PHOTO BOMB.

Too many photos. Not enough to say.

Life has continued to be hectic.  I am thankful that I can get out and just "walk it out"....if you will.  I'm also thankful for the continually supportive family that I have....all of this would seem ever more insurmountable without them.  Nature is a wonderful thing, folks, let's do our best not to forget that as we sit on our computers in our cement buildings all day.

Hyalite Reservoire 

Drinking Horse Hiking Trail

A bit about the Drinking Horse Trail - it's rather tricky to find your first time out.  Head N. on Rouse and it'll turn into Bridger Dr.  From there, continue and you will see a sign noting Drinking Horse trail and the "M" Loop.  Take the turn on the right immediately before the bridge.  It's not labeled as the parking lot until you turn down the road.  It's about a 1 mile hike with an easy side and a steep side.  ENJOY!

Hell Roaring

After hiking across 2 bridges, you'll come into a little valley.  When we arrive there, we decided to stop and play.  Best. Decision. Ever.

The snow was about 2 1/2' deep....up past Koda's belly.  He virtually swam through the snow....as can be seen below.

I hope you enjoyed the photos! Spring will be here soon!

Best,

A

Kurgo's Last Day

It's been too long. I am well aware.

Life has been hectic.  So hectic, in fact, that when I looked back through the photos to upload, I thought "HOLY CANNOLI"...because these photos are from a long time ago.

Scene:

The snow was easily past Koda's belly
when he jumped in.

We had just gotten some fresh snow in Hyalite Canyon and a good friend had given me their old pair of XC skis with a different binding!  I was eager to get out and about and give them a try.  We (Nathan, Koda, and I) headed out to Grotto Falls - the first hike I did when getting to Bozeman.

About 10 minutes into the hike, we ran into some other dogs and skiers.  Koda, being a friendly fellow, got super excited and jetted off.  Nathan, being rather large and cumbersome (kidding, Nathan) tried to hold Koda back with his body weight.  Then, BAM!  Koda's center strap snapped and he was free!

We got him back relatively easy (his listening is getting better every day) and tied a knot to hold the park in place, but the Kurgo was doomed.  Here are photos of the day.  It was a great ski trip!

Some highlights included watching some guys ice climb.  It's so interesting to watch these people strain their bodies and their minds....and enjoy it.  These guys were having an awesome time and we saw them in the parking lot later enjoying a celebratory beverage of choice.

We ended at the falls....frozen.  So beautiful!

Enjoy the winter, folks, spring is coming soon!

Best,

A

The Pacific Crest

Alright, I've been putting it off, but it's time to write about another trail involved in "Triple Crowning".

The Pacific Crest Trail goes from Canada to Mexico (or Mexico to Canada, if you'd rather) by way of California, Oregon, and Washington.  It, arguably, features the widest array of ecosystems.  The trail itself covers 2,650 miles.  It is friendly to dogs.....kind of.  The PCT is open to dogs except for areas covered by the National Park Service and in the California State Parks, through which is passes.

I'm sorry, but this is possibly one of my larger pet peeves.  I understand why they don't like dogs on trails in certain areas, but I also have a hard to rationalizing it.  I would not have a bit of a problem if they were "leashed pets only" type of areas.  In fact, I think that could be wise for many locations, especially when you're travelling through an unfamiliar area.

But, as a favorite teacher of mine used to say, I digress.

One of the fun facts on the PCT website that really surprised me was:

"fewer people have thru-hiked the PCT than have climbed Mt. Everest! Could it be that a thru-hike is tougher than climbing the tallest mountain on Earth? "

Now, I'm still living on a prayer that I'll be able to through hike it.  With that kind of mileage, it would take about 5-6 months of 20 miles+ a day of hiking.  That's a lot of hiking, and, unfortunately, that's a bit longer than teachers get for a summer break.

