tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38036808300918097122024-03-12T20:13:20.378-07:00In the Shadow of the MountainKPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-18055861929251307172015-09-25T04:28:00.001-07:002015-09-25T04:28:25.632-07:00Developing a good stride and Managing Failure... whatever the distance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRgXFNUQ9L1hZ4UT6t3R6fddoZLDpCZCSOPg8xpIV_n4JU9ZA4GVRRRkQl4-luzlp2hGTVLJQm1qPEqfO2WPwiX2AZLysAioM7WoKcUXFnUo-RtAOShmjE7FT-YugbILx9kx8Mc44k1w/s1600/IMG_9239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRgXFNUQ9L1hZ4UT6t3R6fddoZLDpCZCSOPg8xpIV_n4JU9ZA4GVRRRkQl4-luzlp2hGTVLJQm1qPEqfO2WPwiX2AZLysAioM7WoKcUXFnUo-RtAOShmjE7FT-YugbILx9kx8Mc44k1w/s640/IMG_9239.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
This season has been a running year, or well kind of a running year. With a new born, lots of work, a major live in remodel (done mostly by myself), the training isn't great. Thanks to a good friend with a goal to do a 50 miler however, he was able to break me free from the chain and crank.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgray6AJKZCbC8e0ib-P6_HcIlp4vVLNRQwiMdTLfZkAqRM71q5PgfgLdrhroh2dW1lE1yjrpd50sBi7KkMiXhD7AKoNqf3H_ndgQwM2EmbgXKGbIbR0gyOuWwsQievfC3ZoNdERs4aNQI/s1600/IMG_9196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgray6AJKZCbC8e0ib-P6_HcIlp4vVLNRQwiMdTLfZkAqRM71q5PgfgLdrhroh2dW1lE1yjrpd50sBi7KkMiXhD7AKoNqf3H_ndgQwM2EmbgXKGbIbR0gyOuWwsQievfC3ZoNdERs4aNQI/s320/IMG_9196.jpg" width="320" /></a>For a mountain person such as myself the midwest is a bit mysterious in its trees, lakes, swaps, dragon bugs, humidity, and general flatness. Uncognitively (I"m not sure thats a real word) I've been traveling back to the Midwest ever couple of years and doing some type of run. 50k on the North Shore of Lake Superior, A run in the poison Ivy infested Red River Gorge, and finally the pictured rocks 50 miler in the UP (upper peninsula for those of us from the mountains).<br />
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I often go into these runs with attitude of "I'm from the mountains, this will be super easy." I mean, I've ran things like the little big horn 50 and the Speed Goat 50k, how hard could a flat, low altitude run be? Like with every run, the experience is never what you expect.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX5BlqUvtk9WYTB3tlr6LNPssalRya0gx7W3I2eopYxF-bnKFURr-Vk0z4wXRcTQ9xj4P_GCA13zhHZi5Cg5O2rBCYv-VC5tsCMZhrIavURxIl-XtrFZOrD4eAUJw8fWq8LgyRE7OcjI/s1600/IMG_9206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvX5BlqUvtk9WYTB3tlr6LNPssalRya0gx7W3I2eopYxF-bnKFURr-Vk0z4wXRcTQ9xj4P_GCA13zhHZi5Cg5O2rBCYv-VC5tsCMZhrIavURxIl-XtrFZOrD4eAUJw8fWq8LgyRE7OcjI/s320/IMG_9206.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
In the world of mountain running we tend to have two speed groups, the up and the down.<br />
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Up in my case has two basic strides, the run and the walk. The run is a small, quick stride that helps maintain a good cadence, yet manages the heart rate on most moderate climbs. I often hear people use tips like: 'swing those arms a lot', 'run on your toes', 'keep your feet under you.' My personal balanced cadence is somewhere around the 70 spm. As the grade increases the stride length decreases. Imagine your wearing a backpack with a rope connected to a tractor tire your dragging along behind you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6St8JbuNOIVVoWdqaIfSTgbBEIZJ6QYInF8pAgdUVlIWqouMZN6sKm58EZrKyQ3uopxUmSpb7GLOgO8CxQF78THTMYnOyPMYfhpYdCxOz6U37pxlA3u6QbnRT9fTViOVEv_STikmxxeo/s1600/IMG_9220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6St8JbuNOIVVoWdqaIfSTgbBEIZJ6QYInF8pAgdUVlIWqouMZN6sKm58EZrKyQ3uopxUmSpb7GLOgO8CxQF78THTMYnOyPMYfhpYdCxOz6U37pxlA3u6QbnRT9fTViOVEv_STikmxxeo/s320/IMG_9220.jpg" width="320" /></a>When things get really steep I transition to a sort of power walk. Often times this can be faster than the above short fast running side, and possibly more important it uses a different muscle group. The gluts, ham sting and the top of the quad (think groin to femoral apex) tend to take the brunt of this stride and the core relaxes a bit. In this stride you step forward with a big step forward. Often times you will see people with a hand on each leg pushing down to assist in the stepping.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KJopP6JUKC3pEBfdr5qkqmgwS3IRUtcbSxpPo_DlK3S3aXx2TViulHML5MmCOKdT_jL5MQLGEdLznrc7J_nRcHPP1oYefvJuiENIMlioBofbEtWB8IB8afPlrFnk6RpLDTVLteAlf9s/s1600/IMG_9227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3KJopP6JUKC3pEBfdr5qkqmgwS3IRUtcbSxpPo_DlK3S3aXx2TViulHML5MmCOKdT_jL5MQLGEdLznrc7J_nRcHPP1oYefvJuiENIMlioBofbEtWB8IB8afPlrFnk6RpLDTVLteAlf9s/s320/IMG_9227.jpg" width="320" /></a>If your a cyclist, think climbing in a small gear with a high cadence is the same as the former method and the ladder is like standing up in the big ring and powering though a climb.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaTWDYx6GShBWsTrJSRitCZ8tkFDv12uEkf8sAZRivVaccOaJTRde1IJKHMSvfjLiamGREk4vPxCBFkHoXtgqd-9GQm2vT6A8bXc1AE2ZTuijOHq-YiL3_Bnqbmg2oIdLDlNiUsKhzzA/s1600/IMG_9236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSaTWDYx6GShBWsTrJSRitCZ8tkFDv12uEkf8sAZRivVaccOaJTRde1IJKHMSvfjLiamGREk4vPxCBFkHoXtgqd-9GQm2vT6A8bXc1AE2ZTuijOHq-YiL3_Bnqbmg2oIdLDlNiUsKhzzA/s320/IMG_9236.jpg" width="320" /></a>On the down, the Ultra runner often uses gravity vs. using work. So think big slow, strides. Almost like falling down hill. Your probably thinking that doesn't sound good for the knees, ankles, and hips. Well your right, its not. Some thing that helps reduce the suffering is by having a good forward stride. This means intentionally leaning forward where the ball of the foot strikes first, and the foot plants below the knee, not in front of the knee. This lets you use the calf muscle properly as the initial shock as apposed to a heal strike which directly transmits everything to the knee and the hip.<br />
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The final zone is the flats. For the record, I'm spend little to no time developing this one. But basically its a combination of the up and the down. A longer stride, with a quick cadence (again about 70 spm for me) where you are running forward on the toes, planting the foot under the knee and the torso, not in front. Most people have a well developed stride in this zone regardless of if its correct or not.<br />
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This season I attempted to develop my flat stride with a number of fun runs, but I have an inherent problem of always looking up towards the mountains. I think this was a problem for me not in the lack of stride, but more importantly in the little muscles in the core that come along with it. <br />
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At about mile 33 of 50 on my flat run I started to have the desire to Urinate every time I took a shot of water. The kind where you start looking for a gas station or abandon lot if your driving. For more on what really was happening, see my previous post http://kprts.blogspot.com . After a good long slow pace zone while downing 140 oz of water, I started to feel a bit better. With 7 miles to the finish I figured I was good to go and my partner put down a semi-aerobic pace for a quick finish. I was a bit nervous about hitting it so hard, but went ahead and tried for it. about 4 miles in however, the problem returned, and now with pain. Disheartened I slowed to a walk again and returned to the water. This time it did not go away. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38qRPik7ZuhKKI7g6ByV5h0X5j6LHq262gjCsUROh6hOqRmeT5TvuJ0GN2Rh98qCnMrwZfd9hN5xQIzV__Fet1ItOBvK3TqGNLAXKumPP6O5SEmeOopQYa1d6ds39ycTVv7mpbN1KvkA/s1600/IMG_9233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38qRPik7ZuhKKI7g6ByV5h0X5j6LHq262gjCsUROh6hOqRmeT5TvuJ0GN2Rh98qCnMrwZfd9hN5xQIzV__Fet1ItOBvK3TqGNLAXKumPP6O5SEmeOopQYa1d6ds39ycTVv7mpbN1KvkA/s320/IMG_9233.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
How should we respond to this type of failure? I think its important to remember a couple of things:<br />
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1.) Ultra running always has unexpected problems and highs and lows. The theme of the Wasatch 100 is '100 miles of heaven and hell.' There are lots of ups and downs and you don't know when they are coming, just know they aren't staying!<br />
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2.) Even with the best preparation, sometimes things do go wrong.<br />
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3.) Listen to your body... sometimes. If your body is telling you that it wants to stop, you need to think hard WHY its telling you that. If its because you've been running for 8 hours and your tired, thats not a good excuse, if its because your feet are sore, not a good excuse. But if your can see the blood coming through your shoe because a blister has formed, broke, and is now bleeding, the answer is stop. To the best of your ability in your exhausted state you need to ask yourself the following questions:<br />
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1.) What are the likely consequences of continuing? If the answer is an extra day of soreness, you know the answer. But if the answer is a trip to the ER, you know the answer too. The trick is deciding where your problem fits. Ibuprofen is a common tool for helping us run faster and farther, but be careful with it as it can also mask serious problems for a long time or even cause them. Blood is mostly a bad sign. blood on your feet, in your urine or excriment. On your nurps well, that's a bummer but get a band-aid. Pain in your legs, feet, and joints can be normal, but again be careful. Any sharp pain should be taken seriously. Is it sharp pain in your lower leg on every stride? This could be serious. <br />
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2.) Ask your partner! Chances are your partner has a bit more objective view of what your experiencing. The more experience they have the more effective their advice.<br />
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3.) If in doubt, drop out. Whatever it is, even if its the Hardrock at mile 90, you can always come back another year. That being said, this is not an excuse to DNF on every race. You put a lot of time in, don't waste it. <br />
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KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0Pictured Rocks Cruises, 100 City Park Drive, Munising, MI 49862, USA46.4128379 -86.65442339999998522.014917399999998 -127.96301739999998 70.8107584 -45.345829399999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-4915267020294390052015-07-26T21:28:00.000-07:002015-07-26T21:51:06.888-07:00Rhabdomyolosis, renal failure, and bladder flap.... blood in the urine of the ultra runner.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cB2xtliJJpVcJlWBfnWnULYR4r73HUFJwdODBSCxHML_eGJUfWKVotUGD21p8gfK-qVmR4-6N1pWdfAbxRUCSRs05Uwso938bkgVk60rHnrmT5kP1Zqvl20kUFhGCnIllwYCKFu1dNI/s1600/IMG_9247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9cB2xtliJJpVcJlWBfnWnULYR4r73HUFJwdODBSCxHML_eGJUfWKVotUGD21p8gfK-qVmR4-6N1pWdfAbxRUCSRs05Uwso938bkgVk60rHnrmT5kP1Zqvl20kUFhGCnIllwYCKFu1dNI/s400/IMG_9247.jpg" width="400" /></a>It was my second time running the SpeedGoat 50k and shortly after starting the last and final decent from the tram at Snowbird, it happened again -- a repeated and almost painful desire to urinate with little more than a few drops of success. I could barely run, if not barely walk fast. Every time I would jostle the bladder, the urge would return. Not just return as in I need to find a bathroom, but return as in the kidney stone pushing its razor edges into the lining of the Urethra. I was less than ten miles from the finish, and my pace slowed almost to a crawl... I guess it was better than the guy who ran past me the wrong direction from confusion and dilution thinking the course went the other direction.<br />
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The Speed Goat 50k is touted by many to be the hardest 50k in the US if not the world. 30.8 miles and 12000ft of vertical with painfully difficult climb after climb, after climb, followed by equally painful decent after decent. A race that I am always determined to DNF, yet have somehow finished every time. Even Killian Jornet have shown up for this sufferfest before. Based on my observation, as many people DNF in this race as in the Wasatch 100. For me, it wasn't new, and it wasn't going any better. The previous year the exact same thing happened, and I had no idea the cause. This year I was sure it was dehydration, but I just couldn't bring myself to down that last 10 oz of water. By the time I reached the finish line I was not just going crazy from the bladder pain, but also borderline suffering from heat exhaustion. After dousing myself with water, downing a coke or two, and a lot of water things started to come back to normal. I figured it was the crazyness of the race and lack of training for ridiculous downhill sections that jostle the insides. That was back in 2009.<br />
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Fast forward to 2015 and a friend and I are running just under 50 miles of the North Country Trail in flat Michigan. 34 miles in I got the same problem. Unfortunately the trail was totally flat, the temperature was moderate, and the running was easy. At least I knew what was coming and I quickly degenerated to walking and pounding water.<br />
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SO this time I had to ask myself what causes this problem since I can't seem to fix it on my own? Is it dehydration, over hydration, electrolyte deficiency, or excessive electrolytes. I figured it MUST be one of these things. As always, the internet has lots to say, and so do runners... most of which had no real medical advice on dealing with the issue. Here are the facts, as much as I can tell as a NOT doctor.<br />
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Symptoms: Desire to Urinate often with little to no success, discoloration in the Urine caused by either blood or myoglobin often describes as 'coca-cola' urine, possible pain in the lower back.<br />
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Diagnosis: From best to worst, 1.) empty bladder (bladder flap) 2.) Rhabdomyolysis 3.)Renal Failure.<br />
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1.) Trauma to the bladder (I like bladder flap) caused by not having enough liquid in the bladder is one possible cause. It appears to be mostly harmless, with some corrective action and verification from a physician it is actually the cause. Dr. Bill Roberts recommendations are as follows: to relieve this form of hematuria is to void [the bladder] 20-30 minutes before your run so there is some urine in the bladder to soften the slap." Unfortunately, when my run is longer than an hour or so, I'll be voiding a lot more times during a run.<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#fn2" id="ref2">2</a></sup><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCXJlwcW3gXws2JyzenCgt3PLsAy8NBL17TT4se9u-_7Bud3Ksffcfb9-Q6YqSsDQSikayfPtOSzlInxbiNtiKThpVWyHrEYKNXiFIlCCdJW6UHdAHUEusWzikNYDavH0RLrODkaxlvY/s1600/IMG_9175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCXJlwcW3gXws2JyzenCgt3PLsAy8NBL17TT4se9u-_7Bud3Ksffcfb9-Q6YqSsDQSikayfPtOSzlInxbiNtiKThpVWyHrEYKNXiFIlCCdJW6UHdAHUEusWzikNYDavH0RLrODkaxlvY/s400/IMG_9175.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
2.) Rhabdomyolysis is the rapid destruction of skeletal muscle resulting in leakage into the urine of the muscle protein myoglobin. <span style="color: #004580; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#fn1" id="ref1">1</a> </sup></span>Myoglobin is a protein that is contained in muscle cells, and if enough is spilled into the blood stream, it can clog the kidney's filtering system and lead to kidney failure and a variety of other serious medical consequences and complications. While muscles routinely get sore after physical activity, rhabdomyolysis takes that muscle injury to a higher level.<br />
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3.) Renal failure in our case is cased by Rhabdomyolysis progressing to the point of completely blocking the kidney.<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#fn3" id="ref3">3</a> </sup>This is a life threatening. Some sources show as high as 33-50 percent of cases of Rhabdomyolysis lead to renal failure. Unlike non-exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis (crush injuries, infections, drugs and toxins, for example) where the progression from rhabdomyolysis to acute renal failure is between 17 – 40 percent of cases, exercise-induced rhabdomyolysis only very rarely progresses to acute renal failure.<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#fn4" id="ref4">4</a></sup>
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So if your like me, it can be pretty upsetting when I get into the 'coca cola' Urine state. Remember the color of the Urine in actually caused by Myoglobin, not blood in the Urine, so if you can clearly identify blood, you are not suffering from Rhabdomyolysis.<br />
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A recent article in Ultrarunning magazine has this recommendation from Tamara Hew-Butler DPM, PhD and Marty Hoffman MD:<sup><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#fn4" id="ref4">4</a></sup>
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Because the incidence of rhabdomyolysis and renal failure seems to be increasing disproportionately in ultramarathon circles, the four basic questions and answers below are ones you should understand and share with your crew:<br />
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1) How dangerous is rhabdomyolysis? Exercise-associated rhabdomyolysis in and of itself is not dangerous nor is it an uncommon biochemical finding in runners competing in an ultramarathon race. In fact, it’s more normal than abnormal! In the rare instances where rhabdomyolysis progresses to renal failure in athletes, the “perfect storm” of additional factors must be present.<br />
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2) What are the warning signs that rhabdomyolysis is harming my kidneys? When urine output becomes sparse and very dark, it is a good idea to start monitoring fluid intake and output carefully. In many cases, runners will urinate a reddish brown urine which resolves itself over the course of a race. However, if “coca cola” urine continues or gets worse, urinating becomes more difficult, you begin to feel “bloated”, or you develop lower back pain in addition to severe muscular pain, then you need to seek the advice of a medical professional immediately – on or off the course.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODP_nfplLU_tbNnGIvbrM1KpQF345Oc_E-SBPPXo6KJkyEb3hMKN35dGlwgNO11Q13seR-ZkZ3SvUMsAhX-SqCvb87R_M_kBwpngWbyZyR7dbrsFX7NEQya1ZjgXvjb0rISDAnU-DN0w/s1600/IMG_9220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgODP_nfplLU_tbNnGIvbrM1KpQF345Oc_E-SBPPXo6KJkyEb3hMKN35dGlwgNO11Q13seR-ZkZ3SvUMsAhX-SqCvb87R_M_kBwpngWbyZyR7dbrsFX7NEQya1ZjgXvjb0rISDAnU-DN0w/s640/IMG_9220.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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3) What are some factors that put me more at risk for developing renal failure associated with rhabdomyolysis? Excessive heat, severe dehydration, NSAID and/ or analgesic usage, and prior viral or bacterial infection are well-documented risk factors for developing exercise-associated rhabdomyolysis leading to renal failure. We have found in a recent analysis that development of hyponatremia during the run, under-training (especially if an injury limited training time), and being a relatively younger and faster male runner pushing through pain to finish the race, may be additional risk factors for developing renal failure associated with rhabdomyolysis.<br />
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4) How can I prevent developing rhabdomyolysis-induced renal failure during an ultramarathon?<br />
■ Avoid taking NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Celebrex, et al.) and/or analgesics during an ultramarathon race<br />
■ Do NOT race if you had a recent viral or bacterial infection<br />
■ Do NOT over- or under-hydrate<br />
■ Train properly for the event; if you get injured, race only when you have regained proper fitness<br />
■ Listen to your body; if you have any of the above-mentioned warning signs, seek medical attention immediately!<br />
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Be safe, Run far, and hydrate properly.<br />
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KP<br />
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<sup id="fn1">1. [http://www.medicinenet.com/rhabdomyolysis/article.htm]<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#ref1" title="Jump back to footnote 1 in the text.">↩</a></sup></div>
<sup id="fn2">2. [http://www.runnersworld.com/ask-the-sports-doc/why-do-i-have-blood-in-my-urine-after-running
]<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#ref2" title="Jump back to footnote 2 in the text.">↩</a></sup></div>
<sup id="fn3">3. [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18711286]<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#ref3" title="Jump back to footnote 3 in the text.">↩</a></sup></div>
<sup id="fn4">4. [http://www.ultrarunning.com/features/running-rhabdomyolosis-and-renal-failure-whos-at-risk/]<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3803680830091809712#ref4" title="Jump back to footnote 4 in the text.">↩</a></sup></div>
KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-74353371846581829992015-07-14T23:07:00.002-07:002015-07-14T23:11:16.657-07:0010 tips for developing speed, endurance, and top CR's on Strava<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJu7okcSl08d4yqA9zJSvK48yaYCuJJSYBkxxA9K25GyOhwd7llIQ__7qERPgkGMO1wfbwVKAAV_DHkixInQWHgcttz6xywHlh4GXc_Rzp6rUknPEjF2JXLyw17qOtpJTimULHKVuhmA/s1600/IMG_8969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJu7okcSl08d4yqA9zJSvK48yaYCuJJSYBkxxA9K25GyOhwd7llIQ__7qERPgkGMO1wfbwVKAAV_DHkixInQWHgcttz6xywHlh4GXc_Rzp6rUknPEjF2JXLyw17qOtpJTimULHKVuhmA/s640/IMG_8969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX04z8PdAvj2HAUr-43MDZ-nDj-mJ0fdlRK4WZvoeBvYCuFmqg5pKc3CdTQw193RbgnEf18495ws8DZWv_cbckp9XxnNX5Q4K9phuHfdhq6c-r0ki_UzcYYIAjVrUWVveCx68RbOcEXI/s1600/IMG_8821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX04z8PdAvj2HAUr-43MDZ-nDj-mJ0fdlRK4WZvoeBvYCuFmqg5pKc3CdTQw193RbgnEf18495ws8DZWv_cbckp9XxnNX5Q4K9phuHfdhq6c-r0ki_UzcYYIAjVrUWVveCx68RbOcEXI/s320/IMG_8821.JPG" width="320" /></a>This summer I transitioned from cycling to running after a number of years focused on cycling. As I get older and life gets busier I've developed a strict training method for getting fast and going far... fast. If your not a runner, most of these things can translate really well to cycling too, just insert 'cycling' where 'running' is mentioned. Here are my top 10 tips:<br />
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1.) Tapering is for sissies. Tapering requires meeting training goals, especially your pre-peak week.<br />
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2.) Speed work is clearly for people with a max heart rate over 200.<br />
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3.) Lube for the short runs, not the long ones. Lube is an excellent way to stop discomfort in a number of places when you spend a lot of time running, especially the feet for runners and the you know where for cyclist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJqcTIx91stVlaicv3xnayT16M20qFdsmzXB4BrDmUBgqOquxlGv8q7FZ_eYb3-CFpIMC8UIA1P9LZUvggvYk0z5y2vaVwCNmVZWjJiJ6PJ_tbkvgFpOriOlYAa8-8VJuxeCE820BjUc/s1600/IMG_8847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJqcTIx91stVlaicv3xnayT16M20qFdsmzXB4BrDmUBgqOquxlGv8q7FZ_eYb3-CFpIMC8UIA1P9LZUvggvYk0z5y2vaVwCNmVZWjJiJ6PJ_tbkvgFpOriOlYAa8-8VJuxeCE820BjUc/s320/IMG_8847.jpg" width="320" /></a>4.) Similar to number 3, if you have a super motivational running partner, make sure and leave him out of the long days, and bring him along for the shorts.<br />
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5.) One of my personal favorites, plan for 10 miles and the run 30 miles. This way you can experience things like hallucinations, dehydration, low glucose, and of course peeing rocks- with out all the hype of an ultra.<br />
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6.) The best time for a beer is never the end of the run, why wait? I prefer mine at the beginning.<br />
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7.) Gu's and electrolyte mix is expensive, try an alternative like McDonald's fries and a coke. All the same ingredients (plus a few bonus's) at a fraction of the cost.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W_FN3RXA7Dfd556QIwbl4rHH4ooWR4TrThgxJKHz1hQKRbQPZaK6-mkvUv58aTqCkgN-bLrQod70J9h4_-XbNhRiAQ5WIB39TgI7OA5ESeBAm8-ol27PZBwY5Ntzjl4Sh55XzJNZvRU/s1600/IMG_8961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5W_FN3RXA7Dfd556QIwbl4rHH4ooWR4TrThgxJKHz1hQKRbQPZaK6-mkvUv58aTqCkgN-bLrQod70J9h4_-XbNhRiAQ5WIB39TgI7OA5ESeBAm8-ol27PZBwY5Ntzjl4Sh55XzJNZvRU/s400/IMG_8961.JPG" width="400" /></a>8.) If you're having a hard time getting out of the bottom two thirds on your favorite segments(on Strava), stuck somewhere between the geriatrics and the biggest looser (before, not the after) Try starting your own segment in a uncommon location, something like a freeway close to downtown.<br />
Isn't the whole reason segments exist is so someone slow like us can have the CR for a day?<br />
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9.) If number 8 fails you, the last resort is riding your bike while in running mode on Strava.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppluHRpbCema2Ylzqm5SQoeCJEEOBGHG-kiSRfZyg8KpLdP_KJb5jLCPwx_REEFwM-4ziihgv1bxxaUzf4wSaPGlfw6Y6umsgYg6AbUsEhRS6KMOr-HRyHIJv6jgBwqwbltBScu3eT2o/s1600/IMG_8976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppluHRpbCema2Ylzqm5SQoeCJEEOBGHG-kiSRfZyg8KpLdP_KJb5jLCPwx_REEFwM-4ziihgv1bxxaUzf4wSaPGlfw6Y6umsgYg6AbUsEhRS6KMOr-HRyHIJv6jgBwqwbltBScu3eT2o/s320/IMG_8976.jpg" width="320" /></a>10.) Finally, make sure to show up to every big event with the newest tech gadgets and gear. When you make new friends be sure to throw in key words like hill repeats, interval training, V02 max, lactate threshold, PR, CR and stride development, as well as your latest power estimate (times 3 or 4). Always make sure to note some of your training buddies who happen to be sponsored by such and such(insert newest hip company like Lulu Lemon).<br />
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Hopefully these tips have been very helpful. If you'd like more information on the details of my training program for the moderately unsuccessful feel free to contact me at anytime. Chances are I'll be out running on a freeway somewhere...<br />
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KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-39675706148171054912013-03-05T10:45:00.001-08:002013-03-07T13:52:16.455-08:00Risk Homeostasis, ABS packs, and Subjective Perception<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been a while since I've written anything, but don't worry its not because I've taken on a new sedentary lifestyle. In fact, its just the opposite, the skiing is good, the ice is thick, and the partners are many.<br />
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As the sun rises and the snow heats up for another Wasatch wet cycle I reflect on comments that I've been hearing, seeing, and doing. Bruce Tremper, Avalanche forecaster here in SLC has an excellent blog about the effectiveness of ballon packs. I've added it for you here. <br />
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http://utahavalanchecenter.org/blog-avalanche-airbag-effectiveness-something-closer-truth<br />
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As always please support your local avalanche forecast center, because they are the ones that help us stay alive day after day. I really only want to talk about one thing bruce mentions, and then throw in some life philosophy to go along with it. My thoughts are in regard to 1.) Risk Homeostasis and 2.) Subjective perception.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwVcpTl-9pCRZbrocgHz0nhRIZkHQYDVfnNNjnaZdpX_J4FeKVAviNcUE-QImxwFhq5b4thhUHAj-kGaq2E6fLThRqMpHsY6i_J3Jx4Gzi2CyjqGxLNrqx2UaN4umEUCeWgvBvrQ5ZF8/s1600/IMG_4452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpwVcpTl-9pCRZbrocgHz0nhRIZkHQYDVfnNNjnaZdpX_J4FeKVAviNcUE-QImxwFhq5b4thhUHAj-kGaq2E6fLThRqMpHsY6i_J3Jx4Gzi2CyjqGxLNrqx2UaN4umEUCeWgvBvrQ5ZF8/s320/IMG_4452.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
First off, Risk Homeostasis is basically when we have a technical device that increase our safety, we then increase our risk. Therefore negating some or all of the increased safety. Each individual has some level of acceptable risk and trends to unconsciously push to this level. With the addition of increase safety, the individual will then push the limit of risk farther, because more safety exists. Thus the cycle continues. For more on the details check out this paper here: <br />
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http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1982.tb01384.x/abstract<br />
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In skiing, climbing, kayaking, driving, flying, eating unhealthy foods, (the list goes on) we can apply this theory. Lets start with skiing.<br />
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Example 1, we just had a big dump of 20 inches of new Wasatch pow and we are trying to get to a safe slope, but first we must cross a small 38 degree chute. Practicing safe travel techniques, my partner waits in the safe zone, I bite down on my Avalung and skin out onto the slope. Stop right here. So you must then ask yourself, did I skin onto the slope because it was the safe decision? or was it because of the perceived additional safety associated with being able to breath through my Avalung?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUniLetEJIUc5YtsKX45sSZf1LxaVXVpuYiRN8Y4UHo8aNNTOmYffuTBxHUn-YS1dYXQOolAKa9K167bE1xuRhy1lXfYKueEqB4ncsv9go_vC7uaAeefq26R5dap2MqUQYemVTOjYiHu0/s1600/IMG_5128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUniLetEJIUc5YtsKX45sSZf1LxaVXVpuYiRN8Y4UHo8aNNTOmYffuTBxHUn-YS1dYXQOolAKa9K167bE1xuRhy1lXfYKueEqB4ncsv9go_vC7uaAeefq26R5dap2MqUQYemVTOjYiHu0/s320/IMG_5128.jpg" width="320" /></a>Example 2, two different days I pull up to the second half of the bob sled trail (a high speed downhill mountain bike trial filled with fun features and easy outs). One day I pull up on my Intense 6.6 with a full face helmet, long pants, and body armor. The other day I pull up on my Epic Carbon race bike in full spandex. How do you think my behavior will change as I charge down the trail? Does the big travel bike with big tires, helmet and armor provide additional safety? Yes But since things are more safe I double my speed, and take the car jump, the big double and the 12 foot drop at the end: effectively increasing my risk dramatically. So the question is did I increase the risk at an equal rate of increased safety? Thereby maintaining a perceived median of risk?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFHxNrdHKG6JKoz7VK4LNFR5tcCnMqaLCSzZ1O7ddF-raCMcweTETCvn4438vT8qSWPigkcrr4gF3WE8FvPjCgvzJ17AELuIkfgf4Q-u0ZGCLpotOn3zKmYgFQELwbRBDkjtWJYEhEWU/s1600/IMG_1793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFHxNrdHKG6JKoz7VK4LNFR5tcCnMqaLCSzZ1O7ddF-raCMcweTETCvn4438vT8qSWPigkcrr4gF3WE8FvPjCgvzJ17AELuIkfgf4Q-u0ZGCLpotOn3zKmYgFQELwbRBDkjtWJYEhEWU/s320/IMG_1793.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidht-q8EZfNLiIESHuqy7wj7dujJoA88KR8b87hxmOWhjPAmumdO1jhoceOTFe61jkhaV0XoW64lonn0CJHQWgesEehL1-LNYWUOXKhqpYU3a-j6dWd-Rq1b03MiKQUGJy11pVYlo80uo/s1600/IMG_1768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidht-q8EZfNLiIESHuqy7wj7dujJoA88KR8b87hxmOWhjPAmumdO1jhoceOTFe61jkhaV0XoW64lonn0CJHQWgesEehL1-LNYWUOXKhqpYU3a-j6dWd-Rq1b03MiKQUGJy11pVYlo80uo/s320/IMG_1768.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIlGNs5vDxbIwi4IC0z8lZ5nGIXYZJRGpJ6RXNh1fx4vppMKmRYC9IguP69gilspzq04_STMluoebK5BXcFc4sDWu057DxjfTZR3r4htC-v_ig5RN0J-mU7YS-u54EN1CZynCGQeIlwE/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span class="Apple-style-span">I think in both cases we have to deal with actual risk, perceived risk, and actual and perceived safety increases. H</span><span class="Apple-style-span">ow often are actual risk and perceived risk equal (Ra=Rp, where Ra= Actual Risk and Rp= Perceived Risk) Additionally how often does actual safety the same as perceived safety (Sa=Sp, Where Sa=actual safety and Sp=perceived safety). In Tremper's example we see that advertising causes a huge confusion on actual increases in safety. In the case of the ABS pack, the increase in safety is big, (possibly about 1/2 more saved that would have died). But its not nearly as big as what we see from the numbers (i.e. airbags are 97% effective) Its actually at MOST about a 8% increase in safety. So then does Ra=Rp if we base our ideas on what we hear from the advertisers? </span>Not at all, in fact the advertisers would lead me to believe that my safety has increased by 97%. In actual its increase by about 8%. My Perceived safety is now almost 10 times greater than my actual safety(Sa). Stated another way: Perceived risk is about 10 times lower than actual risk.<br />
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Ra=Rp(10)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIlGNs5vDxbIwi4IC0z8lZ5nGIXYZJRGpJ6RXNh1fx4vppMKmRYC9IguP69gilspzq04_STMluoebK5BXcFc4sDWu057DxjfTZR3r4htC-v_ig5RN0J-mU7YS-u54EN1CZynCGQeIlwE/s1600/IMG_3906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIlGNs5vDxbIwi4IC0z8lZ5nGIXYZJRGpJ6RXNh1fx4vppMKmRYC9IguP69gilspzq04_STMluoebK5BXcFc4sDWu057DxjfTZR3r4htC-v_ig5RN0J-mU7YS-u54EN1CZynCGQeIlwE/s320/IMG_3906.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
As you can see, Applying Risk Homeostasis theory here actually causes us to push the perceived acceptable risk line 10 times farther than we would have previously without the additional safety. (This is just a basic example, and many important factors are being left out, but the point still applies.)<br />
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One other important note is that everyone's perceived risk (Rp) is different based on there personality type, experience, age, and knowledge in the particular area. An Alabaman snowshoeing in the backcountry for the first time may have no idea what actual risks (Ra) they are taking on and perceived little to no risk (Rp) Ra>Rp.<br />
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So how do we deal with Risk Homeostasis in our outdoor environments? Well, the answer is not to leave all your safety gear behind. But the idea <i>MAY</i> be to trick your mind into thinking you left all your safety gear behind. Or maybe better yet when you are making safety related decisions to cognitively realize your natural Perceived risk and try to accurately align it with your Actual risk (Rp=Ra). It would be helpful to ask yourself questions like:<br />
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1.) how would I deal with this slope without my avalung (insert airbag, helmet, body armor). <br />
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2.) How much increase in safety does this item really provide?<br />
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3.) What would Tremper do? (funny I know)<br />
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4.) Ask your trusted partners what their opinion is without pressuring them.<br />
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5.) My favorite, What would your significant other say, or if your wrong, what would you be giving up?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEReDqIdUXfHJc4hFBVa22-0l5FHMHSJ_vXJchS8xCUl3eXil_kMddtFvmzJiFTrseKIkASHvgxYxZcHhz4C6J2NwoH6Rr7HFffHkatc2_fP7r6p0uEp8fF3KaMVHityt8gBZ-7Dr5g4/s1600/IMG_5356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicEReDqIdUXfHJc4hFBVa22-0l5FHMHSJ_vXJchS8xCUl3eXil_kMddtFvmzJiFTrseKIkASHvgxYxZcHhz4C6J2NwoH6Rr7HFffHkatc2_fP7r6p0uEp8fF3KaMVHityt8gBZ-7Dr5g4/s320/IMG_5356.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
We (meaning me) need to realize that our perceived risk often doesn't actually equal actual risk (Rp not equal to Ra) and that our perceived safety isn't usually equal to actual safety (Sp not equal to Sa). For most of us interested in this blog it likely means Ra>Rp and Sa<sp .="" nbsp="" p=""><br />
Human Application: This leads to more personal realization of subjective perceptions. All of us look at the world through a slightly different filter based on lots of things. But the point being, its different. And my filter isn't better than your filter, and yours isn't better than that over weight lazy guy next to you at the office. C.S. Lewis would puts it nicely in a paper named Meditations in a Tool shed. (get it here for free http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~ivcfgf/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/C-S-Lewis-meditation-in-a-toolshed.pdf ) As Lewis describes the Tool shed he talks about a beam of light entering through a crack. Depending on how you view the beam of light depends of the perception you receive. Such is our experience in life. <br />
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If our perception is subjective, our judgement will also be subjective. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKPAe17fmgEGzq-RKSsrpYrftGoOmOIpzPFE053-QJ0zGjXqQQvdeXpXwMSU-hE8-GWn8dN6-kHYdyknCfQoDaM3TowRSlzhWISFX28Dche7RY8nCbQvI9hDV30Nsu1IQDelorxAptc4/s1600/IMG_5660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAKPAe17fmgEGzq-RKSsrpYrftGoOmOIpzPFE053-QJ0zGjXqQQvdeXpXwMSU-hE8-GWn8dN6-kHYdyknCfQoDaM3TowRSlzhWISFX28Dche7RY8nCbQvI9hDV30Nsu1IQDelorxAptc4/s320/IMG_5660.jpg" width="320" /></a>I think this applies in everything we do. I see the lemming suited snowboarder coming off the back side of the canyons stealing my line. I judge him from my simple, limited perception of who he is. But what if its Drew Hardesty on a split Board trying out some free digs? (This isn't based on a real experience) Then would my perception change of him? What about that crazy polygamist down the street? Maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge. I'm not judging you, by the way, only myself. Your ideas may seem totally crazy to me, but maybe its my crazy perception.<br />
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In closing, lets do our best to objectively judge not only the risk associated with our current adventure, but also our friends, family, and other people we experience throughout life.</div>
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An addition interesting reference about risk in life is worth a read here:<br />
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<a href="http://www.adventure-journal.com/2013/03/in-defense-of-taking-risks/" target="_blank">http://www.adventure-journal.<wbr></wbr>com/2013/03/in-defense-of-<wbr></wbr>taking-risks/</a><br />
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KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-37717718446598153272012-10-19T15:15:00.002-07:002012-10-19T15:15:45.288-07:00Yosemite's East Buttress, and Utah's Orin Hatch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj4exm_3GgLGpOYHV0kRZTHgZIvM777Dcjcy2RXKCkW3Mdzwayogal5EFD1r6KiQWx5AvmQ80uJb47EgjVMitk6rlJ8BIPptB6P4g7bOwtV1WhNpmjxUoq75a_pfmxmPPvBbIKXC-PDk/s1600/IMG_5268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLj4exm_3GgLGpOYHV0kRZTHgZIvM777Dcjcy2RXKCkW3Mdzwayogal5EFD1r6KiQWx5AvmQ80uJb47EgjVMitk6rlJ8BIPptB6P4g7bOwtV1WhNpmjxUoq75a_pfmxmPPvBbIKXC-PDk/s400/IMG_5268.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRb_f6DA1Pl9zSs8rAd-mlWIw_EPlGWjTQPoiNRtZLWxaR7Ua-Ja3SutRlI4ssM0MUCXyzSV3YbZC62WX1rpS-zUo3D-vKNGe2E97wtfS7Nv3E7eDCLAeSMdXM8gT1KUICiS_iKVoxNk/s1600/IMG_5275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRb_f6DA1Pl9zSs8rAd-mlWIw_EPlGWjTQPoiNRtZLWxaR7Ua-Ja3SutRlI4ssM0MUCXyzSV3YbZC62WX1rpS-zUo3D-vKNGe2E97wtfS7Nv3E7eDCLAeSMdXM8gT1KUICiS_iKVoxNk/s200/IMG_5275.jpg" width="149" /></a>It was great to get away for five days to Yosemite national park where I didn't hear a single commentary on the upcoming election. We spent 2.5 days of good climbing starting with the East Buttress of El Cap. It's a route that's been on my list for a long time and I've either been too afraid, or just didn't have the time. In fact, I haven't been to Yosemite for almost 10 years. With a forecast for 0% chance of precip and 68 degrees, It was a no brainer. After leaving SLC at 12:30am Sunday... er, monday morning we arrived early evening Tuesday night for a 5:15 start on the East Buttress. After watching two parties of three in front of us bail, it was past 8:00am, time was already getting tight. So we hammered in to pitch one with Kevin on the lead. It was a nice, wide chimney with a squeeze section to make it interesting. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVmChTfL2xkZ84eFB8j_d_4vT7wmWqUBMVr72WVIctOQ54LRVvzc-g3ue5Tv_ZD2x4QsVTvKIeLDKoyFQUsXB5Umh4zU52ZJRCgl8e7IuyzB53wxFgoyKh49h1jt8GVjMQf6PIK9Q_vQ/s1600/IMG_5298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVmChTfL2xkZ84eFB8j_d_4vT7wmWqUBMVr72WVIctOQ54LRVvzc-g3ue5Tv_ZD2x4QsVTvKIeLDKoyFQUsXB5Umh4zU52ZJRCgl8e7IuyzB53wxFgoyKh49h1jt8GVjMQf6PIK9Q_vQ/s320/IMG_5298.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspvDNgTho0g7BZrLmTuuCElrjhns7d-SYIpeIm0REjZFU_A2XgoYrCfFcyyBK5NAy62jgitqcYr5HB5yVQKq6nKYjSBoMHB2S8-kHGa3gTUgqRDJ3ZMlzq8C5RZDC4yo2rKnxeBtOph0/s1600/IMG_5279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgspvDNgTho0g7BZrLmTuuCElrjhns7d-SYIpeIm0REjZFU_A2XgoYrCfFcyyBK5NAy62jgitqcYr5HB5yVQKq6nKYjSBoMHB2S8-kHGa3gTUgqRDJ3ZMlzq8C5RZDC4yo2rKnxeBtOph0/s200/IMG_5279.jpg" width="200" /></a>Then following that was the technical crux (however far from the real crux) of a polished 10b move off the anchor to an expanding 5.9 tube with rattly fingers in the back. It went well, although not as easily as I had hoped. Liking pitch 2 and 3 puts you at around 260ft, a bit longer than the rope, but after some struggling and confusion we worked it out. Such is life with new partners. Then Kevin took the sharp end to link 4 and 5 in a pretty cool 300ft or so section of easy class 4 up to hard 5.8 (I know, it seems the two are mutually exclusive, but not in the valley). Then the crux pitch 140ft starting with a 2 foot wide arete with 2000ft exposure to one side and no pro leading into a desperate (5.9, ya really) pin scared rail to 100ft of 5.9 offwidth... sick. I wouldn't force this on anyone, but when you get through it its awesome. I only <i>almost</i> pitched off 2 times. Followed by kevin taking the 5.5 ramp to the money 5.7 vertical pitch. Then I finished it off with 280 ft. of 5.7 to the ridge of El Cap. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp23zV4R_G9dDA9j2qBJZJssGghe2F1UWtO54vkxFiS97JDz8AgvEiJhhFp1zRWOq6Eb1Gf9C-CTgNUL0vcBcBjK5k0ah4sVG2_LGc0ti2tMdiCAo4dLb4VPC2QBtRc7bN5bgCsCtqIg/s1600/IMG_5293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfp23zV4R_G9dDA9j2qBJZJssGghe2F1UWtO54vkxFiS97JDz8AgvEiJhhFp1zRWOq6Eb1Gf9C-CTgNUL0vcBcBjK5k0ah4sVG2_LGc0ti2tMdiCAo4dLb4VPC2QBtRc7bN5bgCsCtqIg/s640/IMG_5293.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About 2000ft off the valley floor, 1000ft up the route</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULPFTpE0hQmvIXMRw-kT0jCSdtDy4Q8eiLUIzCl7jjpLG4B6NHzmQgmDEvWBeyCrZ8NoVPYqW0G0LnTrHonlpm3dyLibzcrZ5FLyMQNkJwqyU_Qrx1DwAPgtMmKmnR5pcR0jLf5BflC0/s1600/IMG_5306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULPFTpE0hQmvIXMRw-kT0jCSdtDy4Q8eiLUIzCl7jjpLG4B6NHzmQgmDEvWBeyCrZ8NoVPYqW0G0LnTrHonlpm3dyLibzcrZ5FLyMQNkJwqyU_Qrx1DwAPgtMmKmnR5pcR0jLf5BflC0/s200/IMG_5306.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
