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Dog Days of August

post #1 of 50
8/1/12 at 7:37am
Thread Starter 

Does anyone else go into a mild depression in August like I do? Every year about this time I realize that there are still more days between today and the coming ski season than there are between today and the long past 2011-12 season. It's 100+ degrees and almost too hot for golf. Our Bent Grass Greens are in their worst condition of the year. All the things I was looking forward to doing this summer have either already happened or are not going to happen and I don't even have the Gear Issue Magazines to read and dream about. What do other folks do to bridge the gaps between ski seasons?

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post #2 of 50
8/1/12 at 9:16am

Hike, fish, swim, float, bike, disc golf, and...ski, well last summer at least.

 

Time to move up to the mountains, Steve! I used to get seriously depressed every summer when I lived in Texas. Blech. Then after I moved to Montuckey, I realized that summers don't really suck that much after all! In fact, summer can be pretty danged fun! Helps that we've been having nights in the 40s. Got down to 38 one night last week. Warms up by day, but it's pleasant, and not the blistering heat I've suffered most of my life. Funny what people around here consider "hot." Kinda like it's funny what people down South consider to be "cold."

 

I'm having loads of fun this summer (going mountain biking at Big Sky this weekend! Woohoo!), but that doesn't mean I'm not ready for the snow to start falling again.

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post #3 of 50
8/1/12 at 9:25am

I used to but then figured out that I was just punishing myself. I got into mtn biking and rode early in the AM. I work out everyday in my basement with a fan on and it's pretty cool. Otherwise, I don't go outside much. Watch some ski porn or get involved with something else. Its not like you stay outdoors all day in the winter so try to change your frame of reference. I assume you go to work every day? Do you work inside?  A good 1.5 - 2 hour daily workout, ride a few times a week and before you know it, you will be in shape and it will be fall already

 

I do agree with Ausin, that since we now spend a good deal of time up at the boat, I love the summer. the dry days and chilly nights are awesome. When not working, I do spend most of the day outdoors. 

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post #4 of 50
8/1/12 at 9:42am

I think September is worse.  The magazines start coming out, ski movies get released, all of the new gear has arrived at the shops, and yet you've still got 2 months or so to wait.  At least in October you can start really watching how the weather might start to lineup and even get a little snow to play in if you're lucky.

 

This is part of the reason I booked a family trip to Hawaii in September instead of July or August.  Nothing like 2 weeks of surfing, hanging at the beach and golf in a tropical climate for distraction.  biggrin.gif

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post #5 of 50
8/1/12 at 9:42am
Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinFromSA View Post

 

Warms up by day, but it's pleasant, and not the blistering heat I've suffered most of my life. Funny what people around here consider "hot." Kinda like it's funny what people down South consider to be "cold."

 

I totally "get" this.

I spent 27 excruciatingly long years in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, where mid-summer temps in the mid 90's were considered "mild."

After enduring that scorching hell-hole for so long, summer up here in the Idaho panhandle has been nothing but rainbows and unicorns!  I think we hit 80 yesterday...on July 31...  I'm outside all the time during the summer now.  smile.gif

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post #6 of 50
8/1/12 at 10:14am

In the winter I ski. In the summer I go down to the Keys and dive / snorkel / Hobie etc. Water temp at Key Largo reef is now 85 degrees. Last weekend saw reef sharks, spotted Eagle Rays, one leatherback, and the usual assortment of French Angels, puffers etc. (Tried to upload images, but "error" message  --thanks Huddler)

 

During the day I stay inside as it's too warm, but in the evening we go down to the beach where the water and air temps are about equal, and maybe throw the frisbee, take a dunk or just walk in the sand. C'mon S Fla haters, tell me how great it is in Utah right now biggrin.gif.

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post #7 of 50
8/1/12 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by snofun3 View Post
C'mon S Fla haters, tell me how great it is in Utah right now biggrin.gif.

 

Utah is actually a pretty cool place in the summer.  Not that I have anything against south Florida (I love Key West).

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post #8 of 50
8/1/12 at 1:22pm

Summer isn't too bad when you live in hawaii biggrin.gif 

 

If summer depresses you, you definitely need to pick up some new hobbies.  hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, camping, etc, etc, etc.  Think of it as cross-training for the ski season.

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post #9 of 50
8/1/12 at 1:24pm

and you could always plan a summer ski trip to the southern hemisphere if the withdrawals get that bad...

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post #10 of 50
8/1/12 at 1:29pm

I've been eye balling the skis in the garage as well as thinking through a small list of ski 'to-do's' before Nov., but until then it's the gym and sailing! smile.gif

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post #11 of 50
8/2/12 at 4:52am

I jokingly say: 

I Mt bike and Golf in the summer to pass the time until I can ski again. 

