Hmmm.

While you and me and the rest of Joe. Q. Public were taking care of our daily business, working our jobs, living our lives, a smidgen of interesting news passed by without notice.

Say what?

Did you know there's been a bill introduced in Congress to allow visitors - that would be folks like you and me - to carry guns?

Yep.

What's that? You just spit out your coffee? (Or beer depending upon what time of day you're reading this).

Kind of my thought, too, when I heard tell of this news from someone in-the-know at an outdoor gathering the other day.

Packing heat in the parks. For protection. I think.

{quizzical look on face, more deep thought here}

S. 2619: A bill to protect innocent Americans from violent crime in national parks, was introduced by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Oklahoma, on February 8th.

From the bill:

"The Secretary of the Interior shall not promulgate or enforce any regulation that prohibits an individual from possessing a firearm including an assembled or functional firearm in any unit of the National Park System or the National Wildlife Refuge System."

Read that as: If you're legal to carry a weapon you can carry it without a problem inside units of the National Park System. Ostensibly, "to protect innocent Americans from violent crime."

I see.

Acadia National Park scene.
Photo courtesy National Park Service

Ok, so. I'm all for the second amendment, the right of the individual to own and bear arms. Make no mistake. Never mind that I myself am not a gun owner (although I've had plenty of training in the use of firearms). I don't hunt, never have. And I've never felt threatened enough to warrant the purchase of a gun.

But by gorry, you want a gun - a whole cabinet full of 'em - you go for it. Legally, though, all the way. By the book. Period, end of story. Own guns, be happy. But that's you, your rights, your freedom.

But carry a gun (legally) in a National Park?

Eeeek. Doesn't seem to fit the mood of our parks and why we visit them. You know, wilderness, trees, rushing rivers, mountains, campfires, fresh air, escape from the city life and all its cares and worries - all that stuff.

Picture me hiking up some trail enjoying the day when I come upon you setting on a rock cleaning your Colt. Maybe kids are about. A bear wanders up. You flip out, shoot the damn thing. Miss. Hit kid. Tragedy.

Dunno. Could happen.

Far more likely: I'm enjoying life by the evening campfire, me and my pals. It gets late and the campground gets quiet. Except you and your party next door don't. You get louder. And louder. I go over to ask you nicely to tone it down. Only thing is, while I've been drinking a few beers, you and your buds have been heavy into tequila shots (oops, bad choice of words) and are trashed. We mix it up. Gun comes out. I go dead.

Been there. And almost seen it. Don't want to again.

Look, bad things happen in National Parks. There's plenty of evidence to prove it. Murders, rapes, robberies. Bad, bad stuff. But on a per visitor basis, are the statistics for violent crime any higher in National Parks than elsewhere in the U.S., our big cities for example?

Is allowing every Joe and Jane who wants to legally carry a gun to do so inside of a National Park a good idea? Is that the answer to increased safety on our federal parks and lands?

This latest storm dropped another foot or more of snow in the mountains, right there where we skiers like it. Trail conditions are reported to be awesome and most areas, if not all, are 100% open. And this crazed skier, for one, plans to get out again this weekend for more fine turns in the white stuff as this 'winter to remember' rolls on.

Yee-hah!

Saddleback was incredible on Sunday. As much as six inches of fresh snow added to already good base, and with that the groomers did their thing. Add in some warm temps (in the 30s), clear blue skies (not a cloud!) and no crowds (it was the end of Maine's school vacation week) and you've got the makings for one heck of a good ski day.

And so it was.

So darn good that Saddleback has earned a return trip this coming weekend. And we might just slip on over to Sugarloaf for some runs there, too. Heck, why not? Life is short. And the good snow ain't gonna last forever (although make no mistake, we've got a good two months of skiing left).

But I digress...

Saddleback!

Gosh, don't you just love that beautiful new lodge (it's not so new anymore I know, but still), the exposed wooden beams and all. And the uber-friendly staffers, from the parking lot to the ticket window to the caf to the lifts to the patrolers. All smiley and happy and helpful. That's the way to run a ski area folks!

Skis on, we scooch on over to the double chair and ride, up, up, up. With each passing lift tower the views get better and better. Mountains, woods, lakes off in the distance, filling the horizon.