After a quick clean up we headed for the east ledges decent and thankfully had someone to follow. For all of you 'canyoneering types' We did a single line rap of a fixed line that must have been over 300ft long, hanging down into pitch black with nothing but a dull headlight shinning on the smooth vertical granite at your feet and a void everywhere above, below, and to the side. It was surreal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8_eSyuuoMt7jOe8pKOOzfH8lPocEv0_WZwv4WXtz_ivzQ2cQiLgklxZtEiTCwzrJFE4yYPiGgLldMlcKH-qf5KxTvSm0Ewcq8kNMvsMsK2culbWubnodMey90g9QEcjN30GdPnd-Plw/s1600/IMG_5283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8_eSyuuoMt7jOe8pKOOzfH8lPocEv0_WZwv4WXtz_ivzQ2cQiLgklxZtEiTCwzrJFE4yYPiGgLldMlcKH-qf5KxTvSm0Ewcq8kNMvsMsK2culbWubnodMey90g9QEcjN30GdPnd-Plw/s320/IMG_5283.jpg" width="239" /></a> An excellent route I would recommend for anyone with the skills to do it. It is not for the faint of heart, and just because you may be able to climb 10b at the gym, or in BCC, or even LCC, doesn't mean you can do it in Yosemite. Try out some local routes before jumping on this one as there is no easy out, and the ledges are not good for sleeping after pitch 3. Falcon has it listed as 13 pitches, we did it in 7, I've seen other who do it in 9. I read somewhere its about 1400ft. Not bad for a days work, but far from it's big brothers just down the wall to the west, where the real climbing begins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-PP3n-woRUgA4rw0STsve8EwigHi_9tGLDgivGy2I5LculxyOTgAINnJL63eKPOSRv9Z10A3T4tNhQ0HlkljxC5kr5vM8836Su3fiCVJB7imi93vuMCk-VybuNcOBO5tQBDEUOqaWkA/s1600/IMG_5302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-PP3n-woRUgA4rw0STsve8EwigHi_9tGLDgivGy2I5LculxyOTgAINnJL63eKPOSRv9Z10A3T4tNhQ0HlkljxC5kr5vM8836Su3fiCVJB7imi93vuMCk-VybuNcOBO5tQBDEUOqaWkA/s320/IMG_5302.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0Mr6k4isiWmzt2o_bHK2Di81TlVZXhXRQQAtOj8Ysx2GzowH7mwvaDB9Sh-6b0Eg0XxSwPLwQLg7YzLt84-oESwxOcDZMTpg3YbPpJSFcbHOKMwrNDMZzJOJCxdxc2ZD_ZJHVkVyCl4/s1600/IMG_5274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0Mr6k4isiWmzt2o_bHK2Di81TlVZXhXRQQAtOj8Ysx2GzowH7mwvaDB9Sh-6b0Eg0XxSwPLwQLg7YzLt84-oESwxOcDZMTpg3YbPpJSFcbHOKMwrNDMZzJOJCxdxc2ZD_ZJHVkVyCl4/s320/IMG_5274.JPG" width="245" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3ObfOW74eqIyBKMnhdIT4gJDRdCfTF_7-4gptg95kUGNvR_cxCebMeBJQnfBJGnUiKMb-7ZT_PRwXPpMdMe-x0gcmVxNX7PewzBwS2HSr30e1hNpQMHpQiuIyN4fGH9olK7_FK75diU/s1600/IMG_5277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3ObfOW74eqIyBKMnhdIT4gJDRdCfTF_7-4gptg95kUGNvR_cxCebMeBJQnfBJGnUiKMb-7ZT_PRwXPpMdMe-x0gcmVxNX7PewzBwS2HSr30e1hNpQMHpQiuIyN4fGH9olK7_FK75diU/s320/IMG_5277.jpg" width="239" /></a><br />
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That being said, i must move on to the painful, (but hopefully quick) item of Orin Hatch. He was the only one (other than Jim Matheson) who responded to my letters about Ski Link. Matheson responded with a very nice clear reason why he was not supporting it. Orin Hatch responded differently. I've post the letter here for you to read. It is scanned and then changed to a jpeg, sorry the quality is so bad. Chances are you got the exact same letter since he didn't even acknowledge my position or reasons for Ski Link. Things I think you should notice:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfQ-HAozIUhhUabRIPmprVi6eCSEtUsZ_GKUGwRWQb6ApeYYTYQH2hZE6iCISQMhOlyiYn9rhMIz_SaCmE1q8jtuW5KMUCFr0plbZgoYzJtDqrE_uKwut9jsvPpfNqtetA6PTXFjQZxE/s1600/Orin+hatch+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfQ-HAozIUhhUabRIPmprVi6eCSEtUsZ_GKUGwRWQb6ApeYYTYQH2hZE6iCISQMhOlyiYn9rhMIz_SaCmE1q8jtuW5KMUCFr0plbZgoYzJtDqrE_uKwut9jsvPpfNqtetA6PTXFjQZxE/s320/Orin+hatch+1.png" width="320" /></a>1.) "The bill also requires compliance to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and Endangered Species Act of 1973" yet what about the 2003 Wasatch-Cache Revised Forest Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement? It's actually in direct contradiction to the newest, most up to date forest plan? Why didn't you mention this senator? Is it consider lying if you just leave some things out? Check out this excellent article to help explain: http://www.parkrecord.com/letters-to-the-editor/ci_21419809/guest-editorial<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoGOnZlPL3-8l8PrWYa-wBiApup5LY40d5qaqkp8yky3qMT0fiWC0XMuR8hbKRmv0bQmcDqO_PpQApjGVQW0Bc6A8nie5bIqU0a34_tQOfmwcGkfB2W39oN6gXSvhyE3tpod-mQo90Z4/s1600/Orin+Hatch+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoGOnZlPL3-8l8PrWYa-wBiApup5LY40d5qaqkp8yky3qMT0fiWC0XMuR8hbKRmv0bQmcDqO_PpQApjGVQW0Bc6A8nie5bIqU0a34_tQOfmwcGkfB2W39oN6gXSvhyE3tpod-mQo90Z4/s320/Orin+Hatch+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
2.) "Estimates show that with this new transportation system more than 500 permanent jobs could be created and infuse more than $50 million in to Utah's economy." As one un-named state official once told me. "No one in the utah government structure (except just a few who aren't players) actually recreates, nor do they know anything about recreating. Rob Bishop doesn't even play golf." For those of us who have been to ski resorts, worked for ski resorts, even built ski lifts these numbers are absurd. How many people does it take to run a new ski lift? Well, lets say 2 lifties at the bottom and 2 at the top plus 1 mechanic. Total=5. how many of them are permanent employes or NOT seasonal? Only 1. So if you hired two groups of people to cover an entire week we would have a total of 10, and lets through in 1 manager so eleven total new jobs. Note: No more ski patrollers would be required or groomers, because we aren't actually opening 'new' terrain. So total new jobs=11 total new non-seasonl jobs=3 maybe? Not to mention the other 9 are minimum wage, no benefits jobs that add maybe 10,000 in income per person. So 90,000 total gross income increase for the part timers, and lets say 35000 for the mechanic and 20,000 for the manager (these number are very generous for utah) Total jobs created= 11 total new income for people in utah (most of them not local) $145,000. How about total temp jobs for construction? From my experience working with Doppelmyer Lifts Company (who builds most of the Canyon's lifts) we operated with a total crew of less than 100 people to build 3 lifts in 6 months. So one lift, being generous 50 people. How many of those people where actually from our state? less than 1/3. <br />
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So hire 15 local temp jobs, and bring in 35 outsiders for one summer to create 11 new jobs and $145000 in poverty level income. That is pretty close to '500 permanent jobs and $50 million in Utah's economy' ( I realize I'm not taking into account additional ticket sales, people coming in for the 'new' interconnect, etc) So even my educated guess (based on actual experience in the industry)is off by 100% we are still talking almost nothing added to the economy. I do think Canyon's will see some more tickets, and solitude may get a few mores skiers, but we will have forever sliced the Wasatch in half.<br />
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3.) "I continue to be a strong proponent fir giving Utah more local control over Utah's land, and this proposal has a lot of local support." By giving Utah control of Utah land do you really mean giving Canada control of Utah's land? And by local support who exactly supports ski link locally? Why haven't they all posted their support? I do see lots of opposition. Please let them post their support for ski link that way we can effectively boycott their products. Oh wait, or is this why they aren't posting it?<br />
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There are definitely other things in the letter that are incorrect and completely wrong, but I'm going to just stick with these few. Again, I apologize for continuing to use this site for posting these things, but we must act, or as Black Diamond may do, we may end up moving out when their is nothing left.<br />
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KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-46643224799332656522012-08-20T20:57:00.001-07:002012-08-21T11:36:58.072-07:00How much do you love your Wasatch?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6G4mT4vUy7OyquzmW5Z2IaoVN7XH5N8JrPBzlMB1LmJptAhR6kvX8BoEiXy-brQu7LWlJXYTvRRoKvgyokJPg9KKC-iALaeVm08FLhgCZKTZYl3XiaUn4ZPmBHe0ars3UnvdaqUbPVE/s1600/IMG_5038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6G4mT4vUy7OyquzmW5Z2IaoVN7XH5N8JrPBzlMB1LmJptAhR6kvX8BoEiXy-brQu7LWlJXYTvRRoKvgyokJPg9KKC-iALaeVm08FLhgCZKTZYl3XiaUn4ZPmBHe0ars3UnvdaqUbPVE/s1600/IMG_5038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6G4mT4vUy7OyquzmW5Z2IaoVN7XH5N8JrPBzlMB1LmJptAhR6kvX8BoEiXy-brQu7LWlJXYTvRRoKvgyokJPg9KKC-iALaeVm08FLhgCZKTZYl3XiaUn4ZPmBHe0ars3UnvdaqUbPVE/s320/IMG_5038.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span>Well, I've had a lot of great summer, and really a great year. Spending time in France, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and Panama. Yet whenever I leave for long periods of time I still dream about home. Home for me is the Wasatch Mountains, with a short drive to the desert, the Tetons, City of Rocks, San Juans, Red Rocks, or even Joshua Tree. But really my heart is in the Wasatch, which is why I feel I must share with you my thoughts on the SkiLink. Talisker Corporation is a Canadian Development company that recently acquired Canyon's Ski Resort for 123 million and has since attempted to revoke Park City Ski Resort's Land Lease, bulldozed hundreds of trees, built unnecessary lifts, constructed artificial lakes, and many more atrocities against a fragile economical balance as well as devastated the land it owns in the Wasatch. Now it is attempting to buy a strip of land right through the heart of the Wasatch to connect it with the other cottonwood resorts. Rather than take the usual route of purchasing land from the forest service, its going straight to congress with the help of Representative Rob Bishop of District 1 to bypass the normal process and keep the public out of the public land transfer. The bill is labelled H.R. 3452 Wasatch Range Recreation Access Enhancement Act, and it has nothing to do with Recreation Enhancement, only creating more revenue for Talisker.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhLffCNO3PVhWr1xO9zTCDsCk3X8ISZeHnc9RHYC8OcuQaKYGxp_-W-J11nzEkQI7cBXJBzX71vhMkcR6BAK2FEmIPzmHJeOFzOMIlWdP_uJIe9E2uCTAK4ll5AMOtzDVHndx8hzQPaA/s1600/IMG_3856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhLffCNO3PVhWr1xO9zTCDsCk3X8ISZeHnc9RHYC8OcuQaKYGxp_-W-J11nzEkQI7cBXJBzX71vhMkcR6BAK2FEmIPzmHJeOFzOMIlWdP_uJIe9E2uCTAK4ll5AMOtzDVHndx8hzQPaA/s320/IMG_3856.jpg" width="239" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">After complaining for a long time, I final took some action, and more than the usual internet petition signing. I wrote letters to my Senators, and Representatives, and Rob Bishop himself asking for some sanity in the giving away of our only real renewable resource in utah. As you probably already know, I am a terrible writer so please be patient with the grammer, spelling, and general confusion. Here it is:</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">After spending my youth growing up in Utah I spent over half a decade away in other parts of the US. Since then I have traveled to every continent except Africa, Australia, and Antarctica. There are many amazing and beautiful places on this earth. Most of them filled with their own Unique beauty. However, something even more Unique is right in front of us in Utah. A wonderful, diverse, landscape or mountains, desert, plateaus, lakes, salt flats, slot canyons and more. I understand the the economic progress of our state is very important, however, I'm writing because I also want the economic and natural future to remain in tact. This will only hurt our future economic opportunity: Think Utah lake, a once wonderful resource now ruined forever by a steel plant that now only provides an eye sore, and a toxic hole.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26yfnzEHgkOpimucBjogT1bT5Bm_wMRj_Oha1iB70atMDX1mdf9Qk_up0QjqKfN6I8pDNL74qEI4dEHN3B5E7c4GP6EC9DsS4TyJmBX5mvKr1tVslXf5ZsBuZZfQng9HMqiBF84g2hm4/s1600/IMG_4246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26yfnzEHgkOpimucBjogT1bT5Bm_wMRj_Oha1iB70atMDX1mdf9Qk_up0QjqKfN6I8pDNL74qEI4dEHN3B5E7c4GP6EC9DsS4TyJmBX5mvKr1tVslXf5ZsBuZZfQng9HMqiBF84g2hm4/s320/IMG_4246.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiDbdtOKDFExNYCH6P9clJWLYExOe6tV8gnQafpr69vQCdXHqKqN2PBh2YpNgP0ZWGFudX9Xg3trLXxmlGsgwBI73u9z9q-p8Fc5-fvqvEmCM8xfwZ0HKk3tyV_dYldqVti6CChl6x1M/s1600/IMG_4452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiDbdtOKDFExNYCH6P9clJWLYExOe6tV8gnQafpr69vQCdXHqKqN2PBh2YpNgP0ZWGFudX9Xg3trLXxmlGsgwBI73u9z9q-p8Fc5-fvqvEmCM8xfwZ0HKk3tyV_dYldqVti6CChl6x1M/s320/IMG_4452.jpg" width="239" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">The Wasatch Front is one of the smallest mountain ranges in the country yet is located closer to a major city than any other recreational location in the US. It brings in millions if not billions of outside revenue into our state. Yet as ski resorts become more exotic and prices rise toward $100 a lift ticket, skier numbers have stopped growing; it is becoming a sport of the elite. However, backcountry user groups like mountain bikers, hikers, snow shoers, hunters, fishermen, are all growing rapidly. The Wasatch Mountains already contains 7 resorts within 20 miles or less of Salt Lake City which occupy a huge amount of the Wasatch Mountains. In fact, they cover so much of the mountains, its possible to ski from one resort to the next, and go to every one of the 7 resorts without the use of additional transportation other than the lifts already in place. You can already ski from the Canyons to Solitude. Or Solitude to Brighton, or Brighton to Park City, and so on. The skilink doesn't even connect the the two towns, it connects the top of Canyons Resort to the bottom of Solitude mountain Resort. There is no transportation advantage. In order to travel from Canyon's top of Solitude it would take at least 5 lift rides, and only provides an exclusive group of users to access both resorts. If the State of Utah was serious about an intermountain transportation system they would have a centralized system that is accessible from multiple resorts and efficient for more than just the two farthest out locations. With some work a system that works for all resorts could be designed that did not encroach on pristine wilderness. I.E. via the Guardsman Pass road. Adding the skilink as is, alienates Utah's own local resorts (Park City, Dear Valley, Brighton, and Alta/SnowBird) and gives the advantage to the Canadian real-estate company. Thus requiring yet multiple skilink's for the other resorts to compete, and of course cause the possible loss of the majority of the forest land. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtenUw0N3823Hw9pPEnFhyX-TZBIhyphenhyphentH0bGN_6Yao665PU75YC19RxU4wUkW5Ffx0aDPyu8fF0apSjxcNx6FizL82SO2mGuCh_WONe6QXpwPk_Zem836GvkfVQ0Pp7RQvqt61PLEVi_vE/s1600/IMG_4447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtenUw0N3823Hw9pPEnFhyX-TZBIhyphenhyphentH0bGN_6Yao665PU75YC19RxU4wUkW5Ffx0aDPyu8fF0apSjxcNx6FizL82SO2mGuCh_WONe6QXpwPk_Zem836GvkfVQ0Pp7RQvqt61PLEVi_vE/s320/IMG_4447.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">The addition of the 'skilink' would slice through the center of one of the few uninterrupted sections of land left in the Wasatch and permanently damage the habitat as well as degrade the natural beauty of the area. I've built ski lifts before, and the damage done to the environment to build something this size is unrepairable, especially to a wilderness that is already so delicate. Worst of all is the fact that the bill bypasses the National Forest Service, an organization designed by our government to manage our forest land in a way that is conscious of the present AND the future. If this is so important then bring it before the normal processes to sell, and let the Utah public have a say in their public lands.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-size: small;">Finally, the last thing we need is to give away our precious resources to yet another big company who is not even from the US! We don't need Canadian developers taking over our forest land for their own gain. How much could they possibly care? Your local outdoor Industry has spoken, just ask Peter Metcalph, CEO of Black Diamond in Salt Lake City. Are you willing to give up your local companies so that you can bring in a Canadian development company? Your purpose is to represent the people, and the people have spoken. I oppose H.R.3452 - Wasatch Range Recreation Access Enhancement Act.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRMA8lKf81AN60p9VMxe8jIla8Vkt-40wX_ZWEmaCGsGOezAXugKhaPcjFYuB0DGB3SKrRldZtgor7HnQO4uHPnvP-HUsyQ_buawwH6uXFz3scumF1v64OhODOlRNEATEoqEcEbKD4U8/s1600/IMG_2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRMA8lKf81AN60p9VMxe8jIla8Vkt-40wX_ZWEmaCGsGOezAXugKhaPcjFYuB0DGB3SKrRldZtgor7HnQO4uHPnvP-HUsyQ_buawwH6uXFz3scumF1v64OhODOlRNEATEoqEcEbKD4U8/s320/IMG_2591.jpg" width="320" /></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Please feel free to copy and past my letter, or change it a little to sound like someone out of elementary school.... Here is a list of my representatives, feel free to send it to them, or send it to yours. Obviously you can write your own letter too, and I would encourage you too.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Senator Mike Lee</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">316 Hart Senate Office Building<br />Washington, DC 20510</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Representative Jim Matheson</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2434 Rayburn House Office Building<br />Washington, DC 20515</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Senator Orrin hatch</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">104 Hart Senate Office Building</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Washington, DC 20510</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Representative Rob Bishop</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">123 Cannon House Office Building</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Washington, DC 20515</span></span></div>
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KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-75850457658145014792012-05-30T08:39:00.001-07:002012-06-11T08:25:09.209-07:00Quiet Touring on Memorial day?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYFW0wEw3a-lmHb7owAznPMvEyMppCvomyFEfizZk_HtgfcbvMk70aoKbg_E76yCu_USSVSqLR1fV43CdJgqxwfAUv2GHf08TfFwe7Co4gr2hTqsXOdYmt6mDh7ZbqSZMxVll2Dy3dy8/s1600/IMG_4749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYFW0wEw3a-lmHb7owAznPMvEyMppCvomyFEfizZk_HtgfcbvMk70aoKbg_E76yCu_USSVSqLR1fV43CdJgqxwfAUv2GHf08TfFwe7Co4gr2hTqsXOdYmt6mDh7ZbqSZMxVll2Dy3dy8/s320/IMG_4749.jpg" width="320" /></a>Memorial day is a complexing holiday, its purpose isn't usually its use. Most of us spend time vacationing with a moment or two of silence. So when you chose to get out of town, staying away from the hoards of lemmings can be difficult. We thought about a climbing trip, a mountain bike trip, even a river trip (not for very long), and settled on a 3 day touring trip. I think some wise choices and good luck helped make for an excellent and quiet adventure. Here is the quick details.<br />
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Day 1: Sugar House to Affleck Park<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaL_szKvVYLbFabDRwXPduNG54LzePaURrZ34qZ-vHMimz3Uf1ja41FoDOSbzPEFAFegY62Qy9i40WYlWiHL2zAIVT2giHF_JM1eSyhlEzoaCRg2-6_cKBdDnTo0amRdR27z3Jt8zrmE/s1600/IMG_4756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaL_szKvVYLbFabDRwXPduNG54LzePaURrZ34qZ-vHMimz3Uf1ja41FoDOSbzPEFAFegY62Qy9i40WYlWiHL2zAIVT2giHF_JM1eSyhlEzoaCRg2-6_cKBdDnTo0amRdR27z3Jt8zrmE/s320/IMG_4756.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9_kkFAqzhdBJ4KhLFgJF1aed242Z5_RbFeFGyQmhaxmtQpOAOg0FMPCotOAFn4FpYgwL7Vc2ce-GLlVYOQBX_2-jCua4VCJk3PLPcZ0YbB8SpNHg_MIWCbYpmFyhOFNIAOvZommcdJY/s1600/IMG_4754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9_kkFAqzhdBJ4KhLFgJF1aed242Z5_RbFeFGyQmhaxmtQpOAOg0FMPCotOAFn4FpYgwL7Vc2ce-GLlVYOQBX_2-jCua4VCJk3PLPcZ0YbB8SpNHg_MIWCbYpmFyhOFNIAOvZommcdJY/s320/IMG_4754.jpg" width="239" /></a>I cant think of a time when we've left touring from our house, but we did just that. Bikes loaded we headed out at about 630pm from sugar-house towards East Canyon. Planned camping spot: Great Western Trail on big mountain. Actual camping spot: Affleck park. Just make sure and get your reservation for Affleck as there's no first come first serve spots. Another option is East Canyon State Park, which would be nice in spring or fall but maybe a little Hot in the summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7b6qA8euQHU4iF5rKVplmDPp0k2j57Ssp3Mh1sUENN-38XD5aEsWxoXekYLu5ouLg7E8LTSxJ4TgxbdKkRwrN-DnvqhpKJwFgpq1BbcaCHY_BvDNDkJPtnAg9prlp6skPpvn92cNPvE/s1600/IMG_4758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7b6qA8euQHU4iF5rKVplmDPp0k2j57Ssp3Mh1sUENN-38XD5aEsWxoXekYLu5ouLg7E8LTSxJ4TgxbdKkRwrN-DnvqhpKJwFgpq1BbcaCHY_BvDNDkJPtnAg9prlp6skPpvn92cNPvE/s320/IMG_4758.jpg" width="320" /></a>Day 2: Affleck park to Snow Basin Ski Resort.<br />
The big day, and the fun day (well for half of us). Head for East Canyon Dam, then to Morgan, the Mt. Green, and Finally your camping spot at Snow Basin. If you stay at Affleck, you get two big climbs, and I mean big. Big mountain is 1300ft and 6 miles and trappers loops is 1600ft and 7.5 miles. Thats over 3000ft of climbing and 55 miles.<br />
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Day 3: For us day three was short and only had a few climbs. However, If I was to continue the tour I would head north to Avon Divide for my next camp site or North Fork Park. Then on to Logan for Day 4. You can check out some more photos at: http://trackmytour.com/JpZm5 <br />
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No tour is complete without some form of suffering. In this case it was driving rain, hail, slush, and mud. Things that help you appreciate the sunny dry days.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Route</td></tr>
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<br /></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-57492066315502519612012-05-12T16:52:00.000-07:002012-05-12T16:59:13.698-07:00Haute Route, not to be.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trient Hut</td></tr>
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The Haute route is a popular ski mountaineering route from Chamonix France to Zermat Switzerland, with most of the route being in Switzerland. It travels through some of the most accessible high alpine environments in Europe, and for that matter the world. I can't think of many other places that have the sharp, beautiful glaciated peaks, that have lift access approaches and 4 course meals. Due to it's popularity, its also rather busy.
