(20)15 Adventures

I have been severely lacking on my posts in 2015 as we find ourselves already halfway through February. I apologize.

To make up for it however, I have decided to dedicate this post to 15 things I've been up to in the new year. Everything from my travels, recipes, and new things I've embarked on to bring everyone up to speed on the happenings in my life. Sound good? Here we go. 

1. The promised return to Taos for a ski trip.

Taos Ski Valley

The moment I was back in New Mexico I knew I had missed it more than I ever thought possible. The sunshine, chiles, and colors of the Southwest were just what I needed to start the new year off right. I may or may not have drank a stein of beer at the Bavarian (go there) that convinced me to try the only trick I know off of a jump under the chairlift. Cheers to beer giving you the liquid courage you need to land a 180 disappointing all of the people who wanted to laugh at you. 

2. Thai Peanut Spaghetti Squash.

Personally, I love using spaghetti squash instead of pasta mainly because I love vegetables, it's healthier, and honestly just as easy to make as pasta. You can't beat making your own thai peanut sauce either. Give it a shot, found here

 
3. Backcountry Tour to White and Pink Pines, Little Cottonwood Canyon

As I've mentioned before, this is my first winter skiing in the backcountry. I've only been able to get out touring a couple times this season from plans and weather but every time I've gone it's been a new, great, challenging, and rewarding experience. As a beginner, I have been really grateful to be able to tag along with roommates and friends into the backcountry. This tour was my first double lap tour on two different ridges. Do you want legs of steel? Start alpine touring right now. 

My roommate, Matt, split boarding a ridge in the Pink Pines area

4. Avalanche Courses Continued (It never ends)

Since moving to Utah, I've been able to see what an incredible backcountry community resides in the Wasatch and the value resources we have available. A couple weeks ago I took my first partner rescue class up at Brighton put on by the Utah Avalanche Center. Admitting to the fact that I had been out in the backcountry without having taken a course like this is a little embarrassing and I am very thankful to now have the necessary knowledge of partner rescue. It's the skill you hope you never have to use but wouldn't you want the peace of mind knowing that your ski partners know how to save you in the event that it was needed? I am grateful to work with the UAC in my job and have the resources they provide in my personal life. Be responsible and know before you go folks. 

5. Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread

Long story short: This will be my go-to banana bread recipe from here on out. 
So. Damn. Good. I doubled the cinnamon to cut down on the sweetness. Perfection. Find it here.  

6. Missoula Gals Reunite

It hasn't been too long since I've moved to SLC, but no time is better than now to see your close friends. Lindsey, Jory, and Raechel made their way to Utah from all directions for a weekend of sunshine and laughs in the Beehive State. The beer didn't match up to Kettlehouse (as nothing will) but it's as if we were never apart. Until next time with these lovely gals...

7. Rollerblading in February

I love rollerblading. I was overly excited to see all of the fellow bladers that recreate at the park near my house. With all the tropical weather we have been having I have been trying to get out and blade when I can after work. I never thought I would be able to blade in January and February. I've put on many miles in the last 6 months and I'm thinking it may be time to get some new wheels if you know what I mean...

8. Exploring Utah resorts. 

Winter has been on a bit of a hiatus this season but I made my goal to check out many Utah resorts this year and I needed to get a move on. I had the opportunity to ski at Park City so I figured I should take it. It's a much different place than Snowbird. I don't think I've skied a mountain that I could compare it to and definitely not when all the Sundancers were out. Nonetheless, I've checked another resort out. Onto the next. 

9. Back to Big Sky Country

In January I made my first trip back to Montana to join some friends at Big Sky for a long weekend of skiing and debauchery. The monumental moment of the GNAR drinking game being invented happened during this trip. It was amazing to be with friends, on the mountain, in a ski town, and back in Montana. Apparently the vodka slushy machine is only active in the summer months (tragic) so a tequila slushy at The Wrap Shack had to suffice. Big Sky, you are lovely.

10. Snowshoeing for the first time. 

During the winter you can typically find me with skis strapped to my feet. Given the mediocre ski climate, I decided to give these spiked flippers a shot and they were awesome. This event leads me to my next adventure.

11. Winter Hiking

I think about hiking often during the winter. I start planning my spring, summer, and fall hikes but never find myself considering them until winter is over usually because I'm too busy skiing. The weeks of 50-60 degree weather in Salt Lake has my mind working though. This past weekend I did some research and found that one of the spring hikes I had planned is also a popular winter snowshoe trail. Bingo! We headed to Big Cottonwood Canyon to start the hike. Twenty minutes later, our shirts were off and the sunscreen was applied. It was warm, too warm for February. Nonetheless, it was a great hike with a beautiful very that had me more excited than ever to start hiking around this beautiful state. 

Frozen Lake Blanche and Sundial Peak

 12. Hozier - my Irish love.

I am beyond stoked that I was able to see Hozier on his first US tour in Salt Lake. The Depot is a pretty intimate venue with all GA seating (which I love) and cheap tickets. The show was incredible and one of the better concerts I've ever been to. Thinking about it makes me swoon. Okay- I'll stop. But really if you ever have the opportunity to see him, do it. Also, if you are turned off because the only song you've ever heard is Take Me to Church, I dare you to listen to the rest of his album and see that it's very different, which I love.  

13. Creamy Chicken Enchilada Stuffed Peppers

I have made stuffed peppers before and honestly they weren't my favorite and I was disappointed. I wanted to give it another shot. These chicken enchilada peppers were a great success. I used dairy free cream cheese and quinoa instead of rice and they were delicious. Try them here.
 

