Winter is fast approaching. . .

These pictures are from last Sunday (Jewel Basin hike) and Monday (21 mile trail run with special guest dog Zella) but yesterday I took the day off to hike with my folks who are visiting from KC.  We were snowed on and it got pretty cold.  I tried to pretend to be cheerful but I got pretty wet and miserable.  Thankfully we were able to quickly find coffee/hot chocolate and soon thereafter found beer.   

Can you see my friend Zella in this picture?

Here is a video Dave made of our hike last Saturday.  I forgot to mention in my previous entry the cool music that accompanied our hiking and blared from the sky.  I think Brad arranged that part for us now that he only listens to dance music.  I'm glad Dave didn't include the full 20 seconds of me at the end *not* making progress up the rock chimney.   


Forever Lost from Dave Chenault on Vimeo.

A walk in the Park

When it comes to heights and exposure, I range from extremely cautious to hysterical. For this reason, I was very proud of myself for surviving and even enjoying (a lot) the “hike” we did on Saturday. My friend Brad, who does not seem so troubled by heights, exposure or seemingly dangerous situations in general, took me, Jill and Dave on an epic ridge walk from Two Medicine to near Marias Pass on the east side of Glacier National Park. The hike began on a trail, which was on its own beautiful and featured breathtaking views of the mountains to one side and prairie to the other. We snapped a lot of pictures not realizing that this part of the day would pale in comparison to the rest. The wind was strong but the temperature was nearly perfect.

We came to the spot where we left the trail and headed towards a knobby peak that we were to climb. The ground was a little unstable feeling and rocky, but slowly and steadily we climbed to the top of this knob. I thought to myself: “I hope this is the scariest part of the day.” In hindsight, this was nothing.

At the top we were treated to incredible views and gale force winds. We sat, snacked and prepared for the remaining “walk” (as Brad likes to call it). Before we set out, Jill asked whether we would be climbing on top of a jagged impossible looking peak. “No way” I said, sure such a thing was impossible and that even if it were, I could not possibly do it. We started heading towards the impossible looking knife edge, and then Brad pre-viewed that our stroll would mostly be mellow walking but that there was “one kind of steep part.”

the foreboding ridge is the one to the right

snack time!  it's the best time. . .

It became quickly apparent that the plan did involve getting on top of the ridiculously impossible looking knife-edged-crumbly-rock peak. And sure enough we came to the “steep” part, which was not so much steep but vertical. It wasn’t super tall but a chimney of rock stood between us and the tippy top of the ridge. I checked to see if I might be able to go around, but circumnavigating the peak wasn’t much more palatable as the terrain dropped off on both sides. Jill and I were both apprehensive, since neither of us are the most intrepid of mountaineers, but we gave it the old college try. Brad took each of us up one-by-one guiding our hands and feet and reassuringly coaxing us up the rock. I shakingly made it up though I had to recompose myself near the top. I believe it was at that point that I kicked a large rock down towards Jill’s head. Brad diverted it with his hand, which resulted in a bloody mess. Although he had blood all over him, he shrugged it off – I was somewhat reminded of the Black Knight in the Monty Python Holy Grail movie. Jill made it up quickly and seemed to have no trouble with the climb.

picture courtesy of Jill Homer

I think Jill and I both strengthened our nerves and skills on this walk in the park. Dave and Brad are both experienced climbers and adventurers. I was really glad to have Jill there, since knowing we were both pushing the limits of our comfort zone made me feel braver. I think I would have just felt like a wuss alone in the company of Brad and Dave, mountaineers extraordinaire. I consider Jill to be pretty badass so knowing we were both apprehensive made it feel more like an adventure and a challenge than a mere opportunity to embarrass myself.

The views were consistently breathtaking. As was the wind. Gusts nearly knocked me over. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced wind like that. It definitely added to the epic nature of this stroll.

Eventually we came to my next challenge, which was a tall (to me) mountain of scree that we were to climb. I’d basically never experienced scree, since I normally confine my adventures to those wacky “trail” things, so the sensation of sliding two steps back for every step forward was unnerving. I wasn’t going to go anywhere if I fell, but the sensation of climbing high on a mountain of slidey shale-like scree was disconcerting. At one point Jill was close by and I informed her that I thought I might throw up. Jill was totally fine. She kindly got ahead and led me to the top. We made it and I again felt elated and victorious. And, by the time I made it to the top, I realized that despite the sliding I wasn’t going to slide all the way to the bottom. In hindsight it was no big deal, though on the way up I was a little nervous.

we really did climb this thing

The rest of the walk was a mix of easy walking on beautifully desolate moonscape and slightly unnerving scree. We walked some cliff bands that rattled Jill a little, since her fears seem to be based more on real danger than perceived danger (my instincts are probably sort of bad from lack of experience), and enjoyed some fun trips down mountainsides of scree. We found a great goat trail that offered an easy traverse on one slope. Those goats make good trails, though Jill keenly noted that goats don’t tend to get vertigo so their trails aren’t always in the most comfortable spots. The scree became fun. Who knew that the deepest and loosest scree was the funnest to walk (or run) down? It was fun seeing Dave’s entire face light up as he ran fast down the scree. I cautiously kicked in my heels to make sure I never lost control, but appreciated the potential for fun.

