tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33328937373331108272024-03-18T23:34:11.388-05:00HeathstrokeBe polite, don't be stupid, sometimes its stupid to be polite.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger523125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-2567419188338795142017-06-27T21:34:00.000-05:002017-06-27T23:08:55.513-05:00Red Lodge Vacation <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORc2Z-3MoXDDRwQG7Lw8Uy5R6dhLsng6fpGISUXpdiZ6ZmI67W0sZeKLvsBCGjnT0k4j3g_SN2KUjzruNE8V0fIS7PHxR4dZQZn9k-Ijty47HGqEO-zvPKj6jclC9zq4V-GwuN6AfrKGv/s1600/20170620_192200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjORc2Z-3MoXDDRwQG7Lw8Uy5R6dhLsng6fpGISUXpdiZ6ZmI67W0sZeKLvsBCGjnT0k4j3g_SN2KUjzruNE8V0fIS7PHxR4dZQZn9k-Ijty47HGqEO-zvPKj6jclC9zq4V-GwuN6AfrKGv/s320/20170620_192200.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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With my family in Taiwan I traveled West for a short vacation. I have been working on getting in better shape, so I hoped to turn my new fitness level into something adventurous. After finally getting on the road at noon, I realized that I forgot my helmet and needed to turn around and go the 30 minutes home to get it. I left for real at about 1 pm hauling my DR650 on a trailer without lights.</div>
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My first stop was in Miles City, Montana. I was graciously hosted by my Uncle Al and Aunt Lucy. I woke early and solved my trailer light issue. Turns out the frame was not working as a ground like it should. Once I added dedicated ground wire I saw the lights. <br />
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Al recommended riding in <a href="http://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/b-l-m-recreation-area/strawberry-hill-recreation-area.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Hill Recreation Area</a>. I experienced solid riding there and on an area gravel roads. <br />
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After riding back into Miles City, I hung around with Al and Lucy during the afternoon and stayed for dinner. Lucy sent a few slices of left-over ham with me for my trip to Red Lodge.<br />
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My cousin Chip gave me access to his condo while in Red Lodge. I looked forward to him joining me later in the week.</div>
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My first motorcycle ride was up Hell Roaring Road, I found the baby-head rocks challenging at first. I dumped twice. First tipping over into the road and next bonking into the uphill berm beside the road. Once I learned to keep my speed up and let the suspension do the work I felt more confident and remained upright.</div>
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The next day, I looked on a map and found what looked like a good route. I went from Red Lodge to Belfry to <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/State+Hwy+296,+Cody,+WY+82414/@44.9532441,-109.4724068,10.46z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x534e934888109abd:0x9ce09769c9df58a0!8m2!3d44.823047!4d-109.4684914" target="_blank">The Chief Joseph Highway</a> back to the Bear Tooth Pass for the trip back to Red Lodge. I saw several dirt roads and double tracks to ride. I followed this for about 5 miles. The tracks continued much further than I traveled on it. Lots of big sky here.</div>
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Friday night Chip arrived from Fargo. It is always good to connect with him. Saturday morning he suggested we play around doing some climbing on a snow field. </div>
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This is the same set of chutes that makes the backdrop for my motorcycle picture taken on Hell Roaring Road. Cool coincidence. </div>
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This picture shows the steepness. I went up as far as I could on snowshoes bearing aggressive cleats. Chip was able to go higher because he had proper crampons. This climbing was physically challenging and just the right amount of scary. Going down was harder than going up. I used ice axes and kicked in steps on part of the descent.<br />
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Sunday Chip and I road up Bear Tooth Pass on bicycles. It took me 3 hours of steady climbing in, or near granny gear to go 15 miles and gain 4,000 vertical feet. to the 10,900' top. <br />
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I took my first rest break in the parking area below the chutes we climbed. I still had 10 miles to go.<br />
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Shortly before we pedaled above the treeline, we saw this bighorn sheep ewe standing next to the road. She seemed to wait patiently as I took out my phone and snapped this picture.</div>
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Chip rode ahead and took this picture as I crested the summit by the ski lift. My Surly Long Haul Trucker had lots of gears for the climb and stable handling for the fast ride down. </div>
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Huge thanks to Lucy, Al and Chip. Their guidance made this a week to remember. </div>
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Grounding seems to be a theme of this trip from lights on my trailer, to connecting with family, to tipping my motorcycle, to proudly huffing and puffing on the side of hills. </div>
