Getting Western - Emigrant, Montana

Last weekend we were invited down the annual branding at the West Creek Ranch (Rocking 50). The usual contingent of Firemen that are dumb enough to voluntarily wrestle 200 pound wild calves were invited. I was there purely for the coaching of newbies, drinking lots of beer, mocking and taking pictures. Sidelined with the ACL reconstruction seemed to be the smart excuse to sit this year out.

All in all the group kicked 275 calves asses. This includes, but is not limited to:

1. Rounded up and seperated from their moms
2. Chased around the pen until they are roped by the back hooves (sometimes one hoof, look out cowboy). Dragged out to a testosterone charged crowd waiting to work them over
4. Wrestled or thrown to the ground, one leg reefed one way, the other leg drawn back; don't forget the boot up the butthole
5. 2 vacinations with a needle like a straw
6. Branded by the iron
7. If yer a dude, you are also getting castrated on the spot. The scrotum is wacked off and the nuts yanked/cut from you. Don't worry you get some bacterial spray and some blood stop powder lil fella.
8. A good smack on the ass and life is gravy in the pasture.

Now you city slickers might be saying, dang that sounds inhumane. But ask yourself, how often do enjoy the fruit of the plains? (ie burger and/or steak) Okay then.

Anyhow, the weather held up and it only spit snow and rain on us towards the end (the next day was a blizzard). A massive BBQ was served up afterwards and then the drinking begins. I like playing cowboy for one day a year, otherwise I'm all good.

I borrowed my buddies camera with a great telephoto lens. I'll let the pics do the rest of the talking. Also, Tracy put up some pics on her blog - http://twinventuresmt.blogspot.com/

Cool perspective on this one, check out the rope


Love the action in this shot

The views were just okay, J getting his fish on

One of the coolest guest cabins ever.

BBQ time

Tell me this couldn't be a Wrangler ad

Don't worry lil feller, its almost over.

Photos from the Vegas trip

Just finally getting around to putting up some photos from our trip to Las Vegas. The trip was a kick ass break. The weather could not have been better. We soaked in the 80 degree temps by the pool all day long.

It was nice not to stay in Vegas proper, we all enjoyed the quiet desert living. We ventured down to the Vegas one night for some casino hopping and people watching. Getting the fam together was great. Its crazy seeing the 4 little ones together, I can't wait till they're all mobile.

My quest to get sunburned

Hot Damn! It's a heat wave in Western Montana. We've had 3 glorious days of much needed warmth and sunshine. Today the temp got to 79! It doesn't take long to notice that people have been enjoying it, just look around at the sunburned faces. I noticed 2 different guys at a BBQ yesterday that had the tell tale signs of floating a river, racoon eyes.

Did I have sunburn envy? Maybe.....I thought about getting out on the river. T and I gazed up at the Bitterroots from our friends house in Stevi, missing that view that we too used to have. Not too long after that I got a picture text from my buddy, a new raft sitting his garage.

"4 hr Broot tomorrow?"

"Hell yes, I'm in"

And so my quest for sun began. Being that I really haven't done anything "outside" for 2 months, I was jacked. We got out of town on a leisurely pace and headed for the Root. I dropped J off at Bell Crossing, then I took the truck and trailer to the Stevi take out. I then rode my bike 7 miles back up to the put in.

Alas, the sun was strong, but the fishing was lacking. We got Skunked, with a capital S. We missed 2 fish and probably saw 20 risers. We both kept waiting for the bugs to turn on. We saw a few skwalas, but not a lot. We ended up trying everything, buggers, streamers, all the dries....nothing.

But I did get my sunburn, so who cares?

Do you have too much time your hands?

Well, chances are good that you have too much time your hands if you're reading this blog. But since you are, I've got something that will make you feel better about yourself. These guys most definitely are putting all their talents to work. Check out this video, pretty amazing

Crazy domino type thingy through the whole house

Highlights of 2007-08 season

I'm on daddy day care today, T is out and about enjoying some time to herself. She opted out of skiing today, despite my prodding she just wasn't into it. I found myself reminising a bit, and pulled up my ski notes for this winter. Wow, it was a good year even though it was cut at least a full 3 months short. There will be great skiing this year into May. All the resorts are boasting a 100" base, thats the best its been since the big winter of 96-97.

Anyway, here are a few hightlights that noted:

• 19 ski days (12/6 - 1/29)
• 13 days of +6" of powder
• One waist deep day (see this video - Trench Warfare)
  
  
  Lolo Pass deepness - Trench Warfare from freakofsnow on Vimeo.
  
