mwbyrd

Join us on our exhilarating ski trip to Snowshoe Ski Resort in West Virginia! This year, we returned to Snowshoe to celebrate a very special birthday! Three years ago, Kim and I embarked on our first ski adventure together, and this trip marked our return to the slopes where it all began. Despite some challenges with the snow in recent years, we were hopeful for a great skiing experience. Watch as we navigate the ups and downs of the season, from rain-soaked slopes to the thrill of fresh snowfall. Our journey takes us from anticipating the opening of runs to enjoying a delicious meal at 10 Prime (highly recommend the NY Strip and Sea Bass!), and from braving the crowds to finding our own snowy paradise at Silvercreek. Experience the magic of skiing with us, from the first run down Heisler Way to Whistlepunk, to enjoying zero lift lines and perfect ski food at Silvercreek. Despite a mixed bag of weather, our spirits were high, and the beauty of a bluebird day made for some unforgettable early spring skiing vibes. We're already excited for our next trip and a big skiing adventure out west later in the season. Stay tuned as we continue our snowy escapades, eagerly awaiting more snow and colder temperatures before New Year's. Will Snowshoe surpass last year's snowfall? Let's find out together!

Kim and I went to Snowshoe for my birthday and it rained all day Sunday. The next morning the rain storm was gone and big winter storm started blowing in. This is Kim's "Village Report" because we didn't get to ski/board on the 18th. #snowshoe #snowshoevillage #skiing

Kim and I met some friends at Assateague Island for a little camping trip. We made it up for one night and had a ball. Here's a little video of the trip up and some of the adventures along the way. And there's a secret in the video to keep the Assateague Wild Horses from raiding your campground. These horses are no longer afraid of dogs, screaming and loud banging of pots and pans. They just don't care. Last year we saw how the park rangers handled the horses and we duplicated their efforts with success....well...until about 4AM when the wild horses tried to empty a trash back full of wine bottles...but that's another story! We hope you enjoy the video. Be sure to leave a comment below, like an subscribe to the channel. Music from Artlist.io https://artlist.io/Michael-2770915 Maya Isacowitz - Your Grace Sean Twomey - Cards You're Dealt Sean Twomey - Pretend #assateagueisland #wildhorses #campingtrip

This is Day 1 of my 30 Day Challenge. This challenge is my attempt to do the Green Sally Up/Down challenge. My goal is to do the challenge for 30 days to see if I can complete the whole song. Day 1 - 11 Pushups Be sure to like and subscribe to see how far I come in 30 days.

Enjoy my slideshow of the pictures I took while driving around Nova Scotia in 2018. It was great trip with lots of great hikes and scenery along the coasts of Nova Scotia. If you get a chance and want a really relaxing vacation, Nova Scotia is a great place to visit. Nova Scotia, Canadian province located on the eastern seaboard of North America, one of the four original provinces (along with New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec) that constituted the Dominion of Canada in 1867. Roughly 360 miles (580 km) long but not more than about 80 miles (130 km) wide at any point, the province comprises the peninsula of Nova Scotia, Cape Breton Island (separated from the mainland to the southwest by the narrow Strait of Canso), and a number of small adjacent islands. Along the narrow Chignecto Isthmus, which seems to thrust the peninsula into the Atlantic Ocean, runs the province’s only land boundary, with New Brunswick to the west. Two arms of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Northumberland and Cabot straits, separate Nova Scotia respectively from Prince Edward Island to the north and the island of Newfoundland to the northeast. To the east and south lies the Atlantic and to the northwest the Bay of Fundy. Halifax is the capital. Nova Scotia is one of Canada’s Maritime Provinces (along with New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island), and both its past and its present are tied closely to the maritime life of fishing, shipbuilding, and transatlantic shipping. It became the site of the first permanent European settlement in North America north of Florida when the French established a fur-trading post at Port Royal (near present-day Annapolis Royal) in 1605. Early explorers gave the area the name Acadia (French: Acadie), probably a corruption of the word used by the native Mi’kmaq. The province’s present name, which means “New Scotland” in Latin, was the result of brief Scottish claims to the region in the 1620s. Area 21,345 square miles (55,284 square km). Pop. (2021) 969,383.

