feliz navidad

and god bless us, everyone.

Summit Lake

summit.jpg
Originally uploaded by Mark Yezbick.

Windblown / Windcrusted with a fat slab.

Hunter Gatherers

1105_1105_DSC_0254ab_filtered.jpg
Originally uploaded by Mark Yezbick.

In the enchanted forests of Christmasland, all the ground is made of ice.

Osteoparosis Amigos

Well, it was bound to happen, we are down to the last 24 hours in this godforsaken icebox. Angela and I will be thinking about ya'll as we drink tequila on the hot sandy beaches of Central America. Actually, we'll probably only think about you for the first shot or two, then things will start to get fuzzy, the music will seem really cool and I will think I can dance like Ricki Martin. Things will go downhill from there and I will wake up naked on the beach with no wallet or passport...wait a second, this is starting to sound like Joe's trip to Peru- sorry, I'll try to be more original.

For those who enjoy turning green with envy follow the blog link on your right to keep up with our fantastic voyage!

http://centralamericavacation.blogspot.com/

Thats all Bitches.

O...

Hookah Nation

Hello my Girdwoodian friends! Finally (I know everyone has been on the edge of their seats), an update from the Northerner gone Eastern. I am fine and well and having a great time off in New York. Yes, I'm still unemployed and loving every minute of it. If you have the means I highly recommend the lifestyle, I'm addicted.

Looks and sounds like everyone is having a great time up there, smiles all around. I wouldn't expect anything less from the Girdwood crowd and I remain excited to keep myself up on the happenings in Glacier City...through a dial up connection. I'm in the NY countryside boonies where faster internet access methods are too expensive for two jobless brothers. Regarding the web, it's a far cry from the luxurious Vail Chalet accomodations but the upside is having 30 acres (more if you're unafraid of the hunters) of field and forest with which to play. We don't have enough snow for cross country skiing or snowshoeing just yet but the forecast for the next week looks hopeful. Some of the closest ski areas are scheduled to open today and tomorrow but that's stepping into very optimistic territory however, snowmaking seems to be very popular around these parts so who knows. I'm excited to check out Hunter Mt. this weekend (don't laugh) but only about half is open excluding the terrain park and halfpipe...WOO HOO! We'll see how that pans out.

Otherwise life is great! We spent Thanksgiving in one of the Five Buroughs of NYC and stayed through the weekend seeing the sites, going to shows, and finding interesting watering/smoking holes. It was my girlfriend's first visit to NY so it was non-stop for 3 days. Horus Cafe is where a very tasty tobacco blend called Egytian Pharaohs was smoked out of the top Hookah. Dan should recognize the bottom Hookah. That was my last night in Girdwood, I had to indulge. Thanks Dannyboy.

Stay happy and healthy everyone!

Girdwood Film Festival & Gift Exchange

This is formal notice confirming seconding of the motion to combine this year's film festival with the annual Chinese Gift Exchange. Please note this combined event means we will need double the alcohol and as always keep gift purchases below $20. Incidentally Tom Cruise has had to cancel though he may still send an entry tentatively entitled "Top Gun II- Highway to the Dangerzone Repaved." I feel the need...

Join da Club

It's more like a collective than a club.

The day after!

Skiing off the Turkey Day hangover.

Mullet Dan

When I look in the mirror
What do I see?
I see me and my mullet smiling back at me
Not much in the world can really compare
To running your fingers through my long greasy hair
It's short in the front
Yet long in the back
Are you starting to get a mullet attack?
Be careful. It's true. This, could happen to you.

Birthday poem

If peaches were peaches
And multiple ladies was beaches
If the sand on my thighs
were as warm as your eyes
If I didn't smell like urine
Then the birdflu we'd be cure'n
If bitches weren't snitches
pump it up, pump it up, everybody now. word, word.
If Rossi could rhyme than everything would be fine
Last year was Michelle's thirty third
Falafel makes me want to lay a big greek turd
How can you end after a line like that. Peace out, word!


Thanks for the birthday fun!!!

PIGeon JoHn?

oned au y i can say that i was there., i thinkl.