  

Update on the knee: Saw the doctor at the beginning of the week, his prognosis: 2 degrees range of motion difference b/t the good and bad knee = GREAT! I am spinning 8-10 miles a day. I'm also starting to be able to lift more, 100lbs on the leg press (both legs), 20 lbs on the hamstring pulley curl, squatting 45lbs. All in all the last 3 days the knee has felt great, the pain has really subsided and I have minimal swelling.

One month after

Whoa doggy, I'm one whooped pup after our trip. We got back from our week long trip to Vegas yesterday (I'll put some pics of that in a few days) and were exhausted. My knee was feeling especially crappy. Swollen and fairly painful, making me walk with a pretty pronounced limp (at least more than I had in the last 2 weeks).

I am pretty sure that it's just an issue of my overworking my quads. With all the hustle and bustle of lugging a 90 pound suitcase, 2 kids w/ stroller, carseats and a carry on around the airport, I guess that will do it. Yesterday was only the 2nd day that I did not do any exercise AT ALL since the surgery. The other day sans exercise was the day after hitting the Vegas Strip (really painfull that day, so was my head though).

Prior today, I have been walking relatively pain free with usually no noticible limp (except when tired). Riding intervals 8-10 miles/day (1 minute easy level, 30 seconds level 6). Light squats, leg presses and quad sets. And now that I'm back home, I'll be motivating to lift weights at least 4 days a week.

And now for some humor. Someone sent this via email, I think its pretty funny (sorry if it offends). Just goes to show you how Ameri-centric we are.

Las Vegas here we come

Ahh, warm weather I can feel it now. Friday we are heading to Lake Las Vegas for a week of kicking it in the warm weather by a pool with a beer. The family hatched a plan a while ago to all get together when the babies were born. T and I are going to meet my parents and sisters family and see our nephew for the first time. It also marks the first time that we have traveled with our twins. On a plane none the less, if you are reading this, say a prayer for us now. Nah, really I don't think it will be too bad as its a non stop flight.

Place we are staying:
I am ready to get the hell out of the grey skies and cloudy days into some dry warmness. The weather is looking like it should be in the 80s, wooot!

I finished another segment from our cabin trip in January. Its more or less the little clips that were good, but I couldn't fit them all in the main movie. Looks pretty good I think:


Fowl Play extras segment from freakofsnow on Vimeo.
*quick update on the knee: still at 120 degrees ROM, riding 8 miles a day (at least), walking up and down stairs somewhat normally, bruising is gone; swelling very limited, pain mostly in the early morning. I'll be hitting the gym while we're in Vegas, that is after I hit the BlackJack tables :-).

2 weeks

Well ya'll stuff is going pretty well I think. I had a doc appt earlier this week and he said that I am ahead of schedule. I've been to PT a few times this week and he said the same. Weights are getting a bit heavier and I'm spinning harder and longer on the bike (now working 7 miles at a time). I've gained 10 degress in my range of motion, I'm at 120 degrees now. I've had a few off days this week where the knee just feels week and crappy, but that will happen.

I'm glad the snow seems to have shut off lately (sorry boys), its made it easier on me. I'm ready for some warm weather, limes in my beer, floating and biking. We'll be rocking out in Vegas next week, which has me jacked. Here's a few pics from last weekend.

Me and the P-Dog, shorts in March--you gotta love it

My shaven leg looks sexy no?

When will winter end?

Man, talk about getting the bug for spring! Today in Missoula, we are kicking at near 60 degrees. Tracy and I took advantage of it and put the baby pack&play outside, soaking up some rays. T was doing some gardening/yard work while I supervised. I'm counting down the days until Spring starts, t-minus 12 days.

The knee has really improved in the last 3 days. I have been able to walk without the crutch and pretty much no limp. Don't get me wrong, it still feels pretty week and funky but its a step in the right direction. I am even walking up the stairs like a normal person, no longer having to do the grandma action (one by one). I'm doing the PT exercise 2 x Day and riding the bike. I dropped the seat one notch and made the pedals spin on the first try (I had been rocking them back and forth a few times before I could make a full rotation. It felt great and I spun 5 miles in 25 minutes, by far the furthest I have riden since the surgery.

I also finished editing the video we took on the cabin trip back in January. I'm really starting to get the hang of the software (Premiere Pro) and having fun with it. I hope you enjoy.


Fowl play from freakofsnow on Vimeo.

