"If you go down to the woods today..."

As usual its been too long between posts. Everything from job changes to avalanches, triathlons to giant snow caves.
Two weeks ago we were between snow storms and kinda sick of it being cold but not having much more snow coming and none in the forecast. So, at 5 o'clock on a Friday evening I decided we needed to build a snow cave. I took the snow blower and moved all the snow from our back yard to a huge pile in the middle. Fortunately I have one of my scouts as a neighbor and he was more than willing to come and help dig it out. So now as you look out our back door you see the entrance of our cave. When finished I think we could probably sleep about six.As for the job changes I am trying to think long term for my family and thinking construction, as far as the physical aspect of it, is just not gonna cut it. So I'm looking around at something new, its still on the DL so we'll keep ya posted. Beth is still plowing through her hours for her Pilates training, with finally the end in sight. We have also been talking about purchasing a duplex here in town and dedicating part of that to her studio. Pretty exciting!

Last month while visiting Utah to watch Owen while Beth did her Pilates classes I got a call from my sister Laura. She told me she was doing a triathlon the next day and upon finding out I was in town invited me to join in. I told her no, but after 15 minutes of nagging I gave in. I hadn't swam, biked or ran in years and I didn't have anything I needed for the race. After a few calls though she got everything sorted out and the next morning I found myself wearing another mans spandex, sweating like crazy and trying not to puke while riding a bike 13 miles.
I was super happy I finished considering I did it off the couch, and the overall results werent bad either. http://elevateutah.com/?page_id=426

As for the avalanche. The best way to tell this is go to our backcountry blog at http://nopiste.blogspot.com/ and read the post and comments of the Feb 7th post.
It was a bluebird day that could've ended pretty quick. Glad to still be around!

Over the river and through the woods...

Happy Holidays to all our friends near and far! We are grateful for your friendship and love!

The Avenius'

Its all fun and games...till its not!

Let me preface this post by saying I was not going to post on this, but by Beth's request I am.

As many of you know I enjoy climbing ice as one of my winter activities as well as backcountry skiing and the occasional snowball fight.



Yesterday, I went into Teton Canyon with some friends in search of ice at the Right Ghost. We found it fat and happy with plenty of fun for all. Due to the reluctance of others they "thoughtfully" gave me the lead on it. With just a few hangs, I made it to the top.

After everyone had climbed the ice we started trying mixed routes that begin on the rock behind and to the sides of the ice, then moving onto the ice with the same anchors as the pillar. I felt confident after eyeing the route. So I headed up, but at the second bolt (~12') I had a hard time clipping the draw due to wet slippery gloves. I wasn't pumped or shaken. But on my third try to clip, my tool popped and I fell.

After having climbed for as long as I have I am familiar with how much rope should be out at those times, and how long it should take for me to be caught by my belayer. Well, the time to be caught came and went and I found myself at the bottom of the climb, never having felt the slightest bit of rope tug.

Fortunately, due to the angle of the bottom of the ice I was able to bounce off without too much of an abrupt stop. I am very lucky to have not broken anything, just bruising of several ribs. Its funny too, if you look close you can actually see the pattern of my Patagonia thermal top, blood blistered in my skin.

All in all it was a great day though. Some of the best conditions I've ever had climbing ice, and just glad to be alive.

long time, no post

So its been a while, and we've done a lot since my last post. Most recently we've all come down with the flu. Swine or seasonal, call it what you want, it all sucks!



But just yesterday we had a good time trick or treating around our neighborhood. I spent most of the day hanging sheetrock with a friend while Beth prepared the festivities. Owen loved his Tigger/Hobbes/tiger costume.



A couple of weeks ago we also took a spur of the moment vacation. We decided the morning we left that we were skipping town and heading to sunny San Diego. What fun!! Beach, zoo, sailing, snorkeling, and nights on the town. The 17 hr drive was a bit much, but our tag team methods kept us moving.

"Live, love, laugh and be happy..."

A couple more photos from our trip to the Green Mountain lakes

Mass exodus!

Or at least that's what it seemed like as we hiked through the hills towards the green mountain lakes.

When everyone had finally arrived we had 22 people in camp. Friends, family, and those that would like to become family! :)

It was a 7 mile hike, with llamas and horses assisting to get 3 days food in, we found our base camp next to the first lake.



And once again we enjoyed ourselves in true style. Day hikes through wildflower fields, a great evening fireside conducted by Grandpa and Great Grandpa Knight, visits from the local wildlife, and a plethora of games and singing.