When we arrived in Geneva Switzerland after some 20 hours of travel, we got in a small van filled to the brim with other ski and mountain enthousiasts and started the drive to Chamonix. Geneva itself is a nice town and has a good number of large limestone cliff bands, which the van driver wrote off as choss piles. A good start for realizing what the alps have, and the snobbery that it breads. (Snobbery in this case is NOT derogatory)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAydrZq_EaDzxX3RVN8GH-zOkJM0L4yP8uZ_d50hJp05WAPk7ToW-JVVV836vNnR6lZykNI-U8Ovu5NP1ZW-N1lrQTg_PVwTYWYNAzDOkMScG7Vw1ohmD3sF_RQxSXZxCodgeBQRzNOik/s1600/Argentier-trient.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAydrZq_EaDzxX3RVN8GH-zOkJM0L4yP8uZ_d50hJp05WAPk7ToW-JVVV836vNnR6lZykNI-U8Ovu5NP1ZW-N1lrQTg_PVwTYWYNAzDOkMScG7Vw1ohmD3sF_RQxSXZxCodgeBQRzNOik/s400/Argentier-trient.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 1: Chamonix to Trient</td></tr>
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When we arrived in the town itself it was far from impressive. In fact it was a bit annoying. Modern stuctures mixed with classic french and swiss architechure is not well juxtaposed; rather, it more resembles a unbridaled capitalistic growth spurt.
The good news is that our hostel that was out of town was fabulous. Truly the highlight of our in town stays. La Tapia run by Maria was clean, had no locks on the doors, and the best breakfast around, all for a great price.<br />
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After warnings about aclimatizing and going guidless, we left the next morning up to the Argentiere glacier via a short tram ride. We bought 1 ride's on the Grand Montets tram which we where told would get us to the highest point, which was not the top of the resort. But a few hundred meters below the normal drop off point. On our second lift ride, we had a pretty funny hold up at the automatic ticket gates which our one ride tickets wouldn't open. So when everyone was watching we attempted to climb over them with our ski's on. It was much more difficult than it seemed, and with axes, skis, poles, a gate, and that fish net fencing, we where almost entangled forever. Thankfully the lifty didn't care at all. Stupid Americans.
After finally gettin off the last lift we got back into our comfort zones with skins on and heals released.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2: Trient-Champex</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"> The trip to the Angentiere glacier was a bit of an eye opener. No trees, and no good size landmarks make the glacier basin seem normal sized, but after close evaluation you realized its massive. Like as big as Little Cottonwood Canyon. The only way to tell was to look to the bottom at the little tiny ants crossing in lines... f They where people, some 4000ft below. Pretty cool. So we skied the not quite wonderful refrozen powder down to the bottom between ice fall and the rocks to the glacier. After some chat we decided which canyon was the Chardonnet glacier </span>and headed for it. The morning was late but luckily the clouds protected us from excess heating, especially since we where on the 40 degree section. Hours later, after finally dealling with some excessive bread in the diet, we reached the top of the Col du Chardonnet--the techical crux of the route. Just a week earlier it had been a steep dicey rock decent followed by a large bergshrund crossing. Fortunately for us it was filled in nicely and reasonably skiable. We rapped(absel) the top section and hung the second rap but chose to do the body rap for the second as the consiquences receded and the slope angle lessened. 300 meters later we where in a new glacier for a beautiful lunch spot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamonix: La Tapia Hostel</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamonix: The bakery 1 block <br />
from the hostel</td></tr>
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We then proceeded towards the Trient glacier via a long traverse through the Glacier de Saleina<br />
<h3 style="font-family: Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">to a inevitable boot pack. The guide book read something like 'no skins heal lifter travers.' Which if your a skinning enthusiast like us, you have no idea what that means. I have never seen or done a no skin's heal lifter traverse, but I can't wait to see it! Next was the col to the trient glacier which was labelled as 'you will inevitably boot' so as any good Cottonwood Ninnis would do, we skinned. It was rather humours and likely more difficult than booting, but we felt obliged to hold to our heritage.
Crossing over the top we reached the Trient glacier and way off in the distance had a view of the Trient hut, or I think I would insert the word lodge, except made of stone. </span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look back to the Argentierre glacier</td></tr>
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<h3 style="font-family: Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> One of the things we had said before going on this trip was that if we get lost, or something goes wrong, you can always just ski down to some random swiss village... We quickly learned that unlike the Wasatch, or most other places we had skied this was not the case. most glaciers ended in large scarey icefalls that would take at least a day to pass, and may not be passable. The good news was that in the good weather, it was reasonably easy route finding. </span></h3>
<h3 style="font-family: Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> We reached the Trient hut at somewhere around 6:15 and carefully read all the signs on how to comply with the rules. First of all, skis go in the ski shed, outside. Second, Ice axes go in the ice axe rack in the breezeway along with boots and climbing gear. I pitty the man that walks into the hut with skis, boots and ice axes. I think they may be burned at the stake. (Again, not derogatory since only a stupid american would even think of such a thing) Once we had properly packed away our gear, we got to experience what all the rules protected. A warm, beautiful, dry hut, free from ice axe holes and soiled rugs. Dinner was at 7:00pm and we where sure to be on time. Turned out to be a 4 course meal with a white wine starter... If only all my meals where so wonderful. With the windows of the hut, we had a 180 degree view of the top of the trient glacier. I spent probably a good hour sitting and looking outside. Likely one of the best dining views in the world in my opinion. </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wWT8YWDgV_zBu3Nf-yIU0eAJ6xFKuafaLyaa5XPZMTKpvkFgFks0tkU2_mUQo0HKAHlmgIg3XQwmdNkexdzQ1o0NlJxhG47Tv2optxxSGczixv41fX4USLUmm7ohmo0_QDtdAJjGtg4/s1600/IMG_4610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wWT8YWDgV_zBu3Nf-yIU0eAJ6xFKuafaLyaa5XPZMTKpvkFgFks0tkU2_mUQo0HKAHlmgIg3XQwmdNkexdzQ1o0NlJxhG47Tv2optxxSGczixv41fX4USLUmm7ohmo0_QDtdAJjGtg4/s400/IMG_4610.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Col du Chardonnet</td></tr>
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<h3 style="font-family: Arial; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> The next morning we where 21 minutes late for breakfast, due to a misread breakfast time. We thought we where nine minutes early. The gardian nicely, but sturnly told us in broken English 'Breakfast is at 6 or 7, not 21.' Graciously he still aloud us to have a tasty bread, cheeze, butter and jam breakfast.
On the way out, I of course left my ice axe in the ice axe rack where it will remain for eternity. </span></h3>
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> We skied the wind scared refrozen hardpack with sections of breakable death crust to the icefall where we entered the wind tunnel. SO windy in fact that you could side slip on the flat ground towards the abyss. After skiing the mogels down the icefall we traversed to yet another booter up the Col du Escandies</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">then skied out to Champex, Switzerland via the Val de Arpette. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> Yet another amazing and large basin that had suffered from massive wet slides. By massive its hard to represent because we don't see many that size in Utah. Think of the South face of Superior sliding over the road, and then and 5 or 6 more of those size slides all in the same drainage. Pretty cool, however very difficult to ski over basketball size frozen rollers. </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0v1ZhM8SI2MHRE6_lBoOWEYnHFMw7_B3hQ6v5eYgzyQutQY6kBQNNF-tTQpGyRiR9eGnqlNLXkWspuB1XbwbPOKxOAjwphYpl1xQaGhkLM0JlNJ0P6q2TGDVZQLILQbsfW6yGbjun1uc/s1600/IMG_4614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0v1ZhM8SI2MHRE6_lBoOWEYnHFMw7_B3hQ6v5eYgzyQutQY6kBQNNF-tTQpGyRiR9eGnqlNLXkWspuB1XbwbPOKxOAjwphYpl1xQaGhkLM0JlNJ0P6q2TGDVZQLILQbsfW6yGbjun1uc/s640/IMG_4614.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Glacier de Saleina</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiqxicyrqkJwg0qg8aJ3DoOuXHS6Z2H_KxT_WWU6Jd8RkpyqiGzWo_XYIJAhfzwG1JT1mPdEkYS0s5_t-lerFjPIZkldCueKlOS7w7lnKg_3dZ14F_HDM-Rep-Cd_FCgpWsWawjiKtNA/s1600/IMG_4630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAiqxicyrqkJwg0qg8aJ3DoOuXHS6Z2H_KxT_WWU6Jd8RkpyqiGzWo_XYIJAhfzwG1JT1mPdEkYS0s5_t-lerFjPIZkldCueKlOS7w7lnKg_3dZ14F_HDM-Rep-Cd_FCgpWsWawjiKtNA/s400/IMG_4630.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span><br />
<h3 style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Col du Escandies</span></span></h3>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
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<h3 style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"> After being anoyed with the guided american group for a while I got over my oversized head and enjoyed a nice slushy spring ski out to the town of Champex. This would unfortunately be the end of our skiing for the trip, but we didn't know it yet. The plan was to catch a ride to Borg-st.-Pierre for the night and do the 4300ft climb back up to the Valsorey hut on the other side the next morning. However when we awoke the next morning it was raining, and raining hard. We spent the whole next day planning and figuring out how to get back into the mountains and complete the traverse. After calling some of the huts and getting the response 'the weather is very bad' we tried to go around to a more easterly location to avoid some of the more difficult and commiting sections and access the Vignettes or Cabane des dix. This also was a failure as we couldn't find a place to stay and the weather was also 'very bad' at the huts on this side. We calculated our time availabe, how long the storm was to stay, and distance traveled and concluded that we would have to bail... so sad. </span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K4kSXPQDayeM03Cxvymx3vfDOU5pEAHE0lKcQesMTC15p_Mw4vYCvAi2YsqNE2xENeZGO3V_kYGHHPQ3uy4nWIJtZSeac1hi4-Vy46nDJCRLT5O05ja988KKYCNo4aYVnP1OPPkfTZ4/s1600/IMG_4668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3K4kSXPQDayeM03Cxvymx3vfDOU5pEAHE0lKcQesMTC15p_Mw4vYCvAi2YsqNE2xENeZGO3V_kYGHHPQ3uy4nWIJtZSeac1hi4-Vy46nDJCRLT5O05ja988KKYCNo4aYVnP1OPPkfTZ4/s400/IMG_4668.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris</td></tr>
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What I didn't tell you was that most of the others had already flushed out of the mountains and where on the way home. Such is the life of big goals in the mountains. Another day? I hope so.
In review, the scenery was stunning, the food was fabulous, and the skinning/skiing/mountaineering was moderate. An excellent trip I would recommend to anyone with the skill set and the strength. I think the average is 5000ft a day. The only down sides are maybe the diffulty in getting the information on the route (thankfully I had a team of well dedicated friends that pretty much did ALL the research) and the high prices of everything from food to gas, to taxi rides. You can quickly drain the budget when things get off the plan... Oh and did I mention take the train out of Paris? I can't say I recommend air france, unless you get the refundable ticket. Special thanks to my partners for providing pretty much all the hard prep work, digital maps, photos, money, entertainment, and generosity. Oh and lots of good red wine.</div>
KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-76147786212396966912012-04-13T17:22:00.010-07:002012-04-18T11:33:03.256-07:00Skiing the white zone<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri9iqT7L9RuaKjStlHIoERAOKrp6jftXYosRsEvV_07B6O4mw02SO_wBCz5bIEBvG9G4_WTxvTf26UCsTz0CS4i_UJtZznsZP-iNjDdx1PnNatqmv7eMcLDhfiJw-74ZA13f8YPy7n9g/s1600/IMG_4537.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2ZvvZ8tZ_i-e7VRt0kPlA7FQNOE3Am1mw57raDTEBwmVjT3raFHryH6krPsY-mELl7eeB4AyoKsnFE2GXSprt_Nk9MLpWwpb5zHI96EqUJf0IhL0plD9vodZ1j7LqMmJDV9_2k3xIVo/s1600/IMG_4532.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy1p9Nr3TgKh6xdPj_Cjw0DQq2ZIS0Icz7GeytGr95mXp9oL4cbvM4J9CGJpHq6HGwojzEF_7z-Wg3LpjMY8-2YWgE98x3QZUbAdWy1nEj8Vtr4zv63qb41WFeaqukpyjGDsgvhPkjfE/s1600/IMG_4525.jpg"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWVRvPVB21exsp1EQ8LGT6G9P_AVKH-cWLJuTKaoDQ_kGdP5PGUChaqEoYVC9zvW4RgSgLpShLcopPdO5cZ6v0AkfxmZT1bMOKFw583akcPpOGUlNlf11oKofk4ugu5TEM9aMr-ODrWY/s1600/IMG_4536.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWVRvPVB21exsp1EQ8LGT6G9P_AVKH-cWLJuTKaoDQ_kGdP5PGUChaqEoYVC9zvW4RgSgLpShLcopPdO5cZ6v0AkfxmZT1bMOKFw583akcPpOGUlNlf11oKofk4ugu5TEM9aMr-ODrWY/s320/IMG_4536.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732809040349742066" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_CVGgtaR6atsCmwybxo2Ypg83qHy_h0JRLqhIfigHOBiCgy19tvKwZf3d24is27JYSLg5rGKhqMNn57t19HbRSip2lYEt1qsaaStTQrYMRWXXLenRDIF0rWe7jZQhTs-uIIo-RRMUZE/s1600/IMG_4530.jpg"></a><br />Making backcountry skiing location choices isn't just about keeping yourself safe, its also about skiing the best snow you can get in the most efficient manner(OK, maybe not always efficient), with the least amount of damage to your gear. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_CVGgtaR6atsCmwybxo2Ypg83qHy_h0JRLqhIfigHOBiCgy19tvKwZf3d24is27JYSLg5rGKhqMNn57t19HbRSip2lYEt1qsaaStTQrYMRWXXLenRDIF0rWe7jZQhTs-uIIo-RRMUZE/s1600/IMG_4530.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl_CVGgtaR6atsCmwybxo2Ypg83qHy_h0JRLqhIfigHOBiCgy19tvKwZf3d24is27JYSLg5rGKhqMNn57t19HbRSip2lYEt1qsaaStTQrYMRWXXLenRDIF0rWe7jZQhTs-uIIo-RRMUZE/s320/IMG_4530.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732809070591630434" border="0" /></a> You can tell the difference between the newbs and the pro's based on the quality of there experience. Every day is different, so you really can't lay out a list of rules. If I did, I'm sure I would be hunted down like the bleeding baby seal in shark water.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri9iqT7L9RuaKjStlHIoERAOKrp6jftXYosRsEvV_07B6O4mw02SO_wBCz5bIEBvG9G4_WTxvTf26UCsTz0CS4i_UJtZznsZP-iNjDdx1PnNatqmv7eMcLDhfiJw-74ZA13f8YPy7n9g/s1600/IMG_4537.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgri9iqT7L9RuaKjStlHIoERAOKrp6jftXYosRsEvV_07B6O4mw02SO_wBCz5bIEBvG9G4_WTxvTf26UCsTz0CS4i_UJtZznsZP-iNjDdx1PnNatqmv7eMcLDhfiJw-74ZA13f8YPy7n9g/s320/IMG_4537.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732809062418899106" border="0" /></a></div><div>This season these decision have been even more important, and your success could lead you to a good powder day, or a rocky dirt bed. One trick I picked up was skiing the white zones.... on the topo. The white zones define 'open areas' like fields, Meadows, land fills, and above tree line. In the Wasatch we don't really have much above tree line, but its an excellent way to judge a number of things. One great example is most avalanche reports have a break between above and below the tree line. (well, except the Wasatch). In this case I use it to determine the <span style="font-style: italic;">existence</span> of snow that may be ski-able. Here is a most excellent route with great lines, close to the road, and a groomer exit, but don't tell too many of your friends or be sure to ski it when I'm not around.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy1p9Nr3TgKh6xdPj_Cjw0DQq2ZIS0Icz7GeytGr95mXp9oL4cbvM4J9CGJpHq6HGwojzEF_7z-Wg3LpjMY8-2YWgE98x3QZUbAdWy1nEj8Vtr4zv63qb41WFeaqukpyjGDsgvhPkjfE/s1600/IMG_4525.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSy1p9Nr3TgKh6xdPj_Cjw0DQq2ZIS0Icz7GeytGr95mXp9oL4cbvM4J9CGJpHq6HGwojzEF_7z-Wg3LpjMY8-2YWgE98x3QZUbAdWy1nEj8Vtr4zv63qb41WFeaqukpyjGDsgvhPkjfE/s320/IMG_4525.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732809047052751186" border="0" /></a><br />Start in the Brighton Parking lot and either take a one ride up Milly (sissy) or skin to the Milly booter then boot to the top. Ski something on the North aspect of the upper ridge of Millicent, catch the lake skin track back to the East wolverine booter, then ski wolverine (in this case I skied the glade in fear of super steep snow sluffs over rocks.) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2ZvvZ8tZ_i-e7VRt0kPlA7FQNOE3Am1mw57raDTEBwmVjT3raFHryH6krPsY-mELl7eeB4AyoKsnFE2GXSprt_Nk9MLpWwpb5zHI96EqUJf0IhL0plD9vodZ1j7LqMmJDV9_2k3xIVo/s1600/IMG_4532.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie2ZvvZ8tZ_i-e7VRt0kPlA7FQNOE3Am1mw57raDTEBwmVjT3raFHryH6krPsY-mELl7eeB4AyoKsnFE2GXSprt_Nk9MLpWwpb5zHI96EqUJf0IhL0plD9vodZ1j7LqMmJDV9_2k3xIVo/s320/IMG_4532.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732809051230694738" border="0" /></a> Then a quick traverse up to Tuscarora for the Tuscarora chute. Followed by a monster traverse around Catherine's lake to Sunrise peak. Other than the groomer skin and ski, the entire route is above 9000ft.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcKqtU8nG4CU_zVOkNZQf4Qn0IrZPbzsid_MYK1xEQgBqGrAkinbjcTOHvMNpkbfmfbXac6AoBuuYAwim-vypSO1wbPSybCDkzso6-5y0raLSMLtdNOEKd_SI3MTN42MctP6FysaYq90/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-18+at+12.30.54+PM.png"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPcKqtU8nG4CU_zVOkNZQf4Qn0IrZPbzsid_MYK1xEQgBqGrAkinbjcTOHvMNpkbfmfbXac6AoBuuYAwim-vypSO1wbPSybCDkzso6-5y0raLSMLtdNOEKd_SI3MTN42MctP6FysaYq90/s320/Screen+shot+2012-04-18+at+12.30.54+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732810246111620306" border="0" /></a></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-1976565969223334652012-03-12T11:41:00.009-07:002012-03-12T12:43:48.611-07:00Adventure touring on the White Rim<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnxTfZ8LO6o3uULMlgm9X-E_MN_urHnTV9tCs6Nn6fGzKHwyBWoGG_ItEA2LK1AiHmaZ6QnPdoct9ZcPtO9PO8E3B-gLonhyOtTQRV0_NNpbVQiuSiSNNRc4adXrG2IY9XWBT0El-Z6U/s1600/shafer+trail.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSqSQxTex91D2HGYNtDxth_GIx-iyqFOG4mRB_dHbcXAUDjfC7mqnqpCLMeTSwtsHdutJYS2VQ4JYD-ZN58q2Y-yhQleIYx11vC4-q85tb2LLlr2O3_9sFwm8IoVPzIahSEeX3-42f8A/s1600/IMG_4393.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Dwj3zc9IN-KXQs-v3e62gfPx4m8aQd9by3Bh7q-yN57YnMJrHCDiVQbV9mmuU2S9fu5F7Xl5da9aLFD8ppqPohpM-_WUC9RgnUWinvlV1VT2VVBwGAuN635JbhUWpUW1Z_8hA68UVQM/s1600/White+Rim+Trail.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Dwj3zc9IN-KXQs-v3e62gfPx4m8aQd9by3Bh7q-yN57YnMJrHCDiVQbV9mmuU2S9fu5F7Xl5da9aLFD8ppqPohpM-_WUC9RgnUWinvlV1VT2VVBwGAuN635JbhUWpUW1Z_8hA68UVQM/s320/White+Rim+Trail.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719097609299215282" /></a><br />I had a struggle between doing the powder keg this year or bailing for a trip to the desert. I only had one close friend left doing the keg. The kicker, however, was that the spouse was leaving town for the week... I like to think of it as a free kitchen pass. So at the expense of the keg, I decided to head to the desert.<br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span>Based on the options available we decide to do the White Rim Trail in Island in the Ski, Canyon Lands National Park. But not the normal way, because that would be too boring. So we packed up our touring bikes and headed South in hopes of getting a permit. We planned to ride counter clockwise, in about 2 and 1/2 days self supported. That totals about 117 miles of rocks and sand doable in a high clearance 4x4 or 2x4 with some skill... Oh and did I mention lots of sand?</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4zfuaQX1FHeSsMky_JkPQuM4StfZxqYYHS7GM3EZ1wYNnUTLYKewJlVWR6-APo4oKBxY3xkR-N4dPqB73O7O3goEvT8_nWHPs8_fUYMQ8O8B1XRS4fKYVbjOODhUUT5Ae9iA_K2vKiY/s320/IMG_4377.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719097623068376226" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Day 1: about 35 miles from the parking lot down into the White Rim to our campsite next to the Green river. While we where getting our permit, we where talking to a ranger who got dubber 'olive oil' for the visible stress in her simple permit issuing position. Olive oil had told us that the only river access we would have would be at Potato Bottom camp, and it would be a bush wack at that. Turns out she was a little off. It was one of the last major water stops, but far from the first. So on day one we carried about 2 and 1/2 gallons of water each--or about 20 lbs of water. (Just to compare my Tarmac road bike weighs about 17 lbs). Needless to say it was a heavy day. All without much need. We decended mostly for the first 17 miles or so until we reached the green then it was a mix of flats and moderate climbs to the camp site. Reasonable bouldering was the evening activity along with a fancy meal of potato soup, with avocado and green peppers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 2: Definitely the full featured day of 47ish miles through rolling hills and short steep climbs and technical decents (at least for a fully loaded touring bike). At the mid point we met the crux of the route: The Hogsback. A steep loose climbing that was relentless. However with much determination we where able to ride the climb, and a lot of motivation from our friends from ska brewing. (http://www.skabrewing.com).