Road Trip on down memory lane...or just the tail end of a great cruise...

Ever wondered what changes?

Nothing really...

maybe some paint but the bones are still solid....

Its still the jug.

Starks u-turn

The Y? Yup it is...

Do ya know this place?

Restin place?

Or this place?

OR Do you know this face?

New Single Track On the horizon....

This past weekend was my first opportunity to hike the new property at Matson Hill. Someday soon we will add an additional 5 miles or so to the exisiting 3 loop at Matson Hill. The new area is now in the hands of the St. Charles County Parks department.
STL Biking link to Matson Hill
The skinny on the new terrain....awesome...lots of rocks, and more rocks, some old road beds, and that customary Matson Hill....This new portion of the park could play home to a new piece of downhill action, and quiet possibly a sick piece of rock work. The entire hill side has a skirt of big rock...So we should be able to get in a nice piece of technical rock trail and at the same time make use of a nice easy flow area to offer multiple skill sets. We have a couple small run offs that have great solid rock/broken slabs for crossing and playing. a huge cedar grove and a hidden fire pit.... This new portion of the park also touches the D. Boone properties...so Historic value will keep our trail system out of site of the buildings and such. Stay tuned for more on this subject.

I have also completed my route design to Brommelsiek park. This route is through Busch Wildlife area north of the archery range and along the north side of lake 33. Starts at Winghaven Theater and flows over old roads and field edge double track all the way to Schwede road and Brommelsiek park. There is word that the Greenway commision wants part of this route to connect to Barat haven and route underneath the I/64(Hwy40/61) via the bridge over the Dardenne creek. This would be anice connector to the wildlife area and the 25 miles plus of gravel roads...(dusty)..however it also connects to the Hamburg and Katy Trail system...which connects to Lost Valley and Matson Hill, and Klondike and last but not least by any means....the August Brewery!!!! Next issue....Paniers that hold growlers...if your gonna ride to a brewery ...then ya gotta bring some home....

Perfect Weather for a Hike together!

Saturday proved to be the most awesome of days. One of the top five snow storms was rolling through the Lou and all we wanted to do was be right out in the middle of it. High Noon we hit the Lewis and Clark Trail at Weldon Springs. As we wandered down the trail we discussed our distance...would it be 5 0r 8. Only time would tell...The parking lot was full so we knew we would cross the paths of a few brave souls...or is it soles...

The count for the day as follows:

1. 6-8 MO dept of Conservation Volunteers all dressed in official gear out for a morning stroll. Word of a couple crazy Pileated Wood Peckers was passed...


2. 1 Lone Hiker about 50 in a camo coat with fanny pack and a water bottle...few words whispered as he moved on past.


3. 1 Camera man...out trying for some great snow shots....Word passed of some climbers rappelling the limestone bluffs.


4. 3 Climbers...2 guys in their late 30's and a 5 year old boy...decked out near a small fire warming from their climb. about 200 feet of crappy limestone. They moaned of the crappy conditions...(Duh its limestone mixed with Ice and Snow...its bound to crumble in your grip)


5. 3 Hikers...They looked like us with an older daughter...they mentioned that their daughter grew up in a back pack much like Sydney is doing....(Wendy was Stoked to her that it can be done...raising a kid outdoors...)


6. 1 Lady Hiker on the move barely a word spoken...all is well..we were near the end...

The Slide Show Photo's(Upper right or the link below) show our fun from start to finish...Look Close and you may see our Christmas Card shot...sure wish we could get the big kids to go...I guess that once you hit 17+ your pretty much done with your parents for a while...

http://picasaweb.google.com/Davis437/FirstSnowHikeDec152007

Adventure Racing - Castlewood 8 hour

Team "Trail Monster" Rocks the nay sayers with a 2nd Place 2 Person Coed Finish!
8 hours 58 minutes. If only Team Captain had read the instructions on the orienteering course....quite possibly a 1st place finish could have been in store.

(Note to Captain....Always read and assume checkpoints are to be done in order....)

Navigationally near perfect....CP 18 was further than expected and cost the team an additional 15 minutes. Pre-race distances between CP's is a must.

Phrase of the day....."Pedal Faster" ---- Response of the day...."Shutup, your an $#$^! - I am trying my best"

Psssst - we are still married...LOL