Adventures in the West _ Winter 2024

WINTER 2024

The Bond Between

Mushers, Sled Dogs and

Local Communities the mayor of sinks canyon

on top of the world

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 8

8

The Mayor of Sinks Canyon

Vance White: A Staple in the Lander Climbing Community

12

The Beauty of Boysen State Park A Visit with Superintendent John Bass

16

The Bond Between Mushers, Sled Dogs, and Local Communities The Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race

16

20

Smoke + Salt with Blaine

24

On Top of the World Queen of the Hill: Shelley Balls

28

The Lander Roll & Slide Poker Ride Finding Joy in the Dark Days of Winter

20 4 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY WYOMING STAGE STOP

PUBLISHER'S NOTE At 28 years old, I never would have imagined myself as the publisher of a magazine. Yet, it shouldn’t surprise me. I come from a family that has always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and I’ve always enjoyed writing, exploring, and being creative. I also come from a lineage of writers, from my maternal grandmother, who founded and edited her own newspaper in Montana for 25 years, to my parents, who publish Raised in the West Magazine.

I am a fifth-generation Montanan, born and raised. Growing up, my parents took me and my two siblings on all kinds of adventures. We spent nearly every weekend camping, hiking, skiing, boating, fishing – you name it. Because of that, I’ve always had an adventurous spirit and deep passion for the outdoors. That passion only grew stronger after moving to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming.

In college, I fell in love with the state of Wyoming and my husband, Blaine. We moved to Lander almost three years ago, and together we enjoy recreating with our cat, Poots. (You’ll get to know him.) We climb in Sinks Canyon and at the Wild Iris, ski at mom-and-pop resorts, backpack in the Winds, skinny dip in cold alpine lakes, and everything in between. On the side, I dabble with acrylic landscape paintings (Acrylic Melon).

The dream to start Adventures in the West would not have been possible without my parents. We always talked about how fun it would be to do a sister magazine together. While theirs is more about rural life in Montana and Wyoming, AITW would be about… well, adventures. Suddenly, after years of dreaming, it seemed the timing couldn’t have been more perfect, and I’m excited to present you with the first of many issues!

My hopes for AITW are high and wide. The goal is to bring some positivity into our Wyoming and Montana communities and inspire folks to get out and live the outdoor life. We plan to feature adventures which will hopefully capture the attention of a variety of readers with every season well-represented by the outdoor sports and recreation that this beautiful region offers. We’ll share the authentic, courageous, and colorful stories of locals that our readers will not only relate to but may even know personally.

Thank you to the advertisers that see my vision and are willing to support this brand new venture. Thank you, also, to the amazing and talented contributors for their hard work and faith in this wild idea of mine. We’re going to have a lot of fun with AITW and I hope you enjoy the ride. We’re keeping print alive!

PUBLISHER

MELANIE LIMPUS (406) 860-9636 EMAIL: publisher@ adventuresinthewest.com ©2024 Adventures in the West Media All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

6 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

COPY EDITOR HAYLEY WHEELER

EMAIL: haywheele@gmail.com

ADVERTISING

MELANIE LIMPUS (406) 860-9636 EMAIL: publisher@ adventuresinthewest.com

DESIGN

MELANIE FABRIZIUS EMAIL: ads@raisedinthewest.com

ADDRESS Adventures in the West Magazine P.O. Box 1009 Lander, WY 82520

CONTRIBUTORS BLAINE LIMPUS Writer

Originally from Indiana, Blaine moved out west to climb and enjoy living on mountain time. Climbing has been the obsession of his life and driving force for 13 years now. After meeting Mel, the two of them moved around the Rocky Mountains until settling in the best town, Lander, Wyoming. They climb, hike, camp with their cat, Poots, and enjoy the adventurous life the west has to offer.

MANDY FABEL

HAYLEY WHEELER

Writer

Editor

Mandy lives i n L a n d e r, Wyoming with her husband and two-year old son Stokes. Her wedding took place on top of Pingora Peak in the Wind River Mountains and just about every weekend in the winter you will find her riding her snowmobile somewhere in fresh snow.

Along with being the Executive Director of Leadership Wyoming, Mandy and her husband Brian run a YouTube channel called Granola & Gasoline where they feature their adventures.

Hayley is a legal assistant in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she spends her days drafting and editing legal documents.

Raised in Lander, she took a brief hiatus from the mountain west to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Purdue University. When not professionally proofreading, you can find Hayley hiking or snowshoeing with her husband and dog, taking a pottery class, wrangling the cat, or reading a good sci-fi/fantasy novel.

MELANIE FABRIZIUS Graphic Design

M e l a n i e g re w up on a farm in Montana and is currently living in Billings. Her life-long love of art led her to a career as a freelance g r a p h i c d e s i g n e r. M e l a n i e e n j o y s ATVing,camping, rockhounding and watching the sunset with her two dogs, Comanche Sue and Pistol Annie. Check out her art at www. melaniefab.com and follow her on Instagram @melaniefabart.