</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSqSQxTex91D2HGYNtDxth_GIx-iyqFOG4mRB_dHbcXAUDjfC7mqnqpCLMeTSwtsHdutJYS2VQ4JYD-ZN58q2Y-yhQleIYx11vC4-q85tb2LLlr2O3_9sFwm8IoVPzIahSEeX3-42f8A/s320/IMG_4393.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719097639296382658" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div>Speaking of Ska brewing company, YES we where self supported on this trip, but after deliberations with one of the founders of Ska, a statewide beer advocate for Colorado brewing, and other very professional brewers of Colorado, we decided it was still considered 'self supported' if you accept generous offerings of brew during the post ride. And thanks to this group of excellent citizens, we where always greeted at the end of the day with an ice cold beverage or fine distilled selection for the cellar of Ska or associated companies. These professionals also provide more than enough entertainment for any night with endless humor and a selection of desert games such as bocce ball, moon light rides, and kite flying.</div> <div><br /></div><div>I almost forgot the rest of day 2! After the completion of the Hogsback, it of course should have only been a few miles to the camp site right? Well, hours later and a setting sun, we where not there yet. Turns out Team Ska had chosen a camp site 10 miles closer than we had. So we stopped by to say hello as the sun was setting before our final 10 miles of slow rocky desert riding. At this point we should also admit that we gave into their generous offer to share some of their large water stores... but to be clear we only took about 35 ounces each. Enough for tea and dish washing for the night and morning. We finished the last 10 miles in the dark with only a little navigation trouble due to the lack of visible landmarks. Thankfully I brought along my super dyno hub light that illuminated the trail well, even before the moon rise. We where spent, and ready for bed.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipthkmdwb1ebQMi9ckLXTYDJ-BzTLdd_YaaGVANKRW7dtrkwX4d2-NTH7PuFV8G1UDw74FgzuVa1Ks-L90ZGHrJkBTOKl8_T1RUgKGmGXiqkZ4dCWo7Af_jmuWow1HZgqGMLzMyAz5Ftg/s320/IMG_4396.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719097635229718354" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 48px; " /></span><div>Day 3: We had to spend a little extra time in the morning repairing a broken pannier mount due to the continued pounding and high weight, but it only put us back about an hour. Day 3 turned out to be nice and actually pretty short. The ride to the trail split was about 18 miles. At the trail split we had to chose the Shafer Trail climb, or the ride out to pot ash, then continued ride up Longs canyon to the car. The Shafer trail is about 1700ft in about 5 miles, and the visual stimuli is amazing. The grade isn't too bad, and the road well cared for so it was really just a nice beautiful grind. The only problem was the road was closed due to 'covered in ice' as Olive oil had stated. But those of you familiar with the desert and how things go, would probably have a difficult time with the idea of it being covered in ice with very little snow visible around the park. After evaluating the likelihood of olive oil being wrong (very likely) and the fact that many bike tracks had passed through the trail since the last rain/snow event. We decide it was likely open to bikes by now anyway and took the risk. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJw3l2Gs0G1S73xaXt1n-k4KxCtLmfu7EB6L8cTchUwo7_dp7rzzzLBJik28L8h2bLrisxGSsHNW8TI4LeLsRBC8BdozRoRXYS0DbPhgjnwJo5ic7IGqHgetwm59QgnjBnYHUcjr7VRyU/s320/IMG_4402.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719097626010333538" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div> made the right decision as it was an excellent climb with 1 or 2 unrideable snow sections, but by snow I mean like 3 inches of very walkable snow. You could see the bikes from above just rode through. After reaching the top we finished the 10 grueling miles back on the Asphalt to the car.</div><div><br /></div><div>Great ride, excellent scenery, and good friends. I would recommend it to anyone who can get a reasonably big tire on your touring bike, and has some good MTB skills. Or if you don't have the skills, take the MTB bike and its easy, with just a lot of miles</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnxTfZ8LO6o3uULMlgm9X-E_MN_urHnTV9tCs6Nn6fGzKHwyBWoGG_ItEA2LK1AiHmaZ6QnPdoct9ZcPtO9PO8E3B-gLonhyOtTQRV0_NNpbVQiuSiSNNRc4adXrG2IY9XWBT0El-Z6U/s320/shafer+trail.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719098139005773730" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 206px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-42710504556720569762012-02-16T17:50:00.000-08:002012-02-16T18:33:17.319-08:00Cottonwood Ninnies<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw3dKwVUDQ84Bj3tfCI_JfEHhUGGdIP-z7DFLVMAdyNBk2devtKxuuh_QBSmY62kTT-WjjRfrvnnQSwqeduDHPNrDBTAMdZ93rk1M_pps1Y05VPy-Pfqkg0v4zh3y9XU4yXrBP7u3QaY/s1600/IMG_4300.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0mqQ1zuPd-hEFa3SrqJ_QeKgqVsvVBBTMLVuxWCCzmeq_GcxrGWPb6PVQvY3krfLjGoPHKLSmDtF3Iy7elnA1KXN-03oNIsd4mdMC8Lo8TyvTSvQKHeXWYV1knvhO-oFVYTDIB5fE1E/s1600/IMG_4157.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0mqQ1zuPd-hEFa3SrqJ_QeKgqVsvVBBTMLVuxWCCzmeq_GcxrGWPb6PVQvY3krfLjGoPHKLSmDtF3Iy7elnA1KXN-03oNIsd4mdMC8Lo8TyvTSvQKHeXWYV1knvhO-oFVYTDIB5fE1E/s320/IMG_4157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709924805566133986" /></a><br />As most of you know, its been a tough season in the Wasatch. I've done my best to keep my hopes high, and I still will. November to January I compensated with good Ice climbing and running. But I've never been that good of an ice climbing AND I've never been able to focus on ice for an entire season. I guess its a good thing I live is a place with short ice season.<div><br /></div><div>Finally in February, a <i>little</i> snow has begun to fall. Although its the solution, its also the problem. Some people have a saying in the Wasatch that you don't huck until you've got a 100inch base. Well right now Alta is reporting a 77 inch base. If you've been skiing at all you know exactly what its like out there: A mine field of roots, stumps, fallen trees, rocks, depth hoar, and even dirt patches. Last week we did the super tour because it seemed like more fun to traverse than to ski. During the route I got confused multiple times--not because of lack of knowledge of the route, but because the terrain was completely different than normal. For example, West Hogum is like a gerbil maze the size of an airport. except for its made with rocks. To add to the difficulty the snow pack resembles a continental snowpack with endless depth rot creating a ticking time bomb.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-cPvaAEdQi3m1aaUE7C8qoi6LwFhwGj9l5Dnj2LWI0BD5tSQ9LPstrDmuOiHGeAUlC6xU_NTLlYymuxunnRS9Zxmm1-j5GRRnREn-Q3gvxvyzfoYkP7gzg_3Cw7goeMaKYhgYY67nco/s320/IMG_4277.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709924783539206290" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>After much suffering and what I reasoned was a patient wait for the snow, we bailed and went North, as far as necessary to find it. When we finally found it, I got much more than I bargained for--a look inside myself.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-VOeT0tCfG1b08ehrwj_Xdc25rchVXZhyK-OPZ5Sy_TA-roKy531uvk7sRgQnlJHMVOyIHZPbaUDpVZMQwWPZqpGgyaWbg76RFCL5sAAxm1h94oJMWEY2ADbY1KMpVt3qgCd9n3LwDcI/s320/IMG_4297.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709924793762435794" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Day 1 was tame enough as we skied a late afternoon shorty with ridiculous deep powder on 30 degree slopes with an easy skate back on a packed track. It was the lure to bring us deep inside. Day 2 we ventured higher and farther to find another excellent ski experience that was filled with difficult route finding due to an incredible unstable snow pack. It was a time where giving into that steep powder slope would almost certainly have serious consequences. Thankfully I'm usually surround by smarter, more level headed decision makers.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzHfJt9LEGX1IrcA0kbJR2bkgSbGzs3baVWSQbSQalg9EGxN35Trxf3Yn50qThAJ3UZiD0lfXqNPyg2rOkP5yRb3xuuSYkf_X0WZhsXB0AgD39-Hkegf04BJWpBMqubgmljUny50KqOA/s320/IMG_4290.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709924795198191042" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>This continued on, and we got more involved in the terrain and the snow and created bigger and bigger goals. By the last day went for our big goal of the trip, a majestic, high altitude backcountry peak. In the heart of the wilderness. The approach included snowmobiles, trucks, river crossings, extra gu, digital topo maps, and lots of slogging. It was clear that our goal was out of reach when we realized we wouldn't even be able to view the peak until past mid day. Earlier in the trip a partner had coined the term 'Cottonwood Ninnies' as a joke to our weakness. This last day made it clear, I was not up for the challenge.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPw3dKwVUDQ84Bj3tfCI_JfEHhUGGdIP-z7DFLVMAdyNBk2devtKxuuh_QBSmY62kTT-WjjRfrvnnQSwqeduDHPNrDBTAMdZ93rk1M_pps1Y05VPy-Pfqkg0v4zh3y9XU4yXrBP7u3QaY/s320/IMG_4300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709924809658268322" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>Its when you push tell you can't, then keep pushing that you really find yourself, ultra-runners talk about the wall, and then the pit, then climbing out of the pit. What I learned was the meaning of the words 'Cottonwood Ninnies.' It was me.</div><div><br /></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-46555037074509175222011-11-02T15:51:00.000-07:002011-12-01T10:56:23.129-08:00Panama: Monkeys, Sloths, and fritas bananas.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAYqLf77KBIF_vHjaQ5wWmoSTQAYz9p1gkbIsUKRtXPL900BT0VvFmqt2XxnWW4n4s1ErxHb1e3t6hzKTogeaApzRXBpO85RuRtnNEZfSxAckuDNSz8sTaIQPudgs7Ud7WgC8yNWvzUc/s1600/IMG_4506.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt2Ix8JFaLQ0-tA8ZbO5MrKfQF8tKV0f2t3PlrFVVG5w1v0E7iKacWrxDpb_KIY3eU-sN6vxZC6ogPPbbZyXhQPcPMYC21adOd43_aU2GfudUKSdN3mO2BG5hnLCMjdIiIgrjuccXzow/s1600/IMG_4509.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaYisuKkBmR80fIvogj47e7cC1uktfz8skMiYsOCJdbJAiwOXlr_S2_1k-cnycaIc8NoWp00lBbm-QQ1mdQ_ZWqohT7O31OO4J-oHuObYgeRPU_siZnpZHbgLM0_XzjNGROppTbFf0T8/s1600/IMG_4496.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm41JGs-rXHr1ezdPATLMwGe_hNcU0kVFMi_OETcUuUDRl2XXZpmFPGRppxAYjfV7Z7G0ZiMvAZP-VPlzgH6eNgKpnj62zVZjq3uQ6OYpUn30goMBSYXOk3SNUJnBmbwrseIfKUmWzRc/s1600/IMG_4433.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLm41JGs-rXHr1ezdPATLMwGe_hNcU0kVFMi_OETcUuUDRl2XXZpmFPGRppxAYjfV7Z7G0ZiMvAZP-VPlzgH6eNgKpnj62zVZjq3uQ6OYpUn30goMBSYXOk3SNUJnBmbwrseIfKUmWzRc/s320/IMG_4433.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680562092354544674" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQst5lAm1Kc1XT5-5XM3AtjU8b3emb4-drEz4_Wpt0UvLJGcDiuaqmOdJ_R5ZHTzdwhm280HxF1RgbujcEoM_TnwdbSkyLtk3uXgHJnrqkJF83Tt-UO4hG4sk2NX9hl4wv1s2Vnt7fLs/s1600/IMG_4468.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />After a complete failure of a ski trip attempt to the Cordillera Blanca, I had no choice but to go on a solo bike trip, again. I know most people out their put this in the 'fringe' category, even if you do it with someone. Yet if you do it alone, its just dangerous, and the questions are always... 'why would you do that?' Well I have no answers, but I do have a good experience and hopefully an enjoyable story.<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5vEc7vGPLP45z6Z-nMdfsXlSB6ZHlJm7kq8gJTwOJ9-clFgXC71ZRm6Ov-V1IUcfI_jafHBaNwUIvL5tfbHDns2rn4CW98RtP50mSXIQ-6TTFI1s1fcVUiLE55zbvDxLMxkdJXgcDI4/s320/IMG_4440.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680559630872702642" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>After deliberating on locations about where I could go for two weeks with my bike that's cheap, the weather is nice, and the flights aren't too bad I settled on Panama, with a touch of Costa Rica.<b> </b>As always, with little planning, a map, a bike and a digital lonely planet I headed out.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JQjWc2qn9-4TAw1jWZXqXUxF_Ptu9UbjZXZmMskjPEyqD8GZChfJrIg8Z-WzIaQjTELlX6daUhg7YQHjpxliz-OlKwMS_sgKBoYNEjaUysQxsq46TzWSpgD7-f1yI3Yp69cf3OEsV-M/s320/IMG_4452.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680562097977178210" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>When I reached Panama City Panama on the first night I saw almost nothing of the city because it was late, and I wasn't supposed to go out at night in that city. The next morning I woke up in my dorm style room full of older than teenage types who had been staying a bit to long on the Hostel train. I quietly took my large bags to the balcony, shut the door, and started assembling the Surly. 2 hours or so later, I was ready to depart the smelly, hot hostel. With the excitement of a new adventure I set off intending to find some breakfast. After some confusion I found a nice cafeteria style dive with empanada's, french fries, and an assortment of other fried meats. This would actually be the best breakfast for a long time. After my $1.50 I was off to find my way OUT of the city. I did spend some time riding around the Casco Vieja, to have a look at the ancient Spanish ruins. Not my first choice in 'beautiful old places.' but interesting non the less. The trick was no stopping too close to any of the sketchy looking street crowd that couldn't help but get their hand in your stuff. After getting lost numerous times, I finally just ended up using my compass to get out of town. As reported by the Lonely Planet, after leaving the historic district I moved into suburbia, filled with middle classers, SUV's, and departments stores. Boring! But, safe. From here I headed North along the Canal (yes, THE canal) towards the Mira Flores Locks to watch some big metal and lots of wasted fresh water. After paying my $5 entrance fee It was nice to see them in operation, get wi-fi and use a clean bathroom.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZn0kVii6XLnvi4sgMzgXdPrPTJ8DKzKxNqUtk58WUBJcfKGRTDdxOqsx_wJFNrhrL1XtkLrxzlJdOLx57wMQ4W-NAw86RG6kn-dFDVj2PXpPG1XQrbN35KmYNG7fw0OjDNU-MPqpG30/s320/IMG_4446.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680559638633628306" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>Later on I experienced the real panama. Rain, it began about 1pm, and it continued on and off... for the next week. I was ready though with all my rain gear. After crossing the canal for some photo's I joined the Pan-American Highway heading West North West. I spent endless miles through hot weather, driving rain, and clouds before night started to fall. My first problem of the trip: Finding a place to stay at night. I had planned on staying in the town of La Chorrera, which seems to be a large enough town to have some accommodations. I was navigating reasonably well to this point, at least I thought so. I started riding at about 7:00am with stops for breakfast, water, and the canal. When it finally started getting dark at about 6:30 I was wondering if I would ever make it to La Chorrera. So I started to ask around for a Hotel, but no one seemed to know where one was. Finally I got sent to the Policia to chat with them. The Captain gracefully told me that their was not a hotel within 30km of our location, and that La Chorrera was 30 km back in the direction I had came. So much for my navigation skills. The Captain also told me that I would be spending the night with them at the police station. So I spent a nice night working hard on my Spanish, and being very, very safe.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6v1WfIGn_aUgGM3v3Jt5sd-nv1c_xfHeTfEO3C7x8bCXW57OJkAZ-lIwbPNnyVKq4JIvM6Pg_Tp-Ci7zIZFx5WvVD_54fqLl7UKuk1LFzmizOvjNDTsGQ6Tzll7UD67y7rC5A9Vx7PTA/s320/IMG_4472.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681232271535342082" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 150px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div>The next day I got out reasonably early and headed for something more visually stimulating... like the beach. It was during my next ride that I saw the sloth. Funniest creature I've ever seen in the wild. About the size of my cat with the same white hair, but soaking wet. (what a surprise) and it moved across the ground so very slow. It made me smile just to watch it. After a much shorter day I found a surf school with beach front camping somewhere near playa corona. I had a nice night swinging in my hammock listening to the waves crash.</div> <div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2X_9DTbi_ZBo9Zvpf9egSfIrpjAqg7BAfgxTfg_zj2lCWEjj_6XiIY7Dti7PZmYaZW7tKFXKaUXY2cOuv1jhOssnHeYPooz_xuBojJqqRNQnv0XmbGKE5CXfC19P1b4SbNyTGX3cUac/s320/IMG_4464.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680559636376975474" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 90px; " /></span><div>The following day was a rather painful 80km filled with rain, and more rain. The Pan-Am highway is excellent riding, most of the time. It has a large shoulder, slow speed limits, and is reasonably well maintained. The downside is that when they put in a bridge, the shoulder completely disappears. So you have to go out into the lane and cross the bridge. So every time you come to a bridge (which is often in Central America) you have to stop, wait for a break in the traffic, and then sprint across. (sprint is a little inappropriate for a 80 lb. bike). Finally as night was approaching I reached the town of Aguadulce, which just happened to be having a festival! Unfortunately it was raining in sheets again, so I didn't spend much time outside. However, it was fun to watch from my balcony.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZaYisuKkBmR80fIvogj47e7cC1uktfz8skMiYsOCJdbJAiwOXlr_S2_1k-cnycaIc8NoWp00lBbm-QQ1mdQ_ZWqohT7O31OO4J-oHuObYgeRPU_siZnpZHbgLM0_XzjNGROppTbFf0T8/s320/IMG_4496.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680562119490591762" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span><div>The next day I decide to skip the inland cycling and catch a bus to David, a centrally located town in the Chiriqui Lowlands, probably a good hard 2-3 days ride. When I got into town I went straight for the Purple House Hostel. Probably my favorite place that I stayed on the whole trip. It is actually all Purple, inside and out.</div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO16SzuJCtYEpReFdg69xShd_5V8gZ83clZdRaIfCRc4GH4VypykBCqXSLNDcA94tdCD0aXmuIyrK96jypPicoHZLysp5TdcReOPO2SUlqJPJ9dG1uP-Bv-j5Idr3Asu2Rc-LD5e1bjHs/s320/IMG_4466.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680559654090056722" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>The staff was excellent, the visitors resources where unbelievable, and it had an excellent kitchen. The next day I decided to head for the north Coast, over the continental divide. How hard could it be? So I headed back East to Chiriqui for the harded 60km ride of the trip. It was also the best 60km of the trip. The Chiriqui province is very different than Santiago, or Panama City, or even Colon. It is a beautiful, lush, fertile, rainforest with big mountains, waterfalls, and limestone--oh and monkeys. As I started out of town I quickly hit the mountains and started the slow, grind to the top, which was somewhere in the range of 4-5000ft, from sea level. A brutal climb for any bike. This was the first time I left the Pan-American Highway, and it was wonderful. The road was well cared for because it was the tourist route to Bocas del Toro.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQst5lAm1Kc1XT5-5XM3AtjU8b3emb4-drEz4_Wpt0UvLJGcDiuaqmOdJ_R5ZHTzdwhm280HxF1RgbujcEoM_TnwdbSkyLtk3uXgHJnrqkJF83Tt-UO4hG4sk2NX9hl4wv1s2Vnt7fLs/s320/IMG_4468.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680559658866293858" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;"><br /></span>I stopped at one roadside store to get a drink to go with my one water bottle. I chose the only thing I could see from the window, since I was never sure what I would get. Turns out it was 'malt flavored soda.' Wow, that is probably the worst combination ever thought up. 1.5 L of that and 24 oz of water was all I would have for the next 18 hours. I got lost in one town that had a bunch of unmarked roads where I asked for directions. The old man pointed right and then up to the sky, multiple time. He followed his gesture by looking at my bike and laughing hysterically. Not really a good sign, but I was psyched still so I didn't really notice. 6 hours of climbing later and 5 hours of rain, I wasn't so psyched. Standing under a tin shelter that kept most of the poring rain out I thought, this must be about the top. I was sure this was the last hill. Well when I stopped for dinner at about 6:00pm and the darkness was coming, I still wasn't at the top yet: not after 40 miles. The good news was that I was close, just one big hill away. I stopped at a tiny shed that had been turned into 'cafe hamburger' where I met two of my favorite locales: Andre and Blanca. They only made one item at their shop, hamburgers</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3QkDiSwtjjV9I5TkwVRGtO4bQRBRGJFLoHb8VrUZnJOVrviXeS2_LHzw-bMzBIaoh1tWL6o84cGohwENWZDGo16JeiiPttc3Nn7jm7X4nyriZjaH-tvoGeSFqX8c0ST5OUX2bxhxy0_k/s320/IMG_4477.