Madison Valley. The storm felt appropriate for those particular thoughts in my head and the act of leaving a special place, the ending of three months of experiences and relationships, and many more things that seemed all to reside back there.

Ennis, Montana afternoon storm

I dropped into the lower Madison Valley outside of Ennis, exiting through the north end of the storm, not having outrun anything, but rather able to see things more clearly. I was far enough ahead to see the landscape unfolding, vast rangelands and the sun lighting the clouds into a deep amber hue.

I saw that the highway cannot isolate me from the way things are, it's not my home, as much as it may feel that way sometimes, it's just the place I wind up; it's a place of limbo in this instance, on either end of the linear journey lie those things past, present, future: waiting for you.

geese on the wing, Ennis, Montana

Placing abstract expectations upon the road, hoping it would put more than just physical distance between me and the past was a wrong assumption...I need to face those things head on, not try and leave them in the dust--once this is done I know I will come out on the other side a stronger and better person for it.

View from the other side

2011-08-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

I went hiking a few weeks ago just east of Driggs, Idaho, on the Teton Creek trail. The landscape was gorgeous, lush, and filled with yellow and purple wildflowers. The Teton Creek trail offers views of the Teton Mountain range, as viewed from the western slope, which is quite beautiful.

Grand Teton

Me and Jackson at the top of the Teton Creek trail.

reflecting

2011-08-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

This summer went by quickly and was filled with challenges and fun alike. I moved to a place I'd never heard of before receiving my commission; a large town, a city in Idaho's terms, bustling and quaint at the same time.

A new love and responsibility, my wonderful dog Jack.

Working in a BLM field office filled with amazing, intelligent and compassionate people whose love for America's natural resources and their lifestyles was inspiring...Arn and Dan are two resource specialists that come to mind: those guys fish every chance they get, and gosh, I will miss them, and everyone else in that office.

A love and friendship put to the ultimate test, possibly lost, which I still find unfathomable.

Still, the good times do outweigh the challenging. And many of those good times were spent in Pinedale, Wyoming, among amazing friends, some now much like family in their commitment, support and love.

Ike on a mule...there's now evidence of him "actually getting on one of those long eared sons of Satan."

Nick riding Buddy, a gorgeous Paint.

This pup, Goober, snuggled up on my jean jacket...so cute.

Ringing true to my past experiences in Wyoming, the generosity and welcoming nature of it's residents is what makes this place so enticing...yes the landscape, history, and recreation opportunities are incredible, but when you are sitting around a campfire in the dark, it's not the landscape that holds you close, but those around you.

Armalite AR-10, .380 for sale in Daniel, Wyoming...any takers?

I love this place, and packing to leave Idaho Falls and Pinedale was sad as I reflected upon the good times and wonderful people. So I guess I'd just like to thank all those out there that made me feel so welcome and loved:

the entire BLM Idaho Falls field office

Chrissy and Alexa, my seasonal co-workers

Nick

Andrea

Madisen

Synvie and Jim

Eric and Laura

Ike

Rick and Deena

The Papes

Oh, Stanley Brothers!

2011-08-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

Could you love me one more time
With a love that really is mine
I've waited so long they say you've gone wrong
Have I lost you forever this time

We'll go down by the river
I'll ask you one last time
As the night breezes blow I'll whisper so low
Could you love me one more time

Do you think that I'd believe
This talk that's going around
I've heard lots of things that somehow seem strange
But darling I wouldn't throw you down

I know that you're my weakness
I know you'll be my downfall
I'm not sorry we met and I'll never forget
That I gave you my heart, soul and all

I would be sad

2011-07-31T22:53:00.000-07:00

Around the ranch

2011-07-31T22:33:00.000-07:00

Pee Wee and his dog, Dog.

Old cow camp

Summer pasture with a view of the Wind River Mountains to the west

darn good cowdog

Storm movin in

Rattler

got him

A Land of Love

2011-07-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Jack checking things out

The ranch I worked for last summer is a place whose history you can’t ignore…it’s all around you. The geology, the landscape, it’s working past and present, the remnants of the families that have occupied, struggled, and even thrived among its challenging terrain of windwhipped valleys and snow covered hills. The ranch used to be owned by the Malmberg family up until 2004; I had made this drive to Lander to attend the wedding of a member of this family with my old boss, Pee Wee. Prior to this family owning the ranch, it had been run by others whose name I cannot track. And prior to this, the ranch was owned by the Mills family, whom wrote to a Ms. Ethel Waxham in 1905 and informed her of the incidentals and necessities the young woman would need upon her arrival to Wyoming, where she would serve as the school teacher to seven students in a one-room school house.

“Mountains were far away ahead of us, a range rising from the plains and sinking down again into them. Almost all the first day they were in sight.” Ethel Waxham- 10/22/1905

Rangeland

Corral at the Red Bluff Ranch

Staggering

Ms. Waxham arrived at the Red Bluff Ranch, and took up her post; reading Uncle Tom's Cabin to the children in front of the woodstove on a cold winter day, some of whom rode 5 miles on horseback to attend her school.

Near Twin Creek, the view south from the old school house

Throughout Ms. Waxham's tenure at the Red Bluff and into the future, she was courted by a Scotch cowboy, John G. Love, originally from Wisconsin, and actually the nephew of the "Father of the National Parks," John Muir. Mr. Love would ride out to the ranch every few months, on his way back toward his ranch on Muskrat Creek outside of Riverton, from the Sweetwater region, Green River, or some other area he may have been conducting business. Mr. Love wrote Ms. Waxham letters for five years.

Remnants of an old homestead or an extension of Ms. Waxham's schoolhouse

Old fireplace

Ms. Waxham was also receiving letters from friends she had attended school with at Wellesley College back on the East Coast, friends whom were living distinctly different lives: medical school, law school, adventures in Paris. According to the preface of the brilliant book, Lady's Choice: Ethel Waxham's Journals and Letters, 1905-1910, Ms. Waxham was "indirectly being asked to choose between a very isolated family life and the realm of other possibilities easily within reach of (as someone puts it in a letter to John Love) "her combination of strength and the gentlest charm--welded by that of flashing mind (p.xi)."

Jackson having a ton of fun in the sagebrush behind the old school house

faces in the rocks

"The dampness had brought out the darkness of the red soil, and the blackness of the green cedars. The sagebrush, too, along the way, was as black about the branches as if a fire had passed over the hills. The bluffs loomed dark and moody against the gray sky, but far away at the Big Bend the hills were the color of pale straw. The mountain looked yellowish green, softened by a sifting of snow. It is strange how the whole face of the country will be changed by a little dampness, like the face of a person intensified but softened by tears (p.xii)."

Sheep Mountain, the mountain referenced in the above passage. Pee Wee's cabin lies beneath it.

Ms. Waxham writes with a perceptiveness of the landscape around her that is unparalleled; her love for the land and her experience is nothing short of tangible.

John McPhee, the author of Rising from the Plains, calls the early story of Ms. Waxham, in which she must essentially choose between the life she knows will provide her with security, comfort and opportunity, and a life of the unknown, one surprisingly rewarding and satisfying, "a ladies choice...a classic universal dilemma."