Dave making a movie of screaming down the scree

Eventually we met up with a trail that would take us back to the car. We had climbed roughly 11,000 feet over the course of 23-25 miles (my Garmin battery was dead and for some reason none of us with our techie gadgetry knew for sure how far we had travelled). I was elated to have enjoyed myself and survived the day. Again I was reminded of how worthwhile it can be to push the boundaries of my comfort zone. My comfort zone is now somewhat expanded. Yay me. I enjoyed my earned and well-deserved beer.

Jill and Dave enjoy their well-earned respective treats

Sunday and Monday were super awesome as well, but I will save my pictures and report for later.

Random Thoughts

This was a mostly lazy weekend spent enjoying beer (there was a Beer Festival in Whitefish Saturday which was great fun), friends and lazing about.  Today was downright dreary, and my original plan to go hiking was quickly tossed aside in favor of lounging on the couch drinking coffee and reading.  I finally read Jill's book, "Ghost Trails," and enjoyed it tremendously.  It's a little strange reading a book written by someone you know, but also very cool.  It's nice to get a better peek into a friend's psyche.  Jill is such a great writer -- sort of the opposite of me.  I am a good technical writer, but struggle to express myself in a way that conveys my deep down feelings and thoughts.  This is just as well because I don't really want to share my deep down feelings and thoughts and you probably don't want to know them :p  Back to Jill's book. . . and this isn't a full on review by the way, I might try to write one at some point. . . she alternates chapters talking about the Iditerod bike race and memories of horrible outside adventures, often involving her now ex-boyfriend Geoff.  It all made me laugh because I can relate so well.

I finally decided to get off my lazy butt and take Sonja for a little trail run or hike.  I had no plan, just to at least spend 30 minutes outside off the couch.  We headed to Herron Park, an ol' standby, and ended up running for 3 incredibly relaxing and effortless hours.  Our pace was pretty good too if I may say so myself (though I'm not going to share my idea of good).  I sometimes forget how much I need to spend some time alone (or with my dog) to chill out, listen to music (or not) and think.

I spent some time thinking about Jill's book, and couldn't help but feel a little pissed off that Geoff broke up with her.  While I generally understand that life is too short to be with someone you don't want to be with, and generally recognize the fact that not everyone, great as they are, is the ideal mate for any particular person, it really sort of makes me mad and sad when my friends aren't appreciated as fully as they deserve to be.  You never want people you care about to experience the pain of rejection, though it's inevitable for most people at some point in life, and you always think your peeps are the coolest most awesome peeps there are.  So why doesn't everyone?  I started thinking about the sort of mafia-like approach I take (in my head) to my friends.  I just can't help it.

Finally, though it might be viewed as reckless, I enjoyed listening to my iPod loudly the whole time I ran.  I figured I wouldn't hear a mountain lion anyhow if there were one, and there are very few bears over in Herron Park.  I listened to Interpol and Julian Plenti over and over and over.  I get obsessed with particlar songs and listen to them until I just can't listen to them anymore.  I'm not sure this is normal -- Ted never does this.

All in all a great day.  I'm looking forward to reading Melissa Joulwan's book about roller derby next.  I have never met her but I read her blog (she's a devoted Crossfit chica) and think she's awesome.  I'm embarassed I haven't read it yet.  (And am equally embarassed that I only now read Jill's book).

Conquerors of the Useless

Last night friends and I saw the movie 180 Degrees South, which documents the adventure of this guy Jeff as he tries to recreate an epic climbing trip done in the late 1960s by Yvon, the founder of Patagonia and his lifetime buddy Doug.  Yvon and Doug loaded their climbing gear and surfboards in a van and went to Patagonia -- they recorded portions of their trip and Jeff later found the footage and became obsessed with this trip.  The film ultimately becomes focused on the theme of environmental degradation and how if you love a place you need to protect it.  I couldn't help but feel guilty since I am definitely a consumer.  I recycle and try to walk to work but readily buy gear I could probably live without.  Of course, I'm helping keep Yvon rich, right?  That way he can save Patagonia???  Ha ha.  The film also made me feel super lame as I am neither a surfer nor a climber and these people just seem soooooo cool. 

What I really took from the movie, other than a guilty conscience and a sense of uncoolness, is the reminder that life is about today and living each day for the moment.  Yvon, around age 70, remarks a couple of times that he's where he wants to be -- in the now -- not in the past or future.  He reflects that he has lived a great life and wouldn't change a thing.  Of course not -- he has lived his life like a California surfer and also started one of the coolest retail companies in the world and is probably super rich.  Remarkable people often seem to achieve remarkable things and I think that's awesome.  I really admire Yvon's attitude and want to strive to be more that way.  I enjoy most of the moments I'm in but have always been someone looking towards the future.  Whether it be planning a vacation or thinking about the next 5 years -- it's hard I think to really stay in the present.  Part of why I love being outside is that blissed out feeling of place and belonging to the world -- it's an easy time to soak in the moment.  But I want to feel this way more during the mundane moments at the office or vacuuming.  OK I might be reaching...