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Mountains offer grounding perspective. I can simultaneously hold pride in my accomplishments and feel insignificant compared to their size, age, and grandeur. This is a memorable trip.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-68348524303394377572017-05-21T22:25:00.002-05:002017-05-21T22:25:59.778-05:00Wet Ride to DuluthJared and I rode to <a href="http://www.aerostich.com/open-house" target="_blank">Aerostich's Open House</a> Saturday. Rain and temps in the lower 50's to lower 40's provided ample opportunity to try out my Darian Jacket and AD1 pants. I won a MSR titanium two pot set set, and purchased a back protector and a t-shirt. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGjD3CAaxcKYEus04SL8GVuS1vQbD47jlxHNAT4hs4coBrobZwHNIzxwC49tRI169du1JlGgjhwXo2KEzO9j-2Hluvrn20nBERdk8v40zge0-TqjKg_FTSJPaDhZlyLPho82s6m_L3d8D/s1600/20170521_143319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGjD3CAaxcKYEus04SL8GVuS1vQbD47jlxHNAT4hs4coBrobZwHNIzxwC49tRI169du1JlGgjhwXo2KEzO9j-2Hluvrn20nBERdk8v40zge0-TqjKg_FTSJPaDhZlyLPho82s6m_L3d8D/s640/20170521_143319.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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Sunday morning we had round two of gear testing. Despite being wet on the outside, I stayed warm and dry inside my jacket and pants. It was cold enough at home to turn on my furnace to warm the house and help dry out my gear.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm63VqlpA5e4Oy8i-sjhyphenhyphenmotegjSnxHObR3UOoearrbU3XRspPNN4i07Bd2-Zsr7T4ZE8dWzhwFvBw8STTM0mhgxGEdymw-mTsCvEutRX0lPoQ7JwhVp408m56FYkAEOpxuPGQb5KD4gPj/s1600/20170521_143425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm63VqlpA5e4Oy8i-sjhyphenhyphenmotegjSnxHObR3UOoearrbU3XRspPNN4i07Bd2-Zsr7T4ZE8dWzhwFvBw8STTM0mhgxGEdymw-mTsCvEutRX0lPoQ7JwhVp408m56FYkAEOpxuPGQb5KD4gPj/s640/20170521_143425.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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Here's some info on the pot I won as a door prize. It's a sweet <a href="https://www.msrgear.com/cookware/titan-2-pot-set" target="_blank">titan titanium two pot set fro</a>m MSR sans handle pliers. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-24768071104077606732017-05-07T19:14:00.000-05:002017-05-07T19:27:35.224-05:00Overnighter to Pipestone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hqH_w5iLgGnMt8XkeQQ4qTts0y4vBd2qro5W7cXaxUGHMQhOPuo6F7IoZUTJAZb2kodZKRlUrKTnKR6fsbMAXUqvxpWXaClCYh2D-Sd34Yitxaqm7wTiH1_ZBPedLUK-wPzpwmhqF5Md/s1600/20170506_164143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6hqH_w5iLgGnMt8XkeQQ4qTts0y4vBd2qro5W7cXaxUGHMQhOPuo6F7IoZUTJAZb2kodZKRlUrKTnKR6fsbMAXUqvxpWXaClCYh2D-Sd34Yitxaqm7wTiH1_ZBPedLUK-wPzpwmhqF5Md/s640/20170506_164143.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
Hoping for a quick overnight motocamping trip, I pulled up a map of Minnesota looking for a novel destination. I decided on Pipestone, Mn. I know about the historic significance, but had never visited. I called Jared, and he was able to both join me and plan the route.<br />
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The two of us rode through the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Ingalls_Wilder_Historic_Highway" target="_blank"> Laura Ingalls Highway</a> to the West. On the road, I thought about Mr. Edwards and the US-Dakota War of 1862 that emptied the the region of settlers and Natives though ethnic cleansing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEV6y7juNpWaPI2QyhfOemCX99FucEcUitTrLFerMI3cIaKZ1tOJANvwxTT2_JwCkiUCNl8pSRQ3iCEPBWT6tA7YCA4dwkuwPqVU5RD_qRAjHPOza00OYu7VJI94Q5lAgVX6gvktTZukr/s1600/20170506_164209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUEV6y7juNpWaPI2QyhfOemCX99FucEcUitTrLFerMI3cIaKZ1tOJANvwxTT2_JwCkiUCNl8pSRQ3iCEPBWT6tA7YCA4dwkuwPqVU5RD_qRAjHPOza00OYu7VJI94Q5lAgVX6gvktTZukr/s640/20170506_164209.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
The weather was nigh perfect. Sunny skies, bright moon and moderate temperatures combined with no bugs made for a pleasant trip.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA2hLTAhqnD_nxjVAkBAYaIaTufIcrcpAQ_YXFakhNHvBVab4bzpsBLjeuHWKK-sg8SFFu8YVbVony_OKiZgbfvTnPfmm7GJTH2W9o90RYU-cVdBMbk-V9XXNHj6Jv8ca1YViQAp8ZAyr/s1600/20170506_170128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpA2hLTAhqnD_nxjVAkBAYaIaTufIcrcpAQ_YXFakhNHvBVab4bzpsBLjeuHWKK-sg8SFFu8YVbVony_OKiZgbfvTnPfmm7GJTH2W9o90RYU-cVdBMbk-V9XXNHj6Jv8ca1YViQAp8ZAyr/s640/20170506_170128.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
We arrived at the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/pipe/index.htm" target="_blank">Pipestone National Monument</a> at about 4:30 pm. Toured the inside exhibits and went for a 30 minute walk around the ancient grounds. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOpfgyaqX6mQjo4lKZlpW8zsl1RZcohMkGix-WPpHbFoCFAlBpJzXJ_vy6qIp6gSJOfFCTungbs-E5cCkiyOpCBcsRm4nCXSV0VMhvvQx6VzVq1non-TKqhNVa9wvCHEK_vge_VcGGiKm/s1600/20170506_171454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvOpfgyaqX6mQjo4lKZlpW8zsl1RZcohMkGix-WPpHbFoCFAlBpJzXJ_vy6qIp6gSJOfFCTungbs-E5cCkiyOpCBcsRm4nCXSV0VMhvvQx6VzVq1non-TKqhNVa9wvCHEK_vge_VcGGiKm/s640/20170506_171454.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
We camped 6 miles south at <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/split_rock_creek/index.html" target="_blank">Split Rock Creek State Park</a>. It was nothing fancy, but sites were available near the lake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA_qiS853btbV3Nou763j-qqeWRixIA-nduwxPJdtsFEL8FyU53dCPyacHs6S9Un2yGuuLjhoZeoCy_k0k8VDQZbE_5a8kzibWCxJacHDZg9wAAVHllI29nDCuS0nTC4lAOcU4iuNSlrv/s1600/20170506_182509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiA_qiS853btbV3Nou763j-qqeWRixIA-nduwxPJdtsFEL8FyU53dCPyacHs6S9Un2yGuuLjhoZeoCy_k0k8VDQZbE_5a8kzibWCxJacHDZg9wAAVHllI29nDCuS0nTC4lAOcU4iuNSlrv/s640/20170506_182509.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
We took a detour to ride up a gravel road toward a wind farm. I wondered what geological structure made building wind towers particularly appealing here. According to the <a href="http://pipestoneminnesota.com/visitors/windpower/" target="_blank">Pipestone Chamber of Commerce.</a> "<i>This area of Minnesota, called Buffalo Ridge... is a glacier-deposited ridge that runs diagonally accross the state. Because of its higher eleveation of 1950 feet, the area experiences continual wind speeds of 18 mph. This and the plentiful open farm and pasture land make it an ideal place for wind turbines." </i><br />
