Fifteen Mile CG

Camp

Don't tell anyone, but Fifteen Mile CG is awesome. First off, its free! Secondly, its remote! Thirdly, 2 excellent camp sites!

Kerrie and I headed out to the East side of Mt Hood this past weekend to get a little R&R. Getting settled in my new job has been challenging and decent weather pushed us towards the mountains.

We got into 15Mile CG around 8pm Friday evening and had camp pretty much set before dark. We cooked a wonderful dinner of brats, boiled potatoes and salad, sipped or guzzled Mac's Full Bloom Lager, one of the best lagers Ive had in a while. We ended the night around the campfire, then passed out to the trickle of Fifteen Mile Creek.

Fifteen Mile Creek

Super Sweet Hammock Setup

The next day, I went for a trail run into the Badger Creek Wilderness Area up Fret Creek past Oval Lake to Palisade Point and onto Flag Point Fire Lookout. All in all, this was a great run. I'd say Palisade Point was more of a highlight than the lookout as I got to scramble around on some mini rock outcroppings.

Oval Lake

Palisade Point

Looking back towards the fire lookout

Okay another self portrait, this time with a view

Flag Point Fire Lookout, which was occupied, but the guy staying their for the month, let another couple and I up to take in the view.

Glorious Outhouse Shot

Montrail Bajadas with Drymax Sock. Plug for my unofficial sponsors

Hood from Flag

Yet another

My favorite kind of signs

That evening, Kerrie and I took the Green Machine 4x4ing up to High Prairie then hiked up to Lookout Mountain. I was slightly disappointed as it was really hazy and the sun was just about to set behind Mt. Hood so the views werent the best, but definitely worth the hike. I'm sure Ill be up there again.

Fields of Aster and Violets

More food and beer that evening, followed by a big thunder and lightning show in the middle of the night. Fun and slightly scary.

The next day we took time leisurely cleaning camp. Then proceeded down HWY 35 to hike into Tamanawas Falls. I'd made in halfway in once before before turning around. This time we made it, but it was hot. The mist coming off the falls felt really good.

Tamanawas Falls and random kid

We ended the day with stops at two new breweries, Solera in Parkdale and Pfriem in Hood River. I also took a wonderful dip in the Columbia to cool off.

Victory Beers

All in all it was a fantastic weekend.

UNT

Bryan

Paradise Loop, Mt. Hood

Finally got up into the high country this weekend. I wanted to do the Paradise Loop for a few years now, but never made it up there. Last year I got packed and ready to go, but at the last minute decided to check the timberline webcam. Snow! It was late september I believe. Bad luck.

This year Kerrie decided to tag along and relax in the Lodge while I ran around outside. In the end, this was easily one of the most enjoyable runs that I have done. Couldn't wipe the smile off my face! Trail was either perfect or a little too sandy, but definitely manageable. The wildflowers were out in full force. Blue sky. Mid to low 80s. Mildy crowed. Body was pain free. I really enjoyed the run because it was a change of terrain compared to the deciduous rainforest that I spend most of the time in. Alpine terrain. Big canyons. Views! Meadows. Awesomeness!

Here are some photos. 12.2mi 2,300ft EG 2:19

Wildflowers!

Kerrie and I stopped at Trillium Lake for a dip afterwards.

Pulling the Plug

Mountain Biking Mt Hood. Still Creek Road/Pioneer Bridle Trail

Made a tough decision about three weeks ago, and I'm finally getting around to writing about it. Decided to pull the plug on running Waldo 100k this year and make a substantial donation to the Willamette Pass Ski Patrol. My body just hasnt been holding up since Sun Mountain and even before that. in the end, I concluded that rather than pushing through injuries and running the risk of hurting myself more seriously and ruin the remainder of the summer, I'd call it quits now, regroup and come back stronger in a few months.

Injury list so far this year:

1. Strained left hamstring
2. Posterior Tibial Inflammation/Strain right foot/ankle
3. Peroneal Tendon Strain left foot (Originally diagnosed as a potential stress fracture)
4. Some sort of tendon inflammation, inside/center right knee

This is all since about March 1st.

I've wanted to run Waldo since I began running ultras almost 2 years ago. Its a great event and an Oregon classic. AND this year the Western States Winner, Timothy Olson and the Hardrock winner, Hal Koerner, are running the race!! The best of the best will be there. Both Ashland boys. Both in top form. Both familiar with the course and both aiming to bring down the CR.

But alas, this is not the year for me. Slight set back, but the race isnt going anywhere. Just got to stay on top of the registration next year.

The future....

Thinking about running Mt. Spokane 50k, Orcas Island 50k, and other exciting adventures like circumnavigating Mt. St. Helens, bikepacking trip either the Deschutes River Trail or Klickitat River Trail or North Umpqua River Trail or Barlow Rd (Mt. Hood), kayak camping, fly fishing, whitewater kayaking, backpacking trip. ride my road bike to the beach, Crown-Zellerbach trail, climb a down, snowshoe, ski more, winter camping, brewing tasty beer. Lots of options. Lots of time.

So in the mean time, Ive done some of these things...

Kerrie tearing down Leif Erikson Dr!

Kerrie's first time fishing and she got the hang of it pretty quick, minus losing two lures...

Trying a little fly fishing. It was probably like 85 degree. Didnt need waders, but wanted to try them out. Lifejacket so I didnt get swamped and float away. Cousin's setup. Need my own!

Rogue River. Timeout Ranch

Lovers