In fact, the address at Ms. Waxham's college graduation in 1905 served as a foreshadow of the very choice she would soon be confronted with: The speaker at the college graduation chose the theme "Apollo or Idas: The Choice of the College Woman; Should she find happiness by following Apollo, a symbol of aristocratic education which shines it's gifts and knowledge down on the world from above, or by joining Idas, a shepherd representing the sorrow, toil and wealth of humanity?" Essentially, would she carry with her the gifts and skills college provided her, using them to impress, or would she work with people, humbly sharing her well-honed skills and beneficial knowledge? This allegory can also be transferred to the concept of the lifestyle one chooses or accepts, and Ms. Waxham was confronted with this as well.

Montana Bitterroot in the red dirt

The speaker based his theme on the Stephen Phillip's poem "Marpessa," where Apollo and Idas present their offers to the lady. Marpessa weighs both options, ultimately rejecting Apollo's "transitory glitter," stating "It is not in the power of the human mind to be perpetually brilliant."

this is the canyon in which this occurred

Marpessa concludes:

But if I live with Idas, then we two
On the low earth shall prosper hand in hand

In odours of the open field, and live

In peaceful noises of the farm, and watch

The pastoral fields burned by the setting sun...

Five years after their first meeting, Ethel Waxham informed John Love of her feelings for him, "P.S. I like you very much." They were married shortly after--her choice was made. David Love was born a few years later, a son, a ranch kid, a boy who didn't hear music until he was ten years old due to the isolation of the family ranch. This boy would grow up within the vast and baffling Wyoming geology, and would become the preeminent field geologist of that state; he was the senior author of two editions of the geologic map of Wyoming and the geologic map of Grand Teton National Park.

a beautiful sight

I find it strange that I should end up at the Red Bluff Ranch when I did, facing quite the same choice. I can return to the life I knew and face those things that I grew weary of and outgrew, like a pair of too small shoes, yet receive the love and comfort of family and friends, or I can commit to the choices I have made up to this point, and finally face the consequences that accompany them, even those negative and heartbreaking ones, which have been postponed for quite some time.

I know what I want for my future and life--yet it's just so frightening to say goodbye to what I know and love for the unknown and solitary road that leads toward that which I seek.

To read about the courtship of Ethel Waxham and John Love check this PBS site out:
http://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/program/episodes/eight/psilikeyou.htm

Dubois, Wyoming

2011-07-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Driving from Jackson, up and over Togwotee Pass, isn't the most exciting drive one could take. Though there are gorgeous snow fields that last late into May and June, and sheer rock faces that could intimidate anyone, I tend to love the high deserts of Wyoming most.

Dubois red and pink rock

The geology throughout central and southern Wyoming is stunning. These hills and draws display examples of all three major mountain-building forces: tectonic, volcanic, and glacial. On my birthday, my friend Madisen sent me the well-researched and written book by John McPhee, Rising from the Plains; McPhee explores the Dubois geology with Wyoming's preeminent geologist, David Love. <---more on him later, and writes in a straightforward, yet imaginative way.

Perhaps it's the geology of a place like this. Looking at it conjures up a trip to the moon; scouring sharp rocks to see what's just on the other side.

Or the old cowboys riding through the valley that lies between these formations and the ominous Wind River Mountains to the south. It could be anything, anytime; this place removes the commonplace thoughts from my mind and urges me to think and feel more.

It's magical out here.

I'm goin' to Jackson

2011-06-28T21:54:00.000-07:00

Idaho Falls BLM Lands, near Heise/Ririe Idaho

This past weekend held a pretty big, pretty exciting roadtrip...In retrospect, I can't believe how much fun I had packed into 3 days. I left Idaho Falls after work on Friday and headed east out toward the small, barely there town of Ririe, Idaho.

Idaho 26 East

I traversed the steep hills of the Snake River Valley, dipped into the lush green of the Conant Valley, and winded my way through the river road through the Swan Valley: destination Jackson, Wyoming. Jack, my pup, rides so well in the truck...he loves it, in fact. I have a large crate with his bedding, his water and food, and a large plastic Rubbermaid tote that carries my survival/camp gear that he uses as a prop to view the goings on around him, or to take a nap on.

Palisades Bench, South of Pine Creek Pass, Idaho

Upon entering the Swan Valley, the road pitches north toward Victor and Driggs, two popular Teton Valley towns that have an abundance of young, outdoorsy types, brew pubs, and breweries. Pine Creek Pass is the entrance to all the fun, and arriving in Victor signals the fact that you are now only 12 miles from Jackson Hole; though my lil' red truck has to work for each mile on that steep pass, even when I have the gas pedal floored, I top out at a mere 35 mph while in a climb.

The Yellowstone Valley from atop the summit of Teton Pass

But when you get to the top, it's clear that it was all worth it. The valley stretches out below, and there's hardly a trace of the fact that the towns lying below are some of Wyoming's busiest and most "touristy." At this point I don't consider myself a tourist..because I never go to Jackson to do those things like shopping, or stopping on the shoulder of the road to watch wildlife; no offense meant, but it's just a little overwhelming going to Jackson during the summer.

This trip was embarked upon to reach Lander, where my old boss, Pee Wee, and myself were to attend the former owner of the Twin Creek Ranch's family wedding. Pee Wee is best friends with the former owner, Tony Malmberg, whom sold the ranch that I worked on last summer.

The first stop was to see some friends in Jackson, where we quickly found a hotel room, cleaned up, and then headed to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar for a long night of dancing. It was an odd night in Jackson, which really means that there were a surprising number of Wyomingites present. I was so shocked to run into my old buddy from the HF Bar Ranch, Millhouse. He was dancing with the cutest little blond gal, and we caught up for a while. I then ran into a guy from Lander that I knew from the Team Roping community; as chance would have it, he was in Jackson for the night for a bachelor's party...all the way from North Dakota. It truly is a small world.

The evening was amazing, spent with great friends and nice strangers...but next stop, Lander!

Idaho Falls to Salt Lake City...and the thrift shops in between

2011-06-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

I left Idaho Falls yesterday, hesitant to have to board my new pup, and nervous to return to the San Francisco Bay Area; I don’t make it back too often, and my disdain for airlines only seems to grow with each trip. I took Thursday off of work, and spent the morning in bed cuddling with Jack; I just felt like we needed a little time together before I dropped him off at the boarding facility. I hopped in the truck and headed down Interstate 15 for Salt Lake City, where my brother lives, and my flight was to depart.

About 30 miles south of Idaho Falls, the landscape subtly turns from farmland to arid, high hills and deep drainages covered with silvery-purple sagebrush…my kind of country. I hadn’t planned on stopping, but a friend recently told me that Pocatello had some neat thrift and antique shops, so I made a quick dash into a few, and scored some great books. I’m sitting here on the plane now, about to touch down in Oakland, California, my home turf, reading about the interesting regional and social history of the Sweetwater country, in James Chisolm’s Journal of the Wyoming Gold Rush: South Pass 1868. The Sweetwater is that expansive, wild country that drew miners to South Pass City, just east of the Wind River Mountains of Central Wyoming. I love learning about this region, as it was just a few miles down the dirt road, Twin Creek Road, of the ranch that I worked last summer. Madisen and I always said we would fuel up the ATVs and take a day trip out there; have dinner at the Atlantic City Saloon, explore the old, abandoned facilities and sites, and just imagine what 1868 must have felt like in this boom town.

