He Walks Along the Lake

 

Some prints didn't photo well, but the characteristic claw, depth and stride sign were perfect. The bear ambled up the bank from the Lake, walked aways, headed back down the bank, looking for food and easy travel.

 

This print came across pretty decent. He walked the road, I used my field glasses to scope my surroundings. Didn't want to surprise the dude, although the sign didn't appear too fresh, not like the other day when even the creases and lines in his foot pads were clearly visible.

Here he headed back to the lake, off the roadway. I followed a bit, then backed away. Seemed I could just about see his face startling me near the drop off. Wouldn't have been pretty!

Continental Divide Trail Hikers Wanted

I'm starting to look at the Wyoming section of the CDT....and I'd like a partner to hike it with me.

I'd like to start at Copper Mountain and head north at least until I reach Old Faithful.

If anyone is interested, please comment, or email me. Check my profile for the address.

I've hiked two portions of the CDT.  This photo was taken in Glacier National Park.  It was a fantastic hike through griz country. The bear canister weighed 2 pounds 11 ounces. I used my modified external frame. The original pack was replaced with a custom silnylon pack I made and fitted so the canister could slip right in.

This is some of my gear in front of the pack I used. As you can see, I favor green and black, along with some camo. My hiking poles show lots of use as well. They form the support or structure of my ultralight, custom made Brawny Tent.

I don't have to have a partner for this, but I would like one. My credentials can be found at
http://www.trailquest.net/BRindex.html

May all your trails be lighter.

First Griz Sign Sighting

 

March 15th at Lake Yellowstone Man Camp. Things are getting interesting, spring is in the air, cabin fever setting in big time. Yesterday I went for an evening ski. Had to use the road, all snow packed and slick. The trails are soft. Breaking through to the thighs is not fun. I headed up to Fishing Bridge, turned around, went towards the Marina, intending to take the well used Marina trail back to Lake. Just as I swung in, I noticed huge tracks. I stopped, glanced towards the trail. Yup, he had to be right on up the trail. Of course, my camera was back in my dorm room.

 

The prints were so fresh I could see the lines in his pads, the claws so distinct I could count them. I followed the tracks in towards the lake, saw them head right down the trail I planned to take as the sun set. Well....humm, no bear spray on me, no camera, nope. Guess not, not tonight. I turned around, headed home, went into the Hotel to report to the foreman. No more leaving beers in the snow to chill out. Probably better not leave apple cores on the ground. As cooks making bacon for breakfast, I plan to watch the reefer platform before I head out there in the dark.

 

I love it here! Its fantastic. Where else do you get an adrenalin rush on a daily basis?

 

 

One of our painters doing the trim in the sun room. He's living here for a month. Its hard work, but they eat well.

 

Sun set view looking north across the lake. Everything takes on this lovely pink hue. Sometimes the meadow is socked in with fog while the hotel is bathed in perfect light.

 

A local coyote is not the least worried about me walking past. You can see the mountain of scrap metal and wood in the back.

 

Guys take turns pulling fire watch. The least little spark could send this place to an untimely death. All night, a man on duty will monitor from the attic to the basement, walking the floors. Many have reported strange bumps in the night. The Ghost of John Deerfield? Probably.  I wrote

Primal Cut back in November. Its a ghost story about the infamous caretaker of this historic location. Beware...it will make you look at red meat just a little bit differently!

 

 

 

The snow looks blue most of the time, a perfect reflection of blue skies and mountains. The pines are a welcome contrast. I count myself very fortunate to be working here. I call it home.

Book Four -No Storm Like This

 

You can click on the Author's Profile at the top of this blog to see all the books I have written at Amazon.com

 

 

Now available at both Barnes and Nobel and 

   At Amazon.com

I just finished Book Four of the River Survival Series. There's a lot of  violence, warfare, sex and alternative beliefs in this volume. As the federal government seeks to restore order seven years after the grid collapses, they implement horrific incentives to "inspire" citizens to capitulate to their demands.

 

If you haven't read the first three books, you'll be missing out on key scenes, which I refer to in book four. We have met and loved many colorful characters, found out how they evolved into the killing machines they are in this thriller, and see how they cope with the brutality of the new society.