Showers are good and so is one crutch

Seven days since the surgery and things are starting to look up a little bit, but there have been rollercoasters and I'm sure there will be a lot more. I went to PT today (the 3rd time this week) and things were good. I am able to ride the bike at 60 rpm for a few minutes at a time, which is great. Doing some light weight leg presses, tons of quad sets (where you straighten your leg and tighten your quad muscle), some little squats and some hamstring exercises. I'm also cleared to walk on one crutch. The knee is feeling better and I am having that feeling that the leg is going to buckle less and less.

If you don't know this already, make sure you have your doc or PT adjust your crutches. There is a science to this for sure. The adjustment is probably much lower than you think I found out. Ask them about your crutch height and it will make you life better, trust me.

Along the same lines you should also be aware of the proper way to walk on just one crutch. I would recommend asking your PT or surgeon to review this. The basics are that you actually use the crutch on the opposite side of your injury. Seems simple, but when you're all doped up on painkillers you might not think about it.

They removed the stitch today, but I will leave the steri-strips over the incision for a few more weeks. But the best part of this is, I was able to finally take a shower. I think I was beginning to smell, seems like I sweat a lot at night (maybe because of the pain meds?). My smell, BO, whatever you want to call it has improved remarkably.

I was finally able to get out of the house yesterday too. A buddy picked me up and I went over and watched a movie, had a few beers and in general just enjoyed the change of scenery. I'll be honest, it has been very hard for me to be cooped up inside the house for the last week. My mood has not been the greatest either (see meds and pain). And while I love my little babies, my patience sometimes is worn thin when they cry and cry and cry.

And finally, some pics. I'll be honest, when I called the snowphone for Snowbowl, I was bummed to hear that I wouldn't be partaking in the 18 INCHES of snow that fell Tuesday night. That is the biggest one time dump they have got in about 10 years! But with that said, I was stoked to hear that a handful of friends were up there first chair. I'd like to think they made a few turns for their old gimped up buddy.

Right guys? You know, you can make comments on this blog, don't be shy!

Ticket says it all

The lift line was enormous, didn't miss this

I did miss this. Ryan making a turn for me :-)

4 days out

Update on the knee: I still pretty couch bound usually just going b/t there and the bathroom. But today I actually made it up stairs and "took a shower", well kinda. I washed my hair finally and wiped down w/ a rag, good stuff. As of this moment the knee feels better than it has. I experienced this yesterday too, late in the afternoon, I felt less pain and seemed to have better range of motion. I put on the brace and hobbled downstairs on my crutches. Slowly crawling onto the bike, I was able to do a full revolution (this was not possible at my PT session yesterday). I rode the bike w/ no resistance for about 5 minutes, legs felt very shaky.

Yesterday the PT measured my range of motion at a max of 105 degrees. The PT mentioned that I would need 110 to be able to spin on the stationary bike. So that was encouraging to say the least. I also was doing the CPM at 105 degrees, so the PT said that will likely not have to use it after tomorrow.

And just for reference, I have been keeping tally on my stationary bike rides. So far since 2/6 to 2/27 I rode 140 miles and spent 720 minutes pedaling. It'll be interesting to see what that tally is if I can keep it for a year. The plan is to ride 5-6 days/week for an hour. I think that would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 120 miles a week.

The aftermath

Well, here I lie on the couch. I have't ventured very far in the last 48 hours. The surgery was a success. The operation took about 3 hours and I was in recovery for 2 hours. Here's how it went:

I changed into a gown and they stuck me with an IV with some Lactated Ringers. Next they shaved my left leg, sexy. The doc came over and marked my knees with the universal symbols for no and yes (to denote which knee was to be operated on). By that time Tracy had returned after getting the next door neighbor all dialed in on watching the twins. Then the nurse dropped some Verced into my IV. I started to feel all dizzy and blurred instantly. Wheeling me back to the OR it took effect even more. The nurse then told me to take 10 deep breaths into the mask and thats the last thing I remember.

Next thing I knew, Tracy was there with me and I was sitting in a recliner in the recovery area. I felt very naseous and almost barfed a few times. I could barely see across the room and keep wavering in and out of consciousness. I was finally allowed to have some liquid, which tasted sooooo good. After 2 hours I felt good enough to get the show on the road. They took me to the truck in a wheelchair.

I went straight to my trusty recliner at home and relaxed. There wasn't much pain at this point, just felt kinda woozy. I slept like a log that night.