DISTRIBUTED BY THE PEPSI-COLA BOTTLING CO. | BILLINGS, MT

WINTER 2024 // 7

LANDER WYOMING

WRITTEN BY MELANIE LIMPUS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE LIMPUS & CONTRIBUTED BY KYLE DUBA & VANCE WHITE

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The Mayor of

Sinks Canyon Vance White: A Staple in the Lander Climbing Community

On a wintery weekend morning in Sinks Canyon, local climbers pull up to the parking lot to find a solo set of fresh tracks and a broken trail through the snow. A particular laugh rings through the air, accompanied by the faint beats of 90s hip-hop. These are all the familiar signs that Vance White is at the crag, and once again, he’s the first to arrive.

Known by the locals as the Mayor of Sinks Canyon, or Victor Blanco, Vance grew up as a punk rock-loving skater kid in Fort Collins, Colorado. A troubled youth, he and his brother were raised without a father and often sought refuge together in the outdoors.

Attempting two separate semesters at two different colleges, Vance began to realize higher education was not for him. The 19-year-old joined a gym with a climbing wall, and the sport immediately struck his curiosity. A few of the locals took him trad climbing and his interest grew. He then signed up for a climbing class with Craig Luebben, a well-known Colorado climber and guide. After a day of top roping at Rotary Park outside of Fort Collins, he found himself sitting at the top of the cliff overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir not only in admiration of the view but also of Craig’s knowledge and capabilities.

“I met some of the other local climbers later that day at Craig’s house,” Vance reminisced. “There were guide books, maps, and climbing gear everywhere. Hearing them talk about climbing and living out of their cars, I thought, ‘you can do that?!’”

From that point on, Vance was fully dedicated to climbing. With limestone in mind, he loaded his mountain bike and a box spring

mattress into his Chevrolet S-10 and moved to Lander almost 26 years ago. His unrelenting dedication to the sport and infectious optimism made him an instant standout in the community.

Vance spent his early years in Lander repeating countless 5.12 and 5.13 routes and developing and naming new lines from the Wild Iris to Fossil Hill to the many walls in Sinks Canyon. Among his numerous contributions, some honorable mentions are Earth A.D. at the Wilds, Bust a Nut at the Achin' for Booty sector, as well as Flight Club and The Brotherhood at Fairfield Hill.

“It’s so rewarding to see my friends climbing the lines that I put up, but it’s also incredibly cool to hear other climbers talking about them,” Vance said. “It’s very fulfilling to contribute to the community, between trailwork, fixing anchors, and putting up moderates.”

Ten years ago, when Vance’s daughter Andi was born, he put climbing on the backburner. With time, he has learned how to balance being a father and a climber. Now, he is able to share his love for climbing with his daughter and show her the ropes both outside and at the bouldering gym.

“I think climbing is pretty cool! My dad is a very dedicated climber and I look up to him for that,” Andi said, smiling at her dad. “He never gives up on a route, and he is a great person to know.”

Last summer, during the International Climbers’ Festival, Vance received the 2023 WyoClimbers Board Award for outstanding contributions to the Lander climbing community.

WINTER 2024 // 9

DF VANCE AN

RIENDS AT

THE CRAG

...it is what you want it to be, and I love that about climbing. It’s an expression…

— VANCE WHITE

VANCE AN

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D DAUGHTE

R, A N D I

“I was absolutely flattered, though there were a lot of others that also deserved the award,” Vance said humbly.

“The Lander community has been generous to me and has taken care of me, but the thing that meant the most was my daughter was there to see it.”

The magic of Sinks Canyon is its south-facing rock, which soaks up the sun's warmth for much of the day, even in the heart of winter. This makes the canyon unbearably hot for climbing in July, yet absolutely delightful in January.

Last winter, Lander received record-breaking levels of snowfall, particularly in Sinks Canyon. But that didn’t stop Vance from trekking up to Fairfield Central every weekend to establish two new routes, Stone Thugs-N-Harmony and Thuggish Ruggish Stone. It took four months and hours upon hours of trudging through multiple feet of snow.

“Being able to climb in the winter saves us, especially guys like me who don’t snowboard, ski, or snowmobile. The fact that I have Sinks to keep me busy all winter is pretty special.”

Vance laughed, “It’s kind of a running joke that I’m always hiding out at Fairfield, but I feel complete up there. It’s such a remarkable place because it makes me continue to appreciate climbing.”

Though Vance is now in his late-forties, his passion for climbing burns stronger than ever. As he reflects on his years of climbing, he knows he may not climb as hard or develop as often as he used to, but he still makes the time between work and being a father to push his climbing capabilities and physicality.