 

The truth is, its the truth.  Summer is much more pleasant when you embrace multiple activities to pass the time, even if those activities aren't quite as exciting for you as skiing. 

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post #12 of 50
8/2/12 at 5:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trekchick View Post

I jokingly say: 

I Mt bike and Golf in the summer to pass the time until I can ski again. 

 

The truth is, its the truth.  Summer is much more pleasant when you embrace multiple activities to pass the time, even if those activities aren't quite as exciting for you as skiing. 

 

While skiing is my first love, come diving with sharks and rays, or get out on the trapeze of a Hobie doing 30mph and see if that isn't as exciting as skiing.

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post #13 of 50
8/2/12 at 8:29pm

well lets see while I don't do many of these on a regular basis this is what I do in the summer:

Sky diving ( haven't done since last august)

white water rafting

scuba diving

off roading

rock climbing

cycling

14ers

Cliff diving

go to the beach

Canyoneering is also sick but I haven't done that in a long time

There's lots to do in the summer. October/ early December is the worst to me, too cold to do a lot of things, too much snow for others and not quite enough snow for good skiing if there is skiing.  

Edit: O don't forget sailing did that for a week this summer and that is awesome as well.

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post #14 of 50
8/3/12 at 7:49am

 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by steveturner View Post
 What do other folks do to bridge the gaps between ski seasons?

 

 

August is a great month!

 

Things I look forward to:

 

 

Long hikes with my wife

1000

 

 

Long bike rides

700

 

The Tour of Utah.  Go Levi!

700

 

 

"Working" in the garden

700

 

Farmers markets

700

 

Outdoor concerts

1000

 

Watching Mooses

1000

 

Drinking fresh beer!

1000

 

 

And of course daydreaming.....

1000

 

Life's too short to give up on Summer!

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post #15 of 50
8/3/12 at 8:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by snofun3 View Post

 C'mon S Fla haters, tell me how great it is in Utah right now biggrin.gif.

 

It sucks! Don't come here!

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post #16 of 50
8/3/12 at 9:33am

1000

 

Would you just throw the stick already?

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post #17 of 50
8/3/12 at 12:29pm

i guess summer can be a little ruff (get it) depending upon where you live.  i definitely would have a hard time embracing the outdoors if i lived someplace extremely hot or humid, or somewhere that is far from water (ideally remote, pristine beaches but anything that cools me down works too smile.gif).  

 

somebody above also mentioned something about cliff diving.......definitely a favorite summer pastime of mine.  i spent the last two weekends working on my doubles out at Waimea.  might have to take em to snow this season biggrin.gif

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post #18 of 50
8/3/12 at 3:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayT View Post

 

Utah is actually a pretty cool place in the summer.  Not that I have anything against south Florida (I love Key West).


Yup. It's been pretty hot over the past couple of weeks, so I do more biking and trail running in the evening or after dark. If I wanted to swim, there are plenty of reservoirs and such around.

 

And having a nice, guilt-free excuse to stay inside and watch the Olympics/MLB all day isn't such a bad thing, either.

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post #19 of 50
8/3/12 at 3:39pm
Quote:

Farmers markets

700

 

 

Think you mislabeled this. It's definitely a summer favorite, but it should read "Sun dresses and legs." biggrin.gif

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post #20 of 50
8/3/12 at 5:02pm

Well, it's still snowing in the PNW so I'm getting lots of turns.

 

Just kidding!!!

 

We finally have some warmer temperatures here.  About 10 days back we has two days in the mid to upper 70's. Then it cooled to low-mid 60's.  It's just getting to normal summer temperatures here, maybe low to mid-80's depending on location.

 

Lots of lawn mowing, gardening because we have a big place.  I'm working on extending a trail through some woods so I can have a mt bike trail on the property.  I need to get out on my bike more, maybe start in-line skating again.  There's lots of hiking as well.

 

But I concur with Steve.  I'm just killing time until there's snow, once again. 

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post #21 of 50
8/3/12 at 5:21pm

Summer's been a little slower than average.  Went camping with the cub scouts in April.  Been to the beach and some ball games.  Less skateboarding than the pact couple of years.  Did put in a small above ground pool out back for the kids.  Usual workload of yard work.  As for the skier blues... I got so desperate that I ordered some new skis online, made a project out of painting some bindings to match, and will mount the bindings myself when they arrive.  Started doing a few sit ups and push ups here and there too.  Will put a few miles on the bike around mid October to wake up the quads a little bit.