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We arrived back at Jared's for a special late lunch of foie gras, brie, french bread and other charcuterie. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-54407330021423427192017-04-25T21:45:00.001-05:002017-04-25T21:59:08.332-05:00Crutch Jack Stand for the DR 650<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Put together a jack stand for the motor bike. $3 for a set of crutches from the thrift store. Simple to make, cheap, strong, compact, and light make it a winner.</div>
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MhIFlfd7njEgTDL8eZhey2zp2a5E8boOV3VXc_Db8sYyQzDhOO9TXZzoQYofeMXbNPJAqQqHtQNHcLRYuzD5oSMvGIll4coqBtVZgPf00ipXISSfPvuyXucs1VnHvMDxnkcDDoLwPEBl9hNPnf0ajoLLJfADFEtdDiNBYMW6wVz5geHOiTxr6-FzwrMbTLbOlNyg83dtsPrVNoVPpR7efmOtgV_9L7e8T453vpYgvTjH4C4LS_k5JM95WYbIyQNXsTl-OluA7vE1bVMuXNHeK_4JCmqaec3mlvCknZbbYIgC1lQzcxPoI_7s4vK2INjvPRS8x5lxA8CmGapzxunpSIJ70yhDlayqkLfw7IJ65fH2gApozjjblT8To_r_5tEcrjAqmbAczw6rplYk5dhCve46Uv_5MpGWANItB03bJv8erLQzYRaPIJc1eyQvS8R8J_dtnVVaJZ8uO0O29RXzXoxHAwI7UgXBzO0SAL3zh2jajAWOtDBeYM8qLvP-0RYdoVMXcL_o7-4r3pyigQfBV6TLLhcaVaK-JmDD_l0cEvpDrtmCIAYSCTx4Zw9V61s-FY5Q6uBEY6Hfw_fqSPpHmoJmdOFS94JBZiUl0RPkdc6fDrd-OxGRcA=w398-h707-no" /></div>
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There are several web pages that show alternative designs, but this one works for me. I get excited when I find simple solutions to problems that could easily be solved by money. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-31239657864986674262015-08-29T21:46:00.000-05:002015-08-30T01:30:44.860-05:00Chanterelles Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was gifted an ample pile of foraged chanterelle mushrooms from a long time friend, Mai. What a wonderful culinary opportunity.</div>
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However, knowing the hazards of randomly picked fungi, I did some research before cooking them up. One <a href="http://www.mssf.org/cookbook/chanterelle.html" target="_blank">good source</a> is from the Mycological Society of San Francisco. </div>
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I learned of the look alike and toxic jack-o-lantern mushroom that is bio-luminescent. I read that chanterelles have false gills that fork and white flesh instead of the orange flesh and true gills of the jack-o-lantern. I read a story about an ER worker who had a patient they named "Jack" because he came in poisoned from eating the toxic version two years in a row because the poisonous jack-o-lantern has a lovely fruity smell like the chanterelle. I even found comfort in learning that toxic one is not deadly; it just makes you wish you were dead for a couple of days. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianuXbXgJmQvuokMpjrJ15znzaNN2tTmChr8GAj8YKH63m4rHPVg71Vl0KnxELchyWZJeCnt_h2zYeu3RaOyvBhRmqvfomRncAlT-Bto23rpJDUJjJ4PI2hvtU3U9KOLmxCmVsF8WCbH_/s1600/20150828_235832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhianuXbXgJmQvuokMpjrJ15znzaNN2tTmChr8GAj8YKH63m4rHPVg71Vl0KnxELchyWZJeCnt_h2zYeu3RaOyvBhRmqvfomRncAlT-Bto23rpJDUJjJ4PI2hvtU3U9KOLmxCmVsF8WCbH_/s640/20150828_235832.jpg" width="545" /></a></div>
Once confident that this gift was in fact chanterelles, I carefully cleaned them. They smelled wonderfully pungent of the earth and apricots. Sauteed with garlic in butter they were superior to other fungi. The flesh was firmly creamy while the flavors of fruity umami carried solidly through the butter and garlic. I look forward to more chanterelles.<br />
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I appreciate the gift of a bag of mushrooms. The sharing of a precious, seasonal bounty, the piqued curiosity about wild mushrooms and the new reason to connect with my immediate nature are the best part of this present. Thanks, Mai. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-91183447114171406842015-01-20T23:00:00.001-06:002015-01-20T23:00:38.517-06:00Black PowderPace of life has been fast and exciting lately. The observation of Martin Luther King Jr. afforded me a couple of hours to drive to my shooting range. 40 degree weather helped too. <br />
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I brought two guns. The rifle is a percussion cap ,50 caliber Thompson New Englander I received as a gift from my Uncle Al while on a trip with Claire and Harris in Montana. 90 grains of ff black powder sends a lead ball down range with surprising accuracy. <br />
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The revolver is an Uberti replica of a 1860 Colt Army that fires .44 caliber balls truly with 30 grains fff black powder times six. Old school now, being Civil War era, however, this was a state of the art weapon used by both the North and the South. <br />
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I enjoy shooting these guns because they demand a slower pace granting me time to think and to focus on accuracy.<br />
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While trying to hold steady on the paper in front of me, I thought about how I would not want to load and fix the regular jams of these guns while someone was shooting at me. I thought about the technology of these guns causing more American casualties than in all of the United States wars combined. I thought about the causes of the Civil War. I thought about MLK day, hatred and assassination. I thought about more...<br />
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Shooting black powder is visceral; you feel the thud and hear the blast as wonderfully sulfurous smoke hangs in the air. Today I learned that thinking while shooting has much the same effect.<br />
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<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ae4WF05GJP8/VL2B_smTAiI/AAAAAAAAYVQ/p340qXcBBkI/w732-h866-no/20150119_161441.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-25685742016571062032015-01-19T22:44:00.000-06:002015-01-20T12:09:57.982-06:00Jan. 17th Trip to Itasca and Swim in the Mississippi Headwaters. Two other dads and I took a group of skiers to Itasca for the weekend to ski. Snow conditions did not allow skiing, so we went on a hike with a football. The other fathers and I hustled to keep up, as the kids ran, jumped and tackled each other. I am impressed by their ability to make the best of a ski trip without enough snow to ski.<br />