A YOUNG, BA

DASS VANCE

While he has many ascents and accomplishments that he’s proud of, there is one white whale that has eluded him season after season. Heydt Club is a 5.12+ line that goes out the roof at Fairfield West—a route that has shut down many of its suitors. Vance developed Zeb, the 40-foot 5.9+ that leads to the roof, but it was his dear friend Griffen Heydt who pieced it all together and got the first ascent, hence the name Heydt Club. Now over a decade later, Vance is training harder than ever for the battle with “the roof,” a milestone that he’s dreamt of for half of his climbing career.

“The incredible thing about climbing is the constant learning.

Now as an older climber, I’m re-learning to climb certain grades and techniques,” Vance stated. “Looking at the younger climbers and then back to myself, it’s the same love of it all. And that’s cool to see through the different age groups and eras.”

Vance is still enamored with climbing and continues to share his favorite crags and routes with his family and friends.

Whether it be a quick belay, a couple post-work moderates, a patio session, or a full day of projecting at one of the more remote crags, he always shows up with a smile and that contagious psych for rock climbing. This might even be the year that he sends Heydt Club.

“Climbing will always be a big part of me. It isn’t quite as outlaw as it used to be, and that’s fine,” Vance beamed. “The ultimate thing is it is what you want it to be, and I love that about climbing. It’s an expression, and hopefully I’ll be doing it for the rest of my life.”

WINTER 2024 // 11

Boysen sta THE BEAUTY OF

state’s largest reservoir. While the area may look remote, Boysen State Park is packed with opportunities to recreate.

With the help of four full-time and several seasonal employees, Superintendent John Bass says no two days are alike when it comes to maintaining the 15,145 acres of land and the 19,560acre reservoir.

PARK SUPERINT

ENDENT JOHN BA

SS AND HIS SON

TUCKER

At the mouth of the Wind River Canyon and the southern edge of the Owl Creek Mountains sits the vast and unique Boysen State Park. The park is a wonder to both visitors and locals, surrounded by high plains and desert lands, steep canyon walls, sandy banks, rolling hills of sagebrush, and multicolored badlands with outlandish, eroded rock formations.

Many guests stumble upon this park as they travel to and from the Tetons and Yellowstone National Park, but locals visit with the full intention to enjoy water recreation year-round.

Boysen is the largest state park in Wyoming and home to the

SHOSHONI WYOMING

He and his full-time staff have developed their own community in staff-provided housing, where they are either working or on-call 365 days per year. From maintaining water wells to mowing vast amounts of greenscape and from enforcing the law to managing campgrounds and staff, they do it all.

It's that attention to detail that makes Boysen stand out. With hundreds of RV and tent campsites spread across multiple campgrounds, John’s proud of the reputation the park has for its well-maintained camp spots and facilities.

“Boysen is perfect for bringing people together,” said John. “It’s all about the water and we try our part to keep all the gears moving, from the fishermen and boaters to the campers and visitors.”

Boysen is home to more than 100 species of wildlife, including deer, antelope, waterfowl, reptiles, game birds, and bighorn sheep. Even hunting is permitted within designated areas.

Anglers flock to Boysen for its diverse fishery and major sport species consisting of walleye, sauger, perch, crappie, ling, as

WRITTEN BY MELANIE LIMPUS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE LIMPUS AND CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN BASS

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tate park

A VISIT WITH SUPERINTENDENT JOHN BASS

well as rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout. The thriving walleye population draws anglers from far and wide. Other game fish present are bluegill, largemouth bass, black bullhead, stonecat, mountain whitefish, and splake.

“We’ve had five state record fish taken out of Boysen Reservoir and one world record out of the Wind River, which flows north out of the reservoir,” John said proudly.

Summer isn’t the only busy season at Boysen. Once the ice freezes, fishermen try their luck almost daily throughout the winter months. An annual ice fishing tournament takes place on the reservoir every third weekend in January. Anglers of all ages compete for the top four places in five categories from Friday to Sunday, bundled up with high spirits and camaraderie. The park even creates an ice skating rink at the swim beach and provides the use of ice skates and ice hockey equipment for free.

Originally from Tennessee, John has been the park superintendent for nearly seven years. He and his staff work hard and cohesively together to keep the park as beautiful and clean as it is.

“That’s a long story,” John said laughing.

John grew up knowing he wanted a job that allowed him to work outdoors. When he was 18, he flew out to his first park job as a seasonal employee in Yellowstone National Park. That summer set the course for his lifelong career in parks.

Back in Tennessee, John climbed the ladder working for Tennessee State Parks, starting as a seasonal employee, and moving up to a seasonal interpretive ranger, before becoming a full-time law enforcement park ranger. When the park manager of David Crockett State Park retired after almost 40 years, John stepped into that role, not only as the youngest park manager, but only the third park manager at David Crockett since opening in 1959.

During his career in Tennessee, John visited Wyoming a handful of times and loved the state.

“Managing so many aspects is both the best and hardest part of the job. There are so many moving parts that it always keeps things interesting,” said John, “My staff doesn’t work for me, they work with me, and that makes all the difference.”

