The Learning Curve

Backpacking, Hiking, and Mountaineering is a tough business when you are the new guy on the block. The learning curve is tough, and you tend to learn pretty quickly that your mistakes and amateur nature can kick you in the ass. I have learned quite a few lessons in my time spent in the mountains, and thought it may be helpful to some of you folks in the internet world to laugh or learn from my mistakes.

1. Platypus. You want one, no, I take it back you NEED one. You can by the off-brand models on Amazon, but in reality, that Platypus is going to be your best friend and worst enemy. It is going to be heavy, but do not be a girl. They say you should go through 3 liters on your way up to Camp Muir on Rainier, so spend the extra two dollars and buy the 3 liter. Make sure you clean it as soon as you are done using it (moisture equals mold). 

2. Crampons. I made the fatal mistake of never using or sizing my Crampons before Mount Adams. In a moment, where I found myself laying on a slope of ice and shaking from fear, I wished I would have had my Crampons fitted. Don't be me, be smarter than I was. Fit them, learn how to use them. Do not rely on someone else to take care of you.

3. Vanity Clothing/Items. Sure, all those girls look so cute and great on their Instagram feeds, but it is time to face the cold hard truth. You want to have your   pack as light as possible. I've decided and have had success with limiting my vanity items to a small Sea to Summit bag which includes: bio-degradable toilet paper, baby wipes (nothing beats a white trash shower), travel sized deodrant, toothbrush, eye drops, and yes, travel sized dry shampoo. Clothing, depends on the day and how much you "sweat." I usually bring a change of hiking pants/fresh undies and  lots of socks. I will wear the same shirt, long sleeve pullover, and tank the whole time. Still bring your rain jacket and warmer jacket in case the weather changes. The Patagonia Nano Puff rocks, because you can fold it into one of it's pockets so it doesn't take up too much space. DON'T FORGET A RUBBER BAND!

4. Know your gear. Do not buy brand new gear and expect how to learn how to work it when you get there. If you buy a stove, take it home and make sure you can use it before you head out.

5. Organize. After Adams, I decided I wanted to put everything together. Food would go in one ziplock, stove equipment in another, emergency gear in another, and so on. This makes packing much easier, you know what you are bringing and where it is at.  

6. Lay it out. Lay everything out before you go, make sure you have EVERYTHING you need and that you have a check list.

7. Food. Duh, we all know to bring food, but try to bring food that is easy to eat and pack. My favorites this far: boiled eggs (REI sales a pretty sweet 6 egg carrier), Cup-O-Noodles, Swedish Fish, and Oatmeal. I do not like the freeze dried food, and cannot justify spending the amount they want for those. Yes, I am cheap.

8. Boots. Thankfully, this is a lesson that I did not learn the hard way. If you have new boots, don't decide that you are going to climb Mailbox Peak the day you get them. For Mountaineering, don't decide that Mt. St. Helens will be the first trip on them. This could cost you a summit. Wear them on some easier hikes, BREAK THEM IN.  It may suck to be the only person on Little Si with Mountaineering Boots, but your future self will thank you.

9. Booze. Always bring Rainier, and you know those plastic empty soap bottles they sale at REI? They work as awesome flask for half the price of what they sell a hiking flask for.  You can also bring water flavors for mixed drinks:)

10. SUNSCREEN. Bring it, reapply, and don't ever think you don't need it. Cancer sucks, so protect yourself.

Until the next adventure.

What You Really Needed

Buckhorn Pass

What You Really Needed

It is weird to think, that often times we think we are losing the most important thing in our lives when we are really losing what we needed to become who we have always been?  I have loved someone with all my being, but I made the mistake, and did not love myself first. Having no idea who you are is a real deal breaker.

I never loved myself. Talking the time to love yourself and accept yourself is the best thing you can possibly do for you. Sure, it sounds like it would be common sense, but we live in a culture where we value ourselves on our appearance, the material items we own, and being "better" than the other person.  What kind of life is that? Why am I defined by my job, car, and where I live? This is not how I will choose to live my life.

My experience has made me, not money, not what I do for a living, not anything but the experience. I've spent to much of my life just existing, and not living. Sure I still struggle with what society wants me to be, but I am more happy now, than I have ever been.  Sure, I don't make that much money and I am single, but does that really mean I am alone? No, my life is more full than now, than it was a year ago.  Deciding to live and love myself is the best choice I have ever made. Defining myself to other people's standards is not how I live anymore.

Going to the bar on a Friday or Saturday just doesn't have the same appeal when I can truly live and go to the mountains. Nothing brings you back to reality and makes you realize how precious life is like a day spent in the mountains. It sets you free from when you start getting caught up in the little things of everyday life. Trust me, I still struggle and find myself letting other people's thoughts hurt. But I do know one day, I will be strong enough to ignore the toxic people.

With all this being said, what is the thing that you ever really need?

For me, the mountains, they always have a way of setting me straight and reminding me of what's important.


Until the next adventure.

