Shredding at Bohemia

It's been dumping the last two days.  Dumping.  They even called off school yesterday.  Just when I hoped spring was here.  A sure jinx.  Well, back to shoveling!

Last week I went to Bohemia on Thursday.  It wasn't the greatest conditions, but I was jonesing for some snowboarding.  I went by myself, but ended up meeting a new lady friend.  Don't meet many of those in da Keweenaw!

Here is a video of the days events, all crammed in under four minutes.  Turn it up.  This one is for you, Michael!

A day of snowboarding at Mount Bohemia

The following weekend was Bohemia's Mardi Gras celebration.  Since it involves lots of drunken dudes, I try not to partake.  I don't need beads that bad, you know?

Yesterday I went up to the nose of Brockway to take some footage for you.  That will be one for next time, so stay tuned!

But now the snow is awesome, and I'm going to hit up Bohemes tomorrow.  Aaron said it's epic and I don't want to miss out.  Let it snow, I guess!

Shreddin Some Pow

It has been snowing almost consistently for about 48 hours.  Yesssssssssssss!!!

That made me want to go snowboarding at Mt. Bohemia.  Yesterday was the first time I've gone since they opened 6 days before.  Aaron and I got there right away for first chair.  The snow was glorious, and I made lots of runs down the front side before I even went to the back side in the Bear Den.  And the snow was even better back there!!!

I rode by myself for most of the day, but I almost prefer that (although the chair ride up gets a little chilly!). All in all I made 16 runs down in the time we could be there.  Made lots of turns, took a couple diggers, shivered my buns off and saw some friends.  It was lovely.

Now I'll just wait for a few more inches to fall and all the weekend tourists to go back home.  Then hopefully I can do it again next week!

Are You Down with OPP?

A couple times this week I have had the opportunity to volunteer at Ocha Potter Terrain Park up at the Keweenaw Mt. Lodge. Aaron is pretty much in charge of maintaining this hill, so I've gone to help him out.

It's kind of a unique experience. You know how people shovel their sidewalks -- take the snow off and put it in a pile out of the way. Well, we found the snow off the beaten path and dumped it where there just wasn't enough! I literally helped move tons of snow.

My first day I shoveled loads into a dump bucket, started the motor on the cart, drove the cart to the dump spot and dumped it on the pile. Kinda neat, hey? I'm not really a fan of motorized equipment, but after a few loads, I found a soft spot in my heart for the little caddy. I was yankin that pull cord like a champ by the end of it -- just like I always watched Dad do on the lawnmower. And hey, I didn't have to haul 20 pounds of snow shovel by shovel 30 yards to my pile.

The second day, though, I skipped the motorized hauler. Okay, so I didn't have that big of a spot for it in my heart. I opted for the Otter sled. This thing can fit Duce and me inside with room to spare.

So I filled it halfway up with snow each time (so I could lift it) and slid it down to the rail whose legs I had to cover. The rail was one that snowboarders would ride a ramp up and onto, and slide across. The metal poles on the bottom, however, stuck out sideways like feet. I had to cover those up and pank them down in case anybody falls off. They sure wouldn't want a steel corner in their back! Just a guess.

It was pretty fun, sweating voluntarily. It was hours of labor all together. I was getting my exercise in the white woods, and helping others too. I don't know how adventurous you feel, but the terrain park is ready to go, if you need some excitement in your life. Maybe someday I'll even try it myself....

Snowboardshoe

Yesterday was the grand re-opening of Mt. Bohemia. They closed over the holiday week due to rain. But they are back in action, and the snow is pretty good. Actually, yesterday, it was pretty phenomenal. Even the front runs had knee deep powder on them early in the day. And back in the woods, it could be thigh high!

I only got stuck a couple times, and not for too long. I have learned from many mistakes over the years how to avoid having to cartwheel out of the powder. Man, that is a lot of work.

But the hill was packed with people. Looking at the chair lift from 11 am to 2 pm, each chair was full on the way up. I rode by myself most of the day while my skier friends looked for some pow in the back country. But then I found a snowboarder chic friend for the rest of the day. We had a great time until our brains and legs gave out. We made it the whole day!

So I'm pumped for another ski season at Mt. Bohemia. But when Mr. Butters needs to get some exercise, I'll stay home and take him out for a walk.

Like today! We went out to a couple north-facing beaches and watched the waves roll over the glossy rocks. Oh, that Lake Superior, she gets me every time. I was pumped to actually get to snowshoe out to the lighthouse. I got to break a sweat on a relatively flat walk. That's always a good thing -- then I get to eat more food!