At a leadership training in West Virginia, he was sitting across the table from Brooks Jordan, who, at the time, was the Superintendent of Medicine Lodge State Park but has since been promoted to the Big Horn District Manager for Wyoming State Parks. As they chatted, John shared his desire to hunt mule deer in Wyoming. Brooks invited John to do that and he took him up on the offer.

How did a born and raised Tennessee native end up becoming the superintendent of Boysen State Park in Wyoming?

The following year, John and his father-in-law returned to Wyoming for another hunting trip. While in Ten Sleep, a small

WINTER 2024 // 13

community in the Big Horn Mountains, he called Brooks and told him where he was.

Within driving distance, Brooks immediately replied, “I’m on my way!”

As they shared drinks and stories at Ten Sleep Brewery, John mentioned to Brooks how much he’d like to work in Wyoming. Coincidentally, Brooks informed him there was an open position for the Superintendent of Boysen State Park.

“When I returned home, I jokingly told my wife, Lisa, I found a job in Wyoming,” John recalled. “But I really didn’t think much of it.”

However, the next morning, Lisa said to him, “Let’s go.”

“Where are we going?” John asked her.

“Wyoming!” she said.

Comfortable in Tennessee, living close to family and work, John was hesitant to pull the trigger.

“To start all over? I don’t know” he remembers pondering.

“I think we need a change,” she persisted.

The deciding factor came when he took his three-

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year-old son Tucker fishing a few days later. Not having mentioned anything to Tucker about the job in Wyoming, John was praying for a sign and asked God to speak to him through his son.

Tucker just smiled at him and was completely silent.

“That didn’t work,” John laughed.

However, about ten minutes later, from his car seat in the back of the truck, Tucker blurted out, “Dad, I want to go to the prairie and see the moose and the bears.”

That was enough for John. He and his family packed up and trekked to Boysen State Park where, in the seven years since, they have completely adapted to the rural lifestyle. Tucker attends elementary school in Shoshoni where Lisa is not only a Special Education Para, but also a bus driver for the school. Every day she and Tucker, along with the other children of the park staff, load up and head to school, returning in the afternoon.

The Bass family loves living at Boysen and taking advantage of all that Wyoming has to offer, and they hope that residents and visitors alike see the opportunities too.

On an unseasonably warm day in November, John looked over the reservoir from high atop a canyon wall. As he scanned the horizon he proudly said, “I don’t see myself leaving here anytime soon.”

WINTER 2024 // 15

The Bond Between

, Mushers Mushers, , Sled Dogs Sled Dogs, and Local Local Communities Communities THE PEDIGREE STAGE STOP SLED DOG RACE

ACROSS WY & ID 16 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

WRITTEN BY MELANIE LIMPUS // PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY WYOMING STAGE STOP

A cold, early morning in the snow-covered mountains is awakened by the sounds of stomping paws; dogs howling, barking, wooing, and bellowing in the frigid temperatures. But the cold doesn’t bother the dogs. They’re happy. They’re excited. And they’re ready to run.

Spectators feel the excitement build as mushers unload sleds from the trailers and put their teams of dogs into position. Lining the sides of the track near the starting line, the crowd anxiously waits for the signal. The Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race is about to begin.

Similar to the Tour de France, competitors run a different trail each day for a total of seven race days. Mushers from all over the world gather to compete for the championship title and $165,000 purse, which goes to the racer with the shortest accumulated time on all seven trails. The trails are 30 to 35-mile loops with the start and finish lines at the same location.

The race is very community-oriented. Each stage is hosted by a different Wyoming town, as well as Driggs, Idaho. Starting in Teton County east of Moran, stages include Lander, Pinedale, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, and Alpine, before ending in Driggs where the final banquet is held. Between stages, mushers and their dogs have the opportunity to meet and greet locals and spectators within each town.

“It’s a spectator's dream,” said Dan Carter, the Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Director.

Dan started mushing in 1995 in northern Minnesota. He began as a sled dog tour guide and transitioned into racing. After ten years of full-time mushing, he retired as a competitor and has been the race director since 2014.

“Sled dogs are such incredible animals. They love to run and they’re conditioned for it,” Dan said, “When it comes to racing, you want a dog that is a natural athlete, has speed and endurance, a good appetite, and preferably is capable of running in the lead position and taking commands.”

Traditionally, most racing sled dogs are Alaskan Huskies. More recently, sprint and mid-distance racers breed Pointer and Hound crosses into their Alaskan Husky lines to get more speed.

The Alaskan Husky remains the top choice for distance racers as they are unsurpassed for their mental toughness and physical endurance.

The speed of a dog team varies depending on training, genetics, and trail conditions. Competitive teams can reach speeds from 16 to 20 miles per hour. A team of sled dogs consists of lead dogs, swing (or point) dogs, team dogs, and wheel dogs, each with a specific role in navigating the trails and terrain.