Ahead and above, the wintry alpine heights of sprawling 4,000-foot Saddleback Mountain. The peaks we love to hike in the summer season now blanketed in winter white; today a light, fluffy snow that sparkles gem-like in the morning sunlight.

Down Green Weaver we go, right for the T-Bar, and ride to nearly the mountaintop. Fran and I enjoyed run after fine run down the steeps of the upper mountain.

We parted briefly while I ventured over to Muleskinner for a wild run down the narrow chute, complete with drop-offs, stumps, trees, the occasional exposed rock. Fantastic!

Moving across the mountain we skied the cruisers off the chairlift, savoring the views as we glided down each. A late bite of lunch (a PBR and a hot dog) and we were back at it. Meeting up with friends and patrollers Jim and Martha Hughes we finished the day with a guided tour of the sweet trails on the mountain's right side.

All good. Can't wait now for the weekend!

The sprawling, beautiful alpine ridgeline of Saddleback, Rangeley.
Carey Kish photo

Tight Line, formerly Bronco Buster, was in fine shape and deserved a half dozen runs anyway.
Carey Kish photo

SADDLEBACK, Rangeley

The ski-nny: This is a big mountain with big terrain. But it all comes with a small mountain feel that’s friendly and unhurried. Saddleback has the highest base elevation of any ski area in Maine at 2,640 feet. From there the mountain continues to soar to a top elevation of 4,120 feet, providing skiers with 2,000 glorious feet of vertical on which to play over some 60 trails and glades.

Steeps: You want ‘em you got ‘em! Tight Line (the old Bronco Buster) and The Supervisor make for fast flying, while the bumps of Warden’s Worry, Governor and Peachy’s Peril will have you sweating but good.

Cruisers: Green Weaver and Gray Ghosts are classic wide open blues off the Rangeley Double Chair. From the Cupsuptic T-Bar you can access Silver Doctor, Blue Devil and Red Devil; narrow, sweet, twisting runs through the trees. Stop and check out the view out over Saddleback Lake now and then. It just keeps getting better.

Easy going: In and around the base lodge are a myriad of easy trails, fun for all. The Sandy Double and South Branch Quad will get you there.

Aprés-ski: The Swig ‘n Smelt Pub in the base lodge serves up hearty chow and cold brews, fine views and good tunes. But I’m a softy for the Red Onion in downtown Rangeley (old habits die hard, the Onion has been a fav ever since my AT thru-hike years ago) and its great pizza (try the Combo) and draft beers.

Extra credit: From the top of the Kennebago T-Bar traverse across the mountain on Dazzler. In ten minutes time you’ll arrive at the famed Muleskinner, a gnarly double black seemingly on the edge of skier’s heaven. Let loose and enjoy! But beware the trees and stumps and stuff.

Deals: The best lift ticket value in Maine is Saddleback at 40 bucks! Same goes for the season pass at very reasonable $400. Never mind the killer mid-week specials for $25 (Monday is Ladies’ Day, Tuesday is Telemark Day, Wednesday is Men’s Day, Thursday is Senior’s Day) and the monthly Maine Day Sundays, also $25.

The hamburgers were gone by the time we stopped for lunch, but there were still cold cans of PBR (and grilled hot dogs to boot).
Carey Kish photo

The traverse on Dazzler takes you way across the mountain to the challenging double black Muleskinner.
Carey Kish photo

Trail Head about to launch down Muleskinner. One of my Top 10 ski runs of all time!
Carey Kish photo

Getting an afternoon tour of the mountain with patrollers and good friends Jim and Martha Hughes.
Carey Kish photo

What's your Saddleback experience been this winter? Been loving it? Planning to sneak in some more runs there as we head for some awesome spring skiing?

Gearheads will surely salivate over this one...

Philbrick's Sports is having its annual Bonus Bucks Sale!

What's the big deal you ask?

Well, dee-yah, you gets yourself across the border to Philbrick's down they-ah in Dover NH, spend $100 or more in good ole US cabbage, and you gets back a $100 gift card of equal value.

Nothing wrong with that a'tall, eh mistah-man?!