The ice is back on this side of the Harbor. I don't know how long it will stay, but I'll give it a week before I test it for a crossing. Oh, I can't wait for that! But I will wait, so I don't die. You're welcome!

Finishing Colorado

One cool thing about the Colorado skier life in the Vail area (besides the great snow and long runs) is the entertainment. This weekend presented "Vail Snow Daze." What does this mean? Lots of people and free outdoor concerts.

Free concerts? Oh, yeah. On Thursday night we watched Mix Master Mike, the dj from the Beastie Boys, spin the records on the decks. What a great show with lights, screens and bass. Spine tingling bass -- something I haven't heard in the Keweenaw -- ever. It was, um, really awesome. We danced the whole time.

Sunday night was Weezer. I've heard Weezer tunes since high school. And there they were, playing in their goofy sweaters and hats while we bounced around in our ski pants and boots. The show ended a little too early, and we were pretty sober, but hey, it was a free concert! We made the best of it. After all, it was our last day in Vail.

But before that last day, we had one more powder day. Some places had 15" of fresh snow to cruise on. Really, another great day in Vail with two more that followed. It made me look forward to Mt. Bohemia. Is it snowing in da Keweenaw? I don't know... I hope so!

For five days we ripped up the Rockies. One special trip was the Minturn Mile. This Mile, which is actually seven miles, drops off the back side of Vail mountain and into the town of Minturn. The first 20 turns are glory powder turns. I mean, thick, solid, steady snow fit for surfing on. Oh, it was deep and glorious -- hence glory powder.

The rest of this "Mile" was gradual descents on a single track path of snow. I actually did okay for a snowboarder without any poles to push myself through the flat sections. It was a unique experience that ended in a luge-type style where I had to curb my speed and not fly off into the creek. I made it out dry and proud.

The social aspects and snow in Vail surely made that part of the trip a cool experience. The other thing that, surprisingly, always took me by surprise was the fact that whenever I went outside I saw mountains. Mountains all the time. Everywhere. I guess I'm just not used to that. But they were snow-covered beauties. Here is a picture of them from Denver. I even took it myself.

Today we drove all the way to Omaha, Nebraska. We're on the way home. We are ready for da Harbor once again. My little slice of da West has come to an end. Thank you for coming with me!

Vail Mountain

Tuesday morning we woke up to eight inches of fresh powder on the ground. Sa-weeeeeet! We even got up at 7 am to take full advantage of our powder day in Vail.

We ended up skiing with about the same size group of people as we did on Social Sunday. A big group on a powder day? I'm used to hearing, "No friends on a powder day," which translates into, "It just snowed 8 inches, and if you can't keep up with me on the hill, I'll see you at the end of the day."

But not that day. The skiers all waited for little Amanda on her snowboard to make it to the bottom of the mountain. Wow. Thanks, guys. That's a noble amount of patience.

We rode from 9 am to after 2 pm. Oh, man. That was a fun day of work. All of our legs were so tired that we each had to drink a 24 ounce PBR before the bus came to pick us up. Mmm, PBR. The pain went away before I even finished mine.

The next day we woke up to a sunny (and lazy and tired and sore) morning, but decided to do it again. The snow would still be good, right? Right. The conditions were really perfect for a sunny day: some choppy powder, some freshies and, my favorite that day, smooth groomers.

I was hoping for a day riding groomed runs, but our adventurous leader took us back to the thick stuff. I tried my best to twist and turn my way down. I really did. But after a few runs, I had to admit that I was a hazard to myself and those around me. Luckily, half the crew felt the same, so we stuck to the easy runs for the last couple. Oh, thank you again.

Tomorrow promises a hike, but I have to believe it won't be an easy one.

Colorado

I could tell that Barb and Aaron wanted to ski the day after our low oxygen mountain climb through the thick snow. I racked my brain for another adventure idea, so that could be avoided.

"Aren't ski passes $31 at Wolf Creek on Wednesdays?" I asked. Yes, they were. And it was Wednesday. We geared up for our first real afternoon of skiing... without climbing up.

The sun rosied our cheeks on the way up the lift. The way down in the snow was phenomenal: soft and strong! We got fresh tracks all over that hill... and hardly anyone else was there! We all agreed that it was a great day of riding down the mountain... and an easy day for Amanda.

Two days later we left for Denver to have a social time with a couple other friends that could easily get to the there. A night in Denver... good thing we stayed in the hotel most of the time!

