Evolving Sweetie

Take a Hike - Big Creek & Otter Falls

Another Sunday spent out on the trails. Lovely day for a long walk and catch-up with my friend Ryan. Running rivers, babbling water crossings, cascading falls. Nothing like the sound of water to clear your soul of the miscellaneous clatter and jangling. 

10 miles makes for tired feet, but so worth the effort. The trail gently and steadily climbs to a bridge deck that overlooks Big Creek Falls. After lunching at the Falls, we made our way back and found the barely marked side trip to Otter Falls. After a relatively short trek up a soft forest hillside you are treated to Otter Falls majestic glide down a granite wall.

Absolutely beautiful!

 

POSTCARDS from Big Creek & Otter Falls

moss covered trees

eerie 

Jeannette @ first little fall - mile 3 (and 7)

Big Creek Falls 

top of Big Creek Falls

Ryan @ Big Creek Falls

Bye Big Creek

first glimpse of Otter Falls

Otter Falls

beautiful

dancing tree

old growth

sunlit forest

Taylor River running

Thanks Ryan for a great hike!

 

Big Creek & Otter Falls:

 Elevation Gain = 600 ft

Highest Point = 1750 ft

Miles = 10.00

 

Running 2011 hike tally:

Hikes = 4

Highest Elevation Gain = 2025 ft

Highest Point = 2500 ft

Miles = 26.35

 

Say Cheese

Our fearless leader Steve forwarded the group shot from Oyster Dome. Proof that I made it!

 

 

Take a Hike - Oyster Dome

Knocked another hike off today - Oyster Dome. In a bold move I added length and close to doubled the elevation gain. Did I make it to the look out and back safely - yes. Was it diffcult - heck yah! Plenty of areas on the hike up require multiple internal pep talks. Still dead last in the pack. Many times the question rolling through my mind was why are you doing this? You are sucking wind for hours. Taking many knocks to the ego as this is physically kicking your butt. Not to mention the abundant moments I'm exhausted or scared.

Then the views start coming. And there are plenty of sections that I'm strolling along a hill side of ferns, aware that all I'm completely in the moment. Nothing past or future can enter my soul. I'm present, mindful and at peace. So the hard climbs, the bruises (real and imagined) and the exhaustion are worth it.

Small victories were had today. I slipped and fell twice with just minor scraps, containing myself pretty well. And I've always been a little fearful of pushing myself when my breath and heart rate sky-rocket. But today for the first time in all the hikes I've ever done, my body actually adjusted and was stronger on the later, more challenging part. My heart rate didn't spike as high and my oxygen capability increased. I went a slow snail pace, but I felt adaptation and progress. Very exciting.

Bad news is that I need to return my boots (love REI that you can return items if they aren't working even after use). Blisters on both heels even with 3 applications of moleskin. Learned that duct tape works better. And I should try a silk liner sock.  Oh...for your fans of hiking poles out there, I learned that you should extend them 4-5" longer on the way down hill. It truly helped, I could have kissed our leader for that gem. Aside from the blisters, minor bruises and scrapes I'm feeling much better this evening than on the previous hikes this summer. Tired and sore...yes, but not depleted. And this one was the hardest to date. Whoo Hoo!

 

POSTCARDS from Oyster Dome, WA

First peek at the Sound

Views from 1st overlook

Oyster Beds

Yes, that first step is a doosie

These boots are made for walking back to the store

Happy deaf pup we met at the Summit

Summit views overlooking Puget Sound

He wasn't part of our party. Just liked the perspective.

My favorite shot of the day.

 P.S. If I'm forwarded the group shots, I'll add one to the mix.

 

Oyster Dome:

 Elevation Gain = 2025 ft

Highest Point = 2025 ft

Miles = 6.75

 

Running 2011 hike tally:

Hikes = 3

Highest Elevation Gain = 2025 ft

Highest Point = 2500 ft

Miles = 16.35

 

Take a Hike - Heather Lake

Best laid plans go astray. So far I've only managed to squeeze in one hike a month. July and Aug need a stepped up pace if I'm going to complete the required 6 hikes for BWT. 

My June hike was to Heather Lake near Mt Pilchuck. Beautiful hike. Pleased to report that yes, I was the slowest going up, but my pacing was in the middle of the pack for the beginning of the journey. Oh, I sucked serious wind up the hill. But I made it up and back safely. That's all that counts.

Really enjoyed hiking with this group. Our leader Heidi was fun and inspirational. She cheered me on sharing that when she started hiking she weighed about what I do now. "Hiking Heals" is her motto. Love it!!

The last 1/4 mile to the lake we encountered snow. While I did land in a snow drift at one point, it was a refreshing change of scenery and pace. 

Please to report the even though everything in my body hurt that night (including my hair!), my recovery time was drastically shorter than on the 1st hike. Except for the nasty blister on my right heel that sidelined me for the following week's hike. Remember Mole Skin is my new best friend. And two major thumbs up on the superfeet insoles I added on this hike. Believe this was the cause of reducing my recovery time by days.

 

POSTCARDS from Heather Lake, WA

   

 

 

 

Heather Lake:

Highest Elevation Gain = 1100 ft

Highest Point = 2500 ft

Miles = 4.6

 

Running 2011 hike tally:

Hikes = 2

Highest Elevation Gain = 1200 ft

Highest Point = 2500 ft

Miles = 9.6

 

Take a Hike - Little Si

A few weekends ago I went on my first hike with the Mountaineers to Little Si. An emotional roller-coaster of a day. Specialized in beating myself up over my weight and how much more difficult it made the hills. Hate feeling like I am letting other people down or impacting their enjoyment because I am slower paced. Really messed with my head this time.