WINTER 2024 // 17

PEDIGREE STAGE STO P

Driggs

IDAHO

Jackson

SLED DO G

RA CE

WYOMING Alpine Pinedale

Lander

Big Piney Kemmerer

Lead dogs, like their name, are positioned at the front of the pack.

The main job of the lead dog is to set the pace. They are known to be intelligent, alert and are capable of running very fast.

“The lead dog wants to be up there. They like to have that responsibility, and they’ve been well-trained to respond to voice commands,” said Dan. Directly positioned behind them are the swing dogs. These dogs may also be capable of leading, but are typically more nimble and help steer the team around corners.

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Following are the team dogs. These are the core of the pack and maintain the pace. Depending on the size of the team, there can be several pairs of team dogs.

Wheel dogs are positioned at the very back, nearest to the sled. These dogs are usually the linebackers and help get the sled moving from a stop position.

They are usually the most enthusiastic and love to pull. They’re often seen lunging into their harnesses ready to go.

“The adage that, ‘you’re only as fast as your slowest dog,’ is true,” Dan said chuckling.

But it’s not just about speed. Even though mushers are athletes in and of themselves, they are just as much a coach as they are players. Mushers pay very close attention to their dogs and they go to great lengths to ensure their dogs are properly cared for.

They train, feed and bond with them, and in return, the dogs learn to trust and listen.

According to the regulations, mushers may bring a pool of 16 dogs, but can only race a maximum of 12 at a time. In addition to hauling their sled, equipment, and team of dogs, mushers also bring along food and built-in housing for the dogs. Flatbed trailers and modified horse trailers equipped with kennels are typically used to house the teams of dogs.

“It’s actually pretty comfortable living,” Dan said, “A lot of these mushers compete in other races all over North America, and some of them are on the road for months at a time.”

The average sled dog burns 10,000 calories a day while on the trail, so it’s imperative that the mushers haul their own food to

keep the dogs’ diets consistent, balanced and highly nutritious without changing what they are accustomed to eating. That equates to hundreds of pounds of dog food, especially when competing in back-to-back races. Each musher creates their own special formula, from warm broths before the race to a highenergy kibble combined with various meats and supplements upon return, and always plenty of fresh water.

Verbal commands are up to individual mushers. The most common commands are “Gee,” meaning right turn, “Haw,” meaning left turn, and “Woah,” meaning stop. Other common commands to get the team moving include “Hike,” “Alright,” and “Mush,” as well as giving the sled a little nudge, indicating it’s time to get moving.

“The key with commands is consistency. Tone of voice and inflection can mean a lot,” said Dan. The dogs feed off of mushers’ energy. If it’s a fast-paced run, mushers will likely give commands in a more excited tone and the

dogs respond by increasing speed. If it’s more of a leisurely pace or a tedious trail, mushers use a calmer tone to keep the slower pace or to maintain focus. Sled dogs also tend to mimic emotions, and mushers often modify their interactions, both verbally and physically, based on how they want the dogs to behave.

“The dogs even pay attention to how their mushers walk and move,” Dan said, “It all comes down to trust.”

Dog sledding was one of the first instances of humans and dogs working together, and the Pedigree Stage Stop Sled Dog Race is an amazing illustration of that bond.

This year’s race is from January 27 to February 3, with the ceremonial start kicking off in Jackson Hole at 5 p.m. on January 26. The public is welcome to attend the meet and greets with the mushers and dogs, as well as watch the race.

For more information, or to follow the race progress, visit www. wyomingstagestop.org.

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WINTER 2024 // 19

SMOKE +with SALT Blaine

I’m no culinary expert; I’m just a guy that loves to create ridiculous dishes that clash hard and sometimes, just sometimes, come together in a melodious blend of flavors.

Southern cuisine mixed with the foundations of French technique is the base layer of my style in the kitchen. Is there anything more renowned, refined, and celebrated than French cuisine? The attention to detail, working with the best, locally-sourced ingredient, and cooking it perfectly makes my heart swim. There is no need for pomp or frills. Take the best ingredient and give it proper justice by preparing it correctly.

It's honestly a brilliant way to look at cuisine. Simple food done right. Sound familiar?

Take my love for French and Southern cuisine and combine it with a love for locally-sourced food in this high desert land that we all love so fondly. We live in the land of cowboys, French fur traders, and remarkable Native Americans that have more knowledge of local edibles than most Michelin starred chefs can imagine. Give me wild game, the three sisters (beans, corn, and squash), and a French sauce.

Give me beef! After all, we live in cattle country - why not source from our own backyard and support local ranchers?

Together we will crack open this culinary skull of mine, along with other locals and

RECIPE 20 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

some of my personal heroes to hopefully find some wild, adventurous dishes that otherwise may have never crossed your mind. Remember three things: cook in season, light really big fires, and enjoy the process. Oh, and drink lots of wine while cooking… So four things, remember four things.