GObble GobBle GOBBle

BURP !

thanks Michelle and Steve!

There and Back Again - Return to Byron Glacier

The Girdwood Posse cheated death once again this past Sunday on a return trip to Byron Glacier. This time they came prepaired though and a it wasn't long before the viscious chippings of ice axes and crampons echoed through the valley. Please note that a mighty avalanche has sealed the entrance of what would have been an excellent party cave. Image one shows Lt. Dan approaching the scene, image two displays WilliShrinx's prowess on a glacial wall. (note Meeshell in the way back- on avalanche patrol) The highlight of the day was the apre-trek hot chocolate at Portage Lodge- with whip cream of course.

Run For Your Life

Tuesday night running group is starting tomorrow night, November 22. Local runners of all abilities will meet at the coffee shop in front of The Mercantile at 6:00pm. Be sure to dress warm and have good shoes with adequate tread or winter running cleates.

All abilities are welcome! Walkers, woggers, joggers, runners and sprinters. We will probably run from the Merc to the resort on the lighted bike path. The running tonight was beautiful with all of the fresh snow. I highly encourage you to join in the fun!

See you this Tuesday at 6:00pm and hopefully many more Tuesdays to follow.

Remember the Summer?

I thought I would post these up for Stephan to see.

Girdwood Film Festival

Get your creative juices flowing because the Girdwood Film Festival is just a couple of weeks away.

When: Saturday December 10th at 7:00pm

Bring your film(s) and meet the other artists. There are no rules!

Turkey Day

Yeeehaw! Just three more days.....

If you will be coming to Steve and Michelle's for dinner you should plan on bringing enough to feed 15-20 hungry folks. Just thought I would let you know for planning purposes.

See you then.....

Ullrfest - My Skiis are zo Heiss ja!

Girdwood- A raging inferno gorged itself on old skiis and snowboards last night in the sleepy town of Girdwood as blizzard conditions featuring freezing rain ravaged the Seward Highway. All those in attendance were warm and happy at the 13th Annual Ullrfest- burning of the old skiis- as tradition and malted beverages brought friends and family together.
The event started 13 years ago when a mono board skiier got lost on Northface in a howling blizzard. He had nought but his monoboard, a lighter and five gallons of diesel so he burned his board to stay warm and as luck would have it, the groomers spotted the blaze and rescued him once they were out of weed and had nothing better to do. The rescued monoboarder was so distraught at having to burn his board he blubbered "Ullr, Ullr!" as the lads rescued him. That night at the Sitzmark, as the tale was recounted and numerous beverages hoisted, a tradition was born...

Elsewhere in the World

Thank you all for the happy return to the winter wonderland, albeit leaving 70 degree weather and sunshine was difficult. Plus the numerous bedtime stories and having Mom feed me made it almost painful.

I have posted up a series of photo galleries on my Yezbick website, though some of you already had the joy of reviewing most of them.

There are not any photos from either Washington DC or Athens, instead I allowed my other senses to take in the environment. One night in Athens, as we were leaving the Farm 255 restaurant, there was a Sierra Club meeting going on in the courtyard with troupe of capoeira martial artists displaying their skills. It reminded me of a cross between learning how to do handplants when I was a skateboarder and yoga. Further down the road, there was a four piece folk band playing in which one member was playing a dulcimer. The previous night took us to the Grit where we dined on some fine vegetarian southern cooking. Following the meal, we journeyed around Athens, ending our night at the Fabulous 40 Watt for a performance by Spoon, who rocked us regardless of our extreme road weariness. My good friend Chris was serving bar, and kept us awake with libations galore.

Other memorable moments include the conception of the "Thumbsuck" dance, (which we may see included at my next breakdance extravaganza,) a simulcast performance of "Porgy and Bess" on the National Mall greenbelt of Washington DC, the delightfully frightening Sporting Goods store in Pennsylvania during deer season and so much more...

