Ride Breaks VS. Lunch Breaks

"Umm... Mountain Station, not sure if you care but there are two skiers coming down Casper Bowl right now."

"Oh, we care. Bridger?"

"We're on it."

Radio banter as the evening turns to Blue Bird. With the Tetons blanketed a North Westerly wind pulls the covers over the valley and all those below the headboard of this mountain range pursue their apres ski dreams.

For me, The Clash plays in the background as I watch the bright sun rays set behind the Westerly peaks.

My day began flying Car 1 in a 60 mph NW wind and swinging too close to tower 5 with the TGnaR crew and our savvy Tram Mechanic Josh. However it was a swift recovery from there. I was fortunate to get the 9:00 break... the "Garth" break, 50 minutes during the opening hour of public operations.

1st Tram with my Amer friend from Ogden, straight to South Hoback. A buffed bowl, to Our Trail to my sickest south boundary run of the season. Then halfway back up Union Pass lift I hear over the radio that we had beat our own Tram by a sizable lead. We decided to go for a second lap, but this would require me beating my own Tram again and being ready on the dock in order to relieve Virgil, my fellow operator who had just flown me to the top for my second run. Risky move... I know, but worth it if it can be done right.

And it was. Racing down a milk bottle Bowl, with no visibility and a bit of vertigo I began to question my decision to poach another run. I caught my breath, by slowing my turns and clearing my head. I had told Mike that it was going to be a fast run, but I ended up loosing him before getting to Sublette chair. Apparently Cheyenne Gully was too inviting.

One look back, no signs of my friend... A-line to Lower Tram Line, to sick pow slashes directly underneath Car 2 and the knowledge that I am going to make it in time to relieve Mr. Virgil Swords. What a break!
Who needs lunch when you eat powder for breakfast?

Party on Wayne, this is Garth signing off. Much love from JHMR!

A New Year

1-1-11

The Close of the New Year's first day is painted with lavender of the sunset and hue's of blue as the depth increases to the valley. The Snake now slithers across the frozen valley in negative temperatures.

The Grand, she is cloaked in clouds and a white dress of snow... steadfast, magnificent and strong. Pushed by forces beneath the surface that force her growth and keep her young.


Cody in the background of the Tetons is shadowed in orange with the sunlight illuminating the north westerly wind blowing in at 30 MPH. Straight off the nose and then swirling into the bowl. Recycled lines from the south side fill in Pucker Face.

The sun is nearly set and yet I don't want to go into the cabin. When surrounded in such a wilderness unlimited possibilities abound. The New Year has buffed out the old, just as the wind does to the bowl. It's going to be a good one, I can feel it. The world is there for our taking and we can take any line we choose.