I will admit that the PCT website is more user-friendly than the AT website.  They even include the email address of a couple of gentlemen that will help you calculate your hike.

Even their list of individuals that have accomplished 2,600 miles on the trail is educating and entertaining. The list includes not only the individual's first name, but their trail name.

I know you could have done the research on this trail yourself, and that this overview is all too brief.  However, the purpose of this blog is to introduce you to the trails and provide the general resources you may need to research information further.

Here are a few photos, just to catch you up on what life with Koda has been like as of late:

Best, 

A 

Appreciation

I know I said this post was going to be about another trail in the Triple Crown, but I realized that, even though I talk about him a lot....I don't really exude how much I appreciate Koda.

In short, I really freakin' love my dog.

I've wanted a dog since I was in the 6th grade. My parents had a Golden Retriever named Sadie that I played with growing up, but she died when I was about 4-5 years old.  Consistently, since that time I would ask for a dog.  I could recognize breeds at sight, even obscure ones for our area (ie: Saluki, Afghan, Scottish Deerhound, Puli, etc).

I promised myself when I started college that, upon graduation, I would have enough money saved up to own a dog and be able to give it everything that it needs. So, even though working part time, being a music education major and an honor's student was strenuous, it was worth it.  The part time job allowed me to save enough to pay for rent and Koda and I was able to complete my degree.

As I mentioned in the last post, I visited the Humane Society in Sioux Falls often.  While there, I think there were a total of 3 dogs that I really thought I wanted to adopt, but none of them felt perfect.  Koda was part of the "Paroled Pups" program - meaning that he was being worked with by inmates at the Penitentiary. I had to set up a meeting to see him.  Even though he was exceptionally distant when I first met him and wanted nothing to do with me, something told me that he'd be a great dog.  So I set up to adopt him.

Yes. Dare I say it. Koda was a dream come true. Girl wanted a dog. Girl worked since she was 14 for the obscure goal of being independent and having a dog some day.  Girl got the dog she wanted.


To save from boring you (or making you gag if you don't like the mushy-gushy stuff), I've compiled a video of Koda doing his favorite thing in the snow: sledding.

Recap: 2012

I thought a short, well-written (hopefully), summative post of 2012 would be good.  Obviously, the focus will be on Koda and working towards the Triple Crown.  But, hey, why not give this blog a slightly more personal touch and let you know about the entirety of the year?

January: 

J-Term class at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD called "The Wire".  It was my final course to take for Civitas Honor's.  Sincerely, I didn't really enjoy the course.  I understand what the professor's motive was in designing it, but think that it should have been a little better thought out. 

January also brought with it the Northlander's Jazz Band Tour.  While we didn't go anywhere exotic or crazy, the trip itself was highly enjoyable.  It afforded me the opportunity to get to know Dr. Schilf (a professor at Augie and also the professor who would be evaluating my Student Teaching) along with a few members of the Jazz Band that I really enjoy, but don't get to talk to outside of class often.

January also brought with it many trip so the Humane Society to look at and play with dogs.

February:

Started Student Teaching at Baltic under the direction/supervision of Linda Wilke. Lovin' it.

Still going to the Humane Society to play with dogs. I think this was the time that I ran into a dog named "Cartmann". Adorable and high energy.  I was instantly attracted to this dog and wanted to adopt him, but was not at a time in my life where that would work out.  I found out later (after talking to the inmate that worked with Koda), that Cartmann was a PitA (Pain in the Ass) and unruly.  

March:

Still Student Teaching.  I also took a trip with the Augustana Trombone Choir to the Eastern Trombone Workshop in Washington DC where we performed alongside other colleges from around the nation.  The thing that set Augie apart at this convention is that we were the only performers to have no graduate students performing with us.  We did well and made ourselves proud.  Similarly to the Northlander's trip, I was able to get to know a few professors and trombone players really well and enjoyed myself immensely. 

Senior trombone players and our fearless leader, Vance Shoemaker.