The road, south of Pocatello

It’s Monday today, and I’m already looking forward to Friday, just a few short days away. Madisen and I are meeting, either in Pinedale or Farson, Wyoming, where we will caravan to Lander to attend a wedding with the old ranch hand at Twin Creek Ranch, Pee Wee…we are his dates. He is turning 70 in a few days; it will be so fun. I’m hoping we will have a little window of time on our journeys home to swing by Atlantic and South Pass Cities; I’d love to place my new book into an on the ground context, as well as finally live out our plans and daydreams from last summer.

my new pup

2011-06-16T20:23:00.000-07:00

So I have always wanted a pup of my own...since I was a kid. I remember writing letters to Santa Claus each year, begging for either a puppy or a pony. Unfortunately I never got either, but that's because I wasn't ready.

Jackson at the Snake River Green Belt...he loves birds.
I have found the right one for me: Jack. He's a Siberian Husky/Border Collie Mix, he's super smart, loyal, playful, and loves everyone.

He loves people.

I found him at the Jackson-Teton Humane Society, where he was deemed a stray...poor thing!

He's the cutest boy there ever was.

I noticed that I haven't been big on words lately, so here are some photos!

Senior portrait!

Husky

how many people does it take to sadde a horse?

2011-06-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

I went back out to Pinedale this past weekend to visit friends. It was a pretty spur of the moment trip, as I found out that Madisen, my former co-worker at the Red Bluff Ranch, would be in town visiting her parents. We made plans to meet at the Wind River Brewing Company, and Andrea joined us as well. So there I was, sitting at the table with two of my favorite gals, and Madisen's awesome parents. I hadn't seen them since July of last summer, so this was just what I needed. The gals and I went out on the town, and boy did we have fun! We went to the Cowboy Saloon where we took song requests from the various patrons, played the music, and sang and danced on the floor; it was amazing. The next morning saw us relaxing at Andrea's new home, and strolling through Pinedale; we visited the Cowboy Shop, a great place for boots, hats, and scarves.

Sunday morning breakfast just lounging around the house

Ice cream!

Andrea and I got Strawberry Icecream on our trip down to Pine Street. YUM!

The strut and the swagger down Pine Street

Miss Madisen joined us downtown; her swagger is unparalleled.

Andrea watching Madisen's approach

Feets and boots

My sweet Maddie

Super fun bar in town

We crammed into my little Totota truck and headed out to a friend's ranch, where we were meeting Nick for a horseback ride.

Nick and Ricochet

Nick is slowly working his horse, Ricochet, into shape. He's still pretty green, and last week even tried to buck Nick off, but he held on.

Nick and Ricochet

We were all quite tired from the rowdy night before, so I think it actually took us longer to saddle the horses up than the time spent actually riding; nonetheless it was an awesome time. I love seeing these great friends...they truly are my original Wyoming friends: Andrea is from Sheridan, Madisen is from Rock Springs, and Nick from Dayton...I love you all.

Ned...the fastest horse on the ranch

How many people does it take to saddle a horse?

AHHH!!! Puppies!

2011-06-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

Little Charlie egging Abby on.

My first two weeks working on the South Fork of the Snake River have been amazing. I love being out in the field, performing physical work, and meeting all types of recreators on the BLM lands. One man that we met at Conant Boat Launch last week brought his new pup, Charlie. She was a wild one, but oh so sweet.

RAR!

Aww..

Charlie attacks the camera!

And off she goes.

I can't wait til' the river gets busy; more cool people and wee pups!

Lander to Pinedale, Wyoming- a chance to reconnect

2011-05-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

I realized just how frustrated I was by the storm in Lander when I went to unload my camera and found not a single shot from my two day visit...I was so upset I guess I didn't even have the energy or desire to take a photo- what a brat! I really should have, as snow and sleet can be a beautiful thing when they dust the Wind River range, Red Canyon, and the Lander foothills. To see a great shot of the landscape just head over to SchnitzerPhoto.

I left the Double D Ranch, where I had stayed for the evening, and worked my way west along Ethete cutoff road back toward WY 287 to Lander. The sky was blue, and the roads were dry! I knew this was the time to head over to Pinedale. The drive south along WY 28 along the eastern slope of the Wind River mountain range was stunning; I passed the cutoff for Red Canyon Ranch, a gorgeous area managed by The Nature Conservancy that I have always wanted to visit- maybe next time. The truck slowly climbed the slope of South Pass, which was a little wet and slushy still. The roads became drier and more welcoming as the road pitched down to a more level state

I made it to Pinedale and met up with my old friend, Nick, for dinner at the Brew Pub of the Wind River Brewing Company, where I had the tastiest Wyoming Pale Ale ever. Nick and I met two years ago when I worked at the HF Bar Ranch. I was at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, and he actually was the first person to teach me how to Western Swing...I've always appreciated that. We then lost touch, as he worked in the Bridger WIlderness and I was between California and Wyoming. Just this past summer we ran into eachother at the Sheridan WYO Rodeo, our original meeting place.

Since, we have remained in touch, thanks in part to our mutual friend Andrea, whom was his boss when they worked in the Forest Service together. It's actually pretty funny: over Thanksgiving break I went home to Sheridan with Andrea; Nick didn't know we were pretty much best friends at this point, but knew her and knew myself in very different contexts. Andrea met Nick at the American Legion for some dancing, and then I walked up and said "hi!" He looked at the two of us, confused, and asked "are you two here together?" Yup, we had thought it would be funny to surprise him, and he sure was.

We then headed out to one of the best bars I've ever visited in Wyoming...it is a local gem, and must remain a secret :) I met so many amazing people, many who's families have resided and ranched in this valley for well over a hundred years. One gentleman whom people only know as Dude, was an interesting fellow; weathered Levi's sherpa lined denim jacket, silk scarf (which is very common in this region), wrinkles, Pall Malls, and a sharp wit. Dude is known to say to his friends in the bar "You are all some crazy f****rs, you took me in! I love ya guys!" He's originally from Arizona, and looks it; his skin is like warm, sun-stained leather, and he even looks dusty...this is a compliment in my mind.

Here's a few photos from around the ranch where I stayed.

The one on the left is so coy

Little prancer with the Wind River Range in the background

Too cool for school

The view west toward the Wyoming Range

Old trailer

Now don't you just want to have a picnic here?

Saturday held a ton of work, as we were joining members of the Pape family and their friends at the branding corrals at 8 am for a day of branding about a hundred calves...it was the little branding, as opposed to next Saturday's branding of 800 head. I just wish I didn't have to work this next Saturday!

Photograph from Wyoming Stock Growers Association

I was responsible for giving all calves a vaccination for respiratory illnesses that can occur. This process was done by a rider on horseback ropin' a calf, and dragging it over to two other people who then knock the calf down and hold it still, raising it's top foreleg, which allowed me to grab a little tuft of skin from under it's top foreleg, and administer the vaccine with an injector underneath the skin, but not into the flesh. It was a fast paced and demanding job, as riders continually bring more calves, so one can forget which calf has already been vaccinated; were it not for the orange colored putty markers that I used to mark the back of each calf that had been worked, there would be no ability to tell.

