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Matt Dodge races to win the 84th Hochgebirge Cup Challenge on January 20, 2024, at Mittersill. ©Mark D Phillips

Ski the East: The Hochgebirge Challenge

The Hochgebirge Challenge began in 1931, running continuously except for a few years because of war and lack of snow, and is recognized as the longest running team event in the US. The race has been an Olympic qualifier event, a National Championship, a National Championship qualifier event, and most recently, the qualifier for the Masters National Championship. The trophy is spectacular and makes you want to kiss it just like the Stanley Cup.

Ruth Peyser's Israeli travel documents from the 1950s.

Survivor’s Guilt

Ruth Peyser was an Israeli, not originally by choice, but for survival. In 1939, she settled alone in Palestine. On her 100th birthday, Jewish hatred abounds.

Face in the smoke of World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 just seconds after the second plane struck the south tower. NO REPOSTING. ©Mark D Phillips

Never Forget: 9/11 in 2023

More than two decades have gone by in a flash. It was my now-24 year-old daughter’s first day of pre-school when the planes piloted by Islamic savages felled the World Trade Center.

Return To Morrow

Two years ago, I was convinced I was witnessing the end of Blue Mesa and Morrow Point Reservoirs and the west as we knew it. What a difference above-average snowfall can make.