Tony,
I think this coming weekend might be the last. The snow at the outhouse was only a few feet deep last weekend. We've had five 80 degree days since.
King,
Here's a copy of what went to the free press. I don't know if if it's all that great but if you like to write you're welcome to borrow anything from it that you would like. How's your wife doing by the way? She's been in my prayers every night since I read about the accident.
Powder Therapy
By Scott Faiman
Crisp air, tranquility, a swirling blowing cornice far over head, these are just a few of life’s simple pleasures that can be experienced up-close and personal on any given winter day in the Ruby Mountains. I’ve grown a fondness for the Rubies over the last twenty-some years. For six months a year I spend several hours of every non-working day absorbing the winter dynamics of the Ruby Mountains.
Snowmobiling happens to be a sport I fell in love with as a child and god willing, will be enjoyed well into my golden years. Absorbing the Rubies in all their splendor atop Full-House Peak has become somewhat of a morning ritual. From Full-House you can see the entire Ruby Mountain Range in all of its magnificent glory. The Humboldt River Valley is often times shrouded in a blanket of fog, but many times at 10,000’, the sky is clear and the sun’s penetrating rays heal your soul. It’s hear that I reflect and thank god for the gift of life, for without the Rubies, there would be a void. The winter landscape is barren and empty; the deer have migrated to the lower elevations where the odds of survival are in their favor. The mountains goats and bighorn sheep have done the same. At elevation there is nothing to disturb but the snow itself.
As winter succumbs to spring all traces of human activity are erased and the cycle continues. This is part of what makes snowmobiling such a unique and perfect winter activity. I’ve grown a Passion for the Rubies and the serenity it holds. Several locals I’ve met over the last twenty-some years feel the same. You meet these hardy souls daily as you navigate cross country. On any given morning good friends and I will pull a technical climb, shut down our sleds and discover we’re not alone, but find others that have the same morning habits we do. There is an unspoken understanding and respect among backcountry users that most everyone feels. The risks are great, but the rewards are even greater.
For those of us who exhibit classic Type A traits, accompanied by an off the hook addiction to adrenaline, there is no finer place to let it all hang out than Lamoille Canyon. Getting away from it all is what has kept my attention for twenty-some years. Ripping up a long steep and deep pull, ski’s in the air with trouble just around the corner, lights a fire in my soul like nothing I’ve ever done before. Coming off an early morning ride energizes the mind body and spirit in a way few other disciplines can. It may sound a wee bit crazy to some, but smoking up a do or die steep narrow chute with a 200 horsepower nitrous oxide breathing bucking bronc between your legs has a focus to it that in some unexplainable way manifests relaxation. Hmm!
Those who seek high performance extreme riding will find the Rubies are the crown jewel of snowmobiling. I’ve explored snowmobiling destinations all over the country, including Canada. No other place I’ve ever been has the technical, yet family friendly atmosphere you can find in Lamoille Canyon, in my opinion the Ruby Mountains are second to none.
We’re a little confined as far as the Ruby Mountains are concerned, only 3,000 out of 100,000 acres were left as non-wilderness multiple use, which appears a wee bit slanted for winter enthusiasts (if you haven’t noticed our freedoms are deteriorating daily). Lamoille Canyon is quite a melting pot of winter activity, you’ll find heli-skiing, cross country skiing, snowboarding and families out for a day of sledding. Finding tranquility is easier in the morning than later in the day. For some incomprehensible mentality there is quite a push to create even more “land of no use”. On any given day in Lamoille Canyon you’ll find a few cantankerous malcontents, a simple smile and wave is the best way to get along I guess. Most the snowmobilers who frequent the Canyon would rather ride where they would not be seen or heard; unfortunately, riding into the vastness of the heart of the Rubies is considered an illegal, although harmless, recreational activity.
There are only a handful of places in the country that have asphalt to the snowline for six months a year, we just happen to have one of those places in our own backyard. Give the Canyon a look, you may find that little something that’s been missing.
The following is a little piece I found somewhere several years ago that I feel is worth sharing. I have it prominently displayed at home and feel it sums up a great day of riding.
Have you ever wondered what riding a magic carpet would be like? Try mountain snowmobiling, on a good day it feels as though you are floating on air. The powder rider and mountain climber’s combination of abilities is unique among athletes. A powder rider needs the balance of a bull rider, the timing of a home run hitter, the agility of a motocross rider and the concentration of a NASCAR driver. The uncommon grace of the rider combined with the challenge of the moment make mountain snowmobiling as beautiful to watch as it is exciting to do.
Mountain riders live to reach higher. They live to visit places only seen by few, where the only sign of humanity for miles around is a snowmobile track in the untouched powder. Each day is new with fresh challenges and dangers. One must have the sense to stay out of trouble and the uncanny ability to come out unscathed when things go bad. Mountain riders who ride religiously are the only people I’ve ever truly been able to connect with, they live for the moment, but at the same time think about the excitement tomorrow may bring. It’s a beautiful world out there, don’t let life pass you by sitting on the sidelines, get out and enjoy. Remember, “Where there’s a hill there’s a way.”
The famous author Henry David Thoreau once said, “I had always longed to visit the mountains and found that when I did, discovered that I had not yet lived.” This mentality is shared by most visitors to the high country. I’ve found and felt a unique bond between mountain riders that few other sports seems to have. It’s what snowmobiling is all about! Passion! It’s not a hobby, it’s a religion. I’ll see you in the clouds.
Total length (DVD) is 15 minutes, but had to shorten it to 10 to fit youtube and still couldnt use that Nickelback song (thats why the sound was muted)
