Well it's that time of the year again when things just don't work out. The snow is all gone, trails are nothing but mud, the rocks are seeping water and it won't stop raining. So now all you can do is wait for those nice days to come or just such it up and go get wet and muddy. If your not into that than it is time to find some alternative recreation. The climbing gyms are always dry and the rivers and lakes are always wet so a little rain won't hurt you. Either way we are always out in search of a good adventure. The best thing about the rainy weather is that it has convinced us to start our surfing a little early this year. the only place where you don't mind if it's cold and rainy out is in the ocean because you can't find to many places colder and wetter than the Atlantic. I love to leave photos of our latest adventures but I only have one. I really have no idea what is going on here but this is he only photo that I have taken lately. See you guys out there and don't let the weather get you down.

Berkshire Backcountry's Newest Edition

We would all like to welcome the newest edition to the Berkshire Backcountry team, Maple!

Last week I was beginning to believe that Spring was here but I was proven wrong. The winter is still going strong and it isn't over yet. The Thunderbolt has good snow and there still is time for a couple more runs. Even though it is still cold and the snow and ice are good the cold days of Winter are numbered. With this in mind we have been trying to get a few good days of ice climbing and skiing in. We spent last weekend in New Hampshire ice climbing knowing that it might be the last time we get up there for the season. By the way water was running up there Spring is coming fast. There is still time to play in the snow but soon it will be mud season. So tune up the bikes and get out the rock gear because the warm weather is on it's way.

Just when I thought we might get some Spring time weather I was wrong. We did get a warm up but now we're back to the cold and the snow. That's just fine with us. We haven't even thought about putting away the skis and ice gear. With this snow and cold it should refresh the climbs and trails making them in some of the best shape they have been in all year long. So like I always say, go and get after it. I have posted a couple photos of what the Dacks ice climbing looked like this weekend.

Stowe, VT Dawn Patrol

With 10 - 20 inches expected by the end of the day, I headed up to Stowe, VT for some dawn patrol action this morning. I arrived in the parking lot at dark, actually very dark and started skinning. There was one other gentleman that showed up just after me who I would assume also has a job that he had to get to. The skiing was remarkable and conditions were excellent. Since it was dark and snowing like crazy, photos were not really an option (sorry). If you have some time, I highly recommend getting out there soon. Even if you don't have time, make some. 4 am departures help us office folk get our 50 days per year in. See you out there.

Last night and this morning we picked up 3 to 5 inches of fresh snow. The Thunderbolt was real good this morning and it should be for days to come. This is the first real measurable amount of snow that we have had in a while and we are expected to have snow showers for the next couple of days. So I'm telling everyone to go out and get some.

I have a bad habit, well I have alot of bad habits. One thing I all ways find myself doing is traveling north to ski or climb ice. Why would you head south for snow and ice right? But today was different, we went south. The Catskills have a pretty good collection of easy access ice climbs, and I hate to admit this but I have never been there. So today was a good surprise when we got to climb some new sunny routes. We went to Stoney Clove and had the place all to ourselves. I had such a good time that I think that I may have even broke one of my bad habits. I recommend this place to anyone interested in a variety of routes that are close to home and car. Just do it soon the warmth and the sun are starting to take their toll.