From there we scurried West to the Avon/Eagle area, where Aaron's cousins live. Our first full day there we rode Vail Mountain. Vail!? Vail is the mecca of ski hills in the country, they say. And we rode it for four hours.

The long, smooth runs were nothing like I have ever boarded before. I mean, some of the runs were s0 long and smooth that I felt like I was cheating somehow! What was the challenge? Snowboarding couldn't really be that easy. But it was. The snow was a little crusty and wind-blown in spots. Since most of the runs we skied were groomed, we really didn't get much for fresh pow, but the fast-paced action made it all worth it for me.

The coolest part of the day was that it was "Social Sunday," which meant that at a couple points throughout the day we were all in a group of about 15 other skiers. We drank PBR on one of the decks on the hill while grilling hot dogs. What a sweet little break! "Social Sunday." An all new experience for this girl.

Today, since we were waiting for more snow, we hiked up a mountain with the dogs. Up and up until, finally, someone mentioned that going back down would be a good idea. My sweating pits agreed.

All is well in winterland. I suspect we'll be making our way back home a week from today. I will be ready to return to da Harbor.

South to North

I just realized that my last post was the 100th since I started 'A Little Slice of da Harbor' at this blog spot. If you are one of the luckiest people in the world, you have read all 100! Thank you so much! If you haven't yet, get crackin. : p

Phoenix Area

On Saturday we traded the poshness of Sedona for the 60 degrees of Phoenix, well Mesa, technically. My heart was set on an afternoon of sunbathing at our campsite. All we had to do was find a campsite. None here. (20 miles later.) None here... there's got to be one by this lake. Nope. Okay, how about here? Good gracious! Where is a place to camp?

After driving for two extra hours, we asked a host at a National Park lot where we could pitch a tent. 45 minutes after that, we were finally parked at a campground. Since the sun was going to set in an hour and a half, my dream of a suntan (or sunburn) was long gone. At least I got some sun through the car window on the way....

Camping was peaceful. I was awake a bit during the night, so I got to watch the moon pass through the sky and Orion ascend overhead. The skies were supposed to be clear, so we skipped the rainfly on the tent. As Murphy's Law would have it, it rained all morning. We waited in our sleeping bags for a break in the drops as we slowly got leaked on from the nylon above.

So much for Phoenix. We weren't even going to try to go for a bike ride. We snapped our pictures with some saguaros and drove north -- where we entered snow-and-ice-on-the-road land. At least the trip wasn't monotonous! Here is Duce and me with a couple big saguaros. Arizona trees, baby!

Southern Colorado

After passing cars in the ditch and driving an average of 15 mph in a long line of cars, we spent the blizzard of a night in Cortez, CO... our 12th state of the trip (we passed through New Mexico on our way up to Colorado). In the morning, we made our way to Durango to see our yooper friends who moved west.

Goodbye summer and hello winter! On Monday Barb, Ryan, Aaron, Duce, Teva and I hiked in 3-4 inches of snow up the Telegraph trails. The nostalgic part about this was that we biked those trails three Octobers ago. I vaguely recognized my surroundings, but it slowly came back to me. Everything looks different when its covered in snow, you know?

That was a perfect hike in the sunshine. We got a sweat on but didn't have to work too hard. Today was a different story.

You know, I keep realizing, more and more on this trip, that I keep getting physically and mentally tested. Most of the adventures I've had have been really trying on me. I rarely make it through a whole escapade without thinking, Cripes, why am I doing this to myself? I don't think I'm going to make it. Whimper, whimper.

This back country snowboard adventure for me was a tough one. Aaron and Barb skinned up the hill (skiing uphill with sticky stuff on the bottom of their skis, so they don't slip back). Ryan hiked up in boots using his snowboard as a pole. I snowshoed with a backpack and my board strapped on the back.

Oh, let me say that we started this climb at an elevation of 10,640 feet. Um, can I get a little oxygen, please? Yes, I could, when I stopped every five clumsy steps to catch my breath. I climbed part of that hill on my hands and knees. Their ski trail they packed was 2/3 the size of a trail I needed to keep my outside snowshoe from sliding down the hill.

After a while, I found myself walking zombie-style, with my hands out in front of me for balance and acceleration. Good thing everyone else was way ahead, or they might think I'm a little weird.

Two hours and two rubbery thighs later, we reached the top-enough where we were to ride down. My fingers were so cold that I almost wussed out of taking a picture, but I though of you, and got one. That's Ryan in the brown and Barb back in the green. You have to really look closely.

The powder was thick and soft. If I had the strength and the wits to ride my board down skillfully, the trek up would have been worth it. I struggled with my turns and balance. But alas, I surfed down the snowy slopes with a smile for at least part of it. They want me to go again tomorrow. Oy. We'll see....

