On the Loose Live

These boots weren’t made for hiking

November 29, 2016livevigorously

To be fair, I’m not sure how many miles I have on these Hi-Tec day hikers. But one thing’s clear, there’s been way too many. My last trip to Idaho and Montana really did them in. Truth be told, I can be a bit of a bargain shopper so these probably came from Big 5 a couple of years ago…Looks like I got what I paid for. Next up, I’ve got a pair of Salomon day hikers to try. I’ll let you know how they do.

What’s your favorite pair of tried and true hiking boots?

Boise River Greenbelt: A shining example of riverbank restoration

November 28, 2016December 28, 2017livevigorously

Alas, every trip must come to its end. Enjoyed Sun Valley so much, I opted for another day there, which left me with only an hour or so to explore Boise before catching my flight. I opted for a leisurely ride along the Boise River Greenbelt. For a trip that started in Spokane with a bike ride, it seemed fitting to conclude with one in Boise. Read more →

Sun Valley, ID: Pioneer Cabin Hike

November 22, 2016March 19, 2018livevigorously

Tremendous hike in Sun Valley. Rewarding views, great workout, super cool cabin.

Distance: 8.5 miles Rating: Difficult Elevation gain: ~2,550 ft

Took the steady climbing Pioneer Cabin trail #122 up and descended the loop via the Long Gulch trail #123. Minus the snow and ice on the top and down the backside that we encountered, this would be a fantastic trail run. The terrain on 122 is pine needle smooth as you traverse 23 switchbacks through an old growth forest with glimpses of the Pioneer, Smoky, and Sawtooth Mountains through the trees. As you continue up into high alpine meadow, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views .

But you’re not quite there yet. Just one more push and a panorama of peaks opens up and a rustic cabin welcomes you.

Pioneer Cabin was built by Sun Valley Company in the 1930’s to encourage Alpine skiing. (If I’d known the cabin was open, I would have made it an overnighter.) Underneath the snow, emblazoned on the roof greeting all those who ascend to its heights is its signature quote “The Higher You Get, The Higher You Get.”

Unlike trail#122, 123 is a bit tortuous, very rocky the last 2 miles or so. Not to mention all the snow we encountered on that trail, but it was all so worth it! This hike makes most people’s list for the top ten in Sun Valley. It’s certainly tops with me.

Great little shop: espresso,bike & ski rentals, gear, and more

November 21, 2016December 3, 2016livevigorously

Warmed up a sunny, 19 degree morning in West Yellowstone with a coffee and chat with the locals at the Free Heel and Wheel. Cassie, the barista at the espresso bar, and Neil, a friendly officer, gave me the inside scoop on the area and nearby activities, including the Rendezvous xc ski trails. I learned that the best time to road bike in Yellowstone park is around the 1st of April after the first plow while the road is still closed to vehicles. Both the skiing and the road biking sound worthy of a return trip…A woman owned business, this little shop has everything to outfit the adventurer from the latest gear to fashionable outdoor wear.

Idaho Falls: Coffee, stroll & art you can sit on

November 19, 2016August 22, 2019livevigorously

Left Yellowstone at sunset, sacrificing any scenery to darkness along the 110 mile drive . The first thing you see as you get near city range, glowing a bit too bright in the distance, is the Mormon Temple. No dark sky preservation here. It was a bit of a shock to my system to be entering a more congested area (1.6 M pop) after the bliss of the natural parks, historic towns and small resort villages.