Now I am all ready to enjoy a winter of fun and frolic, as most of you know - Partyboy dissuaded me from working at the hotel, thus allowing me to retain some sanity this winter. I have also acquired a season's pass as a bonus from the Man, so please remember to invite me to both your wild winter parties and your resort riding escapades. If anyone has the urge to teach me to teleski, feel free.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

This is a somewhat belated report on trail conditions between the Begich Boggs Visitor Center and Byron Glacier. We left the parking lot in gale force winds, Moses the Small Black Dog resembled a kite as he fluttered about at the end of his leash. Mazzy and Lily broke trail and there was a good base for cross country skiing the mile back to Byron Glacier. The trail is brushed out through alders which provided needed protection from the ice and snow that pelted us like insurgents at a village stoning. It wasn't long before we reached the ominous signs that fortold the end of trail maintanence. We forged on and into a massive cathedral of ice- a cathedral I noted would be perfect for a bonfire party and music. Once I was protected from the wind I took the opportunity to pee on 10,000 year old ice. Suprisingly satisfying. The return journey was uneventful as the wind subsided and visibility cleared. Synopsis: pucker factor is minimal on this trip but glacier spelunking is sure to satisfy.

Top 12 Early Snow Resorts

This just in according to SkiSnowboard.com. Somehow Alyeska didn't make it on there but I have just sent a scathing email so that shall soon be remedied...in all fairness they did rank us #7 for Best View from a resort in January 2005.

1. Alta/Snowbird, Utah

2. Grand Targhee/Jackson Hole, Wyoming

3. Steamboat, Colorado

4. Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

5. Mammoth Mountain, California

6. Winter Park, Colorado

7. Fernie Mountain Resort, British Columbia, Canada

8. Lake Tahoe resorts, California and Nevada

9. Killington, Vermont

10. Sunday River, Maine

11. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

12. Le Massif, Quebec, Canada

Full Moon Fever

The mountain looked quietly pensive tonight as the snowmakers hissed back and forth in hushed whispers. The temperature is dropping, the moon is rising and soon skiiers will make their pilgrimmage to the almighty mountain. In honor of the opening next week of her seductive ledges and valleys I have penned a haiku:

Covered in snow she
Beckons to me but I must
Pay to play with her.

Perhaps that had a negative tone, I'll try again later...
Incidentally there is a gala event Thursday, November 17th, 7:30pm at Tidal Wave Bookstore wherein some of the state's finest poets will read from a discerning collection of submitted material. Word on the street is that a local Girdwoodian will be featured so I suggest ya'll come out and mingle with the literati, perhaps feed the old cerebellum a bit then we'll all journey on to Bernie's and cull the weak brain cells.

The Snow is Here

Girdwood recieved a fat 4 inches overnight followed by a good 6 inches later in the day. This was a quality first snow, light and fluffy until about 5pm at which point it turned to sleet and then rain, but only long enough to set down a nice crust. I'm sure the top of the mountain saw well over a foot so it won't be long now folks, tune your bindings and by all means get those hammys stretched!

Man Skatin'

With all of this fantastic talk of ice skating zooming around, I just thought I'd take everyone back to last season and remind you all of some serious Man Skatin'. Here Extremely John skates a berg from the Portage Glacier. Mind you he had to skate/boulder to its summit, some 8-9 feet high. Shortly there after, in Man fashion he slammed a cold one.

SCOOP THE POOP PLEASE!

Here are some interesting facts for you Girdwood dog owners. This is from the Anchorage animal control web site.
Scoop the Poop
Anchorage has a municipal ordinance requiring pet owners to "scoop up" after their pets, both at home and in public places. Dog droppings are a nuisance and a health hazard. They attract flies, spread disease, and dog waste is one of the worst causes of water pollution.
Anchorage (this includes Girdwood) has an estimated 50,900 dogs. Dogs relieve themselves every day, producing an average of 3/4 pound of waste per dog. That's over 38,000 pounds or about 19 tons of dog waste each and every day.
It's important for pet owners to "scoop up" after Rover on bike trails, parks, and wherever Rover goes. Carry a supply of plastic bags to clean up after your dog, slip a bag over your hand and collect the droppings. Then pull the bag off of your hand so that the droppings are inside (like pulling off a sock cuff-first). Tie the bag shut and dispose of it in a trash can!

On another note. Mark better come home soon because Moses needs a haircut.

