Enchanting Teneriffe Falls

Teneriffe Falls (Kamikaze Falls)

North Bend Area

It was an overcast rainy day in Tacoma, and I knew I had to get out. Although, cuddling up on the couch and having a Netflix marathon sounded relaxing. I try to never let weather get the best of me and my adventures. The rain never hurt anyone, but snow, that's another story for another time.  My hiking partner and I wanted a place that was beautiful, but wouldn't be to long. So, we decided on Teneriffe Falls in the North Bend area. When we first arrived we discussed summiting Teneriffe Mountain which would have only added a little over 2 miles to our trip.

The hike starts off very easy, because you are on an old logging road, it's nice and wide. Great for families and bigger groups alike.  As you get closer to the lower falls you will get to a serious of switchbacks that open you up to the views of North Bend. Although, it was cloudy it was still an enjoyable view. The trail to the lower falls is still maintained very well, but if you want to go up to the upper falls be prepared to work for it. Especially, when it's raining, it could be easy to lose your footing. You can't be afraid to get dirt under your nails. I've never been a huge waterfall fan, but these falls were pretty amazing, not sure why TLC sings about not chasing them.  When we got to the upper falls, the sky decided to open up and start pouring. The trail to Teneriffe summit would not have been easy in the pouring rain, this trail is not maintained and was already getting extremely muddy. I did watch a fellow hiker take a tumble on the way down. I will be returning to summit in the near future.

I did want to make a note to those "newbies" to hiking. It isn't a good idea to come unprepared, you never know when weather is going to change. Hiking in shorts and cotton on a day that could turn could be a very bad idea. No one wants to be the person who froze to death on a trail as easy as Teneriffe. Always be prepared with WATER, snacks, jackets, and a small emergency kit. I just use a small REI Flashpack for my day hikes, and trust me it has been there when I needed it. Mother Nature has no rules, and there has been plenty of times that I was thankful for my extra jacket and my water.  Another question that has been going through my mind is why do people hike in fashion boots? This cannot be comfortable.  Moral of the story, always be prepared.

Until the next adventure.

Road to Zion

Road to Zion:

Mount Zion Hike

March 8, 2015

Sunday done right, cheers to another summit. The snow covered Mount Townsend sits in the background.

This hike has been on my to-do list since January. I try to get to the Olympics at least once a week, and knew this hike was going to be worth it. It was one of the busier hikes that I have seen in the Olympics, but I know why. The hike is not to challenging and there are several different approaches to the summit.  My health was not the best when doing this hike, but I still make it to the true summit, but this was pretty lack luster. I did not bother to take any photos of the true summit, it is surrounded by trees with peak-a-boo views. If you continue down the trail-towards the Deadfall Trail, you can find a better lookout of Mount Townsend and other surrounding mountains. Apparently, there was once a Fire Lookout in this location. 

The hike is a pretty one, with lots of views through out the hike. Little viewpoints keep the hiker going and the hike is not to challenging. I believe it took us 4 hours round trip, because of our numerous stops to take in the scenery and our 30-40 minute break at the lookout. How can you not enjoy such beauty?

One of my partners in crime, Ana Bailey, at one of the various viewpoints on Mount Zion.

We have been spoiled this winter in Washington, with days that reach the mid-60s and barely any snow on the trails. Life has been good.  

Until the next adventure.

Enjoying a Rainier  after a wonderful hike.

Rattlesnake Ledge: Tourist Hike Day

Rattlesnake Ledge:

Tourist Hike Day

Welp, had to do the tourist hike on a warm Friday before work with a limited amount of time. It was a gorgeous and warm day. I arrived at the trailhead around 9am and there was already a ton of people there. You can tell this trail sees an abundance of people. The trail is pretty easy if you are in shape, I did hear some girls saying that they really struggled on the trail.  You could do this trail in tennis shoes on a nice day, and with the sun out---don't forget your sunscreen! I think this may be the most forgotten thing by most hikers in the early spring months.