Delish

14. Spring Skiing....in February

Instead of griping and crying about the weather, last weekend we decided to get out and spend our Saturday party skiing in the nearly spring conditions. The skiing was actually pretty great, the sun was out, and laughs were had. Go skiing with your friends. 

Ridge on top of The Cirque

15. Embracing the "Spring" Weather

So conditions a week later weren't the best on the mountain, but we gave it a go. My roommate led me to a few technical spots (including a Baldy hike) that will be awesome once it starts snowing again which was great. After the coffee high wore off, we threw in the towel and did the honorable thing: host a BBQ and act like it's summer. 

Bring out the driveway pong.

This concludes the (20)15 adventures update. I promise I won't wait this long for another post. No matter what the weather is like, find a way to enjoy it. Hike, travel, ski, and eat like there's no tomorrow. 

k. 

Mountains and Margs

My adventure to the southwest has begun. After settling into my apartment in Albuquerque and making it through my first week of work, I was ready to start exploring. Also, at this point I hadn't had a margarita or any local food. That streak would end soon enough.

My friend Olivia and her boyfriend were coming down from Denver for a weekend trip to Santa Fe and Taos which I had on my list of things to do as well so I decided to head north and meet them. Santa Fe is the oldest state capital in the country. It's also full of color, culture, and delicious margaritas (yes I finally got one). Artists, foodies, and culture lovers alike can find something to love in this town. We spent Friday night walking around the plaza along with dinner and rooftop drinks. Saturday was spent eating more New Mexican cuisine and browsing the street vendors selling art and jewelry. One thing led to another and Olivia and I both made it out with some silver, let the collection begin. 

Pillar art outside of the Native American Museum of Modern Art

 Next stop Taos. My trip north was not only to see the most mountainous area of the state, but to hike its tallest peak and the tallest mountain I will have hiked to date, Wheeler Peak.

On the way I decided I needed to check out the Rio Grande River Gorge bridge and the Taos Mesa Brewing Company (of course) before I made my way to my campsite.

View from the Rio Grande River Gorge bridge.

At Taos Mesa Brewing Company I tried the Whitefeather IPA, which was delicious. But what I loved more was the breweries slogan, "A Conspiracy is Brewing". The outdoor patio had such a fun vibe along with a really geometric stage. To top it off there was a great trio singing live from Colorado playing while I was there.

I made my way up to Taos Ski Valley to find a campsite. I had planned out several places to potentially camp near the mountain for easy access to the trailhead. I lucked out and found a spot right next to the trailhead located in the heart of the ski village. That night I ate at Tim's Stray Dog Cantina - delicious. It wouldn't be a ski hill without bonding over Montana skiing, even if it is June. I'll definitely be making a trip back to Taos in the winter.

Chicken Tacos with green chile

The day had finally come to hike Wheeler. I was starting at about 9,200 feet which is the elevation of many mountains in Montana and 4,000 feet higher than Missoula. I started my hike and found it to be a more than gradual climb, but it was only supposed to be a four mile hike -- if I had actually started at the correct trailhead. I'll save you the long version, but basically there are two ways to get to Wheeler. The quick and steep four mile route which passes Williams Lake at two miles, or the 8 mile valley, ridge line, wilderness route, which is what I realized I was on after the third mile. 

It turned out to be a really wonderful mistake. New Mexico really isn't too much different that Montana around these parts. So I began my peak guessing as to which one was Wheeler. I was wrong three times. But hey, it was motivating to look at until the taller peak behind it came into view. 

My first guess

Beautiful valley section of the hike

The mountain that has the snowfield I had to cross on it was guess number two, followed by the peak in this view as guess number three. After the snowfield, I heard what sounded like rocks falling. I looked up and saw a small herd of bighorn sheep galloping down the peak. Pretty awesome. 

 After making it most of the way to my false hope peak number three, I finally had Wheeler Peak in my view which is the furthest to the right in this photos.The wind was pretty strong up here. Let's just say I couldn't walk, breathe, and eat an apple at the same time. So I stopped and finished my apple with this fellow:

The final jaunt to the top

As I made my way down the saddle before the last ascent to the peak, I looked to my right and briefly saw a lake and then about 50 people making their way up the extremely steep trail up the bowl to the base of the saddle. Clearly that was the popular trail that I had originally planned on hiking. But I made it! Wheeler Peak stands at 13,161 feet making it the tallest peak in New Mexico and the tallest mountain I have hiked.

Beautiful view from the summit

After making my way off the peak, I decided that I would take the shorter yet steep route back for a change of scenery. Here is my one and only problem with this entire hike: the number of spiders the size of a half dollar scurrying around on this trail is absurd. Also, these things move faster than any spider should be able to move. I saw at least 12 and that was 12 too many. 

I stumbled upon another snow field where I found several girl sliding down in the snow on what looked to be their packs. A man, who works on the trail, asked me if I wanted to join them. I kindly said no thank you and then he told me he had an "extra sheet" and that I had to try it out. He proceeded to bring a piece of lumber paper (the paper they put on the siding of a house while it's being build) and explains to me how to sit down lean back and ride the snow down. This was one of the coolest things I have ever been able to experience as I flew down the ice slide that had been carved out. I owe that guy a high five and a beer. 

View of the snow field from above

I finally made it down the mountain to my final landmark, Williams Lake (11,000 ft). The entire descent was incredible and made me feel a little guilty about ever doubting New Mexico and its beauty.

I can pretty much say that this weekend was one for the books. Taos has set the bar pretty high. I've had beers from 3 local breweries that have the capability to become a Montana rival, I achieved yet another hiking goal, and it seems that I still haven't fried in this heat. 

Turns out the desert isn't so bad. The journey continues..