Yep. Downhill skis by Salomon, Head, Elan and more. Snowboards by Palmer, Flow and Nitro. And for those of you thinking ahead to spring and summer (not so fast my friends 'cause there's still plenty o' skiing left - two months worth in fact!), there's mountain and road bikes by Haro, Iron Horse, Raleigh and other solid quality brands.

So, spend $100 bucks, get $100 bucks. Spend more, get more. What a concept.

But you've gotta get there and make your buys by Friday, February 29th. And then spend your Bonus Bucks between March 1st and 7th.

You can do it. Anything for a good deal, right?!

T'anks to my gearhead pals AO and EW fer the tip.

Oh, and by the way, all that gear shopping will no doubt make you thirsty and hungry. The cure? A pit stop at The Barley Pub for a craft brew and good eats. Yum!

Big news!

After an extraordinary effort over the past few years a big dream in Maine is finally becoming a reality: Maine Huts & Trails will officially open its first remote hut at Poplar Stream Falls in Carrabassett Valley on Saturday.

The Grand Opening of the Poplar Stream Falls Hut in Carrabassett Valley, the first along the proposed 180-mile long Maine Huts & Trails System, is this Saturday, February 16th.
Photo courtesy Maine Huts & Trails

Congratulations to MH&T and all who worked doggedly to make it happen! It wasn't easy but now its here. Best wishes for many more successes ahead.

"The support for this project tremendous. By building a nationally respected ecotourism destination, we hope that we can contribute to the economy in western Maine and be good to the environment at the same time," said Bob Peixotto, Chairman, Maine Huts & Trails.

"The trail, which is free and open to the public, is already becoming an outdoor recreation and environmental education resource for camps and other youth organizations, school groups, and even a nordic ski team. The hut will add a wonderful dimension for overnighters looking for a multi-day backcountry experience."

According to Maine Huts & Trails, "the [Poplar Stream Falls] hut site includes a main building and three small bunkhouses in the immediately adjacent area. The main building features a kitchen, group meeting space, lavatory facilities, and lodging for up to four full time staff."

"The facility will host dinner and breakfast for overnight guests in addition to providing an educational experience through interpretive displays and educational programming. Three separate cabins will provide a combination of private and semi-private sleeping quarters for up to 40 guests. The Poplar Stream Falls hut will be open year-round, and also provides a day-trip destination for visitors seeking a single day non-motorized backcountry experience."

An overnight stay will cost you from $55 to $70, but that ain't bad for warm and cozy backcountry accomodations complete with hot meals and hot showers. Yes, that's right - hot showers!

C'mon along to Poplar Stream Falls. The cross-country skiing is great!
Photo courtesy Maine Huts & Trails

Looking ahead Maine Huts & Trails has their work cut out for them as they work to build a 180-mile long multi-use trail system with 12 huts along the way, extending from the Mahoosuc Mountains to Moosehead Lake.

But what an incredible concept. A pipedream maybe, just a few years ago. And now its a reality on the ground with more to come. Wow! I like that.

I can't wait to get up in there for some good x-c skiing and comfy staying. How about you? You going to put the new Poplar Stream Falls Hut on your to-do list this winter?

OK, I admit it: I'm a recovering ski snob. That's right, up until very recently I skied only the big mountains with the big vertical. No little mountains for this guy. No-sir-ee, nada.

Yep, until this year I had skied only Sunday River, Shawnee Peak, Saddleback and Sugarloaf.

Well folks, all that has changed. But it took the statewide skiing spree of the Maine Peak to Peak Challenge last month to to finally change my ways, to alter my outlook on all of these other very worthy ski areas.

There's a lot of great skiing terrain out there. Sure, the big mountains have plenty, and I, for one, will always love them and ski them and revel in their size and variety.

But the smaller areas are great, too! Off the beaten path. Next to no crowds. Quiet trails. Quality runs at a slower pace. Cheap lift tix.

Nothing wrong with that, wouldn't you say? Damn straight.

Hence my recent visit to Mt. Abram in Locke Mills. Right there off Route 26, I've driven past it forever, intent on getting a few miles further north to Bethel and The River.