The Journey to Happiness

The Journey to Happiness

4.26.15 Descending from Camp Muir on Mount Rainier. I was enamored by the beauty of this moment.

When I first started this blog, I was going through a really tough time in my life. I thought this blog was going to be an outlet to vent all of my emotional stress that was hard for me to verbalize. Little did I know, that this blog would evolve into my journey to becoming who I have always wanted to be. Deep down inside, who I have always been.

I remember when I fell in love with the idea of Mountaineering. It was shortly after I read "Into Thin Air," about the 1996 Everest Disaster. Not the book that many would credit to sparking their interest to climbing. For me, this exemplified everything that I wished I could have been. To love something so much you would be willing to give your life for it. The love of the mountains is so strong, that these people are willing to die for their passion.

In the beginning, I got my feet wet with a climb up to Mount Washington in New Hampshire. This was the first thing I had ever done for myself after spending a few years in an abusive relationship. My childhood and young adult life were spent thinking I was never good enough. This is a battle that I go through still to this day. Climbing Mount Washington was one of the best things I have ever done, I tattooed the coordinates of this location to always remind myself that I am good enough, and that no one can ever tell me I am not worth anything again.

Ira Spring Trail Creek Crossing, 4.12.15

Sadly, I did not allow myself to pursue this in the years that follow. With a series of failed relationships, being a full-time student, and working, I had not allowed myself to follow my heart's desires. In November, I was asked to step down from my position because "I wasn't the right fit." I still find this odd, since I turned around a failing division in the company. At the end of the day, it's the best thing that ever happened to me. The job was emotionally and physically exhausting, it is terrible working for people who only focus on the negative aspects of a person. Of course, I took it incredibly hard at first. 

I took a job as a server, working for a friend, to stay a float until I found the right fit.  This is perhaps, one of the best things I have ever done in my life. It helped me awaken my soul, to follow my desires and dreams. 2015, is my year, nothing can change my mind about that. I have taken at least one day a week to get outside and push myself. Taking in every moment that the mountains have to offer me. 

The descent of Mount Saint Helens with my ladies, Mount Hood in the background. 4.18.15

 Of course, Everest isn't climbed in a day. Training has been the true test of my mental and physical strength. I started off small, doing easy hikes, but now, I find myself pushing it to the limit every time I go out. A full loaded pack, standing so close to the edge of everything that makes me feel alive. There have been my failures since I started. A trip to Reflection Lake at Mount Rainier National Park ended because of down trees and a trip to Mount Townsend ended because of fear (just 500 feet short of the summit). With ever step I take I find myself getting stronger.

Summit of Mount Saint Helens, Rainier on Rainier 4.16.15

I thought therapy was going to really help me work on myself, and become a better me. How wrong I was, and I am not ashamed to say it. Nothing has made me feel more alive and more at peace than climbing. You become so appreciative of everything your body does for you. Trust me, it is pretty amazing how the little things in life seem to fade away when you are pushing yourself to the limit. You also learn how to embrace and truly live every moment. Mount Saint Helens and Camp Muir have really shown me that you have to push through, even when your mind is telling you can't do it anymore. A voice inside of me reminds me that I am alive, and most people do not get to experience these things. I have only one life to live, and I want to feel everything.

Sure, I find myself questioning my abilities here and there. There are still people who judge me, call me "Social Media" obsessed and will say nasty things about me. Do I care? No, because if your life is so pathetic you have to talk about me, go right ahead if it makes you feel better.  How can you judge someone you do not know me at all? People are weird.

Climbing and hiking for me isn't about being cool. It's about my journey, my happiness. Nothing makes me feel more alive and at peace with myself. No one can take it away from me. I share my thoughts, my pictures, and Instagram the crap out of my pictures to inspire others. If I can do it, anyone can do anything they put their mind to. Health issues have plagued my life since I was 19, but that can't stop me. This is the message that I want to send to people, you are really never too old to be who you have always wanted to be.

Yesterday, on Mount Rainier, I witnessed my first "Ice Fall," which at first appeared to be an avalanche. In that moment, I was not scared, more at peace, because I was doing what I loved. Life is pretty beautiful, and you have to embrace every moment of it. 

Getting caught up in the superficial will give you nothing. Trying so hard to be something society wants you to be will eat you alive and destroy you. Life is short, it could be over any moment. So why not live authentic?

Until the next adventure.

Enjoying the Sunset and Olympics after a weekend of climbing.

Olympics Sunday: Mount Rose

Mount Rose 

View from the Summit of Mount Rose

 After spending the Friday before this hike in the ER, I knew that this would be challenging hike. Mount Rose is one of the steepest hikes in the Olympic National Forest.  But I did not think too much of it after hiking Mailbox Peak recently.

Boy, was I wrong about how tough this hike really is. Sunday was a beautiful day, and we got to the trailhead early. The only people we ever saw on the hike were those we saw in the parking lot. The trail is a mixture of Mount Walker and Mount Ellinor. It is pretty steep, and when you think you are getting to the end point, you get to the "Summit Loop." My group decided to go to the left, and am happy we did.  This is the most challenging stretch of trail, but the peek-a-boo views make it enjoyable. You do have a little bit of a scramble, but it is nothing that the typical hiker can't handle.