Turnagain Ice Skating Report

The ice is in good shape despite a few bubbles here and there so assuming the temperatures stay in the 20's I say get out there. Joe cleverly found the only real hole in the whole place so now that's been spotted it's safer than ever. Thanks Joe and we hope you get feeling in your feet back soon.

Turnagain Ski Report

Last week Philip, Tiffany, Moses, and Lily headed out to Turnagain Pass to check out the conditions and take some posed "senior photo" type shots. Here you can see 3 members of the party at 25 feet above the road (look for the ice beard to spot Moses). Obviously, not much snow. 400-600 feet up Sunburst the snow got deeper and at the ridge the super light snow + hoar frost made for some sweet skiing. The tele turns were pretty ugly, but that was due to early season legs, not early season snow. On the way down, we had to take our skis off at tree line in order to save our skis and our knees. After some wind this weekend, I think it would be wise to wait until the next snow event to ski Turnagain. Unless you are desperate for those first turns of the year.

Ski report

Good Morning skiers and snowboarders, this is Michelle with your Sunday morning ski report. Yesterday, with tons of sunshine and blue skies we headed to Hatcher Pass. The skiing SUCKED! Compared to last year at this time there is absolutely NO snow. If you must ski right now, it sounds like Turnagain is the better option. We were able to make a few very tentative turns through the mine field of rocks and shrubbery but it was not worth the drive for us Girdwoodians. However, today it is SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!

We'll miss ya old friend

At approximately 8:42pm Tuesday night, longtime Girdwood resident and good friend Jason, aka Vern, boarded his spaceship and left our little town behind. This is the last shot of young Jason shortly before liftoff.
Jason- take care and don't forget your peeps back in G Weed.
The spaceship was apparently underpowered because Vern was forced to jettison nearly all of his earthly possessions before he left. I am now the proud owner of a desk, office chair, sky chair and $500 Honda as well as a plant, miscellaneous trim wood and an African skin painting made with the blood of a dozen village chiefs. I know there are others in this fair town whose houses are filled with Vern debris as well.

As you all look upon this picture tune your IPODs to Elton John's "Candle in the Wind," I think it most fitting although it's hard to hold back the tears.

Take care Vern.

Halloween undressed

This is John and Angela at the pre-Halloween party.












And this is Anglea at the post-Halloween party. Check out more Halloween photos.

Leaving at the Begining

Last night I dragged myself and my van into Girdwood after a LONG but thankfully uneventful (except for when the engine almost fell off) drive from Fairbanks. To see the night skiing lights for the first time this season was a nice treat. Before pulling into the chalet I drove around the mountain feeling all nostalgic, managing to get a picture amidst a river of tears and loud obnoxious sobbing. I love this mountain. It feels weird to be leaving at the begining of the season.

SO, I came home and packed up my snowboard because it's going to NY with me. Yeah, that's right, I'm going to rip it up on the hardcore slopes of New England. I'm sure it'll be super uber fun.

Image of the day

Well, it was bound to happen, I know this isn't Girdwood related (this is Karl Rove atop the Whitehouse for those of you on Crow Creek Road) but it is political much like the frothy yet slightly gelatinous underbelly of our beloved town and really, it doesn't take too much imagination to place Uncle Ted in this photo atop the new Post Office. - flak vest anyone? or do you think Teddy is smart enough to take head shots? Most likely.

Ski Train 2006

Every winter, the big blue Alaska train, the one that takes hordes of tourists up and down this state all summer long, is transformed into a party on rails. The train departs Anchorage early one February morning filled with hundreds of groggy skiers, everybody's very best potluck dish, 10 eager polka band members, and as much fermented beverage as each party cares to imbibe. The air is thick with anticipation. Picture the Hogwarts Express in Alaska. Although the exact details of what happens on the train are classified, some photos have been leaked in order to entice members of the usually under represented population of Girdwood. Girdwoodians usually object to the "planned ahead" nature of the event. Tickets sell out by November and the train does not leave the station until February. Perhaps these shots of revelers will convince you to set aside February 25th, 2006 and join the fun. Check out the Anchorage Nordic Ski Association's web page for more info.