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When we got to our cabin we discovered that the furnace was out; it was ambient temperature or colder inside. Kids huddled around an electric space heater and had a blast.<br />
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During a similar trip last year the skiers and I waded the Mississippi's icy waters. This year one of the boys decided that we needed to get submerged. Five skiers and I went into the shallow water and did a push-up to get under the surface. This turned into a push up contest. The winner was able to do about 10 below the water.<br />
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Harris makes the swim and walks back to our changing tent and a set of dry clothes. We kept wool socks on to protect our feet in and out of the water. This trick made being submerged in the cold water easier than I anticipated.<br />
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It is good to travel with people who are interested in making their own fun. I am proud to associate with such fine young people.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-22963738969021670992015-01-06T00:27:00.002-06:002015-01-13T12:19:34.660-06:00Ski Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Busy with the ski season again this year. It's a blast. The picture below is of a figure 8 course I groomed on an irrigation pond on our campus. I used my snow blower to augment the sparse snow on the track. Ended up making this cool pattern. I invited Claire's team from Math and Science Academy over for an afternoon of fast paced racing in the Infinity Bowl.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Below is our Skidoo Skandic with the Tidd Tech groomer. I've had it out a few times this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a race Claire and Harris are eating gyros. Both were the fastest varsity skiers for their teams on this day. I'm proud of the hard work and fun these two put into skiing.</span><br />
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XYZPOkzcjZw/VIeOZqKOuOI/AAAAAAAAXa8/OihEBGprmtc/w791-h866-no/20141209_172511.jpg" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-417360343481557252014-03-08T22:07:00.003-06:002014-03-08T22:07:58.947-06:00A Fat Ride Before ThawMy fatbike makes winter fun. With several 40 degree plus days in the forecast, I felt the need to get some snow time in. Nothing special, just a ride along the Minnesota River Bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsZ1CwwxvBdbNFhMh5HSG8Dgcfwnaui9QG6dDtHSZmrfM6cfDH5io1uJp7T73-Gow9vANuaBEUqgm2g6pzUb-OQMDjXHLuktSteGM3wuTM16Of5evMuUc3TENp1yt4gx_Pg9b3BGgOQHe/s1600/IMG_20140308_161832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsZ1CwwxvBdbNFhMh5HSG8Dgcfwnaui9QG6dDtHSZmrfM6cfDH5io1uJp7T73-Gow9vANuaBEUqgm2g6pzUb-OQMDjXHLuktSteGM3wuTM16Of5evMuUc3TENp1yt4gx_Pg9b3BGgOQHe/s1600/IMG_20140308_161832.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-71552759779241402652014-03-02T23:56:00.001-06:002014-03-03T20:46:42.957-06:00An Adventure?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4euTw-0Jlx0drAWl83Vy3hUhkfzz_lVWO7AHRQAmRBCq0lRyX0YO70fXyip3y_ZLXOJNUqrkvrwVFDE2yj-umF8FTq4DKOo7f8AKQumHkk6BE7Laf7Gth9QSPX3ot-UR6sc864XkH9fD/s1600/export.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4euTw-0Jlx0drAWl83Vy3hUhkfzz_lVWO7AHRQAmRBCq0lRyX0YO70fXyip3y_ZLXOJNUqrkvrwVFDE2yj-umF8FTq4DKOo7f8AKQumHkk6BE7Laf7Gth9QSPX3ot-UR6sc864XkH9fD/s1600/export.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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By nature an adventure entails risk and the possibility of a misadventure. Regardless we drove North East of Park Rapids to the Paul Bunyan State Forest despite a dangerously cold forecast. Below is a screen shot of the actual temps.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeKaCaWMYbm9SghYpxUq-Hr84nSMHcVyKjupY6xMKLdVBla2h537zb5xQTgYqdRPrhGfsGEfcslNeIfsxU_4sJ5wsZ5CdxWGGCwWfNUWyDHNzwwgH973wfK07k3_I_jW50I76_d3PLstr/s1600/IMG_20140302_001031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAeKaCaWMYbm9SghYpxUq-Hr84nSMHcVyKjupY6xMKLdVBla2h537zb5xQTgYqdRPrhGfsGEfcslNeIfsxU_4sJ5wsZ5CdxWGGCwWfNUWyDHNzwwgH973wfK07k3_I_jW50I76_d3PLstr/s1600/IMG_20140302_001031.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
We parked the car, donned our snowshoes and did our final staging before walking into the forest.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB_iOHoAcmkObztkZR8_ihNhZm9hcRwMG7CjCLSwuc0HnhzhXjdCdeHPtdFXtnmdzjaruDm-JGqFKawPSRuAvuzPsvPtQGktW-PEz4E85RS-u4YmVAyUp5DjcAb92vMalFlON3hDwOuW6/s1600/IMG_20140301_170221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioB_iOHoAcmkObztkZR8_ihNhZm9hcRwMG7CjCLSwuc0HnhzhXjdCdeHPtdFXtnmdzjaruDm-JGqFKawPSRuAvuzPsvPtQGktW-PEz4E85RS-u4YmVAyUp5DjcAb92vMalFlON3hDwOuW6/s1600/IMG_20140301_170221.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The bright setting sun made each bare tree cast long shadows in the deep sugary snow. Only animals had preceded us on this trial for some time. We worked hard breaking a path. </div>
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Jared used his pulk sled to haul his gear and my bulky -40 sleeping bag. His large snowshoes and trailing wake made him easy to follow. </div>
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I took my turn leading too. My smaller snowshoes and pack made my steps plunge a little deeper. </div>
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Finding a spot somewhat out of the wind we began to dig in and set up camp. </div>
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With the extreme cold and with darkness coming we decided to skip making a hot meal. I munched cheese curds, a granola bar and a few fun sized candy bars for supper. I looked forward to snuggling in my bag and watching "No Reservations" and "Top Gear" on my phone, but dozed off. I woke up about 30 minutes later to twigs snapping as something walked through the snow about five feet from my head. I'd guess a deer, but the snow didn't allow distinguishing tracks to form.</div>