Photograph from Wyoming Stock Growers Association

The morning warmed and I had to remove my silk scarf, Carhartt jacket, and down vest, but the whipping wind continued. Following the branding we took the horses out for a ride through the expansive meadow, just west of the branding corral. The horses headed toward the Wyoming Range in the distance, crossed the two lane highway, where passersby glanced at the site: two dirt and shit covered ranch hands loping white horses along WY 191. I urged my horse into a gallop and tore through the meadow, going so fast that my hat flew from my head and I had to turn around and head back about 50 feet to fetch it.

Branding corrals to the right background of this photo; Wind River Range was our view

We rode through a lush meadow that led to dinner (lunch) at the ranch house

Everyone I met that day was so amazing...the most helpful, sweet, hospitable people one could ever hope to meet. They fed and housed me, and I am so blessed to end up among such people and be welcomed into their lives and homes; shoot, they even gave me a horse. Eric, the ranch owner who housed and gave me a horse, had seen me galloping along and chuckled saying "girl, you sure can set on a horse." I was pleased to hear that, as having not ridden since August had me really self conscious as to whether I still had it.

We rode back to the branding corral and headed into Pinedale to pick up my truck. It was time to think about heading back to Idaho Falls; I'm a natural planner, and would have been bummed if the weather turned and I were to miss work or some other responsibility. The time spent in Pinedale among new and old friends was just what I needed. I needed to reconnect, with friends, the land, the work, Wyoming.

Oh, and here's what a day of that work results in

Major bruises

summer storm in Lander, Wyoming

2011-05-23T09:26:00.000-07:00

The rough weather continued throughout the drive from Dubois all the way to the junction before Diversion Dam road. My mental back and forth over whether to attempt the four hour drive to visit Sarah, or to take the "easy" way out and head over to the ranch in Lander to visit Pee Wee, just a little over an hour and a half away continued. I weighed the costs (monetary-fuel was on average $3.70; physical-rough weather=higher likelihood for an accident; the time-it was 9 p.m. at that point) as well as the benefits (I hadn't visited Sarah, but for a fun, short night in November, and we always have a way of finding a great time; nor had I seen Pee Wee since August, and he's my good friend and the best boss I've ever had).

I mulled it all over, and upon reaching the WY 26/287 junction, I thought it best to call it a night. I headed to Lander, knowing it was too late to drive the 35 extra miles to the ranch, only to wake Pee Wee at midnight. So I settled into town, cursing the rain as it soaked through my truck topper, my Carhartt jacket, as well as all the great Forest Service swag I had picked up in Idaho Falls (e.g., Idaho Noxious Weeds Handbook, written by my very own professor :)

I slept long and late, it felt amazing. I woke at 9:30 the next morning to a complete white out; there were 3 to 4 inches of snow on vehicles around Lander, and I just hoped that the roads would be passable. I hopped in the truck and headed south on WY 287 to make my way down to WY 789, the long, eastern winding road to the Twin Creek/Red Bluff Ranch. I hadn't made it out of town yet when I saw the sign that WY 28, the mountain pass along my route south toward Pinedale (a later stop on my road trip) was closed. Snow plowes sped toward my truck and the once familiar ranches were foreign in their white haze: I couldn't see a thing and decided that the trip to the ranch, over a slick and muddy dirt road was not the safest idea, so I turned the truck back toward town.

This graph is the 7 day history of precipitation in Lander...Those spikes represent Wednesday and Thursday's weather...ridiculous. FYI, I just learned this lil' fact: one inch of rain is equal to a foot of snow-there ya go, Lander.

Those pink and red numbers in the seventh column from the left represent visibility...not a lot of it- 1/4 mile visibility at about noon.

I headed to one of the only dry places with an internet connection, the local Safeway store, and holed up there checking the Wyoming Department of Transporation (WYDOT) site and the NOAA-for any travelers/roadtrippers out there, these websites are your best resources while on the road...I can't stress it enough: they have realtime information and I should have consulted them before heading into WYO, since this storm was forcasted, yet in my excitement I just assumed the weather would be perfect, it was my vacation after all...hah!

But when things seemed to be at their worst (not making it to the ranch, not reaching Pee Wee by phone to tell him, or visiting Sarah) they just as quickly began to fall into place when I called friends in the Lander area, and got two offers for a place to sleep the coming evening. I met my old co-worker, Red, for lunch at the Lander Bar, we then drove to Riverton to inquire about a new pair of show chaps that he wanted made special with fringe on them.

So many...I want them all!

I headed over to my friend's ranch, where I was able to rest and hide from the continuing rain and snow. I thought that the trip had been changed so much due to the weather, and I was really feeling down, which doesn't often happen.

Getting the feeding truck warmed up for the evening feed.

Ranch hand.

Fuel station at the ranch.

Waking the next morning was surprising. The weather had calmed and I saw it as my window to attempt the South Pass on WY 28 in hopes of reaching Pinedale to visit a friend. Lucky me! The roads were passable, the sky was blue, and I had an early start. This trip was starting to get back on track!

Montana's Madison Valley to Dubois, Wyoming

2011-05-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Old mercantile in Montana's Madison Valley.

Cattle country, and wolf country.

I watched a film the other day, Wolves in Paradise, which is a fairly unbiased account of wolf impacts: ecological, financial, and social; it was a pretty interesting watch. Little did I know that south of Bozeman is one of the film's featured locations. I drove along the Gallatin and Madison rivers, winding my way through hilly cattle country, which clearly looked like wolf country as well. The Gallatin National Forest rose in peaks to the east of the highway, which dropped into sloping draws among many cattle ranches. I also passed the Sun Ranch, which was featured in the film...I just kept thinking to myself "Yup, this is cattle and wolf country." I understand the difficulty that ranchers are facing, as well as the proximal location of the Gallatin to Yellowstone National Park, the reintroduction site of the Canadian Grey Wolf. Tough spot to be in for sure.

A sign in the Madison Valley.

I continued down to Idaho Falls, the location of my new home for BLM seasonal work; I quickly unloaded my belonging- less than a hour in town. I then hit the road for Wyoming. It was surprising how close it really is to Idaho Falls, and it would have been a faster trip were it not for the unfortunate land slide that has devastated Alpine Junction, my shortcut to Pinedale, Wyoming.

Photo of the Alpine Junction mudslide: By Bradley J. Boner

A little perspective: the end of the road, where it's now covered by the Alpine Junction landslide. Photo courtesy of Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) Facebook page.

Horse in pasture against the Teton range.

Teton range.

The Snake River, Teton range.

Herd of elk along WY 191.

The drive up Moran Junction to Togwotee pass was beautiful; easy weather and sunshine. But at the top, and on the downhill drive toward Dubois, I encountered quite a bit of weather. The snow pack was at least 5 feet deep, and contributed to my increasing anxiety.

At least 5 feet of snow pack on either side of my truck as I drove down toward Dubois, Wyoming.