Pheasant with “Hoecakes” and Ember-Roasted Winter Squash This dish is for all the bird hunters out there, but if you can’t get your hands on a prized pheasant, then we can always substitute one of those delicious yard birds in its place. I have an obsession with poultry, so it seemed fitting to launch this column with a bird dish.

This dish is prepared via livefire cooking. I hope you find fire is less intimidating than we were all taught to believe.

Please know the dishes I will present are using ingredients that I enjoy and hope you learn to love as well, but mainly these dishes are concepts. They don’t need to be followed exactly, but will hopefully help more people follow their own culinary journey. If you don’t have the ability to cook this dish over a fire in your backyard, you can do it on your grill, or find a campsite that has fire grates.

Be creat ive! and enjoy

wort hy We weren’t for a enough his pheasant t used e year, so wn! chicke

WRITTEN BY BLAINE LIMPUS // PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE LIMPUS

Pheasant with “Hoecakes” and

Ember-Roasted Winter Squash WINTER 2024 // 21

ingredients For the Pheasant:

1 whole pheasant (or a whole chicken) 8 cups water 5-7 juniper berries (crushed, for brine) ⅓ - ½ cup salt (for brine) ¼ cup maple syrup (plus 2 tablespoons for basting) ½ lemon (for basting) 1 sprig fresh rosemary (please use fresh herbs and not that chalky stuff in those dust-ridden jars)

For the “Hoecakes”: 2 cups cornmeal (Preferably coarse) 1 egg, lightly beaten ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder Salt to taste (I use about a teaspoon) 1 ½ cups of buttermilk (full-fat preferably)

For the Squash:

1 winter squash like Acorn, Delicata, or Red Kabocha (branch out and try something other than Butternut, unless that's all you can get)

Tools needed:

Argentine iron grill (fire cooking grate) Cast iron flat top griddle

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directions 1.

Pheasants are really lean birds and need help locking in that moisture. So please, I beg you, brine your bird for 24 hours. In a large pot, add the water, juniper berries, maple syrup, and salt. Heat over medium high until the salt dissolves.

Set aside and let the brine come to room temperature. Once cooled, submerge that yummy bird, cover, and let the sodium begin working its magic.

2.

After 24 hours of brine, go o u ts i d e a n d build a big ol’ fire. Once you get a good fire roaring, it’s best to let the coals begin to form. Don’t cook the entire time over a direct flame or you will end up with a black, charred, hockey puck!

Think of it the same way you would a charcoal grill.

Different zones are required.

One zone is the flame itself where you continually add more wood, the second zone is where the hottest coals are located, and the third zone is the coolest spot in the pit.

ZONE 1

ZONE 3

ZONE 2

5.

While the squash is cooking in the coals, prepare the pheasant.

(Or if you are substituting a chicken for this recipe, do this before the squash as a chicken is much larger than a pheasant and needs more time to cook.)

Pheasants are small and can cook quickly so you don’t need a lot of time, especially with the high heat of fire. Using kitchen shears, cut the bird open spatchcock-style. Spatchcock is a simple and beautiful method that flattens poultry and allows it to cook quickly and evenly.

Place the bird breast-side down and cut from tail to neck along the spine to remove the backbone. Once it’s open, season with salt and pepper. Put it skin-side down over zone two and let the skin begin to get crispy. Squeeze half a lemon into a bowl and mix with two tablespoons of maple syrup to create a baste.

Once the skin is golden brown and crispy, flip it over and finish it off in zone three, basting as needed. When the bird hits an internal temperature 165 degrees, it’s ready!

6.

L a s t ly, heat up the flat top to get ready for the hoecakes.

This is just like making a pancake. Melt butter onto the flat top and add the batter. Flip the cakes when the bubbles start to form on the top and the edges look dry and set.

3.

While that fire is roaring and coals are forming, prep the cornmeal. Take two bowls and combine the dry ingredients in one (cornmeal, baking soda, baking powder, and salt) and the wet ingredients in the other (egg, buttermilk, and lard/ tallow). Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient bowl while whisking, but don’t over whisk. We don’t want to aerate the batter and still want some texture. Set this aside for now.

4.

When the coals are glowing white hot and your zones are built out, it’s time to start cooking. Start with the squash (or go to step 5 if cooking a chicken.) Coat the exterior of the squash with olive oil and wiggle it down in the coals and ash between zones two and three to cook it slowly. The key to live-fire cooking is simply paying attention to the fire and responding to her movements. If it looks like the squash is in a hot zone, slide it over. Remember the fourth rule? Drink wine and enjoy family and friends while hanging around the fire. Depending on the size of squash, it should be fully cooked within an hour, but check the tenderness by piercing with a knife. When the knife slices through easily, the squash is done.

7.

Make a handful of hoecakes, carve up that bird, and serve with some coal-roasted winter squash! Serve with your favorite sauce or just enjoy the simplistic nature of smoke, char, and salt.

