At the end of June I spent a week in Fernie, BC at a women’s XC skills camp and I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun in my life! A solid week of unbelievable singletrack, challenging terrain, expert instruction, and amazing gals.
Trip Reports
Sit back, relax, and read some good stories of adventure.
Back in December, Mercy Corps put us in touch with Rick Steves and he invited myself and Brian Shrader from another Seattle Rally team, Baatar Hero, to do an interview with him about the 2010 Mongol Rally we participated in. Needless to say, we were super stoked to meet him and visit the studio!
Lately I've been doing a lot of race reports. This isn't so much a race report but more a story about the amazing people you meet along the way while participating in races and events and crazy relays. This year after volunteering at the Ragnar for a group of friends I met on last year's Ragnar relay, I realized they're just the sort of people that define "amazing".
My friend Annette and I have a track record of adventurous outings that never end up ordinary. With our crazy 3 dogs in tow we set out for Mt. Clifty, deep in the Cle Elum Ranger District to bag a peak for Sahaptin Outfitter's "Summit the District" contest. We had no idea it would turn into a 20-mile, all day outing!
Not to be deterred by one of the worst September storms Seattle has ever seen, I packed my rain gear and met up with my crazy friend Annette to bag a peak on Sunday. Sounds like a perfect outdoor hiking weekend, right?
Ironic isn't it that I ran the coldest trail race I've ever done at one of the hottest places on earth? Go figure. No one believes me when I say I almost froze to death in Death Valley.
My first ever attempt to get to Camp Muir at the 10,080' level of Mt Rainier was successful! We enjoyed a gorgeous day under blue skies despite a fierce wind. Mt Rainier sure put on a beautiful show with some amazing morning clouds. Pretty lucky for December!
One of these days I'm convinced I'll go on a hike with easy trails and warming huts with coffee. This was not one of those days.
Spending a weekend camping at 10,000 on Mount Rainier sure is a good one! Talk about some stunning views, wow!!
After 12 years I finally checked the mail again, successfully scrambled to Dirtybox AND narrowly avoided a lightning storm on the summit, I'd say that's a win!
Playing gear Tetris on a Friday night, sleeping in my Jeep with my dog during a rainstorm.. just your normal Labor Day weekend outing!
A first-time visit to Yellowstone National Park left me in awe of its stunning geological features and wildlife.