IntrepidXJ's Adventure Weblog

On my way to Powderhorn and the a burger from the Union Cafe before I head home!

Here’s a few iPhone pictures from our quick trip to the Colorado National Monument today. It was pretty foggy up there

Amanda and I decided to take my new JK down to Ouray today so that I could do some snowshoeing and so that we could check out the mountains this winter.

Our first stop just above Ouray

A few miles before reaching Red Mountain Pass, we pulled off the highway at CR 31 so I could do some snowshoeing.

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I went skiing today and took Amanda with me. The conditions were good as Powderhorn has got a bunch of snow over the last few days. After skiing we went for a late lunch at the Skiers Union Cafe and had some very good burgers. Here’s a couple pictures Amanda took of me…

I just got back a little while ago from my first skiing class at Powderhorn. I’m happy to report that I survived and had a good time. Only two more days to go!

Here’s a few quick pictures I snapped while I was on the lift…

Now it’s time to hop in the Jacuzzi before I get sore

Ever since we got that big snow a few weeks back, I have been wanting to get out and try out my snowshoes near home to get some practice with them before I head up into the mountains. Today was the first opportunity I had to give them a try, so I headed up to the Bangs Canyon area and used them for a few hours. It was a good workout

Grand Mesa in the background and the Grand Valley below

My tracks

Shadow

It was a great morning for a hike. I wanted to get out of the house for a little while this morning and try out my new Merrell Snowmotion boots. When we were at the Colorado National Monument last Sunday, I remembered noticing that the Alcove Nature Trail near the Visitor’s Center was covered with snow and no one had been on it yet. Since I have never hiked that short trail yet, I figured it would be a good place to test them out.

Tracks in the snow

My new boots performed great

Dead end in the alcove at the end of the trail

Self portrait

I was a good way to start the day. I’m hoping to get out tomorrow and get a little snowshoeing in

The winter/snow boots I ordered last week came in today. I ended up getting the Merrell Snowmotion 8 lace-up boots. They fit me very well and are very comfortable. I’m hoping to give them a good workout this weekend both hiking in the snow and also doing some snowshoeing. Hopefully the Polartec keeps my feet warm

We received at least a foot of snow at my house last night and during the day today. The roads were messed up most of the day and a lot of people called into work. When I got home after work, I figured it would be a perfect opportunity to try out the snowshoes I picked up a few months back

Amanda snapped a few quick pictures while I was out in the yard trying them out…

It was also a great opportunity to try out the new Columbia Whirlibird 3-in-1 snow parka that I picked up last week for skiing this season.

Last week I called Powderhorn Resort and signed up for their Learn to Ride Series which is 3 days of lessons which includes the lift and rentals. After completing the three sessions, you then get a season pass for the rest of the year. It looks like a really good deal for a first time skier.

I figure since I live in Colorado, I should try skiing to see if I like it I’m really looking forward to it.

I’ll be hitting the slopes for the first time on January 1-3, 2010. A good way to start the year. I’m working on getting in better shape over the next month, so I’m not too sore after three intensive days!