Variety Pack of Adventure

I guess I can give you a sample of each! The last few days, I got out for a snowshoe, snowboard, bike ride and cross country ski. One each day.

The snowboard day was amazing. We got a foot of snow over two days, and I was out ripping it up at Mt. Bohemia. I found fresh snow on all of my favorite runs. Every time I ride down the hill in untouched powder, not even having to turn my board, I feel like I'm flying. Even though I am not air born, the friction under my feet is so minimal, that I get a sensation of gliding through the air. Kind of like biting into a York Peppermint Patty.

The snowshoe day made me remember how quickly the shoreline changes in the winter. Remember the ice volcanoes I saw a couple weeks ago? When I went to the shore on Saturday, they were all gone. Not a trace of them. The water came right up to the ice-caged rocks on the shoreline. I thanked my lucky stars that I got to play in one on February 6th. Otherwise, I would have felt cheated out of curiousity.

The bike ride was sweaty, yet enjoyable. Really, the best part is to see people's reactions to a girl riding her bike the day after it snows a foot. Yes. I am that girl.

As for my ski, well, I am not a good skier. I'm just not. Not now. But I do get to take off my skis and wander to the middle of Lake Fanny Hooe (see, she gets me every time) where I can be in the middle of a snow desert. Today I took in the serenity of being right between East Bluff and Brockway Mountain. What a cool place to be... it's like being sandwiched in a ridge line!

So there's my piece of da Harbor for ya. And I think everyone here would agree that today's sunshine makes da whole Harbor quite delightful.

By the way, my Splake was delicious. Fried and mighty.

Buttery Bohemia Beating

Aaaaaaaaaaaalleluia! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaalleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alle-eluia! That song has been stuck in my head for the past three days because that's how long it's been snowing. Snowing and blowing up bushels of fun. Now the snowboarding has begun!

Yesterday (the only day I got to go) was pretty freakin awesome at Mt. Bohemia. Every turn, every b-line, every fall was smooth and buttery. It reminded me why I moved up here -- to ride the powder at Bohemia ( I stayed for many other reasons, if you haven't noticed).

I apologize for not knowing the exact amount (the wind spreads it all over), but I know that over a foot has fallen since Tuesday. Copper Harbor is back in business, baby! And the best part, since I am a selfish local, is that it's the middle of the week, and we get it all to ourselves! All the people who are eager to snowmobile and ride Bohemia will be here Friday or Saturday, and I have already ridden in spectacular snow.

Since I am such a devoted teacher at the Copper Harbor one room schoolhouse, Wednesday was my only day to ride until the weekend. But I have no complaints. The snow was amazing, and, quite frankly, I was beat after riding all day.

Get this. Aaron and I made "first chair" on the lift up, so we made the first tracks in the snow that day. I'm not going to lie. It was hard work. All day. And I was going up and down all day. Even the tele-skiers were telling me that it was hard work, and they were sticking in the snow a bit. That made me feel much better because I thought only I did that.

And when I thought I couldn't make another run down that beautiful, burly mountain, I met up with the ski patrols, who happened to be Aaron's uncles, and did four more runs to "sweep" the mountain, and make sure everyone was off safely. On that last ride up, Uncle Mark pulled the rope behind us, making us the last chair up (which needs no quotes).

I wish I could have been more alive to celebrate the fact that I rode all day, and made first and last chair. Those are bragging rights. But no. I practically fell asleep at the table while my friends drank micro-brews. And I don't like to admit it, but I was even a bit cranky. Oh yes. They were all better off not talking to me at all. I was ready for bed.

But hey, that was more runs than I have ever done in one day in my life. And considering the energy-exerting conditions and the fact that I rode on the biggest board I've ever ridden, I was pretty proud of myself. I just may have deserved to sleep at the table.

To Rail or Not to Rail

The Ocha Potter Terrain Park is up and running. Aaron goes up to work on it most everyday. Knowing that there was to be a beginner line, I was eager to hit some rails for the first time in my life. But when I actually got there and looked at them, that was a different story.

I eyed a couple of the "easy" ones up for what seemed like hours. Then, realizing that it was not plausible under any circumstances (except maybe a shot of whiskey), I decided to just hit the jump at the bottom of the run. I've been practicing jumps at Mt. Bohemia, and I really enjoy them. I was hoping all the jumps I was trying would get me ready for the rails at the Park. No such luck.