The view north along Togwotee Pass.

I'm not a fan of weather while on the road.

Just about here I started to feel the effects of a large storm brewing over Central Wyoming.

The remainder of the drive was intimidating. At Crowheart, Wyoming, I went through a mental dilemma: do I drive south west to Lander to see my old cow boss, Pee Wee, or do I continue driving to Tensleep, as planned, to see Sarah, my good friend. I actually had to pull over in the beating rain and lock the free wheeling hubs of my wheels to gain traction on the rain drenched road...It was pretty terrifying out there.

A Trip to the Bunny Ranch

2011-05-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

My next stop on route to Wyoming is always Bozeman, Montana, where my dear friends Eliza Strawberry and Nancy live. Miss Strawberry is quite the rambler and adventurer in her own right, and has returned from the Oregon backcountry to Bozeman, where she currently resides in a home where her duties require her to tend to the raising and care of a small rabbit farm. Below are some photographs we both took of some of the wonderful bunnies.

Me and a lil' bunny.

Wee thing.

Enjoying a little bowl of water.

Oh, sorry to frighten you.

They have such personalities.

Visiting my grandparents

2011-05-19T16:31:00.000-07:00

Checking out the new chicken run and coop that they built

Golden girl

Grampa and a little one.

Clark Fork River

Thompson Falls Dam is a seven-unit hydroelectric plant on the Clark Fork River in Thompson Falls. The units have a total generating capacity of 94 megawatts. (One megawatt can satisfy the average energy needs of 750 households).

The newly built fish ladder at the falls of the dam.

The white board displays the tracked fish species and numbers: 75 Rainbow Trout, 11 Cutthroat Trout, and 2 Bull Trout have passed through the fish ladder to continue up the Clark Fork.

Newly renovated High Bridge.

Beautiful day.

High Bridge over the Clark Fork.

Looking across High Bridge

This spring is along my route and has the best tasting water I have ever drank. We always stopped here when passing through the area, it's that good.

Moscow, Idaho to Thompson Falls, Montana- A stop at The Wolf People

2011-05-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

I left Moscow this past Saturday to head down to Idaho Falls. My first stop was to visit with my grandparents, but along the way I popped into a wolf education facility, Wolf People. Below are a few shots of the gorgeous wolves.

I think wolves are one of the most beautiful and intriguing animals out there, but living in Idaho among wolves has been interesting: I had never seen a wolf in person until I stopped at the Wolf People education center. I just want to share some shots of these amazing animals.

Sleepy girl.

So gorgeous.

Goodbye Dear Friends

2011-05-14T21:16:00.000-07:00

I left Moscow today, having said goodbye to many amazing people, a few that are now like family.
I believe we couldn't have made it through our first year of graduate school as well as we did without eachother. Thank you.

    Gramma and Grampa
          Tessa
             Andrea
                 Amber
               Lacey
                   Jodianne
                          Dallas
                             Brett
                                       Ashley
                                           Kelsey
                                        Zach

You all make things interesting, and so much fun. I mean, just look at these photos!

So Andrea graduated; it was awesome. She hosted a delicious bbq-potluck yesterday and she even got a keg of Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, by the Kettlehouse Brewing Co. out of Missoula, Montana.

Keegan and Drew....being awesome. That folio most likely contains blue prints to one of Keegan's next amazing projects; the guy is talented.

My classmates beautiful little girl.

Happy baby!

Aww.

Jennie and Andrea...I love these gals.

Aria

Smiling doggie.

Andrea's party was an amazing time. I got to enjoy a full day in the sun with my department and classmates, and it was the final goodbye before I head off down the road for the summer. Below is my most epic road trip: Montana, Wyoming, then back to Idaho. I can't wait!

Rangeland Ecology/Management class goes to Salmon, Idaho

2011-05-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

A curious horse approached as we were waiting outside of the Carmen Creek Grange Hall to attend a meeting for a local collaborative group, Idaho Peaks to Craters Network.

Since returning to school I have been introduced to a very interesting field of study: Rangeland Ecology and Management. I had always seen the job posts in search of Range Specialists on the Fed's. hiring web service, Avue, but had never really known exactly what the job entailed. Considering my love for and interest in the working landscapes of the West, I see a strong justification for pursuing a specialization, or at the very least, a well informed knowledge of this field within resource management.

Cody and the curious horse

He's quite the mover.

I enrolled in Integrated Rangeland Managment and have learned more than I could have ever hoped. It's so logical, and now completely essential for forest and resource managers to design management strategies and objectives based on an informed understanding of the interconnected state of vegetation types, fuel loads, ecological restoration goals, and public lands grazing and other uses, but history and specific cases have shown that these considerations have not always been given the attention they deserve, or have even been addressed. Historically this has resulted in the overuse of land, or in the case of fire suppression for example, the landscape can become overrun with dense biomass, contributing to increased fuel loads, which can increase fire intensities, increase the severity of fire effects, and can change the ecological composition of the land and the vegetatative communities it supports.

Cattails in seed

Whew...that's just a glimpse into the stuff that occupies my thoughts lately...I love it. And I was thrilled to learn that the class would be taking a four day field trip down to Salmon, Idaho, where we would meet with agency workers (US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Idaho Fish and Game); members of the community that are involved in voluntary restoration ecology projects (largely as a preemptive measure due to the presence of spawning Chinook Salmon, Bull Trout, and Steelhead Trout, which are endangered or threatened species protected by the 1973 Endangered Species Act); local area ranchers facing a variety of challenges; and even getting to view the lek ritual of the Greater-Sage Grouse. This field trip sounded fun at the beginning of the semester, when we hadn't been assigned papers, projects and a million other things, but when it actually came time to hit the road we were at April 23 on the calendar--in student time, that's just about the worst time ever to have to leave your school and work responsibilities for four days.

Cattails, the curious horse, the Salmon foothills, and a game trail leading up the Salmon River Mountain range.

We piled into the van, me and five other guys, and began the nine hour drive from Moscow to Salmon, Idaho, via Interstate 90 in Montana. Salmon displays an intimidating topography, and even more beautiful landscape than I remember from my road trip through the area back in 2008. I was floored by the beauty of the rolling foothills, wide mesas, and the feeling of being so small while standing down in the floor of the Lemhi Valley-to the East you are surrounded by the Bitterroot Range of the Beaverhead Mountains, which is the Continental Divide and the Idaho/Montana state line, and the vast Salmon River Mountain range of the central Idaho wilderness areas.

A classmate searching Carmen Creek for spawning Steelhead Trout

We were driven from meeting to meeting, many of us grumbling along the way about how tired we were from waking each day at 6, and attending meetings until 8 pm each night, but deep down we all had a great time. We visited the McFarland Conservation Easement on Carmen Creek, where we scoured the banks in search of reds and spawning Steelhead Trout; I saw one, but that big ol' fish was moving so fast that all my photos are kinda blurry. The region was gorgeous, and I definitely need to plan a road trip out here again sometime. I'm pretty sure Idaho Falls isn't all that far from Salmon, so I may get to give it go soon enough.

Continue scrolling down to see more photos of the area.