Now, that I can look back on it. This hike really tested me, and was the reminder that I really love being outside and hiking. I have battled Endometriosis since I was 18. It may not sound much to someone, but I have spent much of my adult life in and out of the doctor's office trying to manage my pain. I found out on Friday, that yet again, I have another cyst on one of my ovaries. This brought me back to a place I don't want to think about. I have been doing everything right, eating healthy, staying active, and following my dreams. I decided that I couldn't fall into feeling sorry for myself, and I decided to go on the hike regardless.

You cannot let your mind get the best of you. Adventure starts at the end of our comfort zone.

Great conditioning hike for those looking to get a good workout and training.

Until the next adventure.

Mount Ellinor making her appearance.

Little Si

Litte Si Summit.

If you are short on time or trying to get back into shape for hiking season, look no further than Little Si.  I ended up having the night off of work and didn't have too much time to get out. My friend,  Jordan, recently returned from teaching in Korea and is ready to get back at it. So what was a better hike the Mount Si's little sister, Little Si?

We got to the trailhead about 2pm and the weather was holding out. The trail is pretty easy and is great for families, doggies, and beginners. Although, the trail can get a little confusing when you get close to the rock walls, but continue forward past the Doug Hansen Memorial bench. Don't worry, you are going the right way. There is only a slight elevation gain before the summit, it can get a little muddy if there has been recent rain.

I expected this trail to be much more busy for a Friday afternoon. We only saw a handful of people and had the summit to ourselves. The sun was fading fast, because rain clouds were rolling in. We got lucky, and took off. What we didn't know that this was the kick off to some actual snow hitting the Cascades after a very snow-free winter. I can't really complain because I have been hiking every week since New Years.

All and all, go to Little Si. If you are like me it's nice to just get out and not stay inside for too long. Especially, now that our days are getting longer. What's your excuse? You get off work at 5pm and you still have a good 3-4 hours of sunlight! Soak it all in, do everything you can. Life is too short, so live it.

Until the next adventure.

Mount Pilchuck

Mount Pilchuck is a Western Washington essential, it is a rite of passage for the numerous adventures off of Mountain Loop Highway in Mount Baker National Forest. It is what Mount Si is to North Bend. Taverns, grocery stores, and much more carries the name Pilchuck. What makes this old fire lookout so awesome? Well, it isn't just one thing that makes it what it is. Perhaps, the thing that makes it so popular, is the allure.

The allure got me. I found myself at the trailhead, more excited than I expected. Finally, the much talked about Mount Pilchuck was in my sights.  The weather called for rain, and as we continued up to the summit, there was a small hope that the clouds were clearing. 

Washington Trail Association rates this hike as intermediate, I found it pretty enjoyable. Keep in mind, I am frolicking through mountains two to three days a week, and stay pretty active at the gym, so this hike was pretty easy for me.  My group did make one stop about halfway up for a snack break on one of the numerous boulders that litter the trail. 

The scenery of this hike is breath-taking. The epic views of water and surrounding mountains give you the push to keep on going to the summit. There is also left over bolts and wires from a previous structure. Snow makes an appearance in the last half mile, this is when my heart began ache. The wind had picked up and the clouds began to sock us in. We paused before the last little scramble before the Lookout.

Listen, if you don't feel comfortable doing these things, you probably should not be on the mountain. A woman, probably about my age freaked out on the way down from the scramble. Yelling at my friend that she was just gonna have to wait. She was shaking and freaking out, the wind was howling and the snow and ice made it slick. Trust me, it is better to build up to these things, than put others at risk. You should probably wear the proper attire too, fashion boots and hoodies usually are not acceptable.

Clouds seeming to lift from the mountains in the distance on Mount Pilchuck.

Finally, after waiting for her to fumble and yell down, it was our turn to go up. The scramble is brief, the boulders are huge, so you just have to watch your step so you don't fall into an empty space, the snow and ice make you a little extra cautious.  After the scramble, you get to a little metal ladder to the lookout. IT WAS WINDY, and there was no view. There were about 10 other people in the lookout snapping photos and braving the wind out of the deck.

Although, we could not see the glorious view, it was still a pretty amazing hike. 5,327ft up, and I had a huge smile on my face. There was the history of the Lookout inside and random scribblings from fellow hikers. I felt it weird that some local stoners had gone through and scribbled "4/20" and other weed references around the lookout. But I did make mine, yet another tribute to Liz Daley, lost in an avalanche in September. 

#LiveLikeLiz Everyday

 My group was lucky, at no point was the lookout crowded and we were able to hang out for about 45 minutes. Enjoying our snacks and of course my celebratory Rainier. Everyone was very friendly, and happy to get out of the wind. I couldn't believe how windy it was, and again was reminded that Mother Nature is never to be messed with.

As we headed down, tons more people were headed up. The way down was easy and not too bad on the knees. The weather changes fast in the Mount Baker area, so please do not come unprepared, especially if you are with young children. I can't wait to return to Pilchuck in the late Spring when I can enjoy the view and maybe even stay up in the lookout.

Get out there. Stay wild.

Until the next adventure.

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.