But that kicker at the bottom was pretty sweet. I hit it five times -- four without falling and once at an actually decent speed. Being a 27 year old female, I have a high fear factor. Don't be offended if you are a fearless 27 year old female because not everyone is a big of a wuss as I am.

Finally, after comfortably flying through the air multiple times, I was ready to try my luck on a hard steel rail. The first real attempt left me chickening out at the last second, but at least I knew what to expect coming up to it, so I felt ready to try again. The second time I was going to do it. Aaron and Duce were watching.

That time, I baled at the even laster second -- I was already on the ramp up. Then, of course, I got in trouble by the park maker for ruining his ramp. Oy, was I ever going to make that leap?

I realized that my state of mind was not going to launch me at that point in time. I trudged up the hill for the last time that day and took off my boots. I will do this another day, I told myself. I just might need to bring a flask.

Christmas Surprise

As far as I know, I didn’t ask for anything for Christmas. Maybe I should have because I got something devastating.

On Christmas Eve day, Aaron and I went to Bohemia to ride the fluffy, white powder. It was the freshest of the fresh. It fell in globs as we rode down the mountain. “What a great Christmas present!” I told myself! And I didn’t even ask for it! But I usually work Thursdays, and being it was Xmas break, I was elated to spend the day in the best of conditions. I was having so much fun that I couldn’t believe when the liftee told me it was last ride up! No! I’m having so much fun! I wanted to scream! But I knew I was coming back the next day, and it promised to be spectacular too.

So the next day started off wonderful. Pure, fresh rides down an extremely unpopulated hill. It’s always the best when I’m one of the few people there -- I get so many fresh turns to myself. Another glorious day, I thought.

I was in denial as I looked over Lake Superior from the top of the lift and saw rain clouds. It won’t be much, I told myself. Just a short sprinkle, if anything. But those clouds sure were big and dark.

So I rode and rode in the sticky snow. I didn’t have the right wax on my board for such warm conditions. On my seventh ride up, I was getting rained on. I still tried to deny it, but the soggy spots on my pants told me the truth. I was determined to keep riding, though, and I went for a couple more runs.

But by then, my jacket and pants were soaked, my goggles looked like a windshield with no wipers and my board would hardly slide down the flat parts. It was time to be done for me.

Now, I am okay with the fact that my snowboarding day got cut short -- one that was supposed to be great. But the fact that it poured and rained for the rest of the day was really quite sickening. As I look out at the brown pathways, exposed rocks and sidewalk, I cannot help but feel my heart sink just a little. Good-bye, snow. Come back soon!

I think, yes, it is snowing out already.

No Expectations on the Mountain

When my friends came back from opening day at Mt. Bohemia, they said it wasn’t that great. Coverage was lacking, and some rocks were exposed. Bless their hearts. I didn’t feel so bad.

But Saturday was my turn to go and check it out for myself. I was even a little leery because of what I’d heard from the day before, and it didn’t really snow overnight. I expected my first day back on the board to be brutal. I was hoping we would only have to stay for a few runs. The back side of the hill was going to open that day, though, so that would make it worth it. Aaron and I rode up on the first chair of the morning.

That first run was rough. The snow was hard and too fast for how steep the run was. I ended up on my butt at least six times before reaching the lift again. If you are not familiar, the runs at Bohemia are all labeled black and double black diamonds (difficult and very difficult), except for one blue square (moderate). I decided to go for the blue square run, though I usually never choose it during the season.

That was just what I needed. Not too steep and not too skied out yet. I built up some confidence and was ready for another run. I had been hoping to ride the back side of the hill all morning, but that wasn’t going to open till 1:00 pm. Since we got there at 9:30, I had a lot of time to kill without killing myself before the fresh snow was available.

And do you know what? I had a blast! I found some decent snow on some of my favorite spots. Sure some rocks would scrape under my board and I’d have to dodge branches sticking out, but by gum, the first-day-fever had a hold of me, and I was tearing it up. And the bonus was that it snowed all day, so ruts continually filled in.

I already had taken 13 runs before they opened the back side, but once I saw those ropes pulled apart, it was like a new day. I took my first run on my favorite path (which, unexpectedly, lots of others liked too) and hooted and hollered the whole way. I even had some fresh tracks down the Baby Bear run. Fresh powder runs are a snowboarder’s dream come true. I took that trail again.

But after half a cookie and no water during 5 hours of riding, I tired rather quickly. I was beat. I was done. Luckily, so was Aaron, and on the way home, we talked about how much fun we had on a day that we thought would be so horrible that we would want to leave early. Guess I can’t have any expectations on the mountain.