Gaining Momentum

Not a lot of posts recently because I don't feel like I've been doing anything post worthy. I signed up again for the Waldo 100k trail race outside Oakridge, Or and have been steadily working my way back up to a respectful amount of fitness. I hoping to hit a peak weekly mileage of around 70mi in early June and then again in late July.

I've been sticking to the trails of Forest Park and the river gorges of the Columbia River Gorge. I've tried a few new trails like Herman Creek and Tanner Creek, but also stuck to regulars like Clackamas River trail, Gorge 400 trail and Wildwood.

As the snow level recedes, I hope to do some longer loops in the Gorge, like the Eagle-Tanner Loop, Herman-Nick Eaton Loopage, Nesmith Point and then eventually make my way up to Mt. Hood and MSH for some good mountain runs.

I'll also be spending some time in the Southern Oregon area so maybe I'll try the Rogue River Trail and Lithia trail system.

Here are some not so exciting pictures from my recent adventures.

Old Tanner Butte TH

Two waterfalls converging near behind Tanner Butte TH

 

The much less traveled Old Tanner Creek Trail to the Moffet Creek Tr. I covered maybe half a mile of this unmaintained trail before getting spooked that I'd get lost and turned around.

First Wilderness of the Year

Jumped up to Wauna Viewpoint on the way back since it was a clear day.

Little blurry, but here's Wauna Viewpoint from Eagle Creek. Third hump down of the left. I believe Wauna Point is the upper most Pinnacle. Still need to check that one out. Also checked out the Eagle Creek Overlook while I was down here. Nice little setup there.

Blurri iphone shot through its waterproof case. Waterfall on Herman Cr Tr. Not sure of its name

A flooded Cedar Swamp Camp in lightly snowing conditions.

Fuel order arrived!

Had a little fun editing this one. Although it still look blurry. Pup Creek Falls

Second wilderness of the season. Clackamas River Trail

I think this is called Hanging Rock...

Fearless Brewing Company in Estacada, OR. Always have to end with a beer.

Kerrie doing huffing it up the mountain during a little off trail exploration. And did I mention that we got engaged in January? Fun times to come.

Creating Singletrack. Mt Baker Backcountry

Tried a new form of outdoor adventure over the weekend. Andrew and I drove up to Bellingham, WA to meet our buddies for a little skiing weekend. After a few cold ones, I was persuaded into renting some AT gear and to follow them around in the Mt. Baker backcountry. But lets be honest, it didnt really take much convincing. I have always wanted to try backountry skiing, but never had the gear, knowledge, or personnel to give it ago. I was slightly nervous, but my friends were experienced and the reported conditions pretty safe.

Up, up, up to Herman Saddle

Langer 

Yours Truly

Again

Applying Skins

In the end, I had a blast. It's hard work, but very rewarding. It's beautiful country up there and I wish that I lived closer. In the end, we skinned around for 6 hours, put in 4 runs with maybe 4,000ft of vert. Give or take.

Andrew and Lange (the ringleader)

Joelman

The next day we were all cooked, but hit up the resort for almost another full day of skiing. Definitely built up some fitness, but my body is ready for a little break.

UNT

Bryan

(Not the best pictures, but still proof)

Mt. Herman (??)

Cornice Whacking = 50 Gnar Points 

Casa de Hart 

Kick ass retaining wall by Jordan Hart

Location of future epic pool parties

Ode to the Green Machine

For 11 years now, I have had the pleasure of knowing one fantastic individual. We’ve had many good times together, but have also seen our fair share of turmoil. Together we’ve been as far North as the North Cascades National Park, South down to the banks of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River, East as far as the Bitterroots and West to the shores of Olympic National Park. She’s taken me over steep, loose switchbacks on old logging roads deep in the Willamette National Forest, over countless snowy and icy passes in the Cascades (Santiam, Snoqualmie, Stevens, McKenzie, Hood, & N Cascades) across endless deserts of Central Oregon, around flooding backroads in the Coastal Mountains, on miles and miles of I-5 cruise control and around congested streets of the concrete jungle.

Ecola State Park. Mobile Basecamp

She’s been a trusted chauffeur for friends and family. A warm, dry sanctuary after many dark, wet and overdue adventures. A bed when I’m too tired to set up camp. A gateway to a world beyond familiar streets. An seemingly un-fatigable moving machine with endless space for gear and furniture.

Camping Trip. Cape Lookout State Park

I’ll never forget the first time that I laid eyes on her. Rounding the corner on Jesuit’s campus after finishing up hard test, an unfamiliar set of keys jangling in my pocket, a wonderfully maintained, used 95 Ford Explorer covered in streamers and pom-poms. It wasn’t my birthday. It wasn’t Christmas. It was a standard spring Wednesday afternoon, and my world was forever changed. I hope that I thanked my parents accordingly because my range of adventure activities was about to change substantially.

Stevens Pass 

Towards the end of my reign at her helm, she had many modifications made to extend her useful life: new set of all terrain wheels, a new transmission, fuel injector, fuel pump, new keys, windshield wipers and new brakes. The back right passenger door couldn’t open from the inside, both front window would routinely get stuck halfway down, large horizontal crack on the windshield resulting from a slip of the arm when trying to install new wipers and headlights which barely shown 40 feet.

Timeout Ranch. Rogue River

I’ll miss the Green Machine. Very few will ever measure up to its passion for the open road and paths less travelled. Some day its end shall come, I’m just happy that she’s moving on to a new captain. I’m sure my sister will treat it better than I did. It’s range has diminished, but it’s responsibility has doubled. Take care of her Green Machine. I’ll see you around the driveway!

UNT

Bryan

Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge

One of many close calls

Gales Creek Trail

Cape Lookout State park

Surveyors Ridge Trail