Social Distancing, Part 1

Even before the current global pandemic, I was actually pretty good at social distancing. In this particular case, after a long day of riding on an unseasonably hot day in British Columbia, I ended my day at a really nice campsite.

I had a nice view of the fast-moving green water of the Fraser River, a bit North of the outpost of Tête Jaune Cache, which is not far from the stunning Mt. Robson. After arriving and securing my spot for the night, I realized I would need to backtrack to town to gather supplies (beer). After making the 30km loop, the manager of the place was kind enough to loan me a bucket of ice so I could rapidly chill my sixxer of Kokanee. Oddly enough, no one else was camping in a tent. Something about a bear in the area… I slept well, nonetheless. The bear was on the other side of the Fraser.

Third Winter After Second Fake Spring

Coming to grips with life at 5500 feet. Winter is just going to hang in there, and hang in there some more. On the plus side, the early morning light on the nearby peaks is a joy to behold each sunny morning.

Nightlife

Uptown Butte at night, with the red glow of the Metals Bank neon and the headframes up the hlll decked out in LEDs.

Rolling Around SW Montana

Having just relocated to Montana, there is so much to see, but this is not really the time to explore the state in a normal way. After spending the last two weeks tucked into a small condo, pretty much 24/7, the time felt right to go for a Sunday drive. Automatic social distancing, and I didn't wave to a human (#jeeplife).

There is so much to learn about this area, including the names of all the peaks and sub-ranges. In this case, I was rolling along the Jefferson River valley. The peaks in the distance are the Western (or backside) of the "Big Sky" area north of Yellowstone. It is so exciting to be this close to amazing scenery - this is only about 45 minutes from home.

At some point this summer, I will be able to tour this area on the G650GS. And hopefully, I'll be able to stop in the small Montana towns along the way.

Around the Bend

I wonder where this road leads?

Hanging Out with Kids

I had a chance to make a couple visits to Austin, Texas this year. Once in August - very hot, but still fun. The second time in early December - OK, now I get this “living down South” thing.

Testing out brew pubs in Austin. Could be a full-time job.

A Year of Being Bald

My family had a brush with cancer. While all the medical people do what they do, I tried to do the only thing I knew how to do. Offer to be present and be supportive. And hope for the best. As it turns out, the best did happen. Modern medicine is a miracle. And one of my meager attempts at solidarity - shaving my head - lasted almost exactly a year. I think I was bald much longer than the person with cancer. Good for him. Good for me. The hair grew back.