Back in civilization.

Here's a few photos from my snowmobile trip to Alpine, Wyoming.  The lodge was at 6600 feet.  Most of your riding for the weekend was 8600-9000 feet. The snow could have been better but it was still awesome.  Our cabins were strictly propane.  No electricity.  It wasn't bad.  Three meals a day.  Hot water when you're done riding.  A great place.

The sign at the trail head.

 Just a view from a place on the trail where we stopped on the way in.  It was a 28 mile trail ride just to get to the lodge.  Took almost an hour.

Stopping for look around on the ride in.  Had to have a snort of brandy.  It was tough duty but I stepped up.  Team player.

This is the parking lot.  The sleds are fired up and ready to roll.

A view of one of the cabins.

I'll have some more to post later.  I didn't take a lot of pictures as I left my camera at the cabin one day, but did get a couple more.  Waiting for some to be posted on FB from some of the other travelers so I can get them from there.  Back safe and sound. Hey Buzz, what's the them for MCW? hahahahahahaha

Indiana, being uptight since 1816

Indiana officially became a state on December 11, 1816.  Hoosiers have been uptight ever since and now this from the Huffington Post.  Really Indiana?

Don't forget that tonight is the season premier of Justified. I'm not saying I have a man-crush on Timothy Oliphant but dammit he's so cool.  If you get a chance check it out.  Maybe set your DVR to Archer as well.  It's animated but I watched my first two episodes last week and it's pretty funny as well.  It also has sex, violence and strong language so it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

I caught the premier of The Chicago Code on Monday. ITS AWESOME!!  I love DVR. It's a good thing too because I have a Jeopardy qualifier at 7, then a committee meeting for the Citizens for Balanced Use, then have to pack for a four day snowmobile trip to Alpine, Wyoming staying at the Box Y Lodge. It's a 30 mile trail ride just to get there and I can hardly wait.  I think there are 12 of us going.  Accomadations include three meals a day but it's a BYOB place.  I can handle that.

When you get to be my age, you have to enjoy these moments all you can. HEY YOU KIDS!! GET OFF MY LAWN!!

The Great American Land Grab. Part One - The Wilderness

And so it begins.

On December 23, 2010 Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced plans "to reverse a Bush era policy and make millions of undeveloped acres of land once again eligible for federal wilderness protection." ( Bozeman Daily Chronicle 12/24/10). Secretary Salazar and Interior Department Management will review some 220 million acres to possibly designate as wilderness. This is an area larger than the entire state of Texas . However this only the beginning.

Secretary Salazar has clearly stated he will designate certain areas as "Wild Lands". The term "Wild Lands" has not been officially defined by the Interior Department or Congress. Because “Wild Lands” is not defined, it allows Secretary Salazar and BLM Director Bob Abbey to use their discretion to define areas within the 220 million acres as off-limits to any activities they disagree with. These activities will include on and off-road mechanized travel, livestock grazing, and placing any gas and oil exploration completely off-limits. The current administration's relationship with the environmental lobby certainly supports the restrictions of these types of activities.

Fun at 7500 feet

L to R, your humble host, friend Scott and his nephew Casey.

Just some pictures BG took this past Saturday.  It was the first time we've all been out riding.  There were places where the wind was blowing 40 MPH but mostly the weather was great.  The snow was like riding in pure sugar.  Very soft and lots of work.  I was a little sore for a couple of days afterwards but no where near as sore if I hadn't been going to the gym. That really saved me. 

Fortunately BG never took any pictures of the couple of times I got stuck.  One was epic!  Climbing a little hill with about 5 feet of powder and got kicked out of the trail, fought it back and was ready to give myself a high five and fist bump when my foot slipped off the rail while switching sides and I dumped it big time.  You kind of had to be there.

Pictures didn't turn out to bad considering BG took them with her HTC Incredible.  Then she posted them to her FB page from where these were taken.  The 21st century is so awesome.

L to R, Casey stuck as he went to help Aunt Mary who was stuck.

This actually put both of them tied with me for being the stuck the most.  That was before the hill incident.  And *ahem, another time right after that. The last one really made me angry.  Pure stupidity and not listening to Scott. "When in doubt, THROTTLE OUT!" It's good advice. I ended up getting stuck the most.  It's not a title I relish and one I've claimed more than my fair share since I started riding.  I think I need new skis on the front.  Yeah, that's it.  New skis will solve my problems. Sure enough.

 

MRM taking a break and getting ready for a snack.