jaredferguson.com

Face Down

Jared Ferguson — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:35:37 +0000

I was reminded last night of a song I’ve long loved. It talks about abusive relationships. Face Down, by Red Jumpsuit Apparatus.

I’m Resolute

Jared Ferguson — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:15:17 +0000

Okay, I will be the first to admit that I am NOT usually a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions. If I need to change something, I will do it at any time of year, not feeling as if I need a fresh calendar to motivate me. Now, note the word usually. 2008 has been a hectic year. Graduate school, separation, moving home, pending divorce, certification test, job search, uh…shall I go on?

So, with this in mind, I decided I would make a few resolutions this year. I was talking to a friend of mine the other day. She asked me what my resolutions were. At that point, I had thought about it only a bit, but I’ve given it a lot more thought and, here they are.

Be a great father and ex-husband (as measured by the other people in my life)
Have a full-time job by then end of January
Be debt-free other than my student loans (and work to take a huge chunk out of them)
Become less angry (I’ve already worked on this a great deal, but I will continue on with it)
Look for - and appreciate - the positive
Ride the whole mountain bike season on a single speed bike (to take my physical conditioning to the next level)
Ride the whole commuting season on a single speed bike (see above)
Train for and race at least two cyclocross races in the 2009 Utah Cyclocross Series (see above, above)
Live Downtown
Experience the paranormal (something I feel I need to do)
Expand my social circle (this is an intentionally vague goal)
Continue learning (always)

I guess that about sums it up. Some of my goals are intentionally vague because I haven’t quite fleshed them out in my head yet. I’m going to post this somewhere more permanent, so I can continually remind myself of what I’m working towards.

Snowshoeing Doughnut Falls

Jared Ferguson — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 02:42:20 +0000

Doughnut Falls Covered In Snow

Today, Ryan and I decided to snowshoe into Doughnut Falls. The falls are located up Big Cottonwood Canyon, about four miles from The Spruces campground. We have been talking about it most of the week and this morning, his son Zack decided he wanted to come along. We went to REI and picked up some rental snowshoes. As this was my first time going, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was excited nonetheless. After REI I stopped at the market for a cup of coffee and upon returning to the car, found Ryan on the phone with his friend Jason. Four it was going to be. I was excited. I had no idea how much fun I was in for. As I sit here writing this (as I did several times through our hike), I wonder how on earth I never discovered snowshoeing before, It’s SO much fun!

I dressed in my boarding pants, wool socks, some Sorel boots, and a poly base layer with a poly T-shirt on top. I slapped on my Patagonia snowboard jacket, my Gore gloves, and my new Oakley beanie and I was ready to go. Why the techie gear? Over the last few days of cold-weather riding, I’ve learned the value in having the proper equipment. Keeping warm and dry is soooo important. Only once during our hike (when we were stopped for a prolonged period of time atop the falls) did I get cold. Other than that, I was perfect the whole way along.

We started off up from The Spruces and cut new trail up to a path familiar to Ryan. It didn’t take long for me to get used to having 25″ of plastic and metal on my feet. I was amazing at how I could float atop the six to eight inches of fresh powder that was dumped on us last night. We made our way back in and soon, found ourselves facing the first challenge hill of the day. I made it up first so I could have the photo op of everyone else trudging up the hill.

Jason Hitting The Steeps

Ryan Following Suit

Zack On The Attack

We continued on, finding a good pace as we went. We stopped periodically to let Zack catch up (he’s only 9, but hangin’ with the big men), but moved at a good clip. Kessler Peak, was looking as magnificent as ever standing up against a stark contrast of blue and white.

Kessler Peak Looking, Well...Brilliant

Zack began to slow down, so Ryan told Jason and I to move on up ahead. Along the way, I got a little chuckle from some guys we passed. They were moving upwards towards the falls from a parking lot not far from the falls themselves. They were decked out in some serious gear. We flip-flopped positions a few times and after a few minutes, I passed them and noticed them all downing bags of Sport Beans. I got such a chuckle out of this. I guess it was because I wondered how many MORE carbs one would need after a mere fifteen minutes of physical activity? Yes, I know I could have been missing something here, but regardless, I found some great humor in it.

Jason and I found the falls and sat the chatted there for a minute. As he was allowing some people to pass, the ice/snow bridge above the water over which we were standing gave way and he sunk into the snow. It was a funny moment and after some struggle, I helped retrieve him from the hole. We waited for Ryan and Zack to catch up, took some pics in front of the lower falls, and then headed up the to the top (something that is not usually possible, but in this time of year).

I Just Reached The Falls

Ryan And Zack Reaching The Falls

Ryan and Zack In Front Of The Lower Falls

Water Falling Through The "Doughnut Hole"

In Front Of The Lower Falls

Waters Head At The Upper Falls

After a somewhat hairy descent back down the falls, I took off running to get warmed back up. Everyone else made their way back down the trail and I waiting for them below, pacing in the powder to keep the heart rate elevated. As I said before, atop the falls was the only time I was cold (and was I cold!).

I snapped some self-portraits on the trial and a few pics of Ryan and Jason chatting it up.

Self Portrait On The Return

Ryan And Jason On The Return

A bit further down the trail, I noticed the rocks in a brook that we had previously crossed. They were a brilliant orange due in part to their apparent iron content, but also to the shattered light that fell on them as the sun passed behind Kessler Peak.

The Colors Of These Stones Were Brilliant

The Brook With The Stones

Finally, Jason and I picked up the pace as we headed past the upper parking lot, back towards The Spruces. For some reason, I turned around to look at the sun. There was a strange light that had befallen us and I realized the sun was passing behind some fairly dense clouds. It was eclipse looking; a beautiful sight.

Cloud Eclipse By Kessler Peak

As we continued back towards the car, Zack bonked and Ryan stayed behind to help push him through the final one and a half miles. Jason and I trudged on, not saying much, but pushing the pace. We returned to the car, all completely frozen, stripped off the gear, and joined in a meal of frozen granola bars (and a Gu for me).

We all exchanged excited comments about how awesome the hike was. We discussed when and where we may want to do this again; and undoubtedly, I will be doing this again.

River Crossing

Jared Ferguson — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 03:16:03 +0000

So, yeah, I’ve been sick, but that hasn’t really kept me from getting out on the bike. Of course, getting out on the bike has kept me from not getting better but, oh well (I’m going snowshoeing tomorrow).

Yesterday, Ryan and I met at Wheeler Farm for the usual ride. After putting in a few laps and goofing off an incessant amount, we decided a river crossing was in order. Please ignore the long start, I didn’t want to take the time to edit the flick. I get through the deep side and get hung up on a rock as I’m coming out. Lame. Oh, and cover up sensitive ears, I make good use of the D-word here.

River Crossing at Wheeler Farm from Jared Ferguson on Vimeo.

Biker

Jared Ferguson — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 23:01:27 +0000

So, I took this picture some time ago, but I just found it again. I know that Ryan and I laughed ourselves silly when we saw this.