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About an hour later the cold really settled in. We made the call to pack up and head in for the night. This, however, never felt like failure. It was the right decision on such a cold night. We had a great car ride, snowshoed in an amazing forest and spent time in the woods with the animals. Once out of the woods we drove to our cousin's cabin, made a late night pizza and slept well. Yes, our adventure turned into a misadventure, but that doesn't mean it wasn't well worth doing.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-40416292655178186922014-02-14T00:08:00.004-06:002014-02-14T00:08:45.191-06:00Surplus 1940 Mosin Nagant Rifle and T-Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-68462328765987495392014-01-20T22:36:00.001-06:002014-01-20T23:01:16.416-06:00Fatpacking the Minnesota River Valley.<a href="http://laotzucycles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jared </a>and I decided to escape for an overnight bikepacking trip. The picture below is of my bike pre-assembled on my porch prior to leaving. I'm trying some tweaks on proven gear systems. I have my bivy and zero degree F. sleeping bag mounted to a second stem under my handlebars. I'm using a single Thermarest Ridge Rest pad attached to my seat post rack for the first time. <br />
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Below is my bike ready to leave Jared's just after 9pm. 31 F. made for a warm ride to our camping spot.<br />
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Jared's Moonlander with orange and yellow and my Pugsley with blue and green during a break. The trails were soft and took some work to ride. Better after we both lowered tire pressure; plodding might describe our progress. Not out for speed; we enjoyed a warm night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBgcs9k1neMLHKBjp1faH4EpsXVrdeTktIhzMnUGU7R9_SPOgod3Zf6fN86lx4FWizFkSPzPRfe2PMxJPhPuMM6rkerUtKlgGVKuKQaReY5Fpg9_fi1LZGXPX80Q2Os8xaPmH0pSHCJs4/s1600/IMG_20140120_130405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBgcs9k1neMLHKBjp1faH4EpsXVrdeTktIhzMnUGU7R9_SPOgod3Zf6fN86lx4FWizFkSPzPRfe2PMxJPhPuMM6rkerUtKlgGVKuKQaReY5Fpg9_fi1LZGXPX80Q2Os8xaPmH0pSHCJs4/s1600/IMG_20140120_130405.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I took a picture of Big Foot behind Jared. Too bad the photo is grainy: you can just make out his outline. Warm weather must have lured him out. I rode for some time without hat or gloves. Not bad for a mid-January night.</div>
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We camped in a sheltered spot surrounded by brush and small trees. In the Minnesota River Valley.</div>
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Pictures, above and below, show the location of my bivy for the night. Billowy snow, still soft after being stepped down, helped me sleep well. The single pad, bivy and sleeping bag all worked wonderfully.</div>
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We woke up to temps.were in the high teens around 8:30 am. These small trees sheltered us from a stout wind. Jared's Moonlander unloaded with his camp set up behind him added color and contrast to a white and gray landscape.<br />
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Here's Jared's view of my campsite</div>
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We decided to eat a handful of nuts instead of heating water for our oatmeal and coffee, packed camp and were riding by 9am.. Soft snow, a big climb out of the valley and a headwind had us questioning our meager breakfast choice an hour later.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1MgORyxCJgvDZmnOYKqmu3IDl1T0sDqjDiIXmBNdKVqthOdiDc6J15bDMO78BCd7k6XmI9dsGXOXnfZdHVaTHXkGqf9ZHBNmkf4AwMYrYMeRVaT2ktqACcliEHef3XXXkrvyfNn8Nbmj/s1600/IMG_20140120_090306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1MgORyxCJgvDZmnOYKqmu3IDl1T0sDqjDiIXmBNdKVqthOdiDc6J15bDMO78BCd7k6XmI9dsGXOXnfZdHVaTHXkGqf9ZHBNmkf4AwMYrYMeRVaT2ktqACcliEHef3XXXkrvyfNn8Nbmj/s1600/IMG_20140120_090306.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RM_AKaj_DbRC3dY7Dr7Ip5xfCzbuc_Zbf6i0uXRjiVkIa0kOpFvO6LMqNyqAx9XoSSNdEs5V2X8iKhnoJfNpR5bEffD2QBW-c0fmP0EQls1eEjqiUd0ozisq10GGziBSN91F1gjUZI5w/s1600/1551478_10202888467270155_593259070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RM_AKaj_DbRC3dY7Dr7Ip5xfCzbuc_Zbf6i0uXRjiVkIa0kOpFvO6LMqNyqAx9XoSSNdEs5V2X8iKhnoJfNpR5bEffD2QBW-c0fmP0EQls1eEjqiUd0ozisq10GGziBSN91F1gjUZI5w/s1600/1551478_10202888467270155_593259070_n.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a><br />
Oh well, we were back at Jared's a few minutes before 11am. Our trip finished with a drive to <a href="https://plus.google.com/105661357206398359640/about?gl=us" target="_blank">Wampach's Restaurant</a> for onion rings and the Monday meatloaf special. Loads of fun and a little adventure packed into a 24 hours.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-61179869057949272012014-01-07T22:00:00.002-06:002014-01-07T22:00:28.163-06:00Bivy Test<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpwFtL0Xv3Lhs-MPfcZFElMfmPCJ4MwLSIxcvaK5vGsh9SSOQocUJWaQGFqPaH8On1CKEDbg9tp7GycIBVnPhBKwFicng8h1Yzv5D8rHbFWtEe0mtRxyaTbjVkbnwJaXsUnqRu8dRaHb5/s1600/IMG_20140107_003134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHpwFtL0Xv3Lhs-MPfcZFElMfmPCJ4MwLSIxcvaK5vGsh9SSOQocUJWaQGFqPaH8On1CKEDbg9tp7GycIBVnPhBKwFicng8h1Yzv5D8rHbFWtEe0mtRxyaTbjVkbnwJaXsUnqRu8dRaHb5/s1600/IMG_20140107_003134.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-78063270997687493932014-01-06T00:14:00.001-06:002014-01-06T00:14:36.412-06:00Good Winter Day<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="710" scrolling="no" src="//instagram.com/p/i0LVQDLmq1/embed/" width="612"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-13737450079545337502013-11-30T19:45:00.001-06:002013-11-30T19:47:08.360-06:00First Ride with Q and his Green Ops. PugsleyNovember ended with a beach ride along the Mississippi River near Hidden Falls Park. 40+ temperature competing with the ribbon of ice forming on both sides of the river channel. We rolled rocks, floated over sand and did hike-a-bikes around fallen trees. Jared started fat biking in 2009 when he purchased the Pugsley in the foreground that I now ride. His Moonlander sporting Bud and Lou is to the left.Q's Black, green, Ops Pugsley on the right is a brilliant bike. It was fun to ride fat with him for the first time. <br />
