shoulder season that wasn't

Typically in October and November we would be in a state of limbo, minds a blaze with winter possibilities and nostalgic for summer past. This year it seems there is no "in-between" as the ice climbing is decent, you can STILL go rock climbing if you want to and the biking is all time. Where did that shoulder season go? Truth is it was there for a fleeting moment, a week or so where it was just not happening in the mountains for anyone. This is a somewhat biased viewpoint however, yup - I was lucky enough to be In Colorado, California and the west coast of Canada for most of the season in question. Did I mention I was with some very good people and ate some super-amazing dinners? Double yup. Read on...

Ranger creek with Jeff Mac on Oct 23. What a great day inside the winter simulator. Drove up the road with the KIA with the all seasons on (read: 1 season) and had a mini epic in a full blown squall gripping the divide. We actually drove right by the parking lot and ended up almost at highway 40 before we even clued in to our blunder. Could have been the coffee or the whiteout, not sure. I was driving so there you go. Amazing day!
Hit the road with good friend Jason of jbmountaindesigns.blogspot.com to tour the coast of Canada. J is working with Rob and I as a tech rep and that is just damn good news for everyone. I will not tell the tail of this photo although I will tell you it was on the northern tip of Vancouver Island and ended at an interesting local halloween party..
I am dreaming of this right now, mid winter storm skiing in the pass...might make the trip there on Wed to bang about..folks have already been out and have lapped the alpine a gazillion times by now I am sure. A good early season for all.
Jason on the Sunshine Coast, BC. If you haven't been here it is worth an inspection. Some stellar mountain biking and a flourishing redneck meets hippie scene topped off by a coffee shop on every corner - is that heaven?
Colorado - Rob O and I shot up the classic Yellow Spur in Eldorado Canyon amidst the hustle of a work voyage. This route is GREAT! I mean really really great even if you include the descent which we botched big time. Nifty stone and really cool history.

All for now.