The Namesake

The term big mountain adventure was coined many years ago by myself and a skiing friend at our local hill, Big Rock, in Mars Hill, Maine.  What Big Rock lacked in number of runs, it made up for in “big mountain adventures”.  We would always ski on the groomed trails for a while, but eventually the woods, or the bushes, or the backside, or whatever would be calling our names and we would launch, for better or worse, into a big mountain adventure.  You never came out unscathed.  Gore-Tex coats were adorned with moss and bits of tree.  Ski helmets or goggles had fresh scratches from whipper-snappers hitting you in the face.  There was a core shot to your skis because there really wasn’t quite enough base underneath that fresh snow yet.  Everything on you was soaking wet from the combination of face planting on the variable terrain and the exertion of the trek back to the base of the hill without wax, skins, or scales.  Since those first Big Rock big mountain adventures, the term has evolved to encompass anything that is out of the ordinary adventure wise.  Even ordinary outings can turn into big mountain adventures if the stars align properly.  Our preferred mode for big mountain adventures is either by ski or by bike, but we aren’t opposed to hiking or snowshoeing either. 

Over the years I’ve had many friends partake in big mountain adventure experiences.  Some come back for more; others seem to always be busy washing their hair when you invite them.  Big mountain adventures don’t suit everyone.  One person who lives big mountain adventures to their fullest would be my father.  He is my big mountain adventure role model.  In our family, a big mountain adventure is synonymous with a Hendrickson adventure.  Over the past 6 years, my partner in crime for most big mountain adventures has been my husband, Kevin.  Hopefully I can convince him to give his perspective once and a while.  We’ve recently acquired a new partner in crime as well, Ida Mae, a border collie who lives for big mountain adventures like it is her job. 

Hopefully you enjoy reading our posts.  We know that when we try to look up some crazy idea we have for an adventure, there is usually a lack of information.  With this blog, we hope to share some of our experiences we’ve had since moving to Utah and started exploring the Uinta’s and beyond.  Enjoy.