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post #22 of 50
8/4/12 at 12:33pm
It seems like we have this thread ever year. I am still surprised to see how many people on a site dedicated to an alpine sport just don't get it. Summer offers much more variety and much more accessible activities for playing outside in the mountains. Skiers who don't have a fun summer activity, that is more than just killing time, you are doing it wrong. 
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post #23 of 50
8/4/12 at 12:43pm
This post just seems pretty negative and unnecessary. It seems obvious to me that on a ski website the posters will be interested in and thinking about skiing. Why put them down?
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post #24 of 50
8/4/12 at 1:33pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Diphalic View Post

This post just seems pretty negative and unnecessary. It seems obvious to me that on a ski website the posters will be interested in and thinking about skiing. Why put them down?

 

I am negative because I think summer is a great season with tons of fun things to do? And skiers moping around this thread  complaining about summer are what? A positive example for epicski? Please! The op and about half the posts in this threat are a putdown on summer stoke.  My post was a challenge to that. It is positive to call out people who would rather post mopey threads and  complain than go out and have fun.  If they stopped posting whiny threads on the internet, maybe they would just accidentally wander outside and do something fun. 

 

I too am interested in and thinking about skiing, which is why I post here in the summer. But that doesn't keep me from enjoying summer activities, quite the oppostite. I enjoy them all the more knowing that in a few months summer will be over. 

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post #25 of 50
8/4/12 at 1:46pm
Well now that you've modified the original post to take out the whole pissing and moaning bit it's much more constructive and less harsh.
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post #26 of 50
8/4/12 at 5:19pm

I hardcore disc golf every day all summer, I'm only in high school so my summer isn't busy (I'll have a job next year though).  During the school year I just deal with school stuff and look forward to my lame-ass 10 day wisconsin ski season.

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post #27 of 50
8/5/12 at 5:11am
Quality time w family!
Reached a goal of running a sub 5 min mile @ 4:47!
Hiked the Long Trail / AT
BBQ
Imported some '13 Blossom Skis!
Dusted off the road bike
When to a conference on ski injuries!
Have Reach The Beach relay upcoming.
Swam w dogs
Continue to stare at mtn bike......hanging
Met some great folks @ the US Mtn Running Championships
Broke my foot & learned what doc ment by "take it easy"
Went to Virginia, New Hampshire, New York, DC, New Jersey....
Stare at pile of skis & parts that need to go, but I can't seem to part w/...
Set up a kiddy pool
Outdoor concerts at Okemo!!
Watched in awe my wife be a triathlete!!!
Trained a buch of uber cool athletes
Did some mentoring
Mastered Oatmeal
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post #28 of 50
8/5/12 at 6:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by tromano View Post        Skiers who don't have a fun summer activity, that is more than just killing time, you are doing it wrong.

 

This is the correct answer. And if you haven't found anything as exciting as skiing then you're looking in the wrong places.

 

700

 

 

 

700

 

 

700

 

Hobie 16

 

So much to do, so little time

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post #29 of 50
8/5/12 at 7:22am
Ferrari. Drool.
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post #30 of 50
8/5/12 at 7:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iriponsnow View Post

Quality time w family!
Reached a goal of running a sub 5 min mile @ 4:47!
Hiked the Long Trail / AT
BBQ
Imported some '13 Blossom Skis!
Dusted off the road bike
When to a conference on ski injuries!
Have Reach The Beach relay upcoming.
Swam w dogs
Continue to stare at mtn bike......hanging
Met some great folks @ the US Mtn Running Championships
Broke my foot & learned what doc ment by "take it easy"
Went to Virginia, New Hampshire, New York, DC, New Jersey....
Stare at pile of skis & parts that need to go, but I can't seem to part w/...
Set up a kiddy pool
Outdoor concerts at Okemo!!
Watched in awe my wife be a triathlete!!!
Trained a buch of uber cool athletes
Did some mentoring
Mastered Oatmeal

You're not bored, eh? 

What did you do with the oatmeal biggrin.gif

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trekchick View Post

I jokingly say: 

I Mt bike and Golf in the summer to pass the time until I can ski again. 

 

The truth is, its the truth.  Summer is much more pleasant when you embrace multiple activities to pass the time, even if those activities aren't quite as exciting for you as skiing. 

 

Quote:
Originally Posted by snofun3 View Post

 

While skiing is my first love, come diving with sharks and rays, or get out on the trapeze of a Hobie doing 30mph and see if that isn't as exciting as skiing.

 

I didn't say that I don't find activities that excite me in the summer.  Just making a point to the OP.

My activities include, but are not exclusive to, mt biking, rafting down the truckee river, hiking, golfing, and most recently, I took a DH mt bike clinic at the ski resort. icon14.gif THAT was exciting!

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