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Jared's flat ended the day. Our only spare tube, a 2.3" downhill tube, was not up for the job of filling Lou. We pumped it up, but it died whining . Jared hiked up to a road while Q and I rode to the cars so we could drive over and pick him up. All part of the fun and adventure.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-73951475947405227142013-11-03T21:41:00.004-06:002013-11-04T20:28:29.629-06:00Bike Packing Along the Minnesota River Near Chaska<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2fKy6R2HZX96wWphNBYWv_rMGlTc1EX0n-t13j-8OqumR3hxbfd2R7eGLhHI184pOxplAu2tyflS1-Sbb4PbKGnE17QVbckQ9tQrMmS1sz5zwQbSoqLrGnWRN1p038jHt0eNlSg7-OtD/s1600/IMG_20131102_174359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2fKy6R2HZX96wWphNBYWv_rMGlTc1EX0n-t13j-8OqumR3hxbfd2R7eGLhHI184pOxplAu2tyflS1-Sbb4PbKGnE17QVbckQ9tQrMmS1sz5zwQbSoqLrGnWRN1p038jHt0eNlSg7-OtD/s640/IMG_20131102_174359.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> Jared and I left his house about 5pm Saturday riding toward the Minnesota River. After a climb out of his neighborhood, we had lots of fun downhill rolling. We camped quite near where <a href="http://heathstroke.blogspot.com/2013/01/winter-bike-packing-comfort-in-cold.html" target="_blank">we overnight-ed last winter</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> This is the first outing with my new sleeping bag, waterproof compression sack and double stem front mounting system. Every thing stayed brilliantly solid without issues. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dinner was outstanding. I made instant potatoes with bonito flakes for a bit of smoky umami. Jared's angel hair pasta with olive oil and campfire toasted berbere spiced pine nuts won the backwoods culinary award of excellence. Even cooler is the fact that he cooked the pasta on his homemade alcohol stove. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We gained an hour setting our clocks back while we were out. Morning was a relaxing slow wake event. A bowl of oatmeal and a cup of instant coffee mixed with hot chocolate boosted my homeothermic system in the same way laying on a warm rock stirs a reptile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Jared is snug in his Mount Laurel Designs tarp tent. I'm not sure of the temp. upon waking but the white in the background is frost. My bivy/tent below had ice crystals on it when I crawled into bed. Once again I was quite pleased with my sleeping bag. The ground was soft, so I didn't take time to inflate my pad relying instead on my bag's insulation below me without the r4 of my insulated air mattress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Jared's tarp and bike below. My bivy and bike above.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Final shot of our loaded bikes as we were ready to ride out of camp after a night out.</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-84422968181615305062013-10-20T21:33:00.003-05:002013-10-20T21:33:42.395-05:00Paul Bunyan State Forest Grouse HuntingTom and Tom and I enjoyed some North woods time last weekend having a perfectly wonderful time getting skunked while grouse hunting. We saw a fair number of birds, but they warily flushed far out of range.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0autdpNu_gFUmR2IgXp8L-O2tL5rxV7bWnfen5QTb9GTUSzuNC8DnLHzsKaftpZUOZCyEh-xelyhIkOzj_vEo5nS6e5ZsYExjgz1nfPlRSjaseCtkqbrJIGdU17g7XEOT3JcqtF-6Apy/s1600/IMG_20131018_111923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0autdpNu_gFUmR2IgXp8L-O2tL5rxV7bWnfen5QTb9GTUSzuNC8DnLHzsKaftpZUOZCyEh-xelyhIkOzj_vEo5nS6e5ZsYExjgz1nfPlRSjaseCtkqbrJIGdU17g7XEOT3JcqtF-6Apy/s640/IMG_20131018_111923.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Always great to walk in the woods this time of year where the dropped leaves unveil unexpected rewards like this twisty, blazing fungi.</div>
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Weather was overcast and threatening rain while we spent time walking the woods on Friday and Saturday. We stayed dry and enjoyed the hospitality at Tom's cabin. His daughters aged 9 and 11 kept us entertained with handstands and giggles.</div>
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A couple of years ago I helped move this vintage outhouse to its current location. Seat warms up nicely after a few seconds. I was hoping to shoot some black powder, but things became too soggy. The gun was fun to look at in the tent anyway.</div>
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Sunday's weather changed frosting my tent with a layer of snow. The cold and a new sleeping bag which kept me warm on three cold wet nights has me me excited for weather to come. </div>
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Even managed to put in the boat, dock and boat lift while visiting. No need for grousing on this trip.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-5254084533129395782013-10-06T22:50:00.004-05:002013-10-06T22:56:42.340-05:00Fall Tour 2013: Bikes, Food and Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpA3HF5fjwM-eqbepIWjF91BkQ_7NRaklZgwSDrojeSSgpvC-cL_mXEMVq2dVV3sbNgH_dJmBbtqaUkCWa4L3tK9ffrKLM48qicPi3bL9b-Gvh4d1NqAb-fKwmqvjn94R0s16KV6uFbe-/s1600/IMG_20131005_103605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpA3HF5fjwM-eqbepIWjF91BkQ_7NRaklZgwSDrojeSSgpvC-cL_mXEMVq2dVV3sbNgH_dJmBbtqaUkCWa4L3tK9ffrKLM48qicPi3bL9b-Gvh4d1NqAb-fKwmqvjn94R0s16KV6uFbe-/s320/IMG_20131005_103605.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Steve's Gunnar looking at the rear end of my Long Haul Trucker.</div>