April:

A flurry. Finishing student teaching. Finishing my "career" with the Augustana Band, Augustana Trombone Choir, and Northlander's Jazz Band.  Planning for graduation. Applying for jobs and travelling for interviews.

I also met another dog (I know, it's like you're hearing about my love-life...only it's with dogs?).  This one's name was Jackson. He was a German Shepherd mix and strangely beautiful. Think: body of Alaskan Husky, coat of an all black husky but the under layer is blonde, so when you pet him against the "flow of fur" he looked blonde.

But, he barked a lot and was super hyper.  I later met him at a dog park in Sioux Falls and the owner was having issues with vocal commands.

May:

Completed Student Teaching. Graduated from Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in K-12 Music Education and Civitas Honors.  

Oh, and, of course:

Adopted Koda

Ready for an onslaught of Koda photos from when I first got him? If not, shield your eyes and scroll down quickly!

  

This was Koda's FAVORITE chair. We ended up not bringing it to Bozeman, as it belonged to Nathan's sister.

When I first adopted Koda, he was pretty sick with an infection and slept a LOT.  

But occasionally I could get him to play and we would run from one room to another chasing each other.

 June-July:

These months were filled with a lot of working with Koda and getting to know each other. I also gave a few private lessons on trombone, worked at Coffea, and worked on finishing my Honor's project.

August:

The application. The interview.  The acceptance. The presentation of the honour's project. The move.  First week of working and meeting staff. Saying "So Long" to family.  This month was stressful.

September - October:

Working and playing. 

November:

Birthday (both mine and Koda's).

Going home for Thanksgiving and leaving Koda in Bozeman.  Nathan watched him for me, and I think that was a good thing.  I missed the pooch quite a bit, but loved spending time with my family.

December:

Putting on the School Christmas Concert.  Learning to live (and, eventually, enjoy) the snow and cold weather. Going home for the Holidays and having to leave Koda at a boarding kennel.

Actually, I just picked him up about 2 hours ago.  He is tuckered and shedding like crazy.  I think he was really confused and really afraid of being put back at an Animal Shelter.  Thus, he didn't sleep very much (or eat, or drink) and the stress caused his hair to fall out a bit.  He is sleeping on the chair across from me now and finally looking very contended.  Poor guy.  I realized how much I missed him while I was gone, too.  I've decided that kennels are risky business with him right now because of his history and am planning on driving home and bringing him with for any trips longer than 3-4 days.

Sooo, Koda gets to go home in March!

Now, what will 2013 bring?  Hopefully a bit more stability.  I'm finally adjusting to Bozeman (I'm "reticent to change") and would like to get a better feel for the community.  I'm planning on doing most of my traveling throughout July.  My Dad's side of the family is getting together in Western SD, which is much closer, so I'll go to that and then drive on over to MN for a 3k that I'm doing with a friend later that month.

The goal is also to hike. A lot.

I don't start teaching again until the 3rd, so there will be another update later this week talking about another trail that must be completed to "Triple Crown".

Have a fantastic holiday and see you in the New Year!
Best,
A

Indian Ridge

A Mental Retreat to warmer times...because right now it's pretty darn cold.   Whether I was living here or in Sufu, I'd be chilled...so I'm not complaining.  I'm merely stating that the colder temperatures and I are on "icy" terms.

Oh, a pun, I'm sorry!

In all honesty, though, I'm very glad we went XC skiing yesterday.  I didn't bring my camera as we were with friends (Yes! Friends!) Annie and Stephen.  Nathan met Stephen through his work and Annie is his wife.  They're swell people and we have fun together. A good thing, in my book.

Anyway, we went out to the same place as the last post with Koda and went about 6-7 miles total on the skis.  When we were done we were tired.

Like, so tired we didn't hardly speak on the ride back.

But, yesterday, it was warmer.  It was probably in the mid-twenties to low thirties.  Perfect XC ski temperature.  

