2009

The morning provides a proper coronation at the usual spot while a jester in the guise of a fox watches from the bushes. What does the fox say?

Another in a series of impressive sunrises compels me to pause on my way to work and watch the interplay of billowing fog and beams of light.

It is that special time of year when temperatures drop to single digits and mist rises from the frigid river into golden morning light. I don’t want to lose my warmth but I’m compelled to pause and admire the ice and light.

It was a nice ride in this morning, though clear skies have since been replaced with grey.

Perhaps some fresh air will help Brenna's cold.

I ride with a few of the Idaho Motorcycle Club crew to Pilot Peak, Sunset Mountain summit and Jackson Peak, then take off on my own for a little exploration, discovering one of the rare Idaho Moai.

My brothers and I are pleased to find last year’s primitive campsite largely intact and set about making improvements for the expected years to come while storm clouds play across the wide horizon until rain drives us into our tents.

The expected night storm is delayed until morning as we depart Lost Lake in a drizzle for whatever shelter we might find in Avery, Idaho. After that pit-stop, we explore some mountains before pointing toward our final blissful campsite.

From Marble Creek we make the short but somewhat technical trek to Lost Lake where we find another perfect campsite, marred only by an afternoon flash mob and prehistoric lake inhabitants. A predicted storm inspires Jesse to dig a canal system around his tent.

My brothers and I join forces a second time to ride with a friend Casey from home base in Moscow, Idaho to an idyllic spot along Marble Creek in the St. Joe Ranger District where we probe the mysteries of MREs and revel at a preternaturally bright moon.