I am playing hookie today. I won’t get out of the house. why would I? it’s -20 outside. I called in sick for patrol, they are not paying me enough to start my car and go shack up in the blistering cold in a top shack while they shut down the mountain. just to wait for evening sweeps.

I have airfare to finland again. and a booking for Moose on the side. this time for the first time in 17 years I am going to Finland in the spring. I am finally ok with giving up a spring season of skiing to be with my family.

if there’s one surprising thing that instagram has taught me, is that there are people in scandinavia doing rad things. I don’t necessarily have to be in northern rockies to enjoy some adventures. my addition to montana will never go away and this winter culture cannot be repeated o topped anywhere. I would be lying if certain finn in my recent history would have not altered my perspective. perhaps that’s why I am little in love with him and can’t help it. I think there is amazing area up to the north to explore that I have never really given much consideration to before.

I have to admit I come from a stubborn and hard culture. I have it in me to play rough and I think I will eventually direct my gaze further up north. I feel like I am being drawn back to living under the north star. there’s something there to be discovered that I shouldn’t ignore. I like who I am and I like being a combination of the two. I will never be just one or the other.

having a plane ticket and a deadline gives different drive to living these few months I have to ski hard and dedicated. when do I ever do anything in moderation? excited to see the spring bloom in finland. and excited to be coming back to get my rage on the highwater guide training. ready to dip into the icy gallatin and take a swim.