In truth - I did make it up to the summit. And completed the hike without injury (unless you count the ego bruises). That's 1200+ feet of elevation gain and 5 miles thank you! And I was fine when the elevation gain was at a more gradual pace. Our hike leader had me lead a good portion on the way down. Going from last in the pack to first - YIKES! But most in the group agreed it was a good pace to decent. My real regret is that I let my brow beating cheat me out of more enjoyment of being outdoors and not pausing to taking a few pics along the way. There were some gorgeous flowers and a breath-taking view of the forest in the mist that I can't share with you now. 

Later in the summer I'd like to do this hike again to assess how far I've come. 

So the lessons learned from this outing:

• Enjoy the moment knowing you are doing your best. 
• Coming back safely is the goal.
• Take a few photos during the journey. 
• And know that with each step you're getting healthier and closer to having your outside match the your spirit inside. 

 

POSTCARDS from the summit of Little Si

 

 

 

Running 2011 hike tally:

Hikes = 1

Highest Elevation Gain = 1200 ft

Highest Point = 1576 ft

Miles = 5

 

 

Gearing Up for Hiking Season

After many years of wistfulness, I summoned up the courage to join "The Mountaineers". A PNW institution.  For those not from around these parts, it's an outdoor adventure club that sponsors activities such as hiking, climbing, sailing, scrambling, snow-shoeing to name a few and a bunch of social activities for its members. A great organization and plenty of opportunity to learn new sports and skills. 

Did I mention that they are right across the street from me? The funny thing is that they were head quartered right down the street from my apt in my "single" years. Figured it was kismet since the HQ is following me throughout the city.

Signed up for a course called "Basic Wilderness Travel" or BWT for the summer. My goal is to expand upon my hiking knowledge and have a steady commitment and group of people to get out into nature with. Watch out - I'm going to learn to wield a map and compass. Some first aid basics in the wild will be imparted. And a few other surprises along the way. Excited to learn, meet new people and get outside and explore! 

Part of the code of the Mountaineers is that everyone is equipped with The Ten Essentials. Always be prepared for changes in weather, injuries or the unexpected overnight stay due to unsafe traveling conditions. Carry what you will need to keep you safe enough to be able to walk out in the morning should the situation arise.

At this stage of my adventure, this means adding a lot more gear and obtaining a significantly larger pack. Thank god for Value Village to get some additional basic layering clothes. Belated thank you for all those gift certificates I've been squirreling away for a rainy day. They've turned into shoes, better exercise bras and a lovely assortment of wool socks. Exciting stuff I tell you.

There were two expensive items that I knew I'd really need going into the course. Hiking Boots - it was a sad discovery last year to find I outgrew them. Many miles were traveled on those boots and they fit like a glove - NO BLISTERS! Not looking forward to breaking in a new pair.  And while I was not a slouch in the carrying extra water and food department, the previously mentioned a new pack is a absolute necessity. REI to the rescue. Took some of the sting out of the new pack with my members sale coupon and last year's dividend. Yahoo!

Now I just have to acquire a motley assortment of waterproof matches, firestarter, first-aid kit, head-lamp, compass and a variety of maps. And locate where I placed Chuck's knife and my leatherman. 

Lookout trails, I'm coming to get you this season.

 

 

Hiking 09 - Return to Twin Falls, part 2

POSTCARDS from Twin Falls - June 09

Hiking 09 - Return to Twin Falls, part 1

This weekend Mike & I took the girls up to Twin Falls. It was misting most of the morning, but we were pretty covered under the tree line. Poor Mike ended up carrying one or both of the girls 3/4 of the way. We all had fun. 

Normally if I'm not sporting a hat hiking, I'm wearing bandana. Luckily I pack a few and both were purple so we didn't have any issues when Emmie asked to wear it. They look soooooo cute in the bandanas. The girls had energy left to run along the flats by the river to end the outing. Me - I hung back and shot photos.  

Today's post is the people pics. I'm working hard to take pictures with people in them. I concentrate so on the atmosphere that I forget the people involved. Tomorrow will be some scenic views.

POSTCARDS from Twin Falls - June 09

Mairead @ 1st rest stop

Emmie @ 1st rest stop

Aunt Nette & Mairead

I love it!

Mike & the girls. Don't they look so cute!

Being silly @ lower lookout.

Us at lower lookout - Emmie hiding.

Daddy's girl

Rivers edge

Em's feet

Emmie

This is my favorite shot - atmospherically

Running Mairead!

Running Girls

Aunt Jeannette, Can you pick me up?

Hiking 09 - Wallace Falls - part 3

Dance of the ferns. Love this time of hiking season as all the ferns are unfurling.

Hiking 09 - Wallace Falls - part 2

Last Sunday spent the morning hiking with my friend Micaela and her two kids. Lovely morning for a hike. Went to the lower falls lookout - an approx. 4 mile round trip. Great time was had by all. Promised Alex we would add a view point as he grew during the next 2 summers.

There is nothing like getting schooled by a 4.5 year old. He kicked our butts up the mountain. The kids did a great job. It was a blast. And they were out solid on the way home.

Lessons learned from this hike:

• My 12 year old hiking boots need to be retired. Feet have grown and I have lovely heel blisters this week. Ouch!
• There is nothing more relaxing to me than hearing running water. This trek it accompanied you most of the journey. 
• The beginning/end of the hike starts with a 1/4 mile walking under powerlines. Very creepy.
• Furry trees make me so happy. 
• Kids notice the smallest details. 
• Hire a 4.5 year old boy as a trainer. 
• Must hit the trails more often! 

POSTCARDS from Wallace Falls.

Start of trail

Wallace River

How we saw the kids most of the hike.

All of us at the lower lookout

Warning!

Katie

Micaela & Katie

Alex

Happy boy drawn to the river just like his dad.

Beautiful Day!