So, today I'm going to focus back on warmer times when I went hiking on a trail called "Indian Ridge".  This trail is also down Gallatin Hwy, like so many of my favorite trails seem to be.  It is shortly after Storm Castle, on your right-hand side.  The parking lot is deceptive compared to the trail.  You think you'll just be walking up a grassy hill, but that would be incorrect.  This is one of the more strenuous hikes I've done.

See? Deceptive.  This is walking back to the parking lot...the point you see on the left is Storm Castle.

Anyway, you start out through a beautiful wooded area with camping locations alongside the stream which runs next to it.

 The trail curves up, crosses over the river and then begins the ascent.  At first, it isn't really to steep.  In fact, you can go past about 3 or 4 of the switchbacks before you start to think, "When the heck is this going to summit?"

But, along the way and during those thoughts, there are some spectacular look-outs.

I never did summit.  

I know.

This is me, admitting defeat.  

I don't know if it was due to the long work week, the trying to keep up with Koda (rather than pulling him back to my pace) the hunger in my belly, or the unease that I felt when I realized I didn't bring bear spray (safety first!) that told me to call it and head back. Whatever it was, I listened to it, and maybe that's okay.  I wrote some solid lesson plans that night and rested up for the week.

Koda was ready to head back too.  He jumped in the car about as fast as I've ever seen him go.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and stay warm, wherever you may be!

I've got a Christmas Concert to prepare for and a flight to the homeland!

Best,

A

Skijoring - Attempt One

There comes a time in every girl's and dog's life when the snow flies and it's just not much fun to trudge waist deep in snow.

It's at these points in time when the girl has to toughen up and say "It's time to try something new."  Luckily, this girl had a boyfriend that was willing to help her and not laugh at her too hard.

That's right, my friends, last Saturday I learned how to cross-country ski.  Simultaneously, Koda continued to learn how to skijor.

"Wait." You may be thinking "What the heck is skijoring and how on Earth do you say it."

Skee-yor-ing (if you're a Norsky) or Skee-jor-ing (generally how most folks Stateside pronounce it) is when a dog, horse, or snowmobile pulls a human who is wearing cross-country skis.  The biggest trick in skijoring (as far as I can tell) is ensuring that your dog will pull you on the trails and not take off after wildlife.  There are a few common commands that folks like to use when skijoring:

"Hike" - Let's Go
"Easy" - Slow Down
"Gee" - Right
"Haw" - Left
"On By" - Pass without slowing (or a "leave it" command for those who have dogs that may want to stop and smell everything).

The key, as far as I'm learning, in this activity is to maintain patience and consistency.  Really, in this way it's not much different from teaching elementary music.

So, off we went! I wish I could tell you the trail that we went on, but I forgot to look at the name. It's north of Bohart Ranch in the Bridgers (which is north of Bridger Bowl).  There are a lot of off-shoot trails that you can go on, we went to the very top of the road and took the left trail.  Side Note: You'll need 4-wheel drive to get up to the top.

Koda did really well for being scared stiff of the skis and ski poles.  At first, we started with Nathan and Koda in front and my following (I mean, c'mon, it was my first time).  It was entirely uphill and the snow was deep.  Koda was a champ though and kept going, even though the snow was above his chest.  Nathan was a champ for being patient with Koda and his wanderings.

And you know what, the entire way going uphill I didn't fall. I didn't biff even once.

However, the time came to turn around and go home, and that was an entirely different story. Yes, I fell. And, yes, it seemed like a lot to me.  But, that's part of learning. I'm starting to appreciate the struggle and I think that's important.

Besides, if we all didn't struggle with something, how dull would life be?  It's the constant pursuit of something and the struggle that comes with the pursuit that teaches us more about ourselves and our environment.

Best,

 A

PS: Check out Nathan's Blog to read about his summer travel experience! And Happy Holiday Season from both of us.