Idaho Sawtooths 6/20-27 (Buck)

After a change in plans due to weather, the boys (Donn, Chad, Nate, and I) decided to head to Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains. Where the weather is always perfect! We had a great week, tagged a few summits, and enjoyed time in a beautiful environment. Some days were big. A nine hour push up Mt. Heyburn and a 12.5 hour day on Finger of Fate. Warbonnet Peak found the four of us in an alpine cirque all to ourselves with a sunset to beat all the evening after our summit. It certainly made our aching feet and hands a little more bearable (the whiskey helped, too).
All in all a fantastic "concession" to our earlier plans, with plenty more to do in the future.
For those unfamiliar, click the picture above to view the photo album. Enjoy!

I love summertime! (Pixie)

It's been yet another beautiful day. Unfortunately I had to work 9-5, and it really cut into my "outside" time. I had the best intentions to get out and at least go to the gym after work, but after busting my butt for the last 8 hours, I ended up just going straight home. I felt guilty.
And then...Lisa called! She wanted to go for a ride. My reaction was "Yeah!" I had 20 minutes to get ready and then I remembered that Lisa doesn't go for leisurely rides. We met behind OMSI and sprinted along the length of the Springwater trail. We were headed for the cemetery just on the west side of Tacoma. It's one of Lisa's favorite spots and my most dreaded. Hills upon hills upon hills, and when I think I've had enough and my stomach is telling me to stop or I'll vomit, there are more hills upon hills. Lisa cranks up them like it's no big thing, and I just want to die.
We came out the back side of the cemetery to Boones Ferry rd to connect with Terwilliger. More rolling hills, loooooooong rolling hills, but more tolerable than heading through the cemetery. To be honest, I was a little sad when I knew the hills were done and it was a breezy downhill coast to my house (though not sad enough to go back and do another lap...).

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

-Meg

A beautiful day for a ride (Pixie)

Springwater Trail to 205

Share your bike routes @ Bikely.com

With James roaming around Idaho with the boys my schedule has become wider than wide open. With the sun covered with clouds and a nice cool breeze, yesterday was the most fantastic day for a bike ride. It took most of the morning to decide where I was going to go, Portland is not full of car-less riding, but I eventually decided upon the tired ol' Springwater Trail. It's there, it's easy...It's also apparently full of dirty old PGE workers who couldn't resist hollering at a girl in spandex.
Aside from that the ride was amazing! The trail was full of wildflowers and I managed to spot a Blue Heron (or so I think) standing in Johnson Creek. I really wish I had brought my camera along, though it would have seriously impacted the workout.
Unfortunately, the 205 path access points from the Springwater Trail were all closed off, and I had no choice but to turn around and take the same trail home. It's never as fun as exploring.

2 hours and 25 miles later I made it back in time for a much needed nap.

Mt. Defiance 6.2.08 (Buck)

Mt. Defiance is a Columbia Gorge gem. Heralded as one of the most difficult hikes in the gorge it manages a significant elevation gain (4,935ft.) in 6 miles. The views of Mt. Hood from the top, and the panoramas of the gorge on the way down takes your mind off the burning glutes and aching joints.

Mt. Hood N. side hike 5.30.08 (Buck)

The north side of Mt. Hood has fast become one of my favorite places to visit. The approach is pleasant, the crowds low, and the landscape phenomenal. I'm interested in climbing the Cooper Spur route this season, that follows the left snow field on the northern flanks of the great mountain.
Donn and I went out to take a look and to get some training in for the alpine climbing season. The day couldn't have been better nor the views more captivating. I think I ended up with 50 some pictures of the same perspective. I will go back to this area again and again to hike, camp, ski and bask in the beauty that is in my back yard.

PCT 5.18.08 (Buck and Pixie)

What was intended to be an overnight training hike turned into a long day hike as snow on the trail turned us back. Meanwhile some wicked sexy posing and some rather difficult hiking ensued.

Smith Rock 5.1.08 (Buck and Pixie)

Meg bumped it up this trip with a mad leading frenzy. We experienced some chilly early season conditions, but that didn't stop her from crushing the routes!