
OK, OK, you want me back. Can you stop with the “where have you been?” emails already. Please continue sending gifts and candy. However, to the hairy gentleman from the Northwest Territories, please stop sending me racy photos of yourself.
Yesterday while suffering from an early morning Bird Flu attack (I am running out of powder-day-ditch-work excuses) I pondered returning to the blogosphere. Once you’ve been out of the game for a while it’s hard to plan a return. What ever could I write about?
At that very moment I watched a guy ride through the direct blast of a snowgun. Keep in mind this is on a legit Powder Day. I guess he was going for a little extra in the steep and deep department, and being uneducated, thought this was the way to get it. Anyone who has ever been NEAR a snowgun knows they are bad news. Your face stings, your goggles ice over, and the snow below them is an undulating unstable icy mess
I truly almost felt bad, bud I had to laugh aloud watching what followed. His “Whoooooops” of powder joy turned into “AAOOOOOUUUUUs” of pain. The flying ice crystals stinging his face and covering his goggles. He careened out of control through the blast of two more snowguns, skis unable to grip the man-made mess, before flying off trail into a complete Yard Sale in the woods.
I promised, then and there, to not let this happen to any of my faithful O-Deezy readers. (both of them) So I will be committed to bringing you updated Do’s and Don’ts for ’08.
Until then, just don’t ski in jeans.
January 9th, 2008
After a difficult summit, run, hike, mtb ride, or day on the slopes there’s nothing like a big fat-filled, cheese-covered meal to satisfy your calorie deficit. Many of you probably have your favorite spot to eat after a tough day. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best trailhead grub spots (with the help of some of our members). Atmosphere, food quality, food quantity, and proximity to the trailhead all went into the hat to help us decide on these. These are all in the US and Canada. We may do an international list down the road.

Below are #s 10-6…. #s 5-1 to come tomorrow.
10. Pig Diner - Pig, Ky
Why? Any place with named “Pig” in a town named “Pig” has to at least get a nod. Not to mention the amazing greasy breakfast selection and the killer Beef Manhattan. Wash it all down with a glass of sweet tea that your spoon could stand up in it’s so thick and you’re ready to re-enter society. This place is about 5 minutes outside of the south entrance to Mammoth Cave National Park.
9. Adair’s Wilderness Lodge - Waterford, NB (Canada)
Why? Fundyguy25 says - “Great spot to eat with homemade desserts, soups, and all the standards. Friendly knowledgable staff that know the area and some even do some guiding. There is on-site tenting as well as a couple of cottages. They offer a shuttle service to and from many trail heads and often serve as headquarters when S&R teams are needed. The building sits next to a pond and is on a dirt road (may be chipsealed soon though), and is a log building.”
8. Nate’s Grille - Skagway, AK
Why? JoshuatheNomad says “The guy who own’s the place is uber-groovy. The place has a coffee shop/mom & pop greasy spoon atmosphere with constant great tunes, amazing deep fried deserts: oreos, snickers, reeses cups, twinkies…
And Nate makes by far the best fries in Skagway, maybe in the world! accompany that with his black and bleu HUGE burger and a PBR from around the corner at Moe’s Frontier Bar and you’ve got an Alaskan delight. I’ve never met a nicer, more genuine restaurant owner anywhere. And there was movies, by theme, every Friday and Saturday night this summer.”
7. The Blue Spruce - Frisco, CO
Why? Grensap says “I like the blue spruce its got a old time feel. Close to all the ski slopes, trails, the blue river, and lake dillon. It great for a nice sit down dinner, but the bar has great prices and there Colorado wings are awesome. I know the price look high but its some of the best food around. Also I guess I really like it because it is right infront of my house.”
6. Pies & Pints - Fayettville, WV
Why? JoshuatheNomad says “The name answers the why. Pizza and Beer. Parking isn’t great but the food and beer selection counters that issue. Also, on a nice spring or fall day, they have a porch and other outside seating [i think], not the greatest view but I personally love to sit outSiDe and down some beer and pizza after a long day of calorie burning fun. And you can basically make your own work of art with the plethora of toppings they have to offer.”
January 9th, 2008