Happy Halloween

Thanks for the Memories

Young pumpkin carver Max Manley wishes to express his deepest gratitude on an evening well spent. He was especially appreciative of Mark and Philip's detailed comments on proper block stacking- well done lads.

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza

Aside from a few mishaps last night's pumpkin carving went off without a hitch and the results were both festive and creative. The next big event is of course the Halloween Party to be held at an undisclosed location only to be disclosed to those close to the disclosers with the disclaimer that disclothed participants will be held under close scrutiny. Let us not forget that there will be trophies presented to people who bring trophies, so create a catagory and a trophy and bring it ON! Trophies should not cost over $20 to create, buy or steal and they should be small enough to be carried home by an intoxicant. Thank you.

Someone's Been Naughty

I'd like to say this is a clever trick of Photoshop, but nay Vern, your SAC has been violated by your arch nemesis.

Camera safety

Something very disturbing happened to me in Girdwood recently. I should start by saying that each week I read the column called Savage Love in The Press. Without fail, after reading that column I am always amazed that there are people out there with some very very sick habits. I have taken great comfort in knowing that I do not have to see this kind of behavior in my life and I can trust my friends and the people of Girdwood.

I am sorry to report I was WRONG! There are some sick sick people here in this town. I accidently left my camera at MARK YEZBICK'S house the other night. When I retrieved the camera, it seems that MARK YEZBICK and PHILIP PETERSON took the above photos. What kind of sick person takes another person's camera into the crapper with them?

I hope this blog will help people in the future!

How Safe is Our Little Valley?

I know everyone thinks that Girdwood is this safe little haven away from the crimes and brutality of the rest of the world...but let the P. Dude tell you something...it's not! There is a growing number of dangerous gangs forming in our midst. I captured this image of the notorious "Bursiel St. Husslers" staking out their turf. The scroll over the right shoulder of the female gang member denotes their intentions of "educating" the peoples of Girdwood. These feral thugs are savage individuals bent on the destruction of all we hold dear. We cannot and must not submit to their barbarous oppresion. Viva Girdwood!

Under the Bridge Down Town

Tiffany Kelly surfs Glacier Creek with not but a chunk of plywood, and some twine....and never gets wet.

Someone Needs a ComfortSAC

First, is there a limit on how many posts you can create in a day? I'm jumping right in without reading any directions, as I often do with things. I'm just so excited.

Hi, I'm vernon and I have a rather large comfortSAC that needs a good home. I've recently made the decision to move away from this beautiful wonderland of pot holes and dog poo called Girdwood, mainly because of the influx of YUPPIES but also because the owner of The Chalet is bumping up the rent price to 700 bones. That's not a real reason, just thought I'd throw it out there because it's CRAZINESS. The place is tiny and has no bathroom door. But I like it and am sad to be moving, sad that I'm leaving the Wood but excited to read about the goings on of this town on the move, all the way from the backwoods of New York.

ANYHOO, I have a large kooshy sampling of the latest and greatest invention to hit the relaxation, comfort and style circuit since....since....beanbags. I was hoping to let someone borrow this whilst I am away fiddling and squealing with my Deliverance buddies in NY. ANY TAKERS?? It's a nice SAC. There's only one requirement for SAC take-over approval....no pets. Sorry Mark. I love Moses.

Soul Surfing

Johnny G soul surfing at Bear Glacier!

Resurrection Bay

This is a belated post with a shout out to Scott Liska for being a most wicked surfer dude and taking me closer to drowning than I have ever been before, aside from that battle with a monster Northern Pike last summer I don't think I've ever been so scared in the water. For those who haven't licked from the salty balls of mortality lately I do so recommend a voyage with the Mad Captain. While I'm at it I should say hello to Stephan who was somehow involved in the launching of the voyage to Resurrection Bay and the site of my near drowning. Hope all is well in Scottland mein Freund, here are some pics... Incidentally that is Mark with a fatty Silver Salmon, or Coho to you tourists out there, and Stephan saving the day when Mark hooked bottom and was nearly pulled overboard Captain Ahab style. What a day.