WINTER 2024 // 23

d l r o W

e h t f o p o T On

QUEEN

ETNA WYOMING 24 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

LLS

EY BA L L E H S : L L I H OF THE

WRITTEN BY MANDY FABEL // PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY SHELLEY BALLS

Downhill mountain bikers chase speed and a sense of adventure.

Backcountry skiers chase the feeling of floating through fresh powder and beautiful wintry landscapes. And all extreme athletes are out to test their limits physically, mentally, and technically.

Shelley Balls of Etna, Wyoming has found all of these things— speed, adventure, beauty, endorphins, and limit testing—through the sport of snowmobiling. Shelley is one of the top female snowmobile riders in the world. Her basement is filled with trophies, plaques, and smiling photos from her time on the Rocky Mountain Snowmobile Hillclimb Association (RMSHA).

between one to two minutes and requires tremendous technique, strength, and endurance. It also takes a fair bit of courage and bravado to push the limits of a 400-pound machine that has close to 200 horsepower under its hood. A typical hillclimb event lasts two to three days and a racer usually rides several different snowmobiles in various classes. The most coveted title at each race is to be named King of the Hill (men) and Queen of the Hill (women) for putting up the fastest time up the course.

“I started racing when I was 18 years old, right after my high school basketball season,” Shelley said, “I hit the last few races of the 2012 RMSHA season. My brother had been racing for a few years before that, so I had watched a few other female riders and I wanted to give it a shot myself! And man did I struggle at first.”

When Shelley first started, she was just happy to make it to the second day of racing, also known as Finals Day. What can seem like a simple objective of getting from the bottom to the top of the hill becomes increasingly difficult as ruts form in the snow with each passing racer. As this happens, the margin between fast and reckless gets smaller and smaller. After a few years of racing every weekend from January through March, Shelley began to make it onto the podium.

A snowmobile hillclimb is an individual race where the rider starts at the bottom of a steep snow-covered slope and races through gates to get to the top as fast as possible. An entire race lasts

By 2019, she proudly took Queen of the Hill at every single regular season race. Heading into the World Championship Hillclimb at Snow King Mountain in Jackson, Shelley set a goal of becoming

WINTER 2024 // 25

...it's about what happens when you're riding the sled.

The endorphins released, the obstacles and challenges overcome, the places you see and discover, and the memories made with family and friends.

— SHELLEY BALLS

26 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

OWMOBILING BY INTRODUCED TO SN SHELLEY WAS FIRST HEAP HER FATHER, ERIC

one of only a few women in racing history to make it all the way to the top of the course. Snow King boasts a nearly 45 degree slope angle at the top, and only the elite have the skills to make it there. More often riders are stopped in their tracks from too little momentum or worse–get bucked off their snowmobile and watch it tumble down the mountain.

On the Finals Day at Snow King, Shelley lined up at the starting line for the Women’s Stock Class. She was riding a 2019 Polaris RMK Pro 850 and she felt calm and confident. She built speed in the lower half of the course and carried that momentum into the upper section. She executed her lines perfectly and topped out in a time of 1:46.04. A large crowd at the base of the mountain erupted in cheers knowing they had just witnessed something special. Shelley was flooded with excitement having achieved her ultimate racing goal.

The way Shelley tells the story gives a perfect glimpse into her humble nature, “My husband Gavin was gone on a fishing trip during Snow King that year. When I got to the top, the only one within reach was a nice security guy. So I gave him a big hug.”

Her performance at Snow King that year earned her yet another Queen of the Hill title. She was awarded 2019 Racer of the Year for the entire RMSHA circuit, the first woman to receive the honor.

The smile that the security guard got to see on top of Snow King is also the smile that lights up a snow-filled day in the Wyoming backcountry. Shelley doesn’t race anymore but is a Polaris

Ambassador for both the snowmobile and the Timbersled product lines. Thanks to her many years of hillclimbing, she is one of the most technically sound female riders in the world.

“I think one of the most misunderstood things about snowmobiles is that it's not just about how cool the sled looks or how much money you might have spent, but it's about what happens when you're riding the sled,” Shelley explained, “The endorphins released, the obstacles and challenges overcome, the places you see and discover, and the memories made with family and friends. These are all things non-snowmobilers don't see when a truck rolls up to fuel their sled at the gas station.”

Shelley spends nearly every weekend in the winter chasing steep and technical lines in the backcountry. When she gets home from a long day of riding, she doesn’t even bother changing out of her snowmobile clothes. Her young sons who just came home from grandma and grandpa’s house will be begging to ride their 1972 Kitty Cat sled around the yard for the millionth time. She smiles thinking about how she and her older brother did the same thing every chance they could.

Shelley hopes her boys love snowmobiling as much as she does, but really she just hopes they love spending time outdoors with good people and pushing themselves to be their best. Afterall, that’s really what it’s all about.

IND RIVE W R POWER SPORTS

SHELLEY’S TWO BOYS MALCOLM RIDING TH (3) AND MU EIR SNOWM RDOCK OBILE ANY CHANCE TH (1) LOVE EY GET.