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Jared's Salsa ready to take on anything. Wins prettiest bike of the weekend.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_T56NpF_WTdufjnbBEaYBs8dYnuujXdrp9_NtesA3uc2cIZW3PThYJ54DDE8hsRFKX0iOK7tnYdCV0nuF9LI9VykM4QbpfZSuYmVWUFhWqgEVhFcTp694XemzjlaZNjgTPlzQip4y0mG/s1600/IMG_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_T56NpF_WTdufjnbBEaYBs8dYnuujXdrp9_NtesA3uc2cIZW3PThYJ54DDE8hsRFKX0iOK7tnYdCV0nuF9LI9VykM4QbpfZSuYmVWUFhWqgEVhFcTp694XemzjlaZNjgTPlzQip4y0mG/s320/IMG_0258.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Sean's Cannondale CycleX with Nob Trailer</div>
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My Surly in the sumac.</div>
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carnage </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40s6HPTDSSX_S-fm0dQ4j-Ywvp2_m3J6y9WvtDcWXVjs7s4lnF-RtdbetZN9YiUxItR53nCUV60WqIQxL1UlJz7bBo9lOnZy5QluQKB54jbt06bxozpqHPdGSgSXQ7Yis3RRjuMJMMMkT/s1600/IMG_20131005_202949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg40s6HPTDSSX_S-fm0dQ4j-Ywvp2_m3J6y9WvtDcWXVjs7s4lnF-RtdbetZN9YiUxItR53nCUV60WqIQxL1UlJz7bBo9lOnZy5QluQKB54jbt06bxozpqHPdGSgSXQ7Yis3RRjuMJMMMkT/s320/IMG_20131005_202949.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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carnage and beans</div>
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carnage and fire</div>
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The wet ride home</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweHBBqEbhd69zQGx_lM-oB5RdHloaEEJcOjSguPIrA_qpxOQm5mtd8TiEN8mvWrprM8dVdiy3UsesHQv6iaAP_LGLFmZeOq7Yirt4HGZWmHETQrfb0IX-p2nSmrs6s8Yk3BDQI4buie36/s1600/IMG_20131006_122755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweHBBqEbhd69zQGx_lM-oB5RdHloaEEJcOjSguPIrA_qpxOQm5mtd8TiEN8mvWrprM8dVdiy3UsesHQv6iaAP_LGLFmZeOq7Yirt4HGZWmHETQrfb0IX-p2nSmrs6s8Yk3BDQI4buie36/s320/IMG_20131006_122755.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Q riding the single speed Surly Cross-Check like a Train.</div>
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A great trip; so glad we didn't let wet weather dissuade us. Minneapolis to Carver Park 57ish miles round trip. Lunch at Maynards in Excelsior, groceries in Victoria. While in camp we shot sling shots grilled and hung out. Q made us "mix tapes" or almost 39 gigs, and Sean had trouble with his zipper. Very wet on the ride back. 10 miles into the return breakfast at McDonald's hit the was perfect. I ended each day wanting more riding which is a hallmark of a brilliant trip.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-71650046966978010462013-10-05T00:22:00.003-05:002013-10-05T00:23:45.427-05:00Bike's all geared up for 2013 Fall Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4JKPLbm3F66dalmKJfU8uhCZuN6jF6Udh95ID8Cr_Er5LxdEBpA89TSYGpF6nb_Ovg6CnBytZylFUjIHAvoraDW8f8mg43XY5GjT2JX8jPKkKLWJcKKZMO4AlO_yKiWlmm8YZ9Ax3xQy/s1600/IMG_20131004_212332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Lots of packing considerations with rain threatening. Waterproof or waterproofed bags all around. Dose of wet lube on the chain. Rain gear positioned for easy access. Looking for a great ride from Minneapolis to Carver Park. Movie and book ready on my phone if extended tent time is prudent.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4JKPLbm3F66dalmKJfU8uhCZuN6jF6Udh95ID8Cr_Er5LxdEBpA89TSYGpF6nb_Ovg6CnBytZylFUjIHAvoraDW8f8mg43XY5GjT2JX8jPKkKLWJcKKZMO4AlO_yKiWlmm8YZ9Ax3xQy/s1600/IMG_20131004_212332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO4JKPLbm3F66dalmKJfU8uhCZuN6jF6Udh95ID8Cr_Er5LxdEBpA89TSYGpF6nb_Ovg6CnBytZylFUjIHAvoraDW8f8mg43XY5GjT2JX8jPKkKLWJcKKZMO4AlO_yKiWlmm8YZ9Ax3xQy/s400/IMG_20131004_212332.jpg" width="400" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-41788863693086191272013-10-03T23:50:00.000-05:002013-10-03T23:58:10.782-05:00My Bike on loadedtouringbikes.com<a href="http://www.pbase.com/canyonlands/image/149577093" target="_blank">Here's the LHT on lodedtouringbikes.com</a><br />
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No whinging about it not being a drive side photo. Left sides deserve press too. I can't post a picture so you have to follow the link<br />
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Claire and Harris kids on the same rock. Look how small they are. I like their bikes too.<br />
<img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo36uFPyXAXEgUVcrmbKdW4fwZfzucav6v7NuywvyqJZanYt-_tyBYHh0NP3Eb-JJ6sPTulhqUk63iLhbhyFdBmpc15X0X7HRsWAGp5qL_9BA1c0M0nsZWffJk8fHt6PH5Nedkbd8nod-l/s400/DSCN0413.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<a href="http://heathstroke.blogspot.com/2010/04/march-31-family-bike-camping.html" target="_blank">Link to original blog post on the trip. </a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-65579274778465724922013-09-15T23:01:00.001-05:002013-09-15T23:05:05.298-05:00Mt. Biking with Harris on the Minnesota River Trail.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Harris and I took advantage of the cool afternoon to ride the Minnesota River Trail. He was excited to go over Nine Mile Creek on the ferry, but was not disappointed to find this new tree-bridge crossing. He moved from bank to bank like a champ.<br />
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Most of the trail was firm and fast. Harris powered through sand traps and learned to attack log crossings. He did end up reclined in the stinging nettles after failing to square up to one log, but he bounced right up. His hard work during cross country running practice is paying off. </div>
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Harris taking a break on the way back to the start. It won't be long until he is waiting for me on the trail.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-24104787833120099442013-09-02T01:12:00.000-05:002013-09-02T10:11:22.579-05:00Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion<div style="text-align: left;">
