Seriously Can't Get Enough Of the Desert.

 One tends to realize that you are pretty much "over winter" when you decide to go to the desert literally at the last minute, and also miss the closing day at the ski hill.  Well, all it really took was Chels encouraging as she had a ton of work to do and one look at the really, really crappy weather forecast for Jackson....., and off we went!  

Note to the world, do not try to rob Curt's RV, this bumper sticker he has on it is a trueism.  

 The desert rat crew went down to a bit of a different area this time in the Goblin Valley.  It is south of I-70 on the way to Hanksville.  Amazing place.  

Having some of out best buds, and family in SLC, not to mention a love of riding moto, has perpetuated  a huge desire to get to the desert more than the once a year like we used to back in the day.  

Matt and Steve, on the "Orange Trail", second ride of the day, happy.  

 Yep, Happe sending.  Soon to be dad, in his 40's, you inspire Happe...

The photo of course doesn't do the steepness justice, but damn, I can assure you, Happe was grabbing a handful and footfull of brake.

 

 If Happe is inspiring in his 40's, well........Curt downright dominates his 50's!  Curt, every time we are lucky enough to hang out I am inspired by you that growing old can be done well, with serious adventure, and with a ton of fun.  Curt, going large, yep, he is 54.

 The first day we were there we got two rides in, then, can back to camp, found a nice kicker, and hit it repeatedly until the call of a cold beer became too damn strong. 

Riding grippy ridges on a moto is really fun.  

 

 Steve, cleaning a tough section on the "Waterfall Trail."  This righteous singletrack was just out our back step from camp.  THanks for motivating to get out of Jackson Steve for the weekend.   You are the man!

Camp....Doesn't get any better.  You can see to the south the Henry Mountains with snow on the peaks that get close to 12,000ft and to the south of them is Lake Powell.  We are already planning another trip in a few weeks.  Can't wait.

I just might have......

The best lunch breaks around!  While I can't freaking wait for summer and doing power road rides into Grand Teton National Park on my lunch break, April is dominated by skin and slush missions across the street at the King.  The hill always closes the weekend of the Hillclimb which means from then until there isnt enough to ski on anymore, (sometimes two months worth) is there for the taking.  Nothing is better than shorts, t shirt, and 45 degree steep corn turns on your lunch break.  Ahhhhhh. 

A little Easter hike

On Easter, Trev and I decided to hike the pass and make some slushy turns down Glory, something we don't do together that often. It was the perfect way to spend a warm sunny Sunday together.

 

 Thumbs up to the Teton view!

 Trevor doing his best GQ pose.

 Of course we stopped for some refreshments and a snack at the top.

 And some headstand acrobatics.

 

Which was actually a little difficult to maneuver with ski boots on!

 

A great spring day together...and as much as I love love love winter, I am getting excited for some more sunny days!

Coming to a Close.

 There always seems to be so much finality to lift skiing here in Jackson.  This past weekend felt like spring!  It was sunny, warm, and slushy.  

Also, it was the last event weekend for Race Crew.  The boys, on the tram dock, 7 am load for the Pole Pedal Paddle.  

 And the ensuing parking lot party the swelled in size and stoke long after this photo was taken.

 Then a concern and fireworks show.  Always sweet. 

 And our most prolific visitor, LizzDogger hung all weekend long and enjoyed in the festivities.  

We love you Lizzy.

Early morning groomin...

Anyone have an opinion?

 It's spring time, and  that of course means......time to think about "snowchecking" a sled for next winter.  I am at a bit of a crossroads right now with what to do.  I am hoping to sell and or trade my 09 Ski Doo in and upgrade to a 2014 sled.  Only issue is what brand to go with?  I really like the looks of the new Polaris sleds and everyone that rides them loves them, especially in the tight trees.  THen again, I love the Doo's and am comfortable with the chassis after years of riding them.  

You have to order a sled in April to ensure the best financing and warranty deals and ensure a fall delivery of the new sled.  Its really exciting to think about even now, with summer fast approaching.  

A few variations of the Polaris RMK Pro...different color options.

 I like the red track on this one.

 Patriotic buggy.

 And the 2014 Doo's.  They are amazing looking too.

Thoughts?

HC does it again...

 The 38th annual World Championship Hillclimb was last weekend in Jackson.  You certainly dont have to be a sledder to appreciate the awesomeness of what these guys do and the event as a whole.  Its a huge money maker and fundraiser for Jackson and a really good time.  This year conditions were prime for fast times as it was cold and bulletproof.  

For the second year in a row, Kyle Tapio, riding on a Cat won it!  There is the "King of the King" riding off into the sunset after his winning run.  That sled easily has over 20k into it!

 The riders go straight up that suckah in just a little over a minute.  Full throttle.

 "Hill Help" scrambling to save a sled from certain death.

 I heard some stat the other day that outside of Cheyenne's Frontier Days, the Hillclimb is the largest outdoor gathering in Wyoming!

The HIllclimb in a nutshell!

Late Spring Break...

 "Jacko, Jacko-bean, Jah Jah, etc...." was in the valley last weekend celebrating what will most likely be his last spring break!  Jack is living in Seattle finishing up law school and came back to the mothership to visit friends and fam.  We scored some good turns together up on the pass.  PRetty stoked for Jah Jah to land a job in SLC and/or Boise or both.  A bit closer to the 307.  

Jack making some tele turns in what was some of the best skiing conditions of the  entire winter last weekend.