The view from the ledge is pretty and enjoying a nice cold beer is always a good idea (if you are old enough of course).  As always, it never ceases to amazing me how careless people are on the top of overlooks--no really paying attention because they want to get their perfect yoga pose and "selfie" picture. People have died from falls from the ledge, so use caution.  I believe we got to the top in about 45 minutes, but hung out at the overlook for about 30 minutes to bask in the sun. By the time we headed down, the trail was starting to get a flood of people.

I would only go here during the week, I couldn't imagine the circus it turns into on the weekends.  It would not be my idea of a fun place to be.  But I would tell everyone they need to do this hike, kind of like a right of passage as a Washington hiker. It is  fun,and easy, so why not get out there and enjoy the view and burn some calories? 

Until the next adventure.

Illusive Marmot Pass

Marmot Pass, sign.

I have not written about Marmot Pass yet, perhaps out of shame. It is a hike I looked so forward to doing. I had heard the rumors of it being a beautiful place and holding breathtaking views at the pass. So, Sunday, March 1st was the day to hike Marmot Pass. Not much went my way, we got a late start and the trail was very icy. About a mile and a half away from the pass, the ice got worst and the sun was disappearing. With these conditions, we knew we had to turn around.

The hike was never too challenging, but I could see how it could be pretty challenging to others who don't go out as much as I do. It is a captivating forest with beauty all around. The sound of the river makes the hike even more peaceful. It was very enjoyable. 

I'm completely bummed I did not make it to the pass, but I know I will be back shortly. But this time, not only to conquer the pass, but go the extra few miles and conquer Buckhorn Mountain.

Until the next adventure.

Liz & Mailbox Peak

Mailbox Peak, For Liz.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Liz Daley and I were never close friends. Most of our interactions were telling jokes to one another at work and making plans to perhaps rock climb together one day. From the day I met Liz, I was in awe of her passion for life and her drive to follow her dreams. She was one of those people that you really wanted to be in the presence of. She always had her big smile on her face and her laugh was unforgettable.  Her confidence was something I wished I could have. I watched Liz's dreams come true via social media and was incredible proud that she was able to do everything that she ever wanted to do. But in September, my heart broke when I heard about her tragic death. Liz died in an avalanche doing what she loved. 

Here is the thing, Liz has never really left any of us, she was a powerhouse. Liz left a piece of herself with every single person she encountered.  Although, her journey on Earth has ended, she still impacts so many people. 

For so many years, I have wanted to get into climbing, but never thought I could do it.  I had enough of my excuses on why I could not do it, and decided I could. Liz has been a huge motivator for me. She was someone who never let anyone's opinion sway her or change how she felt about her dreams. At the end of the day, she believed in herself and that was good enough.  I decided January 1, 2015, that I needed to take control of my life and follow my dreams.  Every step of the way, I have found inspiration in who Liz was. Whenever I feel like giving up on myself or thinking that I may not be able to do it, I remember how strong of an individual she was. This drives me. 

Sure, my climbing resume is still in the process, and I do not have any grand accomplishments yet. But I know I can do it, and I hope that I can just be half the person she was. Every single day that I get to go out and live my adventure, I am grateful and positive for my experience. 

After reading about Mailbox Peak, I decided that I wanted to pay tribute to the incredible human being that Liz Daley was. It is only a small tribute to a larger than life person, but I felt that I owed this to her. For the inspiration that she continues to give me. It took the old trail up, because I knew that the challenge would make this moment even better. Now, a little piece of Liz can be seen at the top and I know a lot of people who have been impacted by her will appreciate it. 

My plan is to continue to climb, with Adams, St Helens, Shasta, and Rainier in my near future--it would not seem right not to dedicate my triumphs to Ms. Liz Daley.  You can bet that when I reach the top of Mount Rainier, I will be doing it with my "Live Like Liz" sticker on my helmet and I will think about how much she has taught me, even in death.

Liz, you were one of the raddest chicks I ever met. Thank you for teaching me that life truly is beautiful and that every moment should be savored with reverence. I'll see you on the other side, until the next great adventure.

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rkp7/the-live-like-liz-daley-fund?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_share_share&utm_campaign=dashboard_overview_T1&fb_action_ids=10101234690941510&fb_action_types=og.shares