Another line from the movie that I loved and think applies to damn near everything is (roughly):   You're walking forward and come to a cliff.  You have two choices -- you can take another step forward or turn 180 degrees and take one step forward.  Which is forward progress?  This was stated in the context of our path to environmental destruction, a topic I find really overwhelming, but I think I'll keep this idea in my pocket since I am often the one who would step off the cliff just because that's the direction I think I'm supposed to be going.  

Finally, I felt validated by the idea that these epic adventures and useless physical endeavors do have value and worth since the process, which is what matters, make us better people.  Yvon thinks so -- so there. 

Girls Weekend

This weekend seven of us spent the weekend hiking in Glacier National Park.  We car camped near St. Mary and hiked to Canada on Saturday (Two Medicine to Ptarmigan Tunnel to Belly River to Chief Mountain border crossing).  Sunday we hiked to Iceberg Lake, which was gorgeous though rainy.  It was a fantastic weekend and so fun-filled I still have a mountain hangover.

It's definitely turning to fall here.  As I type, my fingers are a little numb from my morning run.  Gloves would have been good.  I'm excited for the snow to fly so I can get to work building my Susitna sled and return to the work of learning to ski.  Before then, however, I am going to eek out every bit of hiking/trail running I can.  I'm finally back in the spirit of things -- just as our very short summer is threatening to end.  Lots of good stuff on tap though.

Fair Time and Goals

Yesterday I went to the Western Montana Fair in Missoula with my friend Angie.  I forgot to bring my camera and only took this picture with my cell phone.  We spent the day watching horse racing, drinking beer and eating fair food.  This is not a blog post about "how to eat healthfully at the fair."  There were some mean nachos and fried cheese curds involved.  It was an absolute blast and today, though I had originally thought about doing a hike in Glacier, is a relaxing lazy day.  Sometimes it's nice to just sit around and digest the fair food.

In other "news" (ha ha ha) below is me modeling my new socks.  I love these socks.  Coach Buf took the picture at Crossfit.  Try not to be blinded by my legs.

OK so finally, I need some race goals.  I have enjoyed a hiatus from mega-goal setting but am hungry to return.  I signed up for a 50 miler in October (Firetrails in the bay area in California) and am seriously thinking about the Susitna 100, which is in Alaska in February.  It's on snowmobile trail and I'd have to pull a sled with at least 15 pounds of gear.  My friend Jill would be a good resource since she's done all manner of winter bike racing, and my friend Andrew used to have the foot course record so probably knows a lot about it.  I'm excited thinking about. . . and that's what I need, something that gets me excited when I think about it.  It seems a little insane but that's part of the fun, right?

Untold Dangers in Glacier National Park

Today Ted and I hiked to Triple Divide Pass on the east side of Glacier National Park.  It was a slightly gloomy cool day, but this 14 mile round-trip hike is very pleasant and offers some nice views. 

What we didn't anticipate, though Jill and I recently brushed with this situation a couple weeks ago, was the very aggressive marmots.  Yes, they look like muppets and are the size of a cat, but those little muppet eyes hypnotically say "I want your snacks."  We were sitting on the pass enjoying some cheese and trail mix when suddenly we were surrounded by these dangerous creatures.

We narrowly escaped with our lives.  People get so worked up about grizzly bears and mountain lions, but these guys. . . almost as dangerous as the "agressive white tail deer" that a woman had to shoot at the day it became legal to be armed in the Park.  You never know what sort of dangers you will encounter here in the northern Rockies.

Crosstraining

A month or so ago I hesitantly decided to try roller derby.  I had been casually chatting with my friend Erich about how bad-ass I thought roller derby was when he informed me that there's a league in the Flathead and that his wife was actually a roller derby girl.  Turns out his wife is awesome both generally and at derby.  Roller derby, which is a contact sport, is so not "me" in many ways and is completely outside my comfort zone.  But I'm really digging it.  It's fun on its own merits and I'm getting more comfortable with hitting other girls and being on skates. 

that's me on the right with the red helmet

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that's me with the red helmet and striped socks

I think that branching out and trying new things, especially things that are sort of uncomfortable to me, has been a great experience.  Skiing is a sport that scared me before but I'm more comfortable on skis and love it.  I highly recommend pushing outside that comfort zone -- and roller derby.  Here are the rules if you're at all interested.  Basically you skate in a pack and there's a "jammer" for each team who tries to get through the pack and scores points that way.  You block the other team's jammer and try to help your own.  It's fun.  Great workout and a good compliment to my running -- so long as I don't break bones, right?