Mark Zukas

SPORTING Headlines

Broncos:  Tebow time has arrived. Now lets be smart and build the team around him. He shouldn't endup on the Police blotter like some of his team mates. That's a plus. Just find us a good coach Mr Bowlen. The fans are dying for something to cheer about, like Tim gave us this week even in a loss to the stinkin Raiders....ouch.

Avalanche: Way to go boys. Over-achivers, first place in the division, leading the NHL in goals scored. Now if I could only afford to actually attend a game not in the nose-bleed seats. By the way who's the idiot that designed the Pepsi Center seats......way too narrow......try not bumping the guy next to you all night when your wearing a coat in those seats.

Broncos 'Blues'

Season's finally over for my luckless Denver Broncos. Well the Avalanche & Nuggets are doing well. Odds on Josh McDaniels being Broncos coach next season?....Maybe we'll see alittle Brady Quinn at the next game. Time to see if he's worth giving up Payton Hillis for....Tebow can watch/learn.....he's the future. Hopefully Josh isn't.

Link to family Thanksgiving photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/mzukas/Thanksgiving2010?feat=directlink

Medicine Bow Wyoming backpacking trip

I found the rip & go in Backpacker magizine that featured a loop around Medicine Bow mountain. I started from Brooklin lakes Trailhead. This is a very petty place with a developed campground and Medicine Bow looming over all.

The trail to the north cruises easily up to North twin lakes in about 2 miles. At the lakes turn north and gain some altitude to Sheep Lake at about mile 5. At this point I camped and spent several days exploring Camp Lake and other both on trail and off.

Beautiful area and only 2.5 hours from Denver.Subject to the un-predictable Wyoming weather so plan for winter and hope for summer.

New Gear from Santa

I have recieved the Bear-Vault BV500, REI 3-leg backpackable camp stool, and a small fire starter tool for Christmas this year. I'll post some reviews on my Backpacking page in the late spring 2010.

 

12/5/2010 The Bear-Vault worked as advertised...minus any actual Bear-testing. It has some weight to it but doubled as a table/chair and I didn't have to worry about hanging my bags. The camp stool was a must have. every time I didn't have to sit on a rock/log I was glad to have it. Worked great with the Bear-Vault as a chair/table dinner combo.

I recommend both products

Flat Tops trip 2009

This year's big trip was to the Flat Tops Wilderness in central Colorado. I scouted this area a couple of times this summer because the trailhead was 35 miles from the nearest road. This year I went to the southern portion of the wilderness. South Meadows trailhead to be specific.

This trailhead is 1 mile from the end of FR600. Be sure you're prepared as this is a pretty lonely area except for the dude ranch at the end of the road. Budges Resort.

The trailhead is well marked. The first 1.5. hours gets you to the crossing of the White river. I wouldn't try crossing this one in the spring/early summer. There is no bridge, so some scouting along the river bank is required.

After the the river crossing comes the 1000ft climb to get on top of the flat tops. After that I enjoyed a couple of days scouting around at the first big lake. I moved on to my final destination...Oyster lake. Somewhere during this hike I hurt my knee and had to limit myself to moderate day hikes.

During one of these hikes I came accross what was left of a weather balloon. I retrieved the instrument package and cleaned up the rest of the balloon. I'm still waiting to hear back from NOAA on how to get it back to them.

My knee pain forced a early hike out as I didn't know how bad the injury was and I was 15 miles from my truck.

Hopefully I think I'll venture back to this area next year and finish the route I had planned on doing. I'll post the pictures on this site soon of the trip

UP Movie Review

UP Movie Review

 

I like animation and Pixar makes some of my favorites. This was a cute story with a underlying adult relationship/loss theme. This will go over the heads of young teens and younger loved Dug the talking dog. Check out the trailer on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkqzFUhGPJg

Australia the movie

This was probably the longest movie I've watched this year. Think this clocked in at 2 hours & 45 minutes. This movie had a different style that I just can't get a handle on. I think you'll either enbrase the difference or walk out after about 30 minutes like the other couple did at the late nite showing I went to.

I really like Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman but, this one was a little "campy'. Anyway here's a trailer to peak your interest.

Australia

How to get some free time

BlowDarts

VALKYRIE movie review

TOM CRUISE in VALKYRIE

I just saw this movie and I disagree with most critics....I liked it quite a bit. Now,.. I know the history of this event and everything made sense to me. For someone who does not know the history the movie could be alittle confusing. On a 1 to 10 scale I'd give it a solid 7.