Reflections

Coming home from a trip from my home state of Wisconsin, which is beautiful in its own right, I was welcomed back with warm temperatures and the smell of another spring fast approaching. This will be my second spring in Hood River, and while standing on the back porch of the house that we once cursed about having to move into, the view has once again taken my breath away. Its funny how a moment of solitude can put everything into perspective and help one find a certain peace that is not obtainable until true happiness overwhelms you. A number of events have brought me to this place, but recently just realizing how fortunate I have been, and what great family and great friends I have surrounded myself with. This was the view tonight that I found gratitude in-

The Biking has been Good in the Hood!

Maybe I should change the name of this blog to Eat-Sleep-Paddle-Bike, it seems that all I have been wanting to do lately is mountain bike. The winter really hasn't put a damper on the riding at all, aside from a few weeks of snow and cold. This weekend we saw 60 degree temps and blue skies, and the trails were more crowded than I have ever seen them before, it was crazy to see. Our backyard winter trail system had turned in to a circus, but a good one at that! It was good to see friends on the trail!

...and even more snow!

Jason and I got a little restless, as it has been snowing non-stop for most of the week. We have a little over 2 ft of snow in town and it made for some great sledding and biking on the streets!

......and more snow.....

Let There Be Snow!

It has finally snowed around Hood River!

ECUADOR!!!

A group of us decided that we needed to get away this fall and do some paddling south of the equator! It just so happens that my roomate Jason is good friends with Don and Darcy, the dynamic duo that help head Small World Adventures and who now have become what I hope to be a life long friendship with all of us! The crew down there know the rivers inside and out and run a five star guide service ranging from class 2-5 in skill levels, they cater to our paddling needs on the fly and took care of all of our needs making this a truly unique vacation! Thanks guys and gals at Small World!