The Art of Sitting Still

It doesn't come easily. But when you let the space between your ribs settle, when you remember to be present, the world opens up.

Finding Winter

Winter here in the West has not been, by a skier's standards, the finest. But nonetheless, we've found  cold and snow, sporadically, with effort, and with great bouts of spring-time warmth in between. In a forest service cabin, on the mountainside, in the depths of Cooke City. It's been a winter of mourning for a …

Elsewhere

Further reading for fall. Two recent projects that I just wrapped up: Over at Conde Nast Traveler: 12 Reasons to Visit National Parks in the Off-Season And at Montana Backcountry, a sneak peek at Elk Camp, in Photos.

Falling

September has been full of exploration. Always one of my favorite times of year, this time I'm actually getting outside more than usual. A quick tour: 1. The daily wanderings, around Bozeman. Getting out despite waning daylight, weather, and such. 2. Working on some stories about Yellowstone National Park. A week on horseback in the …

Trail Running Visions

It's been a good trail running summer so far. After nine months of plantar fasciitis and a glute-busting physical therapy program, I've been pain free for two weeks. Finally. Because I want to spend all the time I can, right here, on these trails:

New Chapter

Trying on a new town: Bozeman. Learning new trails with old friends. Trying out being 100% freelance. This morning, spontaneous bike ride with my friend Heidi. Which meant early dinner and time to work on the novel with a glass of Malbec this evening. I could get used to this schedule.  

Spring in the Valley

Spring, season of all seasons, calls for a certain kind of hyperactivity. When it's 65F and sunny, you--quick before it changes--get out on a run in shorts. You pull out the mountain bike but agree to meet the snowbanks with a smile, or at least stamina or the reasoning to turn around. You multi-sport it. …

New Project: Montana Backcountry

Here's a new side project I'm working on with a few friends: Montana Backcountry - a new adventure blog. The four of us spend a lot of time cavorting around the mountains, but we all have different interests and passions.  Hunting, skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, wild game recipes, trail running, rafting, climbing, camping with toddlers. …

Powder Days

It's easy to give in to the pattern of working life, to convince yourself you don't have time. My three jobs are  wearing me down this winter.  Friday, I nearly turned the wrong way on a one-way street. Cause: burned-out brain. I try to remind myself that being outdoors is the thing that brings relief …

Tracks, Sastrugi, and Blue Skies

A day backcountry skiing in the Bitterroot mountains. It was the opposite of a powder day. Lots of survival skiing through rocks and downed trees. But that's not the point. The point was a gorgeous warm day in the mountains, six hours of moving, no other humans, the sun shining, and skirting the tracks of …