Old things lying around the ranch

The Lewis and Clark expedition traveled up Tower Creek on August 31st 1805. Clark recorded, "...passed remarkable rock resembling pirimids on the left side."

The view West toward the Salmon River Mountain range. This is taken from the Eagle Valley Ranch, a 6,000 acre, working cattle ranch.

The Beaverhead Mountains, Eagle Valley Ranch, Salmon, Idaho

Chris presenting the ranch manager with a gift from the class

The Salmon River Range

Best Spring Break Ever? Part Two

2011-04-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

SXSW was raging on, and it was actually overwhelming to think that I am SO out of it when it comes to social networking and technology. I was RSVPing for parties throughout Austin and trying to keep track of it all in a running word document, whereas many more savvy people had easily downloaded a SXSW Iphone app that imports all your confirmed events into your phone's calendar...I don't own an Iphone, and frankly I'm just not that cool. Though I wished for the ease and clutter free-ness of it all.

One show that didn't need a calendar nor a reminder was that of our friend from our old days back in San Francisco: John Vanderslice and Jason Slota. Max used to intern at JV's recording studio, Tiny Telephone, and has since worked with John and his various amazing musician friends and colleagues on various projects, including arranging and playing piano on a few songs on the most recent ep, such as Penthouse Window. The most recent project Max was involved in is JV's most diverse creation yet, a joint sonic and artistic venture with Minna Choi of The Magik Magik Orchestra (also an old buddy from the SF Conservatory days). White Wilderness is stunning; and JV and Slota brought it hard at SXSW. Here's their performance of one of my favorite songs Convict Lake...check the Moog lick...it's sick!

John Vanderslice and Jason Slota, Convict Lake.

With all the visual, auditory, and food consumption going on it was pretty necessary to take a day or two away from the city to unwind a bit. We headed west one day, out to Marble Falls, Texas. Max knew of a cool lookout along the route, which bordered the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. We sat in the juniper structure and looked out upon the river.

The view across Texas hill country, looking west to Travis Lake (its actually a river). Texans refer long connection of rivers as a string of lakes, due to the fact that the river is pretty wide.

A young girl at the hill country overlook. She was dressed in a cheetah print dress, a pinned on tiger-tail, and a headband with tiger ears on. She was the cutest thing I saw in Texas.

Max and his impressive wingspan

"Coffee land...Coffee land!"

Myself at the UT Austin fountain, channeling my favorite comedians (Fred and Carrie of Portlandia/Thunderant infamy).

Me and Max at the fountain

Maxy Waxy

(Thanks for the great nickname, JV)

Backyard BBQ preparation

Rascall Katt

you give him fire and he's a happy man

On the BBQ menu: Vegetable kebobs, Mexican onions in foil, Carne Asada tacos, and slow cooked black beans, all the fixins' too...Crema,Cilantro, Queso Fresco, and La Morena pickled jalapeños and carrots. YUM.

Well, all in all, a very successful trip. I can't wait to return. Austin lives up to its good reputation, and I am lucky to have hung out with some awesome people in such a beautiful place.

Austin, SXSW, Babyhed, Bikes!, Tacos! and "the trailers" = best SPRING BREAK ever?

2011-04-01T01:25:00.000-07:00

pretty much.

Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas-Capitol building

I spent my spring break in Austin, Texas, visiting Max. We had an amazing time! I was pretty grateful that we had spring break over the same period, and given my flexible work/school schedule, I was able to spend 13 days down there. I was able to do my RA work from home, as well as the UT Austin campus, which is where Max is working on his Master's of Music Composition.

A mounted Caribou in the Capitol building; the Caribou has Mardi Gras beads strung about its antlers...I joked to Max and John that a senator must have had a rowdy party up there.

Max was successful in securing a bicycle for me to use over my stay, which in Austin during SXSW is the only "convenient" mode of transportation. It's not too difficult driving around town, but with the influx of 300,000 additional people to a small city for the music fest, finding vehicle parking is near impossible. I mentioned to Max the other day that the presence of a bicycle actually changed the entire nature/character of my first impression and experiences in Austin. It's a very bike friendly city, and I saw so much of it. (Thanks, Heather).

The Capitol building rotunda

My second night in town was my introduction to the city. Max's good buddy, Jon, had us over and we hung out with him and his little dog, Maylena (she's an amazing fetcher, and is super smart!). We all hopped on the bikes and headed south to downtown, where we rode around the grounds of the Texas state Capitol building; I took some photographs of the architecture as well as the guys joking around.

Max and Jon with the Ten Commandments behind the Capitol building. In about five minutes the guys analyzed and deconstructed the nature and intent of the Commandments, deciding that they were instilled to define ideal conduct among the self, family, society, and ultimately a governing body or system. Good work guys.

Max and Dan, his buddy from back when we lived in San Francisco. We happened to just meet up at a free show at The Liberty.

SXSW was in its beginning stages...the calm before the storm, really. However, that Monday (3/14), was the official start, and what was to follow for the next 6 days was overwhelming but so awesome:

parties on every block; free concerts; wide-eyed, semi-smug looking media/music industry peeps wandering the streets, wristbands and convention access cards proudly worn round their necks; food trailers selling anything and everything you could ever want (soon to be detailed).

Agent Ribbons- a former San Francisco all-girl band; second best show of SXSW at The Liberty

St. Patrick's day was pretty much unobserved, due to excessive competing merriment; nonetheless we found ourselves at The Liberty, a chill bar where the drinks are poured strong, and I think tattoos and/or moustaches may be a requirement to get in (if you have both, even better). This amazing band went on, Agent Ribbons. They are Sacramento, California girls originally, but now reside and kill it in Austin. The girls began their set with a cool hand-patty-cake number with a 50's rockabilly aesthetic to it. It was charming, coy, and risque all rolled into one great performance.

Eastside Drive-in, East 6th St. Photo: Blake Blumberg, I think???

So back to all that unending and super convenient access to amazing food!: Jon mentioned that he wanted fresh squeezed juice while we were riding down East 6th St., so we thought we could try the food trailers, locally known as The Eastside Drive-in. The Eastside Drive-in describes itself as "a vintage oasis of community events, film, music, cuisine, and camaraderie;" essentially, pure awesomeness contained in the loose form of a circle of trailers with lights strung about.

I was standing outside of this cool bar that shares the lot with the Drive-in; it had a fenced backyard, with music playing and a firepit...it was ridiculous. Max needed to take a pee and headed back toward a Port-a-Potty he had seen near the lot entrance. As he attempted to use the thing, a guy walked out of it and informed him that the facilities were only to be used by food trailer businesses and workers. Max was polite and asked if there were any other bathrooms around, and if not, may he please use the Port-a-Potty. The guy was super cool, and said "sure, just lock the thing up and return the key to me over in that trailer that looks like a chicken."

Photograph from Gonzo's Facebook page

Max returned to the fence that Jon and I were locking our bikes to, and tells us of the nice guy who let him use the facilities, and that we should go check out what kinds of food his trailer specializes in. We walk up to the chicken-trailer and to our surprise it is a just opened business, Gonzo Juice and Salad. Fresh squeezed juice. Exactly what we had been craving! (Max and I shared the Dad's Truck: Apples, Beets, and Carrots = delicious! It was a welcome coincidence, and the proprietor was super nice. A really enthusiastic guy who clearly loves what he does. We left satisfied, and in good spirits, and promised to return again soon.

