Snow Camping in Banner Summit

Banner Summit Snow Camping Trip

Banner Summit Snow Camping Trip Bryan O., Bryan W. and I embarked on a one-night snowshoe/cross-country trip over the weekend. What a blast. We set off Saturday from the ski/park area around noon and climbed all day to get to one of the peaks in the area. Despite below-freezing (24 degrees F) temps, sunshine and little wind, it was relatively warm. I layered up before setting off and quickly found myself shedding the jacket, glove outers and hat in the first 1/8th of a mile. By 1:45 we found a campsite and began the two-hour dig/setup. One thing about snow camping -- you never run out of opportunities to stay warm.

At 3 p.m. we set off, without sleds, for a two-hour hike further into the loop. We saw magnificent birds of prey, rabbit tracks galore, and a beautiful sunset on the way back. Once back in camp it was time to melt water, prepare dinner and carry on a shouted conversation over the din of the roaring stoves. Going to be late after a hard day's work makes for some solid sleeping--I don't think anyone was up before 9 a.m.

The next morning, we packed up and headed back down the trail for our cars. It was a trip worthy of a few more nights, but we'll do that next time.

Finally Settled In

From Drop Box

We're happy to report that we're are finally moved in. After hanging the pictures on the walls, mounting the mezuzas on the doors, and unpacking stray boxes, we're finished! Well... almost. First, check out the updated photo album. Second, I have to come clean here. There's this secret place called the garage. We've succeeded in getting Suzanne's Subaru parked in it. But Doug's keen on getting his rig in there, too, so he can avoid the wintertime 10-minute prep before driving. For now, the garage is serving as the staging area for crap we don't think we need. Thanks to Craigslist we're gradually purging old, unused stuff. Anyone need a desk?

Settled In?

Not yet! Day 3 in our new house and we're far from getting comfortable. You'd think that two moves in five years would have thinned out our possessions, but that's not quite the case. As we unpack, we're already putting even more things in the to-be-donated pile.

The priority for the last two days has been the office (command center for now), the kitchen and entertainment center (Rebecca has been sick with a respiratory virus).

And we've been interrupted with last-minute contractor work, as well as the installation of various fixtures in the bathrooms, garage, oh hell, virtually every room in the house. But, I really can't complain since we're making the place ours.

We'll be at it until Halloween. After that, I'll tackle the garage. Muscles are sore, feet are tired and patience is tested. Despite all of that, the girls have been incredibly patient, which had been a saving grace. Thanks guys!

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Moving In Phase One

Thanks to everyone for their help in getting us moved out today. From loaning gear to running boxes from one house to the next, we got the bulk moved out.

The movers pick up the rest on Monday and it probably won't be until Halloween before we can sit back and fully enjoy our new home. But the heavy lifting is done for now, thanks to everyone's help.

Thanks goes out to Paul and Susie Frank, Michael and Amy Snow, Fred and Theresa Willerup, Will Kemper, Jonathon Fishman, Fran Frank, Carissa Hartung, Stew Wilder and Bryan Oakes.

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Oct. 19 Update

From Drop Box It's felt like an eternity, but the finish date is coming up. Over the last few weeks, we've had the wood floors finished, moulding installed, cabinetry rebuilt and reinstalled and millions of other odds and ends. The granite countertops went in yesterday and they look sweet! Stay tuned for more shots and updates on the tile work for the backsplash.

Move date is this Saturday at 8 a.m. Oh my, we have some serious packing to do!

October 5 Update On Our New Home

This week we're working with our contractors to apply the finishing touches. The wood floors are in and stained, along with one of two protective finishes.

Now the painters are back cleaning up some loose ends, but they'll return at the end of next week once the floors get the final finish. They'll hang doors and do the final touches on base moulding.

Our cabinets will finally be reinstalled so the counter top guys can draw up their templates for the granite.

I also met with a plumber to install the sink, rework some plumbing (don't need any leaks on the new floor), and install a toilet.

We're still on schedule for an October 23 move thanks to a gang of friends. Anyone in for pizza and keg beer in exchange for some box lifting?

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Our New House

Friends and family, meet our new home. It took four months, multiple offers on many properties, and the strained patience of our agent, but we did it. And I can't tell you how damn good it feels. From the first day we took possession, we began meeting our new neighbors and the slew of kids all around our girls' ages. Since then, neighbors have been coming around to welcome us, and even offer tools for the work we're putting into the place.

Work To Date: new roof, stripped the house to ready it for painters, tore up the carpet and crappy tile job for wood floors, and miscellaneous mods to the electrical and HVAC systems. Painting is almost done as are the wood floors. Cabinets and floor trim go in at the end of the week, final paint touch ups and then new countertops. Thanks to Paul and Susie Frank for their support, understanding and free packing boxes. An extra special thanks goes out to our good friends Michael and Amy Snow, and Bryan Oakes. Your help, expertise and willingness to take time out of your weekends is eternally appreciated. Here are some photos of our progress.

ETA to move is the last week of October. Keep your fingers crossed, and if you're up for helping us move in (keg beer and pizza are the reward) you know how to reach Suzanne and I.

