OK, so I've been AWOL from the blogosphere. A few weeks now.

Figured nobody'd miss me.

You did? Awe shucks. That's nice. You're not just saying that are you?

Anyway, I'm back. Spurred on by my dear friends at MaineToday.com and their gentle inquiry as to my general whereabouts and mental health and that kind of thing. Shannon Bryan writes:

Dear Carey,
Where art thou? I'm fearing the worst. Did too much dehydrated alcohol induce a month-long slumber out in some distant wood? Did the bear (of who-slaps-a-bear fame) finally seek retribution? Hope all is well - and that you'll be back to the blog soon.

Dehydrated alcohol might have been the problem, if it actually existed (still hoping... better living thru chemistry and all that, you know!).

And no, the bear who stuck his nose (literally) into my business and earned a good smack has not yet caught up to me. But I do hear heavy Ursus-like breathing behind me sometimes, causing me to look nervously over my shoulder (when he strikes I hope it will be quick).

Nope. Nothing like that.

Just been busy. You know. Living out of a duffle bag. Loading and unloading gear. Ever on the move. Sleep? What's that? Too much going on, not enough time to blah blah blah on the blog blog.

My bad. Please forgive. I do better, promise.

So here goes. For better or worse, my excuse list...

Snowshoeing with members of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club at The Basin in Phippsburg.
Carey Kish photo

Schussing Sunday River with some new friends.
Carey Kish photo

Braving the cold to ski great snow at Sugarloaf.
Carey Kish photo

Yucking it up on TV.
Carey Kish photo

Snowshoeing through the pretty woods of Bowdoin at sundown.
Carey Kish photo

Taking on the Maine Peak to Peak Challenge 08 - to ski all 17 Maine ski areas in one long weekend - with a team of crazy skiers and riders.
Carey Kish photo

The Challenge kicked off at little Spruce Mountain in Jay at 2pm on Fri, Jan 18.
Carey Kish photo

The team catching first tracks at sunrise at Sunday River, Sat, Jan 19.
Carey Kish photo

At Black Mountain in Rumford under perfect blue skies.
Carey Kish photo

Engaging the staff at Saddleback in a bit of silly behavior. Imagine!
Carey Kish photo

Hobnobbing with a particular Olympic gold medal winner at Sugarloaf.
Carey Kish photo

Sun, Jan 20 at Mt. Jefferson in Lee.
Carey Kish photo

Any questions???
Carey Kish photo

About to set off from the top of Mt. Jefferson.
Carey Kish photo

Under the neon lights and lights of the full moon at Big Rock in Mars Hill way up in Aroostook County. Still Sun, Jan 20.
Carey Kish photo

The team at Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent early on Mon, Jan 21.
Carey Kish photo

Looking out over Fort kent, the St. John River and Canada from Lonesome Pine Trails... in -20F temps!
Carey Kish photo

Five hours and some 300 miles later with one mountain to go at the Camden Snow Bowl.
Carey Kish photo

The team atop Camden Snow Bowl, 4pm on Mon, Jan 21, concluding a successful 17 of 17 mountains!
Carey Kish photo

Evidence of a busy ski weekend. One like no other.
Carey Kish photo

Enjoying wonderful views of Willoughby Notch from Burke Mountain in Vermont.
Carey Kish photo

Hanging out with old people of questionable character. :-)!
Carey Kish photo

Trying to get through a stack of good books.
Carey Kish photo

OK, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

What on Earth have you been up to my Trail Head pals??? Lay it on me. I gots to know...