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680562106477641282" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>Sauteed pre made, frozen patties with way too much Catchup, an old tomato. It was perfect. After much difficulty in communication for an hour, they offered to let me camp in the back in the grass... After evaluating the grass it became clear that it was more like a rice paddy with 4 inches of standing water. Not too good for my bivy sack. They just kept getting more generous and I ended up sleeping in the tiny floor of the 'cafe hamburger.' The next morning Andre showed up to cook me breakfast, another hamburger. But I was very thankful for their never ending hospitality.<br /><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcDmchpRbRy6jSedDiYrmA_Qx7kXsg02j81MYXrSGQsFLLur8GxGSr0uuOYO-YSwxADztBLf2FNSEoaKzdHD549ekbQBLFZMipo8iLBeK8x_tVJOD05rH_UDLt0UOezfyf7gcD9X3HOg/s320/IMG_4494.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680562108655579138" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>One of the things that I appreciate more than the sights, the places, and the wonders, is the people. Recently in Panama and Peru we have experience the most wonderful, generous, and caring people we've ever met. It always the people that have little to nothing that always give the most. The Policia, Andre and Blanca, The random Peruvian who would point us in the right direction. It didn't matter that I (we) had poor spanish, or where foreign. They always go out of their way to help us out. I'm sure its a bit of a stereo type, but it seems that those with the least seem to be the most generous; while those with the most, are the least generous. However in Peru we did get a generous ride from a wealthy accountant...<br /><br />I digress, After leaving 'Cafe Hamburger' I continued on through the mountains past their massive hydroelectric plant, and many, many waterfalls. The climbing was not yet done, not for another 10 miles or so. Once we started down however, it was steep and far. As I descended the temperature kept climbing. Funny, the only time I actually needed my super light 40+ degree down bag was at the Cafe Hamburger, every other night it was just for padding.<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAYqLf77KBIF_vHjaQ5wWmoSTQAYz9p1gkbIsUKRtXPL900BT0VvFmqt2XxnWW4n4s1ErxHb1e3t6hzKTogeaApzRXBpO85RuRtnNEZfSxAckuDNSz8sTaIQPudgs7Ud7WgC8yNWvzUc/s320/IMG_4506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681235502969728226" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Descending onto the North side (or West side, figure that out) the forests and climate changed a bit. It seemed that the forest became more National Geographic like, or I was just more intimately involved in it. Multiple time I wished that I had purchased a machete to strap to the bike so I could go into the jungle for a night of camping, but I didn't and there was no way to get into the jungle without a machete, or a bull dozer. I passed the 'lost and found' reserve somewhere in the night and would probably have stayed there in retrospect for a day to experience the jungle...next time. The rain was also much thinner on the North and I finally dried out a few items. unfortunately, my down coat that was in the center of my panniers, which had rain covers on them, had gotten soaked. Thankfully at 38 C things dry pretty quick.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUNl77pK853xrEDm3ewYEh-lyJ12Bm3uCjAG9OfF7mSUfngHEauTw2Nbzdg6BD_aqoSxVosjpO9NUt1afKL3vEGtDYw9X2CxHKwXjEKtWME_5TghEYcWHwe5lObRm7UgFkzEW7qnHsyo/s320/IMG_4465.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681235498776426594" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>For those of you who like to tour, one trick I've picked up from somewhere (probably reading) was to use the tops of your panniers as drying racks. It works excellent, especially on a 60 kph+ decent and a hot day. The trick in Panama is getting things out when its not raining, and then getting them back IN before it starts again. Thankfully, it didn't rain until the evening, so everything got dried.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was now riding the North Coast road towards Bocas del Toro, and although it wasn't that difficult I kept feeling like I was out of gas and ready to call it a day. Most people would have figured it out quickly, but I'm slow so it took most of the day to realize it was the heat. It was hot all the time, and so I didn't really notice the difference, but my internal engine did. I ended up stopping at every town to poor water over myself to keep the motor cool. Finally I made it to the town of Quebrada Pastores and I was very tired. It was also pouring rain again, so I stopped for dinner at a nice, but expensive(like $5 instead of $2). I stayed the night at the hotel that was connected, and also not so nice. I anticipated another 10 miles or so to Almirante, the ferry town, but in the morning when I got up it turned out to be a mile or two... I guess Maps can't always right. Actually, every map I've used in foreign countries has been wrong at least once. The next day I took the ferry to Bocas del Toro, the famed Islands of Panama.</div><div><br /></div><div>After arriving in town it rapidly became apparent I'd reached a tourist destination. White people where everywhere, no one stared at me, just my bike, and everyone said hello in English. Its funny how the simple cultural things make you comfortable. I found a nice, tiny, room to stay in a quit part of town (not so easy to find in Bocas). I spent a lot of time with some interesting Americans. Senor Sombrero as he called himself, and Tom Duffy, a Solar engineer, and world traveler. Senor Sombrero was just a nice guy who lived the simple life, spent 2 years riding a Walmart bike around florida, and didn't really have any goals in life. Tom Duffy, on the other had, started a solar business, has Engineered some of the largest solar systems in the world, traveled the world, built an amazing off the grid house, and then left it behind to stay in Bocas. I also took a ride along the East shoreline to get free from the town and got to experience the real island. It is very, very beautiful, and everything is for sale! It would be nicer if it was all protected from more development. I heard a lot of Howler monkeys, but I couldn't actually see any of them. I did see lots of fast and fun lizards though... big enough to be a dinner stake.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnt2Ix8JFaLQ0-tA8ZbO5MrKfQF8tKV0f2t3PlrFVVG5w1v0E7iKacWrxDpb_KIY3eU-sN6vxZC6ogPPbbZyXhQPcPMYC21adOd43_aU2GfudUKSdN3mO2BG5hnLCMjdIiIgrjuccXzow/s320/IMG_4509.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681232283998917810" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>The next day I took the early boat out of Bocas. Most people would stay for weeks or at least days on an exotic tropical island like Bocas, but it just isn't for me. I tried to hang out at the beach for a while like normal people but I only made it like 30 minutes before I was back on the bike exploring. I guess I'm not into the sedentary life. When I reached Almirante I took a taxi to Changuinola to catch the bus to San Jose, Costa Rica. I made it with minutes to spare. That was the end of my cycling for the trip, sadly. As I sad uncomfortably on the bus for the 6 hours I looked out the window at the amazing rain forests of Costa Rica, and the monsterous mountains we climbed over to get to San Jose. It is definitely an amazing country, and I will likely return for another tour. After much suffering I found a nice little hostel near the airport where I spent the night and had my best meal (and most expensive $7) of the trip. The next morning I flew out to Atlanta.</div><div><br /></div><div>As always there are good and bad parts of any adventure. This one was unique in the fact that its the first time I've spent time on my bike near the equator with lots and lots of rain. It proved to be beautiful, and not as difficult as I had imagined. The people where the highlight, and I think will always be the highlight. Like Peru, it was wonderful to experience there way of life, and see their smiles as they help you in a time of need. I'm not sure if I would return to Panama, at least not soon. If I did, the place I would go is the Mono </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2NTe3n5SWf2gIe4Cf9oU00WpfDpY02RVTxrwPY2yYngQXUDGt9j-qOppunv0cLXe_y5Mej3T6IODc81zEupVUetOc5AaUz2t8hRYps4zEGqSuvGyrdDT_F3cKYKXRA8mG-mp2YS3szH4/s320/IMG_4507.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681232274718302370" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>(http://www.carnivoreonline.com/travel/panama_2006/map/mono_feliz.html). Otherwise I would be returning to Costa Rica to head North. Step two in a very long Journey.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-1318908864678052142011-09-28T09:00:00.000-07:002011-09-28T12:17:45.619-07:00Minerals, Mines, and the Room of Doom<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWlCVnS4Vn9PJAQ6kpZURzgJ_B9Ei7q0thBohEIsyo25wFnPvP0p0kxaj6qOe8PVM2plUor_z-LJaxAsgoL1AVrwYYwPKEbsAq7dCLMz7BQlowo68gIxyq_q3Lh-DzpL_NsVK13aZGw8/s1600/LongRun.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUWlCVnS4Vn9PJAQ6kpZURzgJ_B9Ei7q0thBohEIsyo25wFnPvP0p0kxaj6qOe8PVM2plUor_z-LJaxAsgoL1AVrwYYwPKEbsAq7dCLMz7BQlowo68gIxyq_q3Lh-DzpL_NsVK13aZGw8/s320/LongRun.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657463815384135010" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Recently I've developed a bit of a fetish with run, climb, run routes. I'm not sure if its a desire to hold onto the climbing past, need for diversity in my training, or as my wife would call it--a man crush on Jared Campbell(http://door5.com/).<br /><br />Yesterday I accidentally ran into (literally) excellent Wasatch Run-Climb-Run route. There is only one small downside to this route: You have to run the only ATV accessible trail in the Wasatch. Since I run on the weekdays, during working hours, it wasn't very busy. I passed 4 motorcycles and they where all very nice, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTyZh2OPktL6YW8QhXHE6ZhBiF7Lh0l-wWAsz5T2OsV1aB9WMNrgh9WS0qw65xsWYlHryaXHLQ_hyxly2Ex_cslD4y227S6EioUOUeVibbvc_b1lJmnWkIHy4EQ0UU5TpEASbNhqUqcs/s1600/IMG_4355.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTyZh2OPktL6YW8QhXHE6ZhBiF7Lh0l-wWAsz5T2OsV1aB9WMNrgh9WS0qw65xsWYlHryaXHLQ_hyxly2Ex_cslD4y227S6EioUOUeVibbvc_b1lJmnWkIHy4EQ0UU5TpEASbNhqUqcs/s320/IMG_4355.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657467803379177874" border="0" /></a>and very bewildered at the weird guy in sissy running shorts. The trail starts at the Mineral Fork ATV trailhead in BCC. Follow the ATV width, loose rock/Sand trail almost to the highest basin where Regulator Johnson Mine is in sight <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNjbBAbRZs_Uedwx_gccrZlb5hyphenhyphenIRZtpz59_7p6QpS9Lys8vB2mKjewjOhVg2JdGkNtVDD8usT6Yv8cMByPNQQ1BpwmWZkD1GpP7tSA_nhSJKbYDkjbqlXTcrxtSAs1XkF4wtkNnrA5Q/s1600/IMG_4358.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNjbBAbRZs_Uedwx_gccrZlb5hyphenhyphenIRZtpz59_7p6QpS9Lys8vB2mKjewjOhVg2JdGkNtVDD8usT6Yv8cMByPNQQ1BpwmWZkD1GpP7tSA_nhSJKbYDkjbqlXTcrxtSAs1XkF4wtkNnrA5Q/s320/IMG_4358.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657467789875730594" border="0" /></a>(http://nrwrt1.nr.state.ut.us/quads/q024/pq1421.gif), As your climbing up the steep, loose trail keep your eyes on Cardiac Ridge and look for the obvious narrow clean low angle slab. The trail will take you within about 1000 yards from the base. (See photo) Cut off the trail here, and head straight up for the fabulous looking slab. You will see some old tracks where some hot shot four wheeler high marked on this hill.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TWrwOXe1Sz3bNf8qDqnRrVfddl35LLlJEEEvzW7Y8PCmgr2jb9mojBUPHEs3igjkcnfVFBLKih_2akdcToqPdlCLS72knukpWpaKyMVxVlNRifwFzbYhHVyilOQ4QZrppGma2Fs6C2Q/s1600/IMG_4364.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8TWrwOXe1Sz3bNf8qDqnRrVfddl35LLlJEEEvzW7Y8PCmgr2jb9mojBUPHEs3igjkcnfVFBLKih_2akdcToqPdlCLS72knukpWpaKyMVxVlNRifwFzbYhHVyilOQ4QZrppGma2Fs6C2Q/s320/IMG_4364.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657467784373718242" border="0" /></a><br />I climbed this in my Merril Glove Running shoes (http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/22875M/50390/Mens/Barefoot-Trail-Glove) Probably the best option for any such run/climb. The only other option would be the NB Minimus <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t_tn-uDlOCYXKuu4MRtgrBKlX9C4jX0XPnXewCwTcRvIJpvMqfVO_N_oW8Y_5bZCjXVrZcY6LTOaM9_-fsBPS6qr_CXvLOV0CXrIM1IzTP4zYxxdE4OlpPHEx6l7TXztMoWuaD2Obio/s1600/IMG_4363.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8t_tn-uDlOCYXKuu4MRtgrBKlX9C4jX0XPnXewCwTcRvIJpvMqfVO_N_oW8Y_5bZCjXVrZcY6LTOaM9_-fsBPS6qr_CXvLOV0CXrIM1IzTP4zYxxdE4OlpPHEx6l7TXztMoWuaD2Obio/s320/IMG_4363.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657467774968633906" border="0" /></a>(http://www.newbalance.com/nb-minimus/). Normal running shoes are probably the WORST climbing option with their fat sole and lose fit. I don't know the actual height of the route but I'd guess 600-1000ft. I'd give it an alpine 5.6 with options on the slab to 5.9 and 5.10+ if you take the arete. There are two cruxes on the route the second being the scariest due to the integrity of the rock being questionable. The key, as with all alpine climbing, don't just pull on the biggest hold you can find, pull on the strongest one. All in all the rock quality is very good for its location, just slightly below what you'd get on the West Slabs of Mt. Olympus. And if you get scared you can traverse left into the dihedral for some dirty corner climbing.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWAYxUHYVsdxKdT_J_PF25KS8IfxpU8dEYEzk6xL8ypR1jSpJHXRWfWXSd8bY5SXGitevqA3aEVI74i4-E3YAf3QkLJ9oThOfbOrd71DfxQWkmFvVR9syBRc2Co_uRLby_WjSI4WB6co/s1600/IMG_4367.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBWAYxUHYVsdxKdT_J_PF25KS8IfxpU8dEYEzk6xL8ypR1jSpJHXRWfWXSd8bY5SXGitevqA3aEVI74i4-E3YAf3QkLJ9oThOfbOrd71DfxQWkmFvVR9syBRc2Co_uRLby_WjSI4WB6co/s320/IMG_4367.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657463837029237554" border="0" /></a><br />When you reach the top, you will find yourself on the knife of Cardiac ridge. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l23FrwQGvBp8Wg0jdDl3Ip17dT-QzT9BdfC1yrt6PLcEH5onPEmb51wfn4eX-qGCtWf1WDvZ0qgVkU7-Cm6nj2Y6Q8MK2nfgR66qoDPuTIaxy5Hzf1bigrhCByUp4-NbpAkh0tYqd-0/s1600/IMG_4376.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_l23FrwQGvBp8Wg0jdDl3Ip17dT-QzT9BdfC1yrt6PLcEH5onPEmb51wfn4eX-qGCtWf1WDvZ0qgVkU7-Cm6nj2Y6Q8MK2nfgR66qoDPuTIaxy5Hzf1bigrhCByUp4-NbpAkh0tYqd-0/s320/IMG_4376.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657463831857090722" border="0" /></a> I contemplated going North on the ridge but due to time down climbed the Cardiac slabs into Cardiff Ford of Mill D South. If you did the climb to the ridge, you can do the down climb. Due to confusion with the actual location of the Room of Doom, I'm pretty sure this is NOT the Room, but just in case I'm wrong this could be a down climb through the Room of Doom, but I think this route is actual a few ridges South of the Room of Doom.<br /><br />After getting off the slab head for the double track slightly up canyon (South) leading to the Baby M. Mine, which sits at the bottom of the Tunnel chute.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVtpK3f-OCT4iswf7mQXrawapEgmSRIn2xEueLqsPyqPHcrG6FBejVWrSMN7vZz0zqxMRGTceiN2ZgO58drwEgz-SiqtRjJ0RjSDG3IIKpoh84fnnLG3NDIUxWXOfp8F5Z5rkeqDOs2I/s1600/IMG_4380.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibVtpK3f-OCT4iswf7mQXrawapEgmSRIn2xEueLqsPyqPHcrG6FBejVWrSMN7vZz0zqxMRGTceiN2ZgO58drwEgz-SiqtRjJ0RjSDG3IIKpoh84fnnLG3NDIUxWXOfp8F5Z5rkeqDOs2I/s320/IMG_4380.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657463822141430146" border="0" /></a> From here catch the well traveled double track almost to the bottom of the canyon where you will see a distinct single track veer to the left (NW) as the road takes a sharp right (East). Follow the single track until you reach the power line trail. Follow the power line trail past the fancy pants houses until it almost disappears. When the power lines split, take the downhill trail that shortly becomes better. Follow this trail all the way to BCC highway. From there about a mile down the road back to the Mineral fork trail head.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnObEXzzQ7ttXI3284v5UuVUUAOZ1SRUUzQ-ar7akJwgKRBu-kcbLgl6L-wkfC7GjXltJjDiAu-dnfGqTikHlG3WVY1jrjmejOVAltbhLEAlnKOjM8fy99lMeUw5VEGG-nU8MBxJ9RMr8/s1600/IMG_4383.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnObEXzzQ7ttXI3284v5UuVUUAOZ1SRUUzQ-ar7akJwgKRBu-kcbLgl6L-wkfC7GjXltJjDiAu-dnfGqTikHlG3WVY1jrjmejOVAltbhLEAlnKOjM8fy99lMeUw5VEGG-nU8MBxJ9RMr8/s320/IMG_4383.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657463819985497890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stats</span><br />Distance: 12.1 miles (gps)<br />Altitude: about 3700ft (7.5 USGS)<br />Time: 4:18<br />Average HR: 137<br />Max HR: 172<br />Calories: 2481<br />pace: 18:45<br /><br />A note on safety: This route requires significant climbing and alpine route assessment skills. A major judgement error or fall could cause serious injury or death. If you are questioning if you have the skills, bring a rope and a small rack. Rock shoes are advised, although not necessary.KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-1077948042193114442011-09-21T17:42:00.000-07:002011-09-22T09:13:14.249-07:00Mt. Olympus Time Trial, Part 3<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujO_45PuTulYHzTzq_CrIWOXzMNJj_0tizSExfJ0_s1Jx9-LTpPypfjko6KilVBRijPWgi5GkBrC-1OcD0cEGVzuIHW1VqcZV5wteQTg3mhS8yD8roGyfP9A3vFR_p-V94bdjKMqWNyo/s1600/Mt.Olympus+Data.jpg"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaavNOYGaXlXGgaZ_CTzkSPfflBUpdNZqG8kjcNGiAhKU0YftJGGr4VHK87QPmtjjQkn3l0-HEaxJsJnp6UhMQmqRfRi_vHtOkvH0IB097UmpPbV3lKNPrekltVS5n0jKGfrzuIcukUP0/s1600/IMG_0188.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaavNOYGaXlXGgaZ_CTzkSPfflBUpdNZqG8kjcNGiAhKU0YftJGGr4VHK87QPmtjjQkn3l0-HEaxJsJnp6UhMQmqRfRi_vHtOkvH0IB097UmpPbV3lKNPrekltVS5n0jKGfrzuIcukUP0/s320/IMG_0188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654986445711822002" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Today we went out for another round on Mt. Olympus to try and hit the season ending goal. See the previous Mt. Olympus blog for all the dirty details. Basically the route starts at Dan's supermarket on Wasatch Dr. then follow the moutain project driving directions to the new trail head. Solo the West slabs, run the ridge, cross at the saddle summit, run down the trail and back to Dan's.<br /><br />Today Michigan Madness joined up for the attempt with his always eager personality, climbing shoes, and a camel back. We started out from Dan's at about noon at an easy jog toward the slabs. Michigan wanted to push it in the beginning but was able to hold himself back for the meat, when trail gets steep and the rocks get big. After quickly dispatching the trail section we slowed considerable through the boulder filled drainage as I couldn't quite remember exactly where to go on every section. Upon reaching the toe of the slabs we found a furry white friend who was desperately in need of a shower. He seemed to me to be the guardian of the slabs.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQrlY6KUtczPp7DA2vQz4bTUoApcc489Qnua99-AyhJfIVT92PON8kSV2cwyZBJWaGlVODt9nlWLVZ9zBZVf1aR6mjeI2SJgdWcs-lYQdm8OGskFRnF0-atdtNnskbKKmvA2pscIvf1M/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQrlY6KUtczPp7DA2vQz4bTUoApcc489Qnua99-AyhJfIVT92PON8kSV2cwyZBJWaGlVODt9nlWLVZ9zBZVf1aR6mjeI2SJgdWcs-lYQdm8OGskFRnF0-atdtNnskbKKmvA2pscIvf1M/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654986452467605426" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I strayed a bit West of the normal route (the Exum rap route) for a little variation and because I was going to use just my running shoes and was a bit nervous about the friction on some of the section on the normal route. The new section turned out to be just as fun and maybe slightly more user friendly, at least at the bottom. Upon topping the ridge with a small wait and we where both on the move through the complex system of knife edge ridges, gullies and North <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUjGt6WgteeCPSvQQ8rGRA1MSHW832RAvVKhC1gVNxS3-FP0mbGbt0W3vz4Ber-fsjj017hfELvJmCL1FqPe4jmEz6ppzVhNTY1Erpwc0QQ0lTMml08HSG6po6XfuzxVrxr5giGmXAVc/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUjGt6WgteeCPSvQQ8rGRA1MSHW832RAvVKhC1gVNxS3-FP0mbGbt0W3vz4Ber-fsjj017hfELvJmCL1FqPe4jmEz6ppzVhNTY1Erpwc0QQ0lTMml08HSG6po6XfuzxVrxr5giGmXAVc/s320/IMG_0211.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654986456341326706" border="0" /></a>facing ledges. As I had anticipated, this was the place to make or break your time. I think I nailed to about a 90% efficient route. It still may be better to go all the way to the peak before crossing over to the true summit. Still, it was by far the quickest I've ever done this transition section putting us on the summit at in about 2:45. Michigan finally changed into his running shoes, and we where on the way down. We struck asphalt at about 3:53 and turned towards Dans.