Not this time.

Mt. Abram has plenty of great terrain on 44 trails (10 easy, 21 intermediate, 13 difficult).
Carey Kish photo

I pulled right in, happy with Mt. Abram as my destination. It would be good to pay the mountain another visit and to finally ski it in the daylight!

You see, on the Peak to Peak weekend the team arrived after hours and found only the lodge and lounge open for business. So we ate a belly full of good food and grog, and then, to satisfy the criteria of the challenge, we - with permission of the owners, of course - hiked part way up the Dudley Do Right trail and skied happily down, with only the lights of the base lodge to guide us.

The Maine Peak to Peak Challenge team about to ski Mt. Abram in the dark (with permission, of course) last MLK weekend.
Carey Kish photo

This time: A half a foot of fresh powder. A handful of ungroomed trails to play on, plus a fine mix of groomed terrain, enough to suit every whim on each and every run. Ahhh!

Mt. Abram from the base area.
Carey Kish photo

Good choice. No, great choice! And I'll be back, again and again. Promise.

There's plenty of fun cruising to be had on Mt. Abram.
Carey Kish photo

MT. ABRAM, Locke Mills

The ski-nny: For a smallish mountain (1,150 feet of vertical) this place really rocks. No crowds means plenty of vertical, if you can handle it. Yeah, the double chair takes its time, but look around and enjoy the ride and the breather. You'll probably need it after thrashing yourself on the wide variety of terrain. This is a mountain where you can ski it all in a day, and then ski it all again. Go for it, and enjoy!

Steeps: Boris Badenov and Fearless Leader are sure to get you worked up and ready for the challenge of Upper and Lower Rocky's Run, not to be missed and no doubt my favorite of the day. Fly down The Cliff and navigate the lift line on Lower Fractured Fairy Tales for non-stop fun. I somehow missed Zephyr, reputed to yet another killer steep (for another day for sure) but you shouldn't, so a local told me.

Cruisers: Sweeper and Round-A-Bout take you on a long, sweet arc down skier's right. Easy Rider, Snake and Bullwinkle will have you gliding dreamily down the mountain's left side.

Easy going: Ride the Skyline Chair at Westside to take in the scenic and easy runs of Mahoosuc Meadows, Hay Road and Skyline Drive.

Aprés-ski: When you've had your fill of the slopes you won't have to go far to get your fill of good food and drink. Just saunter into the Loose Boots Lounge right there in the base lodge, belly up the bar and call it good. There's plenty of good beer on draft and a full menu of good eats to boot (pardon the pun!). It's a mighty comfy atmosphere for relaxing and mingling with the Abram crowd.

Extra credit: Launch into the trees for some wooded good times on The Zone. Short, gnarly and sweet.

Shhh!: The heck with that... Tell everybody. Mt. Abram is awesome!

Deals: With weekend lift tix at $43 this is a ski bum's paradise. Better yet, ski Sundays for just $39. Do the 2 for 1 thing on Thursdays and Fridays for $26 and you can invest your savings in the Loose Boots Lounge. And whoa! Fridays are Carload Craze Days: Arrive by 11AM and everybody in the car gets in for 59 bucks!

Are you a Mt. Abram regular? What do you like best about the mountain?

Looking down the steeps of Lower Fractured Fairy Tales, Mt. Abram.
Carey Kish photo

Looking to ignite your wild imagination, stoke your longing to break free and go and do and see, to quench that ever-burning desire inside of you for heart-thumping adventure in some impossibly beautiful far-off corner of the world???

The Banff Mountain Film Festival, when it returns to Portland this week - Tuesday, February 12th at the Merrill Auditorium, 7:30 PM - is sure to do just that and more.

Miss it and you will have missed the premier adventure film fest of the year!

Do plan on coming, but beware! For your very own safety and that of the attendees around you, you may need to be on belay, complete with climbing helmet, harness and rope, carabinered securely to your seat, as scenes of incredible adventure play out before your eyes.

And maybe, just maybe, that will be enough to hold you. But there's no guarantee.

Should you fly out of your seat and sail head-long for the silver screen, you may find yourself suddenly...

