Snow monsters

I'm planning a trip... and anxious to hear from anyone who's skiied or boarded in Japan. Backcountry preferred, naturally. Tell me about your experiences with the snow monsters?

Forever in flight

My thoughts are with the families and friends of the air racers who lost their lives this week.

Take a moment to celebrate these amazing spirits, who though gone from this life, continue their bold flights in the next. They did what they love and that's something I think most of us spend more time just wishing about.

The one thing I've learned from the pilots I've known: understand the risks associated with the sport or activity you're passionate about and decide if you are willing to accept them... because from that place of honest endeavor, you will find true joy.

While we never want to see a pilot hurt, or lost forever, the Association has made the right call, and honors the memories of the fallen, by allowing the races to continue this year and into the future. It takes courage to make these kinds of decisions in the midst of tragedy and fear.

Rest in Peace Steve, Brad and Gary.

Ways to live: Why I love people who love to travel

There is nothing in the world like a good adventure, goldarnit.

Shout out to Matt, for getting out there in the name of that cause, and for having the courage to be a little silly while doing it. His adventuring antics even caught the eye of Stride gum: they now feature him on their website and have sponsored his traveling bug.

You gotta love this guy! In addition to being a great dancer, he seems to love trivia even more than I do. Imagine how excited I was to learn via his site that I also have a Darwinian tubercule. (Google it trivia hounds, and no, it's not anything gross!)

Fellow adventurers, take heart! Whenever a roll-around on your deskchair seems like the most traveling you will ever do in this lifetime, think like Matt. If you really want it, Nike it. And remember, it doesn't hurt to be willing to dance for it either...