Summer 2020 - Backpacking Stats & Poem

Mountains, lakes, rivers, fields, ridge lines, and mammals. There was a lot to see and explore this summer. 

I hadn't planned on a big summer of backpacking but thanks to Mike's encouragement and support for a big thru-hike, that's the way it worked out. 

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Woody Allen Confronts the Produce Section at the Co-Op

 First world neuroses in the fruit and vegetable section

Exploring Cedar Lake

Recently, I heard someone compare Montana to an origami crane, a place filled with interesting corners. Here's another spot Mike and I explored for the first time.

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Thru-Hiking the Centennial Trail

I once heard it said that unless you’re Bill Bryson, reading about someone’s thru-hike is about as exciting as reading about watching paint dry. With that in mind, I’ll keep it brief. At the end of the post you’ll find some practical advice for thru-hiking the Centennial Trail. 

This is Bozeman: Midtown Three Years Later

It’s been three years since I provided readers with a tour of Midtown Bozeman. (http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/09/bozeman-touring-midtown.html) 

While the area hasn’t been transformed, things are progressing with several old places that have been demolished and a few new buildings going up. 

The area still has several ramshackle buildings and empty lots, so you can get a feel for the area as I described it in my original post.

We will see what happens with this area – I’m curious to see what the local conversation is around Midtown. Below is an update. I'll add some commentary one of these day. In the meantime, please feel free to add your thoughts in the comments section of this post.

(This link from March has a good overview of Midtown  happenings.  https://bozemanrealestate.group/blog/midtown-bozeman-development)

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Writing Prompt - The Rant

The prompt instructed to write the rant twice - once from the point of view of the ranter and then from the point of view of the person/thing being ranted about. If you've lived in Bozeman for a while, you'll be familiar with this rant.

Writing Prompt: Shortcuts

As I worked my way through middle school and high school in Randolph, New Jersey, teachers and coaches repeatedly reminded me not to take short cuts.

2019-2020 Snow Update

I can't find the gumption to write more about this year's snow update. But I still want to post the figures as stats go back to to 2014, and I don't want to break the streak. If you need background, the concept of the Steenburgh Winter is explained below and a few relevant links are included. 

When I started collecting these stats in 2014, I thought it was a good idea to get yearly readings on snow conditions - something interesting to check out and some data to look at when people argue whether it's a good snow year or not.

Bike Commuting in Snow - Dream vs. Reality

Why should a little snow stop me from bike commuting? Everyone loves biking in the snow, right? Proponents say it’s effortless and so much fun, so I give it a try.

A Taste of Rebellion (Fiction)

There really were two young men in a convertible during the Bicentennial parade. Since I will never know who they were or what happened to them I created this story. This piece has been in the works for a few years. An earlier draft can be found here and an essay on rebellion is here.

Critiques welcome. 

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Retelling the Story - The (Not-So) Great American Train Ride

Something I'm working on for my current writing class. I wrote the story several years ago (http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-not-so-great-american-train-ride.html) but have changed its focus in this new version. My writing class will critique it on Monday. Your feedback is welcome