Fire Camp

This past week I attended Colorado Fire Camp to get my certifications as a wildland firefighter. It is located in Salida, CO about 4 hours SW from my house. Just so happens A-Basin is exactly half way there, right on the path down, so I figured I better check out the new back bowl. Did I mention I ski there for free? Uh huh...

In the Incident Response Pocket Guide (Firefighter's Bible), there are what's called the 10-18's. Part of the 10 Standard Firefighting Orders includes #2 - "Know what your fire is doing at all times". I'd say this rule applies with regards to the parking lot conditions at A-Basin. "Know what your ice is doing at all times before trying to turn around in a tight space." I left a note by the way...

Standard Firefighting Orders #1 - "Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts". Uh, yes I can do that. It is definitely snowing with flat light conditions and hard pack snow on the back bowl at A-Basin. Slope is 40%, aspect is SW, conditions for fire are safe, escape route includes high speed chair lift 1 miles from position...

Standard Firefighting Orders #4 - "Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known." Pretty screwed here. Escape route includes coming to a stop and hoping to see anything possible in front of me on Hoosier Pass. It cleared after another mile up the pass...


Standard Firefighting Orders #6 - "Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively." Got it...

Standard Firefighting Orders #5 - "Post lookouts when there is possible danger." I found a good spot at the peak of Mt. Shavano out my lodge window at camp. Incident Commander, may I post lookout here?

No, Peter. Shut up and sit down for the fire video.

And don't forget to relax and eat grub downstairs in the lodge.

Standard Firefighting Orders #10 - "Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first." Time to get to work, folks.

Dance, Fool!

My Friday night plans this week? Dancing with Jonatha. My little dance freak had a Daddy-Daughter dance at school and it rocked. Jonatha was bustin' moves like MC Hammer. She got wiggidy whack on the dance floor. Top picture was at the school as we entered and bottom picture Jan snapped as we were heading out the door. I enjoy dates with my children and cherish them very much. Good times!

Steamboat

Thanks to Emmaus Road and some nice residual benefits of working at a resort, Jan and I enjoyed a fantastic weekend in Steamboat Springs. We took in the sights, had some great fellowship with friends and enjoyed free skiing. A family offered up the house to our group and this was our view to the southeast. Not too shabby!

62" of snow fell Thursday and Friday and we skied Saturday on this...incredible. Waist deep in the middle of groomers and chest deep on the backside bowl. Most amazing ski experience of my life. Period. This picture is mid-mountain where the snow was "decent" compared to the peak area. I've never heard so many "whoo-hoos" going down the mountain. Everyone there was beside themselves over the conditions. Even locals were amazed. Fun times.

House Church

Picture from Christmas dinner with my house church in Broomfield. I am so thankful for these folks and their ministry in my life. Being a part of a group of people who are passionate about Jesus and reaching others for Him is one of the greatest blessings I have.

Snowboarding It Is

Last year Aidan gave skiing a try, but he just didn't seem to like it much. This year, my buddy Catnip offered to give a couple private lessons to Aidan on the snowboard since kids just learn better from someone other than their parents.

Catnip is now Aidan's hero. They totally hit it off and Catnip is really good with wee people. Very patient, very well spoken, and knows his stuff. I've ridden with him several times and Catnip can butter with the best of them. Maybe it will rub off on Aidan. Oh, in case you're wondering Catnip got his nickname while hiking a whole summer in the Appalachian Mountains by drinking Catnip tea all the time, not by having "whiskers" as Aidan puts it.