Part two still to come:
JV and Slota
(number one SXSW outdoor party performance)
Balcones Canyonlands
Backyard BBQ

Summer plans...and a humble request

2011-03-28T23:08:00.000-07:00

Photographer unknown: http://islandpark.com/2009/07/16/too-much-water-for-good-fishing/

So, again, I acknowledge that I'm a very lucky girl. Life continues to amaze me, as do the connections and coincidences that seem to unfold.

I applied for a super cool research assistantship (RA) at the University of Idaho this past December; upon finding out that I got it, I reveled in the amazing professional opportunity and personal experience that it offers. I am working for the Idaho Falls Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for my RA responsibilties, and will be spending the next two summers working as a Recreation Technician on the South Fork of the Snake River (have you seen how gorgeous this place is?!!). Along with work, I will be conducting the research for my masters degree beginning next summer (2012).

I am thrilled. However, I am now in the position of searching for temporary housing, which is proving to be a little difficult, since Idaho Falls and the surrounding towns of Ammon, Ririe, Rigby, and Ucon are all communities that house families and students that tend to have more permanent circumstances than my own.

So I am writing this blog post in the attempt that someone in this region may stumble upon my request, or may know of a friend or colleague that may be searching for someone in my position to fill a little house or apartment for the summer. Considering the past coincidences I have had in the wonderful state of Idaho and on the internet, this request and attempt may actually be possible and not all that far-fetched.

Let me know, friends!

Thanks times a million,

Michelle

photos found

2011-03-27T18:33:00.000-07:00

I-80, somewhere in Nevada

Over spring break, I was looking through Max's iphoto and stumbled upon a collection of photographs that I had completely forgotten about: our roadtrip vacation from August 2008. On this trip we drove from San Francisco, California, through Nevada on Interstate 80; up Interstate 95, through the deserts of South Eastern Oregon, to Boise, Idaho.

Max stretching after a long drive through Eastern Oregon

Max and I taking a swim break and enjoying the scenery at the Boise River Greenbelt; Boise, Idaho

We then took Idaho Highway 21 through the Boise National Forest; along the Salmon River and through the Challis National Forest; north along Interstate 93, through the Bitterroot National Forest, and up to Missoula, Montana.

An old cabin along the Salmon River, somewhere west of Stanley, Idaho

Standing in Lake McDonald; Glacier National Park, Montana

From Missoula, it's a few hours drive to Glacier National Park via Montana Highway 35 north.
Upon entering Glacier National Park at the south-west point you see the gorgeous view into the park from the shore of McDonald Lake. The colors, the size of the mountains, and the chill of the water are shocking. Driving deeper into the park, we hit some traffic...which sound's ridiculous, but it's a very popular destination. We sat in the idling car, waiting for the long line of visitors and vehicles to proceed; I then see an adult Black Bear come running up the river bank with a fish in its mouth, dripping river water and slowing to a walk right in front of our little car. I was surprised, this being the first bear I'd seen outside of a zoo.

Driving through the tunnel along Going to the Sun Road; Glacier National Park

We did the "tourist thing," which is pretty rare for the two of us; but come on, it's Glacier! We drove the long, climbing and winding, Going to the Sun Road. It was frightening and gorgeous...I'm deathly afraid of heights.

Backcountry wilderness ranger's quarters and stock; East Glacier, Montana

We drove up and over the park, and headed further north; a few hours longer and we had reached our trailhead: Big Chief, the north-eastern most entrance; a one minute walk to the Canadian border. We packed in and camped a few nights at a designated site not far from the wilderness ranger's cabin. The photograph above is the ranger's view from their window...lucky!

Helen Lake; East Glacier, Montana

Looking west into East Glacier, Montana

Glacier National Park was an amazing and challenging experience...I will never forget the trip and the fun times that Max and I had. I'm just glad to have found these photographs to help me remember every once in a while!

No kinder place

2011-03-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

"No kinder place exists than those where land, laughter and the day stretch long."

— Source Unknown

Near Frannie, Wyoming. Just west of, and between, Montana's Pryor Mountain range and Wyoming's Bighorn Mountain Range.

Little Sheep Mountain, south of Lovell, Wyoming on highway 310.

A glint of sunlight on the range, photograph taken from WY highway 287, between Lander and Jeffrey City, Wyoming.

Miss Madisen

2011-02-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

Miss Madisen's adventures in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Talk about a personality.

One shouldn't have to be persuaded.

2011-02-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

There could have been no two hearts so open, no tastes so similar, no feelings so in unison, no countenances so beloved.

Now they were as strangers; no, worse than strangers, for they could never become acquainted.

It was a perpetual estrangement.

Tuesday morning

2011-02-20T01:04:00.000-08:00

So look to the sky.

2011-02-08T15:16:00.004-08:00

So this was the sunset two days ago in Moscow, Idaho.

Some people complain about the fact that the Palouse hills physically surround the residents of this small community, how one can only see four miles in any direction in most parts of Moscow, how the overcast, dreary gray winter stretches longer than anyone can bear.

My response to these complaints is a nod of understanding and empathy, as I am patiently trudging through this winter as well.

But I then point people to the silver-lining, the bone that nature has thrown us: staggering sunsets....every evening.
So look to the sky.

Well, I found a pheasant...and ate it.

2011-01-14T00:13:00.000-08:00

This evening I pulled into my drive, just to the right of the highway, and noticed something lying near the mailbox. I parked and went over to inspect, and it turned out to be a pheasant that had literally just been clipped by a passing vehicle. He was so recently hit that his entire body was warm and his eyes were still open. I was surprised, and immediately thought that I would like to learn to dress a bird and collect some feathers along the way.

Perfectly intact pheasant

Oh copper, how gorgeous.

I began gently pulling feathers, hesitant and worried that the bird may still be alive. Some people are naturals at an activity such as this; they were raised hunting and it is only an action that follows the hunt. But I was not raised as a hunter, more of an explorer. However, I was always the child that loved to see how things worked, taking things apart just to see how they worked- I remember looking forward to the mandatory frog dissection in 10th grade biology class. But actually taking an animal apart from its natural state, and processing it into a meat product took some effort and resolve.

Look at these colors!

I pressed forward, continuing my gentle movements, primarily out of caution and a little because I was still finding it difficult to separate the meat aspect from that of the recently living and flying bird. I stripped the pheasant of his once robust feathers, removing the dramatic outer layer, the gorgeous and more subtle middle layer, and the soft, tiny under feathers.

This is one of the most gorgeously plumed birds there ever were.

As the bird began to display the type of skin consumers of poultry consider to be similar to chicken skin, and upon removing the head, the task became effortless. My housemate, Dallas, walked into the room as I was removing the wings and feet, and was surprised at the sight. He listened to the brief story of the pheasant, and then instructed me on removing the entrails and gullet, which we opened to reveal freshly eaten lentils and rocks...definitely a well-fed pheasant. He was impressed at the work put in to processing one pheasant, which only feed about two people.