Scaling some rock face overhanging the ocean, or gripping a spindly ice pinnacle and clawing your way ever upward toward the sky...

Skiing mountain terrain of an unheard of scale, making perfect, endless telemark turns through deep, soft, magnificent powder...

Paddling fierce whitewater as it slices through steep canyon walls and heaves and hurdles you and your boat down river...

Letting yourself fly off the lip of a precipice and free-falling toward the earth and hoping like hell that your chute really does open, but somehow not really caring...

Ahhh... adventure! With a capital A. That's the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

I wouldn't miss it for the world. You shouldn't either. If you're a veteran BMFF goer you know damn well just what I mean.

Be there! At the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, back in Portland at the Merrill Auditorium, 7:30 pm, Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

You are planning to be there, aren't you?! I mean, what else would you do?!

Get your tickets at these friendly local outdoor retailers:

* Nomads, 100 Commercial Street (Thomas Building) in Portland (347.7464; Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5
* Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS), 87 Marginal Way in Portland (541.1919; Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-6
* Arlberg Ski & Sport (2 locations): Scarborough, Rt. 1, Oak Hill Plaza (between Burger King & McDonalds), 883-2878; Sun- Sat 10AM-7PM or Freeport, 15 Main Street (across from fire station), 865-0077; Sun - to Sat 10 AM-7 PM

Tix will also be available at the Merrill Auditorium box office after 6:30 PM on the day of show. Please note: Credit cards will NOT be accepted, just cash or check (with personal ID).

Film Menu for Banff Mountain Film Festival
Portland, Maine
Merrill Auditorium
Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Balance

Canada, 2006, 11 minutes; Directed and produced by Paul Cotton
Focus: Skiing
Balance profiles the rapidly growing world of new-school skiing, looking at all aspects of the sport: big mountain lines, terrain parks and half-pipes, and jibbing. This film captures the athletes’ desires to push the edge of their abilities while facing the obvious safety risks associated with high calibre skiing. With high-energy footage cut to an upbeat soundtrack, the audience is challenged to judge whether these athletes are crazy or just extremely talented, or maybe both. (Note: this is a change in the film previously announced)

King Lines: Es Pontas

USA, 2007, 13 minutes
Directed and produced by Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer
Focus: Climbing

A segment from King Lines, filmed on location in Mallorca, Spain. This spectacular segment captures Chris Sharma’s challenging ascent of the Es Pontas arch. Deep water soloing at its best.

Wings on Your Feet (Le ali ai piedi)

Switzerland, 2006, 25 minutes
Directed and produced by Fulvio Mariani
Focus: Telemark Skiing/Culture
John Falkiner and Paolo Tassi — two charming characters, untiring powder hunters, and free telemark interpreters — tell us about their dreams and why they have chosen skiing as their true lifestyle. Whooshing through Fulvio Mariani’s camera shots, they guide us on journeys of discovery and friendship in magnificent landscapes around the world.

Climber

Canada, 2007, 2 minutes
Directed by Carlos Villarreal-Kwasek
Produced by Vancouver Film School
Focus: Climbing, Animation
Rating: General

A climber attempts an icy route and faces his inner demon in this animated short.

In-Flux

France, 2005, 17 minutes
Directed and produced by David Arnaud
Focus: Kayaking

In-Flux is about the true meaning of paddling: the perpetual need to go and travel the globe with your kayak in search of the magic something you can find only on the river. Shot in Italy, Canada, Norway, and the Reunion islands, the film combines adrenaline-driven action and remarkable natural wonders.

20 Seconds of Joy

Best Film on Mountain Sports and People’s Choice Award
Germany, 2007, 60 minutes
Directed by Jens Hoffmann
Produced by Clenonice Comino
Focus: BASE jumping, Human Narrative
“I don’t want to die, I want to live. I’m pretty good at running away, and this is my escape!” This is how Karina Hollekim describes her dedication to BASE jumping. Documentary filmmaker Jens Hoffman first met the now 30-year-old Norwegian in 2002. He immediately started to film, accompanying her through many stages of her BASE-jumping career and life of over five years of risk.

Thanks as always to my good friend Tom Widing at Chestnut Mtn Productions for bringing the show here.

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...