 Book One begins with a couple living in the back woods of Georgia. After the grid goes down, they must hold their own against the local townsfolk trying to take over. Eventually, Carla Hunter must make her way north, alone, to reunite with family.

 

Book Two takes place in a small community along the Mississippi River. Hunter and her family assimilate, but must fight enemies from Chicago who plan a devastating raid.

 

Book Three sees the beginning of the spring campaign against American citizens who have recreated a working society apart from the federal government. Our beloved River Patrol goes through some internal fighting, the Sheriff proves he can handle it. 

 

 

Ski Adventure-Gear Report

 

 

I'm wearing my Columbia ski pants, they are awesome with a fleece layer underneath. Comfortable, with several pockets, a lining inside to wick away moisture. They aren't warm enough by themselves however,  you must have a layer underneath. 

 

 

The Yellow Hotel looks so far away. Its 2 miles across the ice to Stevenson Island.  I saw a crease in the snow cover and was glad I had my binoculars. There are hot spots under the ice, which can cause mush and water. Hitting one of these wet spots made my waxless skis immediately ice up. My friend, Barbie, was not having issues, her snow was good so I angled over to join her.

It took us an hour to get across to the Island. We messed around for awhile, then headed back.

You can watch the video at my youtube channel, or go over to my other blog,

http://thefemalesurvivalist.blogspot.com

 

 

Update From Lake Yellowstone ManCamp

I find the easiest way to show you the progress and weather up here at Lake Yellowstone is to do an actual video.

 

The first part is in the sun room of the Historic Hotel, then I go up to the third floor and show a little footage of the rooms nearly ready for paint.

 

We have so many skilled men here, tilers, tapers, sheet rock hangers, carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians. I love cooking for them. They eat hearty and enjoy all our homemade food. Everything is made from scratch.

 

On my days off, I ski, document the changes in weather, enjoy the wildlife.

Video-How to Remove Logos

This art project came to mind when our Man Camp started using up the laundry detergent in huge plastic buckets.

The bucket has a flip lid, a handle, is rectangular instead of round, and very strong. Its very easy to do and would make a great art project for kids. Once you remove the lettering and prime it with spray paint, turn kids loose with acrylic paints.

Voila! Custom storage bins, nearly free, and Saving the Planet, green as grass.

Need A Laugh?

I just finished watching Craig Ferguson: Does this Need to Be Said?

If you've got Netflix, you can watch this 65 minute stand up comedian go through tons of fantastic material in a Scottish accent. I love it. Its a 2011 release and talks about modern events.

The name of the show came from this. He said he learned there are three questions you need to ask yourself before saying anything.

1. Does this need to be said? 2. Does this need to be said by me? 3. Does this need to be said by me now?

He paused then added, It took me three marriages to learn this.


Typing this now doesn't sound that funny, but the audience laughed long, I laughed out loud. Pretty good stuff. I believe you'd enjoy it.

Photo Essay of Snow at Lake Yellowstone

 

 

Back country skiing can be challenging, cutting through forest with blow downs. There's still streams running in a few places. A person doesn't want to fall in. Its been below zero, wind chills can be devastating in open country. 

 

The fences near Lake Lodge take on feet of snow, mounding up like white sculptures. Its amazing to see all this happening on a daily basis. The sun comes out, thaws the top layer, causing a mushroom effect.

 

There is a guy living on site in a nearby cabin who goes up to the roof and cuts huge blocks of snow, pushing them over the side. The Lodge is nearly buried, but the roof is still in tact.

 

The sunset is always amazing her at Lake. View from the overlook near the Historic Hotel.

 

Every once in awhile a few bison come through, trailing through deep snow, thrashing their heads back and forth looking for food. You can see two in this photo. I took their picture, then turned around and headed the other way. After witnessing a bison charge and route a full grown griz this summer, I gained more respect for this awesome creature.

Somebody I Used To Know-Video

When I first heard this song on Pandora, I was captivated. It says so much in just four minutes. So I went over to YouTube, did a search and found this video.

The artistry in the video is outstanding. Watch and it will stay with you forever.

Whats really crazy is how many people completely identify with the issues here. I love the fact the song has both sides of the relationship story.

'Nough said. Take a look and tell me what you think.