These are some pictures from my trip to Iceland in 2019. I took a self driving tour around the tip of Iceland using Nordic Visitors. I recommend checking them out if you want to go to Iceland. They take care of everything except your flights. They give you a car, maps and make sure you have a place to sleep every night. It definitely makes it easy to see Iceland. The only problem is that I didn't have enough time to see everything. I recommend 10 days if you want to do it right. Nordic Visitors: https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-deals/iceland-tours/ This Iceland Express Self - Drive Tour is the “fast track” around the Ring Road, designed to include as many of Iceland’s top sights as one week allows, including hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic black sand beaches and more. It’s one of our 7 day itineraries that covers the most ground, so it includes longer daily driving distances than our other full-circle tours. But with the extra daylight hours of summer, you still have lots of time to enjoy sightseeing from early morning to late at night. Tour Highlights See the massive floating icebergs at the Glacier Lagoon Walk the Diamond Beach, seeing the scattered, glistening ice Explore the famous Golden Circle route Discover the volcanic Lake Mývatn and its beautiful surroundings Enjoy the cascading waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss Traverse the beautiful Vatnajökull National Park Enjoy the waterfalls and hot springs of west Iceland Walk the quaint streets of the capital city, Reykjavík Photograph jagged basalt columns & sweeping black sand beaches Walk the quaint streets of Akureyri, the unofficial capital of north Iceland Photos shot with Canon SL2 and zero editing. (I'm a total amateur)

McAfee Knob Hike 4/17/2022 On Sunday April 17, 2022, Kim and I hiked McAfee Knob in Roanoke. We spent the weekend in Roanoke and had two good bike rides on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday April 17, 2022, Kim and I decided to take a day off from the bike and hike McAfee Knob in Roanoke. McAfee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail and is visited by hikers from around the world. McAfee Knob has an elevation of 3,197 feet and is located on Catawba mountain and is named for a Scotch-Irish 18th-century settler. The peak offers 270° panoramic views of the surrounding valley and mountains. The stunning views have led to McAfee Knob being recognized by USA Today Travel as one of the most spectacular hikes in the United States. It is about 4 miles to the peak. There are two options. You can take the fire road or follow the trail. We hiked the fire road because we did not realize there was a hiking trail to take. It is a steady climb of 1,700 feet that is moderately difficult, and you should give yourself at least 4 to 6 hours to make the trip. McAfee Knob is an extremely popular hike and becomes especially crowded on weekends, with limited parking availability. If possible, consider hiking the trail during the week to avoid larger crowds. Kim and I had a wonderful time and recommend the hiking McAfee Knob. The view from the summit is spectacular and well worth the effort.

Kim and I were visiting Roanoke and did the Sharp Top hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a fun challenging hike and the views from the top were spectacular. Definitely recommend the hike if you can do it. It's definitely steep so wear good shoes and be at least a little fit. Visit Roanoke: https://www.visitroanokeva.com/ Blue Ridge Mountains: https://www.blueridgemountains.com/ Peaks of Otter: https://www.peaksofotter.com/things-to-do/activities/hiking Our Friends: Coffee Mugs and Hats: https://coffeemugsandhats.com Kranik Brand: https://kranikbrand.com/ Rubber Patch Store: https://www.rubberpatchstore.com/