192 MAIN ST • LANDER, WY POLARIS@WYOMING.COM WINTER 2024 // 27

The Lander

e d i l S oll Ride RPoker and

Finding Joy in the Dark Days of Winter

LANDER WYOMING 28 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

WRITTEN BY MELANIE LIMPUS // PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED BY SHANNON GIVENS

Winter in Wyoming sometimes feels never-ending. In the summer months, warmer weather and extra daylight prompt people to be more active outdoors, attend more social gatherings, and take vacations, which can make time seem to fly by. In contrast, winter's colder, shorter, and darker days tend to keep people indoors more often, contributing to a feeling of time moving much slower.

There are a handful of people around the state who know where to find the good snow and play hard. Others seek the southern facing rock walls to climb in ideal conditions. But for those who have minimal equipment, or even a lack of motivation, winter drags on and on.

One of those business owners was Rio Rose, owner of the Bike Mill. Jeff approached Rio about creating a Poker Ride in Sinks Canyon that incorporated as many forms of winter travel as possible (fat bikes, skis, snowshoes, etc.).

Winters can be sparse. It’s really about getting the community together in a time where we all need a little more connection.

— AMI MCALPIN

That’s why Jeff Stanbury of Lander Presents came up with the idea of an event to bring people together for fun and easy winter recreation: The Lander Roll & Slide Poker Ride.

“I’ve wanted to start a Poker Ride since moving to Lander in 2004,” Jeff explained. “We launched Lander Presents in 2021 with the goal of hosting events that would help bring people to Lander and add to its great community. After the launch, we discussed creating more winter events, as many business owners expressed wanting more winter activities to stimulate the local economy.”

Jeff and Rio also thought collaborating with other groups to increase participation and volunteers was a good idea. With the help of Lander Nordic Ski Association Vice President Scott Van Orman, Lander Cycling Club Executive Director Ami McAlpin, and Gannett Peak Sports Communications and Marketing Manager Blaire Bancroft, the idea came to fruition, and the first annual Lander Roll & Slide Poker Ride began in 2022.

The objective is simple. Participants fat bike, ski, snowshoe, and hike to collect one card at each checkpoint throughout Sinks Canyon and compete to build the best poker hand for a cash prize of $250. After the Roll and Slide, the community gathers back in Lander for an afterparty hosted by Lander Presents with live music, dancing, and awards for the best poker hand.

“Winters can be sparse. It’s really about getting the community together in a time where we all need a little more connection,” said Ami McAlpin.

WINTER 2024 // 29

This event brings all kinds of supportive people together and everyone just lifts each other up all day.

— AMI MCALPIN

Sinks Canyon echoes with endless laughter all day as folks dressed in colorful, silly outfits make their way to each of the checkpoints, known as aid stations. People of all ages and capabilities hike and ride the snowy trails with their friends, families, and even dogs. Those who want to participate, but don’t own any equipment, can rent skis, fat bikes, and snowshoes at the local bike shops. The goal is simply to enjoy the outdoors and have fun in the midst of winter.

“It’s not a race. There’s no stress and no rush. You take your time and make your way. It’s truly a great opportunity for people to try out a new sport because of the lack of urgency,” said Ami. “This event brings all kinds of supportive people together and everyone just lifts each other up all day.”

The aid stations are run by supporting organizations, who

30 // www.adventuresinthewest.com

competitively decorate their stands with themes and wear costumes. They also provide warm drinks and snacks to participants, and even fire pits for a chance to warm up between stretches, which allows people to take their time and go at their own pace.

“It’s so much fun that it doesn’t matter if people don’t get to all of the aid stations, or just want to swing by the warming hut to visit. There’s no pressure,” Ami grinned. “We try to take away the competition and make it all about who can be the silliest. The more tutus, the better!”

The Lander Roll & Slide Poker Ride is a fundraising event for the Lander Nordic Ski Association, Lander Cycling Club, and Lander Presents, with support from the Bike Mill, Gannett Peak Sports, Sinks Canyon State Park, and CWC Alpine Science Institute.

Funds go toward winter trail maintenance and the Lander Presents free summer concert series.

“Lander Presents is responsible for the party, and we are so excited for this year’s event. The afterparty will be at the Lander Bar patio featuring live music by Strumbucket from Jackson,” Jeff said proudly.

March 2, 2024 marks the third annual Lander Roll & Slide Poker Ride. Don’t let the snow win this winter season. Embrace it and have fun.

WINTER 2024 // 31

Create Your Own Adventure Arcady Ridge Ranch Dubois, Wyoming

Arcady Ridge Ranch partners with Said Creek Outfitters & Outfitting Adventures to provide custom tours and adventure vacation packages.

Offering Guided & Non-Guided Activities.

Snowmobilers Welcome!

Lodging Specials & Spa Options Available.

info@arcadyridgeranch.com 307.231.2574 arcadyridgeranch.com