Mountain Life

the 400 clearing trees for an as yet unnamed trail on Iron Mountain

So it’s been a long time.  Work, life changes, enjoying my summer have all played into me not spending much time at the computer.  I still have a trip report to finish and a number of other things I’d like to get off the ground,  my avalanche dog blog is in serious need of finishing before the snow flies and I need to revmap my main site before we take off for the teaching season.

Anyway, I’ve been spending the majority of my time as the Project Manager for the Iron Mountain expansion lift at The Canyons.  I am getting ready to post on the entire process to date, needless to say it’s been hard work, challenging and fun.  Check back in the next few days for the story so far.

JMH

The open road beckons.  Sights unseen and roads untrodden by yours truly.  A mentally trying spring has finally released me to walk away from the pain and focus on the future.  A few days with the family sandwiched between a few thousand miles on the Tiger are just what I need to get my head around it all.  Time to focus on the good, forget the bad and hope for the best.

Port Townsend, WA is the goal, along the way I hope for winding roads, wild mountains and raging rivers.  Lions, Wolves, bears and vagrants are welcome in camp as long as they like whiskey and me.  The Tiger has new rubber (a Shinko 705 – will post some thoughts on it, seems good though)  my bags are mostly packed, the dogs are pouting (They have an awesome dog sitter coming – Thanks Bri!) and I’m having a martini and watching the tour.  My route is sorta general, who knows where I may detour?  But there will be no interstates or hotels on this ride.  The route is below and the updates will be as frequent as I feel.  New perspectives lead to new paths in life.  Stay Tuned…

Tags: journey, motorcycle, Tetons, Triumph Tiger, Whiskey

Tags: Beer, life, party

Well my brain has had writer’s cramp since I got home, so I thought I’d loosen it up with a frosty malted beverage or two.  Figure this is a great time to introduce you to Utah’s newest full-strength brewery and an awesome small batch whiskey from Colorado I just discovered.

First up is Epic Brewing Company – I got to meet Kevin the brewmaster at a friends wedding last summer and try the beer he brewed for the event, it was tasty, original and STRONG!!  My friends kept telling me rumors of his brewery coming and this week it opened at 825 S. State in SLC.  I’ve tried 5 or 6 of them now and being an IPA fan, have found both the Hopulent IPA and the Spiral Jetty IPA to be outstanding.  They are a little more expensive than my usual Full Sail IPA choice, but the taste is exceptional and I always like to support the local guys.  Stop by the store and pick up a few today, you won’t be disappointed – they are also on tap in a few bars around Salt Lake so ask for it and support strong beer in Utah.  For more info check their website or check out the SL Trib article here.   I think their tweet from yesterday sums it up best :  No burgers, no fries, just beer!

Second I want to turn you onto Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey.  I first heard of it on a bootleg live Railbenders show I was listening too.  I didn’t think much of it until I ran into a bottle in the local liquor store.  $48 I was on my way home with a fine bottle of whiskey, shot glass included.  I am normally a scotch drinker with the occasional bourbon for a change, rarely a fan of Rye although High West is growing on me, especially the Bourye blend (and they’re local).  I’ve quickly become a big fan of small batch whiskey and I think it’s cool to see these guys getting out there.  None can compare with the old school West Virginia Moonshine my friend bootleg out for me each year, but Stranahan’s will be just fine in the meantime.

Hope to get the creative juices flowing again soon and finish putting pen to paper and tell the story of me, the tiger and 2800 miles of fun, until then, have a drink and relax..

JMH

Tags: Beer, Whiskey