Kim and I did the Mountain Momma bike ride in Monterray, VA and then headed to Lynchburg on Sunday. The drive is beautiful and we have seen signs for the Natural Bridge several times but never had time to stop. We saw a sign that said the Natural Bridge was only 6 miles away, so off we went. It's a Virginia State Park and they charged $9 per person to enter the park. It's worth it to see the bridge and support our State Park System. We hop you enjoy the short video from our experience at the Natural Bridge State Park. Natural Bridge Park Details: The 37th state park was dedicated on September 24, 2016, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a National Historic Landmark in 1988. The 215-foot tall Natural Bridge is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. The park is more than just the bridge; beautiful forests and rolling meadows showcase the area's karst terrain, and vistas of surrounding mountains and the James River valley display nature's splendor. Access these via 7 miles of hiking trails, including Cedar Creek Trail, which leads from the park's Visitor Center under the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Seasonal living history programs connect you to the past and cover how people once used the area's resources for survival and inspiration. Start at the visitor center, where you will find exhibits and a gift shop. -Accommodations for those with accessibility needs can be made upon request at the park's Visitor Center. -Cedar Creek Trail to the Natural Bridge and the Monacan Village is a moderate-rated trail. -Strollers are not recommended because of the descent into the glen to the Natural Bridge. -It is an outdoor experience requiring appropriate footwear, physical exertion, and hydration while enjoying the trail. -Restrooms are available at the beginning of the trail, located in the park's visitor center and the Trail Store at the Cedar Creek Pavilion. Location: From I-81, take exit 175 or 180A to U.S. 11 and follow signs to the park. Drive Time: Northern Virginia, three and a half hours; Richmond, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, four hours; Roanoke, 30 minutes.

Check out the watches from JCS Leather. @jcsleather is a veteran owned company that I came across. Justin reached out to me and told me about his business. I ordered one of his watches and couldn't be happier. I've been wearing the watch for a few days and forget it's on my wrist! It's that comfortable. Thanks Justin! Check out the additional styles available from JCS Leather! Affiliate Link: Use Coupon Code MWB70 to save 15% OFF of your next order! https://jcsleather.com/ #watches #unboxing #coolwatches #jcsleather #quality #qualitywatches #leathergoods #leatherstuff #veteranowned #supportourveterans

Kim and I took the bikes out for a tour of Washington, DC. Good time out and we had a great time. Met some soldiers patrolling the mall that were super cool and we enjoyed our conversation and appreciate all that they do. And yeah, we made some 'wall' jokes. I forgot about this video and decided to post it today. (March 13, 2022).

First day on the slopes for the 2021/22 season at Snowshoe. It was the day after Thanksgiving and we woke up to blowing snow and wind. The wind was ugly up on top but we didn't notice it on the slopes. The snow was nice on the open runs. It was the 2nd day the slopes were open and I was happy with the snow. And with it actually snowing, we found some 'real' snow. First day of many to come. Our Friends: Coffee Mugs and Hats: https://coffeemugsandhats.com Kranik Brand: https://kranikbrand.com/ Rubber Patch Store: https://www.rubberpatchstore.com/

Day 3 snowboarding of the 2021/22 season. Conditions haven't been great so far at Snowshoe. We did a few runs on Day 2 and it wasn't great. It did get cooler over night so the snow was better for a little while. We didn't get many runs in...and ended up going for a bike ride in the afternoon. The good news is that it was day 2 on my new Lib Tech Orca snowboard. I was on an 18 year old Lib Tech so it was time. My old board was a Liberator 172 and the Orca is a 156. It feels different to be on a shorter, lighter directional board. I'm getting used to it but can tell it is going to be a lot of fun. I also upgraded my binding/boots and picked up a Burton Step On systems. Let's just say....once I can get comfortable getting unclipped, these things are going to rock. Getting out is strange because you can't use your ankles like you can in cycling shoes/pedals. That being said...clipping in after getting off the lift is so much easier AND faster. And the new versions of the bindings don't 'click' at all. Thanks for watching! Our Friends: Coffee Mugs and Hats: https://coffeemugsandhats.com Rubber Patch Store: https://www.rubberpatchstore.com/

Kim and I headed up to the condo to put some finishing touches on it before the season starts. I wanted to create a neat video and try some different things (there's so much cool stuff on YouTube giving me ideas. Now I need to learn how to do it.). It is really about forcing myself to take the camera with me and getting out of my comfort zone. Some things I learned....I need to put the camera on a tripod or pole. I'm pretty shaky on some of the shots. I used Warp Stabilizer to smooth the video and I'm not happy with the results. Some of the video is really wavy after applying the effect. Sometimes shaky is good and sometimes it's not. Lesson learned. I also wanted a cool intro. I should have just slowed down the sunset scene from the truck in the beginning. Another lesson learned. Overall, I'm happy with this video and am looking forward to making more. Camera: Canon Rebel SL2 Lens: Canon 24mm EFS

