Well…10,000 miles and 3.5 months later. Wrapping up this little Odyssey (as Kristian calls it!). Three ski days in the San Juan mountains in Southern Colorado…San Juans remind me of the Alps in europe. Sharp, rugged, and massive views. We did one day at Silverton (not exactly beaver creek:) — one lift, boot packs, and a yurt for a lodge. We also did some great backcountry skiing…working around challenging snow and avalanche conditions (avy conditions improved while there…).
Well it all started with Lucia saying “You should get a Van!”. I am so very appreciative of her love and support. This has been such a gift…but I am ready to close it out. I really miss being home…
I also want to thank so many who made trip really a powerful journey…
Basecamps…lots of people hosted Send-IT! and driver. Thank you…including the Bedford’s, Walker’s, Lindstrom’s, Haynor’s, JJ Healy, Zablocki’s, Daniel’s, Pete and Marilee Bell, Steve Bell (extended basecamp…love your new house!).
Ski Buddies..great lines and even better conversations and fun. Chris Burg (3 different trips with me – would have been 4 without the blown ACL on trip 3! — speedy recovery!), Amy Burg — thanks for the turns and even more for some of the great food!, Kristian and Erik (nice job carrying Mom ski’s up the hike!), Lucia and Sonja!, Steve and Michael Bell, Ruby!, “Heywood” Zablocki (SADT!) — and the entire Clan!, “Tunga” Morgan (also for his unbelievable talented videos and photo’s as well as helping me as my Van life Sherpa!), Eric and Harrison Haynor (showing me the best of big sky!), Sam Barber…so glad we were able to spend the day together at Butler…you are awesome.
Professional Ski Guides… Jamie Bernstein (Yostmark) — Tetons, Everett Phillips / Mike Coyle / Gage Meredith / Andy Hansen (Colorado Mountain School) — Rocky Mtn National Park, Everett Coba (Sawtooth Mountain Guides) — Sawtooth Mountains, Jesse Wegert (Silverton Mountain Guide). I learned so much from each of you..thanks for sharing with me your passion, knowledge and experience of skiing smart, fun, and safely in the backcountry!
New Friends.. so many. Ben Hamilton — never again will i cross a closed road sign in the plains of the Tetons!, Greg and Kelly — thanks for the awesome parking lot party with your friends and family at Lost Trail. I really need that..was feeling a bit lonely at that time!. Lauren and Corbet…thanks for the great meal, conversation and letting me crash in front of your awesome restaurant in Schweitzer ID the St Bernard!, Tony Petrilli — sharing a great conversation and chairlift ride #4 at LT, best of luck in your journey!, Jesse / Mickey / Nick — great time on Quandary and best hamburger ever in Breck!.
Liftees .. thanks for every liftee..especially on fixed doubles and triples as well as the T-bars and rope toes. You were sometimes the only human I had a conversation with — you rock. Love your music and style!
Random Act of Kindness — thanks to the cashier at the truck stop who gave me a free coffee. You didn’t want me to call you out, take your picture, etc…. so I am just thanking you! That was a highlight of my day!
Thanks for lots of encouragement from many of you. If you want to know more…just ping me. Van life, ski touring, favorite places etc. Bell out!
Last meal in the Van…330 AM somewhere in NE 🙂
One heck of an Epic ski van tour. Glad I was able to be a part of it. SEND-IT!
Thx buddy!
Missed you in the San Juan’s, Burgie. Heal up…2022 attendance is mandatory.
P.s. Don’t think Bell intended to pour salt in the wound by charging you for groceries and Silverton guide tip in Splitwise. 😂
Fortunate to be part of your final weekend on the Odyssey, knocking out a couple of tours, skiing some beautiful San Juan spring corn, and capping it with great convo and good vibes on the side of Hwy 550. Much gratitude for our friendship (including Dusty!), your guidance and motivation, and the opportunity to create happy times and memories.
I’ve enjoyed the blog and tracking your journey. Pictures, updates, stories — it’s been fun keeping up. Way to get after it!
See you on the river!
Trav
Right back at you Shives!!!
What a journey. Sending it!!!
Thx brother!
What a trip! So happy to have been part of it! Have a safe drive home.
Thx Mickey !