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Camping at Bonneville Campground

Last weekend we went up to Bonneville Campground with the Snow family. The site is located at mile marker 92 on Highway 21 (between Lowman and Stanley). We read about the nearby hot springs, but I didn't realize how cool they really were until checking them out myself.

No trip starts without some form of adventure. On the way up our Montero broke down (bad spark plug), with the tent trailer in tow. Fortunately, it was right in front of the Sourdough Lodge. After calling AAA to get a tow back to Boise and counting the trip a wash, Michael happened to drop by the lodge for some butter. His family had already checked into their site and set up. I loaded the wife and kids into their truck and set them off for camping.

We got an OK from the lodge to leave our tent trailer in the parking area (and spare a $300 tow) and I spent the night riding 90 miles back to Boise in a tow truck. The next morning I borrowed a pickup truck from a buddy (thank you Jimmy), which had a crew cab and could tow. By noon, I was at the lodge to pick up the tent trailer and get to camp. I was determined to do some camping, even if it was for one night.

Despite the setback, we all had a great time soaking in the pools, enjoying the sun and breeze, shooting the breeze, and watching the birds and deer. Perfect.

30 Hours Before Departure

My goal was to post a blog entry once a day during our trip. No such luck. That's OK, because the time was spent doing what we came here for -- playing with the kids in the pool; building sand castles on the local beaches like Anini and Hanalei; catching a pig roast and luau; and exploring the island. If you want to see pictures, the quickest way is through Facebook. Or you can now link to our Picassa album below.

Some highlights from the last six days:

• Pig roast and luau at Smiths Gardens
  
• Dive rings, goggles, kid's pool and water slide at the resort pools
• Making friends at the pool, like Anika and Anita from Napa, Calif., Tomas from Templeton, Calif. (former Boisean); Mike and Sarah, from Bakersfield, Calif., and others we'd mention but can't recall thanks to another San Miguel in my hand
  
• The girls having fun at the resort's Kids Club (a nice facility for the kids)
  
• Rachael discovering waves, while both explored tide pools at Waioli State Beach
  
• Watching the birds at Kilauea Lighthouse
  
• Sea kayaking and shave ice in Hanalei
  
• Soundtrack album for the week -- "Only By The Night" by Kings of Leon
• Bubba Burgers in Kapa'a

Sadly, we depart tomorrow night. So, tonight we feast. Steak and potatoes are ready for the grill, and San Miguel (for beer lovers, this is the real shit -- brewed in the Philippines, not in Mexico like you get on the Mainland bro). At our resort, they fire up the tiki torches all around the premises before sunset, so it adds a romantic touch. 

Tomorrow, we max out the day by heading to the south side of the island to get in Waimea Canyon (the Grand Canyon of Hawaii). Check out all the photos below.

Metzgar Kauai Trip 2009

Swimming With Koi in Kauai

After a long day flying from BOI to SLC, SLC to LAX and then LAX to Kauai, we finally checked into our room at the Westin Princeville. Sunny, hot, humid, sometimes cloudy and rain is just what the doctor ordered for our first true family vacation. It's also our return to where we honeymooned over 13 years ago.  

Since Boise's four hours ahead of Hawaii time, it was midnight for the girls by the time we grabbed a late dinner. They were wiped out, but real troopers. I wish I could say that they slept in, but true to Boise time, they were up at 4 a.m. laughing, giggling and showing no signs of returning to bed. After a few hours of futile requests, commands and bribes, Daddy got the girls dressed at 6:30 a.m. and headed off to the resort market for coffee and fruit. Of course, Rachael and Rebecca were taken by the fish in the Koi pond. A minute later, Rachael slipped off one of the rocks and took a swim with the Koi. She was pretty embarrassed, but we got her back to the room to dry off, change and get back out. 

Our plan today is to pick up some groceries, show the girls Glo Manor (our honeymoon spot) and Anini Beach, and then spend the day poolside with the girls. And we're looking forward to a luau tomorrow night.

I Have Fallen Behind

Like one of my MBA professors said at the start of classes last year, "Don't fall behind." While I've managed to keep up in class I've fallen behind in our family blog posts.

Since January, Rebecca turned 5 in March. Rachael has lost two more front teeth and Rebecca's grown envious about the tooth fairy. She can't wait for her first tooth to come out.

Mom came out for Rebecca's birthday party, for which she was really excited. It was good to catch up despite my work and class assignments.

Suzanne has been active on the synagogue's board for the last three years, but her term is up so she's looking at other volunteer opportunities.

I'm leaving my post of treasurer for a local networking group and accepted a position on another board for a group dedicated to helping at-risk young adults. I'm very excited since it's all about marketing strategy.

And in June we're all looking forward to our first real family vacation in 5 years - Kauai, Hawaii.

I'm one month away from completing the halfway point of my MBA. The end is not soon enough!

And last, Suz and I celebrated our birthdays in the last month. The time sure flies.

