Yoga Update

Went to week 2 of yoga class last night. Must say I'm finding it pretty fulfilling. Had some problems with my tweaky right knee after last week's class - talked to the instructor before class and much better today.

The stretching seem to really benefit me, although it quantifies just how much I need to work on my flexibility. Although at only my second class, I had noticed some improvement.

One thing that appeals to me is the order and respect of the class. When the instructor tells us that "five minutes early to class is on-time" I know I'm in the right place. Definitely appeals to my need for promptness. What was amazing were the number of people who rolled in late, despite knowing that. And, not just five minutes late -- one woman was 45 minutes after the start time!

I also like the notion of getting in touch with your motions. As a lifelong participant in balance and motion-based sports, I was amazed how quickly I was able to pick up on things like foot positioning and weight distribution. A lifetime of skiing, surfing, skateboarding, biking, and other sports means I usually know what my feet are doing. They're the connection to almost all of these pursuits.

Looking forward to my flexibility improving, but really enjoying the process.

-Sean-

IFF?

My buddy Paul refer to the need to go shooting as "ITF" or Itchy Trigger Finger. I think lately I have IFF -- or Itchy Fishing Finger! I think my next trip North to ski may need to include a few hours on the river.

I've been eager to walk-in and wade some of the lower Manistee, and Tippy Dam is only a few minutes drive from Caberfae. Or, I can take a little drive down to the PM. Either way, it's time to get in some cold water!

There's something about the serenity of a winter river that's truly unique. This photo, taken last January sums it all up. Crisp. Cold. And, nobody else out. This spot on the PM is just above one of my better runs for walk-in fishing on the PM. I've hooked steelhead, caught trout, and truly enjoyed it. And it's a ten-minute walk in from good parking!

Alternately, if weather's right, maybe I'll try chasing chrome on the Lower Huron. I hear there are some good spots around Rockwood. And it's only a 45 minute drive from home.

Tight lines!

-Sean-

Cold Smoke

I've read that Native Americans in Alaska have over 40 different names for snow based on it's composition. I got my fave today -- what I've most often heard as "cold smoke powder". I love words and there's no better description. Light, fluffy, crystalline. Couldn't make a snowball out of it on a bet. It's literally like cold smoke (duh - hence the name). And, I found 6" of it on my driveway today. Never mind moving that stuff around.

It's the snow that gave Utah the tagline, "Greatest Snow on Earth" and it's just about my favorite thing. This was our first real significant snow of the year in SE Michigan (while everyone else has been getting dumped on, it seems) so I was doubly happy to see.

Now I just have to get some time to go play in it!



-Sean-

Activity Gene?

Over the weekend, I was listening to a science commentator on NPR talk about the fact that within the next decade we'll be able to have our own genome mapped for under $1,000 to find health risk factors. Wow.

Then, later in the day, I was riding up the ski lift with a guy who was bemoaning finding time for all his activities -- skiing, sailing, mountain biking -- a problem I share. At the time I thought that some people are just naturally more active than others. I certainly seem to fall into that category as I don't sit well and seem to always have trouble finding time to fish, ski, hunt, cycle, shoot, or whatever...

But then I got to thinking: What if there's a gene for activity? Somehow it wouldn't surprise me. So, do active parents have active children? My sister's a hardcore cyclist both on-road and off. And in-his mid-60's my Dad's still out fishing, working out, and keeping very active. Perhaps there's something to this genetic notion. At any rate, it's interesting food for observation.

-Sean-

There Is No Try

For a long time I've been interested in taking a yoga class. I've read that many top skiers practice it with benefits of flexibility, strength, balance, and more.

Last night I attended my first class through the local Y. Now, I get it.

While it was all rather new and foreign to me, I very quickly understood how this will benefit me. In even the most basic poses, I could feel my own lack of flexibility. Fortunately, what I lacked in flexibility I did make up for in other areas like balance.

The instructor was great - she balanced newbies and more seasoned practitioners alike. I felt welcome and able to ask questions. She corrected me on a few things, but not so that I'd feel singled-out. Afterward we chatted for a bit (her day job is in marketing/advertising, too) and she commented that I'd had a solid first outing and would be very surprised by how quickly flexibility would come.

But the best part was afterward. I felt totally loose and relaxed. Already looking forward to next week's class! If you're active and have considered yoga, I must say I'm glad I gave it a go!

-Sean-

My Review of Black Diamond Mercury Mittens - Men's

Originally submitted at REI

The Black Diamond Mercury mittens are designed to keep hands comfortable while climbing mountains and backcountry skiing in temperatures as low as -20°F.

Black Diamond Mercury Mittens - Men's

Warm & Well-Design

By Seanahee from Ann Arbor, MI on 1/4/2010

 

5out of 5

Gift: No

Pros: Warm, Great Design

Best Uses: Skiing, Backcountry

Describe Yourself: Advanced

Gear Usage: Winter Sports, Cold Weather Living

Just purchased these as a solution for super-cold days skiing. Tested them this weekend on 5 degree day with 15-20 mph winds. Wow, very warm and highly windproof!

Seem to be very well-built for durability. Like the separate trigger finger for improved grip dexterity.

My first Black Diamond product and very satisfied.

(legalese)

Brrrrrr!

I think I had my coldest day ever skiing on Saturday at Caberfae. Temps never made it into double-digits AND winds were 15-20mph all day. Oddly, with the sun out it didn't seem so bad while I was out there. But about 4:30pm I realized is was just chilled completely.

But, over the holidays, I added a new weapon to the cold weather arsenal - mittens! For some reason, I've always resisted them. Maybe I thought the loss of dexterity would be too much, or that someone I was a wuss for wearing them.

New Black Diamond Mercury mittens rock -- super warm, comfy, and functional. Trigger finger is separated to enable some grip and dexterity. My hands were actually a bit too warm initially, but as day wore on they were great. Biggest pleasant surprise was how much easier mittens are to take off and put on. No finger fumbling. Quick and easy. And wrist leash meant when they were off, no worries about dropping them.

Happy New Year to all!

-Sean-