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSHmW_9M3w-2O201VP27zSiX1bw_mMjcQkfVuVH5PCNzb7zqSeucWwwp5MtC19h4HGQ4Gw0fY84MgMKI5cNyOYiu-8c0w7Wlyocn8uY2ZNcrmpCPXmNZUC4fDQ5KAmgQPFtZakdsZV5w/s1600/IMG_4341.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSHmW_9M3w-2O201VP27zSiX1bw_mMjcQkfVuVH5PCNzb7zqSeucWwwp5MtC19h4HGQ4Gw0fY84MgMKI5cNyOYiu-8c0w7Wlyocn8uY2ZNcrmpCPXmNZUC4fDQ5KAmgQPFtZakdsZV5w/s320/IMG_4341.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654988481084301026" border="0" /></a> The road is always the most painful, and once we knew the season end goal was attainable, we hit it hard to make the finish.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPyCKsYGprNm4b1PbEb8yvpFimcO7ftwxPKQEjEwDKgwqiWLeGYmy3BzCIIefV46YHF-C1SGfEdfzjeXAwaoMvOhxUe2eg44F8VnbitFSQNaehk8Id6JeIIil06P8Df-mKH9vFQFVFus/s1600/IMG_0219.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhPyCKsYGprNm4b1PbEb8yvpFimcO7ftwxPKQEjEwDKgwqiWLeGYmy3BzCIIefV46YHF-C1SGfEdfzjeXAwaoMvOhxUe2eg44F8VnbitFSQNaehk8Id6JeIIil06P8Df-mKH9vFQFVFus/s320/IMG_0219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654986462026108386" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I had in my mind the time 4:17:53, we finished at 4:18:00. Unfortunately after returning home and checking, it was actually 4:12, so we didn't actually get it. But close enough as far as I'm concerned. We easily could(and should) have made up the time in transitions. Michigan will probably make up that time in the climbing section alone next time, as the was his first time on the West Slabs. Also, if we cut the shoe to slipper change. I think the under 4 hr mark is very attainable at a similar level of fitness.<br /><br />General Stats<br /><br />Time: 4:18:00<br />Distance: 13.2 miles (gps)<br />Ave HR: 140<br />Max HR: 188<br />Cal Burned: 2612<br />Ave Pace:16.40<br />Elevation: about 4200ft (per USGS 7.5 topo)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujO_45PuTulYHzTzq_CrIWOXzMNJj_0tizSExfJ0_s1Jx9-LTpPypfjko6KilVBRijPWgi5GkBrC-1OcD0cEGVzuIHW1VqcZV5wteQTg3mhS8yD8roGyfP9A3vFR_p-V94bdjKMqWNyo/s1600/Mt.Olympus+Data.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhujO_45PuTulYHzTzq_CrIWOXzMNJj_0tizSExfJ0_s1Jx9-LTpPypfjko6KilVBRijPWgi5GkBrC-1OcD0cEGVzuIHW1VqcZV5wteQTg3mhS8yD8roGyfP9A3vFR_p-V94bdjKMqWNyo/s400/Mt.Olympus+Data.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655215067458914354" border="0" /></a><br />The next goal is under 4 hours. Photo's provided are from 2010 about this same time, except for the Goat.KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-50901194036638715592011-09-05T18:17:00.000-07:002011-09-05T20:36:26.161-07:00Uinta Mountain's 3 day Bike TourAfter much debate on what to do on the last big holiday of the year we finally settled on a local tour through the Uinta Mountains, the only major East West mountain range in the US. Since we got started Saturday night, it turns out to be an excellent 2 and a half day tour.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXN6JMpMYpLjm-UJZFXZyqoZDSBCcKXCu23_2rQKJ5RdhvxIRvIZZ2Ut6zfPje3U94chdwMGJZAMvP4JeSjxxFUOqTo9iW_7g2jd-cTADaDxeHaVwjURXERZBMsGDCqijKkngdkoVKVHg/s1600/IMG_4158.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXN6JMpMYpLjm-UJZFXZyqoZDSBCcKXCu23_2rQKJ5RdhvxIRvIZZ2Ut6zfPje3U94chdwMGJZAMvP4JeSjxxFUOqTo9iW_7g2jd-cTADaDxeHaVwjURXERZBMsGDCqijKkngdkoVKVHg/s320/IMG_4158.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649074225615955922" border="0" /></a> You could leave after work on Friday night and finish the late afternoon of Sunday. Assuming you don't get buried in snow, rain, mud or hail.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QrPlVfZSTRPCuj8pqe9FwT1zZLxYc5Wi22wUczz2h89-ORzAniIVT0G_oizhyphenhyphenUrWwaNuLKaBZTGvj1gByMSxB6Z7qUUIOp2IhhYmfIjI5VJHT5AY54e7X4z8-IEls2P8SwelCe-7mLk/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9QrPlVfZSTRPCuj8pqe9FwT1zZLxYc5Wi22wUczz2h89-ORzAniIVT0G_oizhyphenhyphenUrWwaNuLKaBZTGvj1gByMSxB6Z7qUUIOp2IhhYmfIjI5VJHT5AY54e7X4z8-IEls2P8SwelCe-7mLk/s320/IMG_1375.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649074231485980082" border="0" /></a><br />We started out parking our car at the grocery store in Kamas, after asking permission to leave it over night (or two). Up mirror lake highway for 20 miles to a random campsite on the upper Provo river. If I would change anything, I would probably go for 25 miles on the first day to make day two a little easier. Due to our ability to camp almost anywhere, we didn't have a single neighbor, not like the 2 thousand other campers in the Uintas. Just us, our little fire, and the river.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVACx7qC16zqS7VVH4QE_RflJwstcUxkiRtRwn37Wlxy-1efYWqdTWU-MEs5fScUDOyE4AYdxTf6IUmxEMe9Z5m0ReY6dt45pLrGP4x23G_qHIbpr2FVb6GWRwJMDt5_-Lmt5F8Cwbexc/s1600/IMG_1376.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVACx7qC16zqS7VVH4QE_RflJwstcUxkiRtRwn37Wlxy-1efYWqdTWU-MEs5fScUDOyE4AYdxTf6IUmxEMe9Z5m0ReY6dt45pLrGP4x23G_qHIbpr2FVb6GWRwJMDt5_-Lmt5F8Cwbexc/s320/IMG_1376.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649074242143022706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After some warm oat meal and hot tea we got a good alpine start of 1100am. The first big grind starts today as you turn steeply up the hill towards Trial lake and then towards Baldy and Reids. I'm not sure what the grade is but at time it stressed our legs on the over loaded touring bikes at a speedy 3.8 mph. A nice lunch break with made yesterday hummus and chips at Lilly lake was the last stop before the Bald Mountain Pass at 10,700ft.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pUZcBSrYOdCPXHO7CRWNxVSPWhYHJBgga1-j7K1mnmLYrcINMpb1-CSvqPkqaKOIPLMg4wiY6BHzNEJR5GuZ3lzyDLBdAccickb0gEXRqmr9d-UJs_7W_ko0y6H5YQCq-_xuD1ghWu0/s1600/IMG_4188.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pUZcBSrYOdCPXHO7CRWNxVSPWhYHJBgga1-j7K1mnmLYrcINMpb1-CSvqPkqaKOIPLMg4wiY6BHzNEJR5GuZ3lzyDLBdAccickb0gEXRqmr9d-UJs_7W_ko0y6H5YQCq-_xuD1ghWu0/s320/IMG_4188.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649074249054803170" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After dawning coats we descended the rolling terrain for about 18 miles to Whitney Road, then <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH441G0Qdb1Jo66az8bw_QXhJOs4tkH2cjMAASmdCwrrdR6OP6xMU-JJAc23fkBjcrqo2gmWUV-kQ-fbFz6lYb1dWjCkk_BAX2OTyYyIAktjq4z4B2eKJ2XQxWVpnU4PDHWR1bBw6UR0/s1600/IMG_4189.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH441G0Qdb1Jo66az8bw_QXhJOs4tkH2cjMAASmdCwrrdR6OP6xMU-JJAc23fkBjcrqo2gmWUV-kQ-fbFz6lYb1dWjCkk_BAX2OTyYyIAktjq4z4B2eKJ2XQxWVpnU4PDHWR1bBw6UR0/s320/IMG_4189.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649080733077938818" border="0" /></a>left up the wide dirt road for the next 7 miles to Whitney lake.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKKGQHzhw_DshpdRVdpr1Z3TkA6QTmfWxBQSOJT5lX-kPR6Tr7bmq49AGzUjE5j-plrK4veTyBrrOB2wfPxFphyphenhyphenHIdCA6wDbmgtDEuV5Xq86NBLOqBNAaGcexQfZiYVLDStII148u2O0/s1600/IMG_1383.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKKGQHzhw_DshpdRVdpr1Z3TkA6QTmfWxBQSOJT5lX-kPR6Tr7bmq49AGzUjE5j-plrK4veTyBrrOB2wfPxFphyphenhyphenHIdCA6wDbmgtDEuV5Xq86NBLOqBNAaGcexQfZiYVLDStII148u2O0/s320/IMG_1383.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649080741109272018" border="0" /></a> After already crossing Bald Mountain Pass, and the extra mileage, this 7 miles could have been 25 miles of climbing. The road, although great for internal combustion engines, was lose and rough for a 26X1.5 road slick with 80 psi: Not to mention the 30 trucks and 15 four wheelers and 10 of those in-between truck/4 wheeler things. Normally I am a hater of the rat tail big truck, loud toy group, and there where a few that I wanted to throw rocks at, but in general 98 percent of them where very nice and would slow down enough to not envelope us in a cloud. I was impressed, I guess I shouldn't complain so much.<br /><br />As we transitioned over one of the many, many ridges on our way to the lake we all of the sudden came to a noticeable different terrain. In the high Uinta's you see lots of rock, tree line, and then rock pile summits. All of the sudden the lots of rock became, a little rock.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z2y5cSU-Q7HuSXhSM8g_SWfebaAWu5bCSVNkV0P-paVkUsuOW9kDv00RNU1fje3R0ZhEs03yzuZg7gdvbtBd4BhnYAESz5vJ5d2wZm1QkV21rA95xjKPBl2as7xqf_4TBVy84LEML50/s1600/IMG_4198.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z2y5cSU-Q7HuSXhSM8g_SWfebaAWu5bCSVNkV0P-paVkUsuOW9kDv00RNU1fje3R0ZhEs03yzuZg7gdvbtBd4BhnYAESz5vJ5d2wZm1QkV21rA95xjKPBl2as7xqf_4TBVy84LEML50/s320/IMG_4198.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649080743447613362" border="0" /></a> And the summits turned to real, green summits with not just pine, but also Aspen. It was a welcome change for some reason and gave me the boost needed to power through the last few hills to the campsite. When we arrived at our camp site we where both spent. In fact I couldn't even take in much food or water, which isn't usual for me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3PZDUjOHhoEK_xGglCBCfCEwIOkKoiegPQxgcPSWBZmHP8RaU3aaDK4Dx0fEVGzxJeXz8MLOiKxmxncPnb1REK3y7JZpiSP2NqlcULSM0v_Vo1Ntw2N6UXdCwg3O30hy6GgGtVbqmPI/s1600/IMG_1388.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3PZDUjOHhoEK_xGglCBCfCEwIOkKoiegPQxgcPSWBZmHP8RaU3aaDK4Dx0fEVGzxJeXz8MLOiKxmxncPnb1REK3y7JZpiSP2NqlcULSM0v_Vo1Ntw2N6UXdCwg3O30hy6GgGtVbqmPI/s320/IMG_1388.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649080745760127330" border="0" /></a> So we ended up throwing away about half of dinner. We hit the sack for 12 hours of tossing and turning.<br /><br />The next day I woke up with a hangover from yesterdays ride. We where out of water and I need to trudge the 150 yards down the steep trail to the lake. When I reached the lake I looked with dismay at the millions of little algae floating in the water. After checking a few different places and hoping it was just the scum end of the lake I gave in and slurped up the water and algae for purifying. After 12 hours we where still not filling super hungry and I only did the standard oat meal with tea. Up until this point the route was pretty cut and dry. Go here here and then here. From the lake it could go a number of ways. We hoped to be able to take a 4x4 road to Moffit Pass, then catch another, closed road through 1000 peaks ranch to the Weber Canyon. But the 1000 peaks trail only showed up on 1 of 3 topo's so we didn't know how real it was. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstEu-rOYQv1sSz-yBF3mUqp4vhuNVmjTdhgkRR7L81N8mrdURel_8pRYZVcVtUzIdBUnBNHSDafH2sKgT1_R1DEa3meSEHCtX-EOb__pLZHeXHlSlG_eck38T69qqhpmhK7CE3V5Xf8g/s1600/IMG_1390.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstEu-rOYQv1sSz-yBF3mUqp4vhuNVmjTdhgkRR7L81N8mrdURel_8pRYZVcVtUzIdBUnBNHSDafH2sKgT1_R1DEa3meSEHCtX-EOb__pLZHeXHlSlG_eck38T69qqhpmhK7CE3V5Xf8g/s320/IMG_1390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649080750138052962" border="0" /></a> If the trail didn't exist, or was too difficult for 70 lb touring bikes, then we would have to bail back to the North end of the lake and take another 4x4 road out to chalk creek for a detour of 30 more miles, which in the back roads, high altitude mountain touring means another day in the mountains. We did however have a backup shuttle just in case this happened, or worse yet we couldn't get out any of the roads and had to go out via Evanston WY.<br /><br />The road to Mofit Pass was definitely a 4 wheel drive road, and very steep. The pass is about 10,000ft but still is more of a Wasatch Pass, as apposed to your normal Uinta pass: which is good since we couldn't get our bikes though very many of the the Passes just South of our position.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2xzcssjgAjx82w4pE5pP_FyImg_AhsRoSiGveK9GmrXK-AhX0XHmonst9Tv7Y0ge4FdC2_JhEs_diKMTP0LTDz5USrGLMLh1WcPHGSH6NKQeD6oUs4MCMmzb7_OXbVGIqY_yNfxOU7I/s1600/IMG_4204.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2xzcssjgAjx82w4pE5pP_FyImg_AhsRoSiGveK9GmrXK-AhX0XHmonst9Tv7Y0ge4FdC2_JhEs_diKMTP0LTDz5USrGLMLh1WcPHGSH6NKQeD6oUs4MCMmzb7_OXbVGIqY_yNfxOU7I/s320/IMG_4204.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649083058804597314" border="0" /></a> When we reached the pass I quickly noticed a completely overgrown road with a road closed sign off in the weeds. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUgR6vFzNvEKqnqiYTDCUiCHguYkTjhnF8PBAZ9DTWskbW94jGoaOjLWSZLahNOAAfOgLEuz2-OWAFWivL1qVUYeIwFjwZDp7gLTVwgeq-23CU7eWiz0ByvThYXmllY-YxaG7AncFSHo/s1600/IMG_4215.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTUgR6vFzNvEKqnqiYTDCUiCHguYkTjhnF8PBAZ9DTWskbW94jGoaOjLWSZLahNOAAfOgLEuz2-OWAFWivL1qVUYeIwFjwZDp7gLTVwgeq-23CU7eWiz0ByvThYXmllY-YxaG7AncFSHo/s320/IMG_4215.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649083067709454098" border="0" /></a> I was worried so I left the bike a took a walk down the road. Thankfully it was just an old connecter to the 1000 peaks ranch road, which was rough lose, and very steep... but travel-able.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIXpu0qcTrjyAopgVAwt4Llo2ipsv8Mgs0QyEXk__UX8ciQneGt7diXuhtEfD_FLj8Gqux7bvyseh8cYYBqFeF264hO4RRhhyphenhyphenkDwrAOpI5ZQgwvCnLJ2ekYSrjIU1VjF8HQmVs5iNO50/s1600/IMG_4222.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNIXpu0qcTrjyAopgVAwt4Llo2ipsv8Mgs0QyEXk__UX8ciQneGt7diXuhtEfD_FLj8Gqux7bvyseh8cYYBqFeF264hO4RRhhyphenhyphenkDwrAOpI5ZQgwvCnLJ2ekYSrjIU1VjF8HQmVs5iNO50/s320/IMG_4222.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649083070771008706" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We started riding down and instantly realized that Tectro Cantilever brakes do not have the stopping power to deal with a 79 lb bike and 160 lb rider on steep descents. Lucky for me the last week I had spent riding a friends old mountain bike that had Linear pull brakes which I of course complained about the whole time. My hands also hurt for days after each ride since I've been spoiled with hydraulic disk brakes for the last 5 or more years. I also developed a 4 finger brake technique for roadie levers (silly I know) so I could use all 4 of my phalanges to help arrest my rate of descent. My wife on the other hand went into full drop bar position to get the most leverage on the brake. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofSp_65NEPrjH5mEwxVTe2yVaOI3JQvdcNNAw99mbHdNwycPdVsi5PglZbazi6qGAKaegHzN8S5ltwIrYqTXRL8eX_0nTxp1Udj-oW0xANS4pmRAMfk9d5m9sRylKcWVEdDYvqUNUbB8/s1600/IMG_4235.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofSp_65NEPrjH5mEwxVTe2yVaOI3JQvdcNNAw99mbHdNwycPdVsi5PglZbazi6qGAKaegHzN8S5ltwIrYqTXRL8eX_0nTxp1Udj-oW0xANS4pmRAMfk9d5m9sRylKcWVEdDYvqUNUbB8/s320/IMG_4235.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649083076108456722" border="0" /></a>Either way, most steep descent ended in out of control stops in the weeds or hill side to keep us from disaster.<br /><br />We where descending very rapidly and went had an excellent diverse tree selection with entire groups of Aspens, Pines, and Grass. Between this and the fact that we saw no-one, this was one of the more enjoyable sections of trail... Even though the most difficult technically. After what seemed forever we finally reach 1 lane dirt road that felt like assphault to us. Then on to the main road, a creosote covered dirt road that runs the length of Weber Canyon until reaching the pavement at the confluence with Smith and Morehouse. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSo7kk1601wCqB2lXYE8FrMIHGgBv3602EFXsj6iOWJzWtChEcOGMi06JVM30iAi512vhv_XqIZQZLlBh3RqtgwXuHDuiW1Z-qZhz_2G2jcomSpsi91BK03lW2MZbK6JOi4fbe3YqdL4/s1600/IMG_1393.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSo7kk1601wCqB2lXYE8FrMIHGgBv3602EFXsj6iOWJzWtChEcOGMi06JVM30iAi512vhv_XqIZQZLlBh3RqtgwXuHDuiW1Z-qZhz_2G2jcomSpsi91BK03lW2MZbK6JOi4fbe3YqdL4/s320/IMG_1393.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649084851821879394" border="0" /></a>From here the road was slightly descending and we got into a pace line (yes it was as funny looking as it sounds) for a good 8-10 miles of 20 mph riding before turning off towards Kamas just outside of Oakley. A short 6 miles brought us back to the car.<br /><br />Speaking of mountain bikes, I took a good crash a week before the ride and injured one of my ribs which had yet to heal. When I got on the bike in the beginning it was clear that it was going to hurt, most of the time. However something about being on the bike I actually helped reduce the pain, and increase range of motion. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbUCZLDqioiRXNc-LsloFhReaMqCV6p26qSer1vhJvcgJ4wIoZSsJEf54pv04lp_jvxw9MmfivHexb0PfPsn97AQMnNEensa0knwNhCvqVO3SZ8TJD_deWQ64X9kHKU4uLfFMTyuByD8/s1600/IMG_4246.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbUCZLDqioiRXNc-LsloFhReaMqCV6p26qSer1vhJvcgJ4wIoZSsJEf54pv04lp_jvxw9MmfivHexb0PfPsn97AQMnNEensa0knwNhCvqVO3SZ8TJD_deWQ64X9kHKU4uLfFMTyuByD8/s320/IMG_4246.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649083081915330626" border="0" /></a>I would assume it was a catalyst to the healing process. The only thing I can think of was that because I was in the same position for a good 6-10 hours a day gave it time to heal, that and the rib cage was expanded for most of the trip. On day three it still hurt to get on the bike, but I could get my water bottle without wincing in pain, I could yawn (don't laugh, yawns are important!), I could even almost do a proper snot rocket.<br /><br />All in all, an excellent tour. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlmCRMtp5XOAI5uK1Hk_L5YuvMdsfb4cYxX4bMqaxm4hf0kioPhzQoqRye0614BpTuoMg9GXYywnFcYzEUuV1s8hsd7ua0czC5_J4sOY_D2ifvwYOaxegyX_v2gLfv3Ob911CKNQJg4Q/s1600/IMG_4241.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlmCRMtp5XOAI5uK1Hk_L5YuvMdsfb4cYxX4bMqaxm4hf0kioPhzQoqRye0614BpTuoMg9GXYywnFcYzEUuV1s8hsd7ua0czC5_J4sOY_D2ifvwYOaxegyX_v2gLfv3Ob911CKNQJg4Q/s320/IMG_4241.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649084865348942562" border="0" /></a>I wouldn't change much except maybe run a tire in about a 2.3 semi slick to make the rocks less painful and the traction a bit better. I would also try and do 25 miles the first day to ease the pain of day 2. Stats are below.<br /><br />Total Mileage: 87<br />Day 1: 20 miles<br />Day 2: 37 miles<br />Day 3: 30 miles<br />Estimated elevation: 7,000ft<br />Average Altitude 9,500ft<br />Highest elevation: 10,759ft<br />Number of Major Passes: 2<br />Off road Miles: about 35<br />Technical Off road: about 15<br /><br />Best Time of year: Late summer, too much rain will make the climb over Mofit Pass very, very hard.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MFB4YsRbq-D1T1aUh6IY6C-gWa18KGJaadw_AC9RzZmmQzHT7YnPMtH510ryDYDYxQ7ulLN6sdaC13BDTXFurduWVD27QQWZVZYsjMz8uU5Mq4ZXkP742vKB6fMGRhCY6VS5YYZMoqQ/s1600/IMG_1398.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MFB4YsRbq-D1T1aUh6IY6C-gWa18KGJaadw_AC9RzZmmQzHT7YnPMtH510ryDYDYxQ7ulLN6sdaC13BDTXFurduWVD27QQWZVZYsjMz8uU5Mq4ZXkP742vKB6fMGRhCY6VS5YYZMoqQ/s320/IMG_1398.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649084871602216562" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02pxIIrbltDEa9ET6WsrwjcdL-JGRKIaIw9H5_ti9QmhTUv0uCcCLHVlSimvjtc8p6dd3yUexE0IbrbV5t8yFLvq4KALcpVDlybU2iC0Vz80fPF1VJz20K8E0jk1jO02cxiK6pv6Cys8/s1600/IMG_4256.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02pxIIrbltDEa9ET6WsrwjcdL-JGRKIaIw9H5_ti9QmhTUv0uCcCLHVlSimvjtc8p6dd3yUexE0IbrbV5t8yFLvq4KALcpVDlybU2iC0Vz80fPF1VJz20K8E0jk1jO02cxiK6pv6Cys8/s320/IMG_4256.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649084872914573522" border="0" /></a>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-36054277949730280332011-08-22T11:42:00.000-07:002011-08-22T13:28:40.114-07:00West Coast Tour: Vancouver BC to Seattle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTXL-DYJCLe9n_LNuGnKTK1r1k4bKa2vdKqzLdHL0mSp9WQ6xDbCW1_Sg1-Kzfsg2AA8d2xLD0v_c5fIbuLBFuhRbgvZdP_1NavhBhbY9JUqGRWdn9cYIFDidk13girkmSN2TcFeEL3s/s1600/IMG_4112.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9yxbEkXcy977CqNbrRldcrBwzEgmfO3fkVjUHFRdUcNIVQ0GnsJwnKs7HS210D-O2gvovpb890m1N5Y_Wh2oV6Q9S90VQW5aiAbbtJrsk3DN5cmwfDb9C4A55O6ZxNFAHwu7JtKmySw/s1600/IMG_4073.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9yxbEkXcy977CqNbrRldcrBwzEgmfO3fkVjUHFRdUcNIVQ0GnsJwnKs7HS210D-O2gvovpb890m1N5Y_Wh2oV6Q9S90VQW5aiAbbtJrsk3DN5cmwfDb9C4A55O6ZxNFAHwu7JtKmySw/s320/IMG_4073.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643771068387196210" /></a>
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb9GKS5CuCSYR8wcIH8mfJYjgfHRKOQbhTNtXmPJJk_-CaKxSgDZzLr1BAU2yCtOI34MUHM1Jf9DAMA6aUdjLVxIppE-9OquZSNnje0xK0Q28LkdJtC3mehIuCE98E2c4VUG2zwDTfOk/s1600/IMG_4030.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb9GKS5CuCSYR8wcIH8mfJYjgfHRKOQbhTNtXmPJJk_-CaKxSgDZzLr1BAU2yCtOI34MUHM1Jf9DAMA6aUdjLVxIppE-9OquZSNnje0xK0Q28LkdJtC3mehIuCE98E2c4VUG2zwDTfOk/s320/IMG_4030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643767629230482482" /></a>
