outdoors
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Prelude to the Great Divide Trail
June 6 was a rough day. Out of nowhere, Elaine was laid off from her job at a bike shop in Boulder. She was told the company was doing poorly financially, and that it was necessary to eliminate Elaine’s paycheck… Continue reading
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Gear Review: Åsnes Mountain Race 48 Cross Country Skis
When I was a kid I had one pair of cross country skis. They were made of wood, had 3-pin bindings and worked for everything. I’d use them to go for weekend skis with my mom and dad on the… Continue reading
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Home Turns
The first ski turns of the season trigger nervous tension. Regardless of how long I’ve skied, there is always a predictable self-doubt, “can I still even do this?” The reason I bring this up, is because it’s been snowing a… Continue reading
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Dealing with Disappointment
They say you learn more from misadventures than from the ones that are smooth sailing the whole way. And you know, they’re probably right. But that doesn’t make it easy. Not by a long shot. It’s actually taken me until… Continue reading
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The Big Question
More than any other adventure that Dan and I have embarked on, we’ve received that big question: Why? So far, most of what we’ve done kind of makes sense to most people – even those who are not inclined towards… Continue reading
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Staying Sane in a Worrisome World
I’m not a cocky person. Usually, I have a myriad of little things running through my head, putting me in my place, so to speak. When I do have confidence, it’s usually for a good reason. When Dan and I… Continue reading
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How to Ski 100 Days this Winter (and Work Full-time)
Elaine and I have spent a lot of time in the past seven years since our wedding day sliding around snow on skis. It’s our passion, and has led us to mountains and northern locales around the world. We’ve had… Continue reading
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Continental Divide Trail Gear List
by Elaine Vardamis When preparing for such a long trip, a lot of thought goes into what you are willing to carry on your back. Gear choices are going to be a little different for everybody. That being said, here… Continue reading
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Gear Review: Hilleberg Anjan 2 Tent
In the long distance thru-hiking world, taking a tent over a tarp is sometimes considered a luxury. But the Continental Divide Trail is a different beast from the Appalachian Trail or Pacific Crest Trail. It’s the highest elevation continuous trail… Continue reading
Alta Backcountry 