Skiing for the First Time

The girls' first time skiing was a fun family event. In Boise, we have the fortune to live 20 minutes' drive from Bogus Basin. It was a crime not to get our girls into lessons. And they had a couple of friends who wanted to join them, so we have our own little private lesson group.

It took Rachael and Rebecca a little time getting used to skis -- stiff boots, - sliding backwards down the hill, learning how to stop, and learning how to get up. In the end they were fearless despite the falls and near-misses.

Take a look at the photo album to see the girls in action. 

Rachael Lost Her Second Tooth

Ok, I just had to post this since I don't want to appear to be an obsessive parent. Rachael lost her second tooth in just after a month after her first. Daddy tucked the girls in that night almost blew the Tooth Fairy gig. But with some quick sleight of hand and fancy footwork, the Tooth Fairy arrived handled everything perfectly.

Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza

The Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza is a benefit concert that Curtis Stigers has been putting on for the last three years. This year it was held at the majestic Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise. The show sold out in no time. It was fun to see so many people turn out to support a good cause and lots of great talent. I had a blast playing drums for Andy Byron and the Lost River Band, as well as the Moody Jews. Naturally, I couldn't resist mingling with the other performers who were genuine, cool and, of course, talented. Check out some photos from the show.

Our First Loose Tooth

Update

The loose tooth is out! Funny enough, she lost it at the dentist's office. And it wasn't at Rachael's regular dentist. See, Rachael had a play date scheduled today with one of her girlfriends. The hosting parents realized that the play date was scheduled the same day as their daughter's regular dentist visit, but they wanted Rachael to tag along. 

While there, Rachael showed the dentist her tooth and the dentist didn't give the tooth a day before it fell out. Within 30 minutes it fell out! The dentist was cool -- she gave Rachael a plastic tooth necklace so Rachael could store her first lost tooth. The tooth fairy will be paying a visit tonight. And it's a proud moment for mom and dad. Check out the photos.

Earlier Today 

Play this video only if you've got a strong stomach for loose/wiggling teeth. Rachael's tooth is hanging on by a thread. I captured this will my cell phone. Crappy quality, but you get the idea. Stay tuned since this bugger could fall out any day now.

Thanksgiving 2008

Check out photos from our second Thanksgiving at Paul and Susie Frank's house. They had Susie's sister's family, as well as several friends of the clan's, celebrate the holiday over a huge turkey.

Halloween 2008

Halloween 2008 was spent with our friends, the Willerups, at their house on Harrison Blvd. For those of you not familiar with Boise, Harrison Blvd. and Warm Springs Rd. are two streets on which the Treasure Valley converges for tricks or treats (and they're awesome streets for viewing holiday decorations). Both streets feature the grand old homes of the early 20th century. 

I didn't do a great job getting many photos. It was total mayhem trying to keep track of 8 kids and my cocktail. The paper reported that 2,200 kids did their trick or treating on Harrison Blvd. that night. Regardless, everyone had fun and it was great seeing some friends along the way.

Halloween Preparations

The girls have been looking forward to Halloween this year for quite some time. Costumes were purchased weeks ago (Rachael the Russian princess; Rebecca as Wonder Woman). 

Rachael, the Russian princess, cast aside all stereotypes and got her hands dirty to dig out the guts of of the pumpkin. Rebecca, aka Wonder Woman, couldn't be bothered to get dirty so she put the golden lariat around her dad and made him do it.

We'll post post-Halloween photos over the weekend.

Sawtooths Backpacking Trip -- Day 6

Several items worth noting about gear on this trip that were a total waste of space and weigh for a 5-day trip. Gloves, hat and scarf (a ranger recommendation for the summit), swimsuit and an extra hat. 

Things to trim down include bringing one set of spare batteries for the GPS while conserving GPS use; get Rx sunglasses instead of using contacts to eliminate solution space; fewer cold meds (kids had a cold when I left); and just wear one set of clothing with extra pair of underwear and socks/liners. Maybe add glove liners and lite ski cap for summit trips.

Sawtooths Backpacking Trip -- Day 5

Aug. 1 -- The last day of backpacking for us. Will spend the day full of steep descents toward Redfish Lake. There, we'll rendezvous with our wives at the lodge, and spend a weekend in Stanley. Right now, I want a burger and IPA but will settle for my breakfast of instant milk and
granola.

We set off at 8:30 in the morning. Bryan's an excellent backpacking companion. He patiently waits for me to tape up my blisters and fool with my gear (note to self, leave the Themarest portable camp chair at home. No time for lounging when the mosquitoes find a warm-blooded,
albeit sweaty creature, trying to give the dogs a rest.) And don't get Bryan wrong. He'll dish out the shit when he's right.

Hiked 6 miles to Redfish Inlet to catch the boat ride over to the lodge. Caught the eyes of many curious tourists. Can't blame them with the way we looked.

Sat at the picnic benches lakeside (wind kept this bastard mosquitoes away) and ordered up some burgers and beer. Heaven. Also watched a stoned staffer spend two hours drawing up the menu on the chalk board. Funny!

Jump to the following entries:

Planning, Preparation, Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5