This is my video from the 2021 Women's UCI World Cup Mountain Bike Race held at Snowshoe, WV in September 2021. I shot the video with a GoPro Hero 7. I wanted to try some new things like slow motion and come up with an interesting intro. The video shows some of the more exciting sections of the course. My goals was to make an exciting video in under 10 minutes. Shot with a GoPro Hero 7. I hope you enjoy the video. Be sure to like and subscribe! Affiliate Links: Order a Skill Board Today: https://amzn.to/3jn2Vlh My Camera Equipment: GoPro Hero7 - https://amzn.to/3xNUgxX GoPro Hero9 - https://amzn.to/3hNTGuF Canon SL2 - https://amzn.to/3hNTGuF SNAP Mount Pro - https://amzn.to/3ikAJih Order a Skill Board Today: https://amzn.to/3jn2Vlh

Day 1 of me learning to use my Skill Board.

Kim and I celebrated her birthday by riding our bikes on the Highland Scenic Highway in West Virginia. This is an out and back route. 22 miles one way with lot of climbing and descending. VERY LITTLE TRAFFIC!!!! Choose your timing correctly. We started late and it was super hot. Little to no shade so the sun will beat you down. Be sure to like and subscribe!

Fun lap around Mazeppa Park in Mooresville, NC. These are new mountain bike trails at the Mazeppa athletic park in Mooresville, NC. Super fun, flowy trails. Excellent for beginners. More experienced riders can have a ball too by pushing their limits.

Ride number 3 of the Orr Road WBL (Winter Bike League) training ride. Another great day for a ride. Started a little wet but was dry at the end. Harrisburg, NC 63 miles. GoPro died on last fast section...imagine that...

Kim and I were visiting Roanoke and did the Sharp Top hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It's a fun challenging hike and the views from the top were spectacular. Definitely recommend the hike if you can do it. It's definitely steep so wear good shoes and be at least a little fit.

I wasn't happy about turning 50. I had no plans until my friend Kim called me on Tuesday and said she found a place in Snowshoe at the last minute and pulled the trigger. She invited me and I ended up having a GREAT 50th birthday weekend! I can't say enough to Kim for making the big 5-0 something I will never forget.

Lake Norman State Park - Mountain Biking in 2 Songs Met up with Andy and Todd for a few laps on mountain bikes at Lake Norman State Park. Put a short video together with two songs by Royal Deluxe. Royal Deluxe The gritty vintage sound of Royal Deluxe is almost enough to make you get a crew cut, throw on some high-waisted pants and polished saddle shoes and head down the local drag with a car load of friends. The infectious blend of sixties-inspired soul, blues and rock is a pleasant reminder of musical yesteryear wrapped up nicely in a very relevant, cool-right-now kind of package. Some tunes are rockin' while others keep it low and smooth. This is a group who's vinyl would be a continuous player on our hi-fi — if only they'd release one. For now, streaming is required.

This a short video of Kim and I getting the gravel bikes out for a ride around the Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort. We pulled the bikes out and left Leatherbark, went around the village to the Powder Puff trail to the Old Spruce brewery. Then we took the road back to the Top of the World and road the gravel to the Fire Tower. Beautiful day for a ride at Snowshoe!

Headed up to Snowshoe for another weekend of skiing and snowboarding with Kim, Dave and Mike K. Had a ball. Conditions were Spring like and the snow wasn't horrible. Video shot with GoPro Hero 7 and iPhone.

This is a video of my second attempt to build a DLG (Discus Launch Glider) RC glider. I think this attempt was/is much better then my first attempt. The wings (Dollar Store Foam) are much stiffer and shaped more like an airfoil. I was able to route the control lines through the boom. I made the elevator and rudder out of balsa wood with was a much better choice than the foam I used on my first build. I'm hoping to test fly it soon.