Dallas offered to cook up the bird, rotisserie style, after a brief brining process. My Dad called at that time, asking how the start of my new semester was going. All is good, I relayed, and then informed him of the pheasant. "I don't technically consider this bird roadkill, Dad, his eyes were open when I found him. But does this make me a Redneck?" "Honey, he replied, you were a Redneck long before this."

Thanksgiving

2011-01-11T21:12:00.000-08:00

A frigid Thanksgiving Day in Hulett, Wyoming. The view south from Andrea's ranch house; thankful for the gorgeous blue sky and distant views of the South Dakota's Black Hills.

The pup and I gazed out at the vast, snow covered fields from the bedroom window; us both looking eager to horizon, but grateful to be warm and cozy together.

Andrea and her dad went out hunting on their property. You couldn't keep those two in the house, they love the outdoors.

He looks so gorgeous and soft.

This deer will sustain the family all year, and the hide was given to Andrea's friend in Missoula, Montana, for tanning. Not a scrap is wasted.

Devil's Tower National Monument

2011-01-09T18:59:00.001-08:00

The Missouri Buttes, Andrea, and Devil's Tower

Devil's Tower National Monument

Devil's Tower, written by Gerry Spence

The rains came,

the floods of lost eons,

and licked away the sides

of this inferno,

this molten, belching,

wild volcano,

Today we call it Devil’s Tower.

But who’s to know?

it may be nothing more

than Satan’s

stony toe.

Red rock buttes, east of Devil's Tower

The buttes near Andrea's family ranch

Birthday Cupcake!

2011-01-06T14:29:00.002-08:00

Twenty seven is my year.

Missing summer

2011-01-02T23:57:00.001-08:00

I was just looking through Iphoto this evening and stumbled upon a folder of photographs that I had forgotten about: The Riverton Ranch Rodeo and a few snapshots around the ranch. What a fun little trip back in time to the best summer ever! Ranch rodeos are a ton of fun and are very popular in Wyoming; these events are where cowboys and cowgirls from around a region can form teams to demonstrate their skills as a hand, rider, roper, and bronc rider. Below are a few shots from the rodeo.

Working, but having a great time

Can't start a rodeo without the procession of the flags

Dee and Ryan

The steers look kinda scared

The long walk back to the chute

Ropin'

Here's a ranch rodeo team entering the arena

Dee and Ryan

And here are a few fun shots from the ranch

New horses at the ranch

Friends

Contained? Hardly.

A glimpse of Summer

2010-12-15T10:49:00.001-08:00

Sarah and I sitting on a rock ledge overlooking WY 16 and Tensleep Canyon- look how little the passing cars look!, June 2010

Sarah and I working horses in the roundpen. July, 2010 Photo by Sarah Frary

Really? Yes.

2010-11-27T18:24:00.001-08:00

Wyoming bar decor, taxidermy and ranch brands carved into the wall

I have a few favorite bars in Wyoming. I find that a good tavern, saloon, or small town bar offers a pretty accurate glimpse into the culture and dynamics of a place. In Wyoming, bars serve a greater function than just a place to have a beer and play some pool. The Tensleep Saloon makes a mean herb roasted chicken and steak fajitas and is, in my opinion, the community center of the town, as I have seen a hundred tourists and bikers fill the bar anytime in August; the Invasion Bar is a place where local sheep and cattle ranchers gather and discuss business among other things; while the El Toro is the only venue in a very small Wyoming town that offers a space for old timers and youth, literally high school kids, to spend the evening dancing together and amongst each other in a smokey old bar.

I love pool

Andrea, settin it up

These places are dear to me. But one bar really stands out. I'm not going to name it here, it's already crowded enough. Really? Yes. Stickin' to it. It's a great bar, and going there on Monday, and last night, reaffirmed my love for it. So if you happen to be somewhere in Wyoming and you recognize these scenes from the following photos, then there you go. Lucky you, do yourself a favor and order a Ditch, with Crown, and have fun.

Andrea says I have a consistent stance, haha.

Awesome ceiling, nice rack.

The brand of the old HF Bar, the ranch I worked for summer 2009

my fancy boots

The Blacktooth Brewing Company- Sheridan, Wyoming

2010-11-26T11:05:00.004-08:00

Blacktooth Brewing Company employees and Andrea

Andrea and I get along really well, we are quite good friends at this point, having similar interests, both professionally and in regard to our hobbies. One such hobby is our mutual appreciation for good beer. I love a regular beer too, no doubt. A PBR sure tastes great while you are floating the river, or out camping in the mountains. But there is something so much greater about a beer that has been considered, worked and re-worked, in an effort to achieve the right balance in taste, alcohol content, finish, all those traits that are attributed to those select beers that make you not only appreciate them, but actually become a bit of a nerd in your appreciation for them. Beer snobs, nerds, what have you…a growing trend and increasingly common moniker, one that Andrea and myself embrace.

Check out those sweet pint glasses

We were driving through downtown Sheridan, about to visit our mutually favorite bar in the state of Wyoming, The Mint, when Andrea remembered that a brewery was opening up. We walked into the building, a former auto shop; entirely industrial, with gorgeous brick all around; black and granite accents, and a wide, open floor plan. The co-owner, Tim, was busy working on the finishing touches for the grand opening of The Blacktooth Brewing Company, set for this Friday. The brewery takes its name from Blacktooth Moutain, a peak in the Bighorn Mountains. Blacktooth is second largest after Cloud Peak, which stands at a nice 13,167 feet. We began chatting with Tim and one of his employees, a sweet young woman named Andrea. We were interested in the merchandise, and of course the beer. Generous samples of the four beers on tap were passed around: Pronghorn Pale Ale, Wagon Box Wheat, Bomber Mountain Amber Ale, and Stumpy Ridge Stout, each possessing a name that has resonance with residents of the Bighorn Mountain region. Locals, you know what I mean.

Even awesome growlers!

Tim informed us of a sweet deal he’s working on, “If you give me an empty Growler from another brewery for my wall collection, I will give you a Blacktooth Brewing Company Growler full of your choice of beer”. I thought quickly back to the growler that I had purchased back at the Kettlehouse Brewery in Missoula, which was still in the car. I ran out into the snow, grabbed the growler, and in a few minutes had a full beer ready to share with everyone for the remainder of the holiday break. Sweet!

Symmetry is beautiful

Gorgeous steel brew vats

Everyone at the brewery was awesome; despite not being officially open, Tim encouraged Andrea and I to stay and have a pint. We asked him questions about beer, and found out that they are dreaming up a holiday Porter, so that’s something fun to look forward to. He also gave me the go ahead to walk around the facility and take some photos, which I was eager to do, since this was the only my second brewery I’ve been to. We thanked everyone for their hospitality, and promised to return this Friday night for Sheridan’s ever-popular Winter Stroll. It was then that Tim told us that Andrea and I were Blacktooth Brewing Company’s first ever customers, a title that we were so excited about, which only served to further forge our “Beer Nerd” identities.

Top of the line brew equipment

So, point is, if ever in Sheridan, and you consider yourself a fan of good beer, do yourself a favor and stop into this fine establishment. And don’t forget to bring an empty growler to trade!

Travis the Brewmaster