Every Labor Day weekend the <a href="http://rollag.com/" target="_blank">Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion</a> is held in Rollag, Minnesota. Prior to WWI giant steam tractors tilled the earth. A score or more of these puffing giants roamed the grounds this past weekend.</div>
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Steam gave way to kerosene and gas powered tractors. "The Pioneer" made in Winona, Minnesota is 101 years old. </div>
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Below is the cockpit of another post steam tractor. Instead of roaring. the engines of these early machines chugged along at a few hundred revolutions per minute. I could watch each valve patiently wait its turn to let in fuel or let out exhaust.</div>
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This was an especially fun trip because my father had a a 1946 Dodge Truck with factory John Deere trailer and plow attached. He also had a 1931 Ford Model A and a 1936 D John Deere tractor in the parade. I drove the Model A in the first parade and the Dodge in the second. </div>
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I stalled the engine of the truck on a hill right in front of the grandstand,but remembered Dad's advice to use the parking brake in conjunction with the throttle and clutch to get it moving again. </div>
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The grounds displayed more than just tractors and vehicles. </div>
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We took a ride on this full sized steam locomotive. The picture below shows Dad's truck and car from inside one of the rail cars.</div>
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Another large area of the grounds held the "Sand Box." Several steam shovels and vintage dump trucks played around moving piles of sand and dirt back and forth. </div>
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The Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion is more than a view of the past; the smell of wood fires mixed with the sweet sulfurous odor of burning coal along with the puffs, chugs and roars of big machines make this an event for all the senses.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-44649406651648374962013-08-14T19:40:00.000-05:002013-08-15T19:31:31.984-05:00Minnesota River Ride "Four Bridges"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lw0Z5PHKU7E/UgwbqaZBr7I/AAAAAAAAPPQ/ApgTnAtdw8M/s1600/IMG_20130813_195542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lw0Z5PHKU7E/UgwbqaZBr7I/AAAAAAAAPPQ/ApgTnAtdw8M/s640/IMG_20130813_195542.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I hadn't ridden the river bottoms for some time; ended up wading on the previous two outings in the area. Other than a few soggy spots the trail has dried up nicely with some long sections of sand traps that make it a good trail for fat tires.<br />
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I started from Sibley House with the goal of reaching the 35W. I thought of this ride as the "Four Bridges" ride as the route passes under the 55, 494, Cedar, and 35W bridges.</div>
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Here's the Cedar Bridge. Below is the map of my ride. You will see that tangles of brush, disappearing trail and darkness turned me around before my goal. Hence, I made a spur visit to the Old Cedar Bridge to still make four bridges. I rode out before dark and returned with headlights making an out and back course seem like a loop. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-14125289970829496382013-08-05T00:27:00.002-05:002013-08-05T00:27:44.447-05:00Back from the Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kids and I spend several nights in these accommodations. I used the single person tent; Claire and Harris shared the two person. </div>
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Great views from the East Rosebud Drainage in the Bear Tooth Wilderness. (note the bear spray)<br />
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Harris looking manly.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3332893737333110827.post-84663398335441524532013-07-15T01:25:00.005-05:002013-07-19T00:16:11.326-05:00Car News: Exotic and Plebeian It's been a joy to have this 2013 Nissan GT-R for the last week. I drove it to the Cities for some routine service for my cousin. The Nissan dealership's is currently without a certified GT-R mechanic, so I've been "stuck"with the car.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHE9DKeJRv4Obk7lVKrAhvdCXe0eIyENmjLDiuFvhyphenhyphenvqfBXf4UPq_tRKEnbvfFJnLmxIBxgNf1GtXgoxYl5R_a5-2qkYJkj0JJKfDqsvOq7jXkSZVSky1wAGPovDniatf3XSrKtzT5hfR/s1600/GTR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtHE9DKeJRv4Obk7lVKrAhvdCXe0eIyENmjLDiuFvhyphenhyphenvqfBXf4UPq_tRKEnbvfFJnLmxIBxgNf1GtXgoxYl5R_a5-2qkYJkj0JJKfDqsvOq7jXkSZVSky1wAGPovDniatf3XSrKtzT5hfR/s640/GTR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Played around with photo editing on this shot.</div>
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Front and rear views. Here are some <a href="http://www.topspeed.com/cars/nissan/2013-nissan-gt-r-ar110482.html" target="_blank">specs</a> for the technically minded. This car is rated 0-60 in 2.7 secs. I drive it fairly mildly as I don't want a ticket or damage.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkLloSR-_H-RQN73HZOmHLVbXgPZ_7hDVXV2QIK9nLel_0j5Dq57Eg_HmCELo6lVoLPHqQeRoPs6mSxTiz32cx-w7HHczVfkprkwabRgfihEDnHZNAWsk7mcGT-PKEygraYw5lLY_ohxC/s1600/IMG_20130709_180410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkLloSR-_H-RQN73HZOmHLVbXgPZ_7hDVXV2QIK9nLel_0j5Dq57Eg_HmCELo6lVoLPHqQeRoPs6mSxTiz32cx-w7HHczVfkprkwabRgfihEDnHZNAWsk7mcGT-PKEygraYw5lLY_ohxC/s640/IMG_20130709_180410.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I'm also excited about the new 22 cubic foot cargo carrier for our Forester. REI had it in their scratch and dent section with slight damage in the back from shipping. an easy repair shaved almost 300 dollars off list. We will be loading up for a family camping trip this weekend. Not fast, but it does haul more gear than the Nissan.<br />
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