Day 1 after surgery: Unlocked the brace and bent the knee for the first time. Able to put some weight on it w/ crutches when I get up to go to the bathroom. Tracy is great and waiting on me hand and foot. I know its super hard for her w/ taking care of the girls too. A couple friends came over and watched the girls while T took a shower and went to the store. Some other friends dropped off some awesome lasagna, yum yum. Able to put my leg in the CPM and running the angle up to 65 degrees, feels good to do that. The pain meds have me a constant state of a floating feeling. Slept on the couch with the CPM going all night. Didn't get that good of sleep as I was in a lot more pain.

Day 2: woke up in a lot of pain. THe knee is feeling very stiff today and very swollen, still no signs of bruising. It will be interesting too see if I even get any bruising (don't know if I've bruised in my life). I jacked the CPM up to 85 degrees today and that makes my knee feel a lot better. Having trouble doing the exercises they gave me (quad tightening, hamstring curls and straight leg lifts).

The big day, surgery

I had a 730 appointment this morning for pre-op preparation. Dr S did a assessment of my knee again, flexion was 113, thats down from 120 last week (said it wasn't a big deal). I noticed my knee was a bit swollen yesterday for some reason.

Anyway, the surgery is at 2pm today. They said it should be a 2-3 hour procedure followed by 2 hours of recovery. So I should be home by 6 or 7 pm. I'm a bit nervous, but probably more excited than anything. I just want to get back on the road to recovery. The doc is pretty funny, he got out the sheet you see below and marked all over it. The gist of it is:

• I will feel like shit for 3-5 days, w/ the only consolation being the painkillers
• Goal: walk w/o limp, no crutches, no brace at 3-6 weeks
• Expect to be training 5-6 DAYS/WEEK (no rest needed for the legs)
• Getting back to what he calls a High Performance Leg will take 9 months on average, with 7 months being exceptional
• I can expect a Medium Performance Leg in 4-5 months (this would be moving around normally, hiking etc, but not returning to full bore sports)
• Expect that I will begin to wane and demotivate on training at around the 4 month mark. This will be the CRITICAL time to really stay with rehab and training.

I liked his quote: If you want a Ferrari, you have to use Ferrari parts


For the next 2 weeks, Tracy will have triplets, so if anyone reading this wants to help her, give a call

Gelande Quaffing

Wow, just wow. This is my style of competition right now. Its about the only sport that I actually might stand a chance in. A friend of mine that works at Big Sky Brewing mentioned this was coming up. And today I bumped into 3 videos (yep, I'm putting them all up) of some "practices". Go Big Sky!

Team Big Sky


OR Show


Team Backcountry.com


Here's the basic background (from The Mountain Culture blog):“In 1986, the skis were skinny and the snow was fat, and during a 14 foot storm, the infamous underground crew of the Jackson Hole Air Force was going stir crazy in the Bear Claw Café, waiting for the mountain to open. In those days, the bartender would send a freshly filled beer mug sliding down the bar to the patron who ordered it. One fateful night a beer mug slid off the end of the bar, took air, was caught seconds before a glass-shattering catastrophe, and promptly pounded. Gelande Quaffing was born.”

* knee is feeling okay, still riding one hour a day on the stationary bike with some weight training every few days

Bad ass loggers - Ax Men series

I am really looking forward to this show. I have a lot of respect for the guys that do this. Although the industry has got a bad rap, it's a necessity. From the website:

http://www.history.com/minisites/axmen

The first-ever non-fiction series about the treacherous life of Pacific Northwest timber cutters, AX MEN, premieres Sunday, March 9 at 10pm ET/PT on History. From History and Original Productions, the same team responsible for the mega hit, Ice Road Truckers, this series looks at the legacy that the pioneers of our country laid for the present and future generations of loggers.

Deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, rugged men make their living doing one of the most dangerous jobs in history... Logging. Their mission: to retrieve timber perched on mountainsides too steep to access with machines. But this is no easy task.

For more than a hundred years, larger than life characters, many of whom are members of logging families that go back to the time when the West was being settled, have spent their days among towering trees and powerful machines and their nights in outposts far from the comforts of civilization. AX MEN will tell remarkable stories detailing the history of the logging industry, showing how technology has transformed life for today's logger, while the struggle of man versus nature stays the same.

Over the course of thirteen episodes, AX MEN follows four logging crews through a season in the remote forests of northwest Oregon. Plagued by mechanical failures, relentless weather--including a hurricane that ripped through the area----and violent and unpredictable terrain, these brave men risk their lives retrieving the very timber we depend on to build our country.