<br />With six days off in a row, I was forced to have some type of adventure. After checking with the usual partners who where grinding the wheel, I had to chose a solo event. Since I have a new not so shiny touring bike I decided on a ride from Vancouver to Seattle. The trip starts when I arrive at the Vancouver airport at about 3:00pm, spend my 2 hours setting up my bike and heading South.<div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGvg1drlJ3E3Z55XFf3LEc3ZvpIL8FwJfGdzHWu-5ZrdFbGCvvQL9lzV5u_0KqS2Tr-4bp5cajnSE7gbLIw7TtPjxK8pwOUDt8MehnjJj216WGyVEMg9SXS2K5hD5mC7WMn1Guzz8dnkY/s320/IMG_4047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643767631626409250" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>As usual, I didn't really plan much... or not at all. So I stopped by the visitor center to get a map and ask questions that no one could answer about where to ride your bike. Thankfully the Vancouver city bike map has recommended bike routes.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakCcV29bOz9J5mnCwcncYtja1uCim_mbGxTDDejy8hbW469BfETP47chkafmuxfAMQXHNpMmTneTzOB54kfDqdyMAEKx3GYsPBf6Bwuw2Ll65BQj5-fpHx85TxiLhv6ozUCAultgS9B4/s320/IMG_4055.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643767641266882610" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>Heading south out of town I took the east route to Stevenson Wharf where I had an excellent Slab of Salmon. Then after enjoying the sunset over the lake I road east to a curious Louisiana Voodoo community at the corner Dike and Number 4 road. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcaQMGuNPxHPBMklDGgEcHUiulvnTXGEqp1w99GCniD8NUEH1yySQp0G9OJD-rScMfyhmaSPGQ9aydvMyfFg3qno3XiqZlFLi38LpJz6s7fkERm8UgQLPxYeRDh4CpC0LxEtCQQ1IEddY/s320/IMG_4049.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643767636103360642" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div> worth the visit, as long as its not dark anyway. Then onward to my grassy industrial camping site, which had the best blackberries I've ever had. Early the next morning I was up and packet to catch the George Massey Tunnel shuttle at 7:00am, then on to the rail trail near highway 91. In retrospect I would probably try to camp on this trail next time. Following the trail south through watershed park I took my one and only wrong turn (if such a thing is possible on a tour) but got to see some of the famous BC extreme mountain bike trails. Few of which I would have tried even on my 7 inch travel bike.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpfiFqH5BWKQiLpmjqO0sWc4OqWBxBI0KScSAKWJEwAQuizKpBrTOZVJc9h_rZwLse-DyFM66zaSrSxzfPRga7iyJen6SdgPAl1wMoGlISr11OU1ZsUwQwVZ3yFNiySmgee834uK79jk/s320/IMG_4060.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643767645369262146" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000ee;">
<br /></span><div>After leaving watershed park I headed south to Mud bay then East to White Rock for the boarder crossing into the US. It turned out to be uneventful, although completely unmarked for the rookie cyclist. After that I headed South to Blaine where I picked up the bellingham map with recommended cycling routes, perfect. See sometime lack of planning can be an excellent plan! I then took the very direct Portal Way drive down to Tenant lake Park for night number two. It was at this not so exciting bird refuge like park that I spent the night next to a large, ruminant stomach animal. I would keep waking up to snorting and loud breathing and of course the associated chewing.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaaTe1dtm4149GXgBinh20hiPZkwN-kx91_xmVD2DsFPA8CHefy5sRrm4675b7h0UUq6Ywg0oUK9ohkAtczNe2nofdnkjU2bL0HCa6kO4o4D_P2jMb_0QxegtSJTyJTMVWWHafXytQmU/s320/IMG_4079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643771072170069554" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>I was too tired, and even less brave to do much but move around so that the large creature at least new I was there and didn't step on me. Thankfully in the morning when I woke up for good, it was gone.</div> <div>
<br /></div><div>After secretly leaving my campsite behind I road to the Bellingham Pier for a breakfast of oatmeal and peanut butter bagels. I made a stop at the shop in town to get some much needed anti-chaff stuff.... oh so worth it. Then I continued on via the amazing Chuckanut drive: </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOe8MfYAq__qrEzpASxSubj7aijtTbGey5vTY1EQCVjYSqJN2Bkt5_qV82TbvhTd6G8QWmMuRCKY1I7AAtwKdngJmqFVF74OKgVJJARMYCQO5uXaVttvmM9bHL33Lo-H7p0BktWz3HKIg/s320/IMG_4083.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643771077398493522" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div> must see if your in the area. After that through the rain shadow filled with lavender to a little town of Edison where the Farm to Market Bakery is. Another place that you need to stop, have something wonderful from their menu, and bring cash because thats all they take.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj80Y6MDdwM7VsvOPvtn39mipn5rCzuQE1pxspwey-q2szZjUELc1Jnib-IVWcBXYE6CaWn4xEcqf1VLdDVjnVOrD5CUTULTvkKDI9uwSFHCMc89fvE37XmQmDJbUGxInmDk_LjWkHQdsY/s320/IMG_4087.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643771086954092082" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>After Edison the road is Mid West like until you hit highway 20 where you get to experience Washington traffic for the first time. Not so fun, but worth he sacrifice. There is a very large shoulder and plenty of room. Once you hit the bay, its actually pretty interesting too. After crossing Fidalgo Island head South to Deception Pass State park. I spent the night here, and it was well worth it. They have 5 campsites just for bikes, and they are away from everyone else so you don't hear the generators or screaming children. They also have token run showers... pure bliss after 3 days of sweaty touring. The beach and the forest are amazing too. If I was going to take an off day, this is where I'd want to spend it.</div><div>
<br /></div><div>The next day was a marathon, that I didn't really plan on, it just happened again due to lack of planning. Whidbey Island is a beautiful place and well worth the ride. A good friend of mine just happened to grow up on the island and mapped out a route for me to ride, perfect.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiokdnF-aigydr_YG6CPrnIMeHmCO93MoCWitlxBcDYFFa8lZCYBBl_uhheK6uvD80S9abDfUiX_0ynnUm-nf1JC_WhDLKc_vyvgn-aD8nmD2CtS2UzSIcTwozVj0_Kg3iPjrGNONcdhG0/s320/IMG_4090.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643771081790609810" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>After passing through oak harbor make a hard left to Coupeville then south to Fort Casey, back east to the N Bluff road along the coast, and through the forest. Basically follow the Holmes Harbor shore road to the Earth Sanctuary. From here I was on a time crunch (at least I thought) and so I took 525 head down and grind style to catch the ferry... which I missed by like 30 seconds. Finally at about 6:30 I was back on the mainland in Mukilteo thinking I just had a little while to get to a friends who I was staying at. Unfortunately it was still 35 miles to go. The greater Seattle area has excellent cycling maps with preferred routes in PDF form on the internet. The only problem is they are a little big for the iphone to process so you get to spend lots of time waiting for it to open. I'm sure the ipad would be excellent.</div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYAQ7aXJPiEmj7TxFtWlkwsPOMS2UEw2pzdb1LuJk3y4Hy-nBql_18UsZPiP-yuB-7KoG6BZEaS9z5Zp5Au70M7G8W-TCM9AWvtwXnnPloTpI_MDhMScVeyPQHhdblhpRaC2wIt1orD7U/s320/IMG_4092.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643774167984325362" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>My good friend Todd who has a wife and 2 girls under the age of 5 was leaving the next day for Utah but was nice enough to stay up and wait for me to arrive at his house at 1100pm. I had an excellent time, although had a 1 close call with a mini van mom. She of course never even knew it. One thing I learned is that the bike paths and routes are very well planned out, although sometimes its difficult to find the quickest route, as the most direct may not be the fastest. I caught the BG trail at the North end of Lake Washington thinking I was almost there when within a mile the trail was closed for construction. They generously had planned out a detour, but it clearly wasn't a biker where set the route, more like a construction worker, or a sports car driver because it was ridiculous! Continuous grades up to 15% that take you to the highest point in seattle, just to bypass a short section of trail. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWKRanIuhUxnEoyebGmgBEMnIEx8r1N5hUeNsuOvFXznHSzx1Gj-zbhu53HDdiyMkWF6dqgqTlTh86O0GEZXrLWW1vWeut7FtxNLmYD1XkmWH_j6JeeUIVGGZePYOt9k4ZueG6wOwgVU/s320/IMG_4097.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643774171682263538" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div> unseasoned cyclist would have been left crying on the roadside in the fetal position. When I got to the top of the ridge the detour promptly headed backdown to the shoreline. I elected to bail since the place I was staying was up on the ridge. I found my own way from there, with only one hill left. So when traveling in Seattle, don't take the detour, find your own way. There was one more such detour around the university bridge, luckily this time I checked the map and chose the better route. The next day I just hung out with old friends, spend some time cycling in downtown seattle, and promptly missed my flight out. </div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC3uVCx1O5Mk11PoE26IbEK2ce-fCuejmmRgs0J9OVQVYgK4E7X-_-utAksS7RMua9PxCxEgxlLuHUmHJ7i8D5XlPfekekaBABhjmAb0_dBLt5sgtrbNh76YnGLzmwu4S97X0AnYGO50I/s320/IMG_4100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643774180198861202" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Sunday morning I was much more motivated to get out so I planned out my ride to the light rail, then the light rail to the airport... Unfortunately they didn't update there light rail times online, just in reality so when I showed up, the door where locked and they didn't run for another hour. After much stressing and suffering I just bit the bullet and took the $40 taxi to the airport. It turned out to be the better choice as I still was a little tight on time after the bike packing and checkin. For the first time ever, my bike actually arrived in SLC with me. I even just went straight to the lost baggage counter without checking, since thats where I always end up.</div><div>
<br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NfOP-iALc-87ZXKLGFtt2yjpsRKlZlqxop8Wn-Q-_UF9yi9DaimiNpbHzWg4wSVGxWKflxB8l72VjJIpG9r1ZeL-7_qRBX3UAkYwLaInPP6hGhakgUvVjkm1tUvUrmG2ziFsU0YDPAY/s320/IMG_4108.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643774178291475362" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>All in all it was an excellent tour. Next time I would probably do an Island tour like most of the other tourers. Starting in Victoria BC, doing the San Juan Islands, Whidbey, and back North. Or I would just do the Island's all the way South to the Olympic Peninsula.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTXL-DYJCLe9n_LNuGnKTK1r1k4bKa2vdKqzLdHL0mSp9WQ6xDbCW1_Sg1-Kzfsg2AA8d2xLD0v_c5fIbuLBFuhRbgvZdP_1NavhBhbY9JUqGRWdn9cYIFDidk13girkmSN2TcFeEL3s/s320/IMG_4112.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643774190787891842" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>Next section: Seattle to Portland</div></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-59670773297620627222011-08-10T10:13:00.000-07:002011-08-10T12:56:05.501-07:002 Canyons, 2 basins, and 3 ski resorts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGaYeq9_LXky6Y9AnMpwoqRw0LrSUhgAStDQgbd_pDFkiIY4HliNKTn8PJIvYD1sS0Ap9dI4FvGjaKZGlTcKDUgpyxwGxwQ-61R5tVzyf-EWZ3jgLGCmP9sAUQ4WynBNCLwLqEjnt58c/s1600/IMG_3977.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGaYeq9_LXky6Y9AnMpwoqRw0LrSUhgAStDQgbd_pDFkiIY4HliNKTn8PJIvYD1sS0Ap9dI4FvGjaKZGlTcKDUgpyxwGxwQ-61R5tVzyf-EWZ3jgLGCmP9sAUQ4WynBNCLwLqEjnt58c/s320/IMG_3977.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639310913722755458" border="0" /></a>
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<br />After being seriously fatigued, suffering from anti-running disease, and feeling like I'm a month behind on my training, I decide to give up on the Wasatch 100. After finishing the speedgoat 1 hour 10 minutes slower than last year, and feeling like death I calculated an estimated time at Wasatch of between 33-38 hours. Clearly time is not everything, and its a great accomplishment just to finish the race, at any time. But I don't think I'm really willing to give up my life for another month of the summer to running when my time is almost certainly going to be slower than before.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1MTszHoJDSdOTj2Br2nWZDI_JYdce3LZcDIt2zx9Kww9G7awmWKXYK443DHSNXjtLoEdwT8HApJGF4zZhWRdqK96LX6gnbZjx0mbbuvWlodHqAGiHwAX_60Ehmq8HBu_8UK4l_KgXUQ/s1600/IMG_3984.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1MTszHoJDSdOTj2Br2nWZDI_JYdce3LZcDIt2zx9Kww9G7awmWKXYK443DHSNXjtLoEdwT8HApJGF4zZhWRdqK96LX6gnbZjx0mbbuvWlodHqAGiHwAX_60Ehmq8HBu_8UK4l_KgXUQ/s320/IMG_3984.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639310914736920482" border="0" /></a>
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<br />As you can guess, the last month or two of training is where your friends and family suffer the most because your gone pretty much all the time running. So to have the chance again in the future to get a better time, save a little wear and tear on the menisci and other such body parts, I think I will wait for another year. Plus, I may not even get a belt buckle this year and we all know its really about the belt buckles.
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSBlP4wNP9C6pz37pelFMUobeDbMAKhjp0DoGusgGc7twwamCdS_U2I2Nggf3yCHDRRS4vRKg_RW2YoqPqZKxulOI7xaPiZml4LPHr2uGItlUio9zeW54rnxwY1p_PooH4uI2vmj_2mk/s1600/IMG_3982.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSBlP4wNP9C6pz37pelFMUobeDbMAKhjp0DoGusgGc7twwamCdS_U2I2Nggf3yCHDRRS4vRKg_RW2YoqPqZKxulOI7xaPiZml4LPHr2uGItlUio9zeW54rnxwY1p_PooH4uI2vmj_2mk/s320/IMG_3982.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639310926668204354" border="0" /></a>
<br />As soon as I settled in with the thought of riding my bike, climbing, chilling out, and NOT running all the time I of course got right back into.... you guest it, running. Here is one of my runs from this week that I particularly enjoyed.
<br />
<br />Distance: 11.6
<br />Time: 3:20
<br />Ave HR 138
<br />Max HR: 174
<br />Cal: 1920
<br />Pace: 17:09
<br />Altitude: unknown
<br />
<br />Since the map ended up super small, and I can't really tell whats happening I'll give you the route.
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<br />Start out at Brighton Ski resort, take the Catherine's pass trail to the ridge between big and little, then take a left up the steep climb to the South, follow this trail through the sand pit to the top of Alta. Catch the Alta road all the way down to the bottom of Albion Basin. After you leave the camp ground, as I did, you may take a short trail detour up to the top of the ski for free lifts, then back down to the road on nice single track. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrrAnUv7mbSJvOjtTVZ8wo3JX6AwnLrIb2gXbAyxQwuTQMwn_iibjNKNWqXWTeQf_1qj2ahMLWtWLv24WD9ORcmW8UQnY0eKblmUpPAaJcAOLhB79fcOVZMyk3vJfExO_vlY3cV978c4/s1600/IMG_3997.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZrrAnUv7mbSJvOjtTVZ8wo3JX6AwnLrIb2gXbAyxQwuTQMwn_iibjNKNWqXWTeQf_1qj2ahMLWtWLv24WD9ORcmW8UQnY0eKblmUpPAaJcAOLhB79fcOVZMyk3vJfExO_vlY3cV978c4/s320/IMG_3997.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639310939990031842" border="0" /></a> Then follow the road down toward the entrance to Grizzly gulch about 1/4 mile before the first big switchback (going down) catch a steep trail on your rights that leads up to the power lines. (the same route you would skin up Grizzly) Follow it until reaching the top of the last basin before Twin lakes pass and watch for a double track turn back to the left on Davenport Hill tell the low saddle into East Silver Fork. From there, the trail deteriorates significantly and sometimes you either have to carefully go from karn to karn, or just make your own trail.
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<br />Go past the old mine via a nice trail and then follow the faint trail down the ridge, as it weaves around. You will lose the trail a number of times, but with a little luck you usually pick it up. After lots of steep, lose, rocky decents you will make it to the real hiking trail at the bottom. Take it all the way to the pavement where you will stay left until you reach the cheater trail onto Solitude Mountain Resort's, Queen Bess trail. From their follow in East up the canyon until you merge with the paved solitude road, take it down to the town and finish by the lake. Without a shuttle you will want to continue via the solitude road past the pond all the way to silver lake. From silver lake straight line it to your finish.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9cgpA-uxFolfdmRNJWtczh2ZAuPw1SNV-UPvyrkvuV1FHc7pjXei7dg__8zKG5QhkUR2H_42ur1TE7LbuUET7bNlf22aX5d7RmN4no9mW-QqxFfkwiifC4jIpNiLJ7jdJyLT9SFBclU/s1600/brightonsivlerfork.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9cgpA-uxFolfdmRNJWtczh2ZAuPw1SNV-UPvyrkvuV1FHc7pjXei7dg__8zKG5QhkUR2H_42ur1TE7LbuUET7bNlf22aX5d7RmN4no9mW-QqxFfkwiifC4jIpNiLJ7jdJyLT9SFBclU/s320/brightonsivlerfork.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5639312827342297346" border="0" /></a>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-38628381789383150382011-07-27T21:27:00.000-07:002011-07-27T22:53:58.866-07:00S.A. Ridge, Benchmark set.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsGE1n25_p9oTlvPQYViGu2ESOn9pNPeAfkFaRC5n8OcNTlCesMAiiGwm0EJtJjwkP0lyN9wP9uQJA3cAG3gomR4m9rO2SKYTkbHui2-n2zVRd7xeipH8SameKZhpEPKiHR1SLl6XvE4/s1600/IMG_3935.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br />One of the first runs of the season with my trusty running partner was up to Grandeur Peak where we noticed a beautiful ridge to the North that we hadn't ran before. As always happens on one adventure, another was formed.<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJH0I5SOAZfp-d48Z5_zueQYDxbEufGvHpl9McOKP2vNo1_EWxJ7BjBemxhNBCTNBOtpi_0OZzioOa1x0WIR-MrTXuBm5l7ih3Bi8R31ef39svHVh6xA1PeWRgSleD0ObaYZHaqhc0LEA/s320/IMG_3917.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634270254601594562" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Of course I wasn't going to do any research, but my motivated friend set out a course on google maps (or some more tech version) that showed the route. He even had a three dimensional track we fly by to have a look. It looked easy. About 8 miles of rolling terrain with a big decent at the end. We did a trial run shortly after that covered about the first 4 miles. It went very well, except it wasn't rolling terrain. The hills where big, and more importantly steep. At least big hills are great for training.</div><div><br /></div><div>The highest altitude on the route is about 7500ft and it descends to 4800ft. Because of the low altitude, its more of a spring, fall, winter type route. Naturally, I decide to give it ago at 5:00pm at the end of July. After smoking through the first 4 miles I get to the new terrain (by smoking I mean slightly faster than walking). I'm expecting a short easy ridge to a big rocky decent. I was dead wrong. Had my wife been along she would have said something wise like: 'maybe we should turn arround' or 'that doesn't look too fun up ahead.' Unfortunately I was all alone and the thought of return never even crossed my mind. I jumped headlong into the Oak brush. As always I was wearing skimpy running shorts and a super light water wicking shirt. As you can imagine, the bush whacking didn't go so well.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7Ne4E-5Ub_T1gKMzzP_l6DXsxpy1bFOGm8PqwZ7ieoSRrns5QI6O2NC0b6mnrKEvVKS6li5r1m2nikf8sXz9h82Wk0_6mtGZgR0iwTSLMbZM-wdyz4CV4Jos6_i5d7EH11hFdMF9LYk/s320/IMG_3915.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634270247257135394" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>I think I had about 1.5 miles of no trail on a steep almost knife edge ridge that was covered in thick, deep oak brush. I think I would label this section the meat grinder. for the first 30 minutes I found it very amusing how difficult it was to move at all through the brush. I was literally dragging myself through in sections. To add to the fun, at times you would come to a huge sandstone boulder that you got to climb over (don't ever say we don't have Sandstone in northern Utah). After an hour and a half it finally started to clear up. ( yeas thats 1.5 miles in 1.5 hours) My legs where bleeding, my shoes where filled with rocks, and I was in a fowl mood.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdIzC1ae3sNNpzPB-fxhPIB8y3XkFn5TzBYZz4qT_Y0Jz7wMSaUtLpH6fPTFM_NzxgVZOwpXus8WVtp7X9fq6GfSffoqluZXlVb9zwvcc-E6N087Oxd8DHBCPJHhGQrFYcX6u3xBlHpo/s320/IMG_3930.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634270256581274066" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><div>Just then my wife called to let me know she was still at work and it was ok that I was way, way late. Of course I complained about how much I was suffering (really? like when you get to work 40 hours a week?) and she generously showed much sympathy. From here the trail got really, really good. In fact, I would give this section a 3 star trail, and its accessible from my house! My mood rapidly improved, and as always within 20-30 minutes the bush whack from hell faded into darkness. I'll try and attach a movie or two this time which explains a little of how I was feeling at the time. You can see the bush whack section in the photo's with the sand stone boulder sections... see if you can find the trail of blood and broken branches. I think I am going to upgrade it from a no star run to a one star run.Stats:</div><div>Route: starting at the parking lot at the top of little mountain, finishing at the foothill clinic</div><div>Time: 3:04:13</div><div>Distance: 7.72 miles</div><div>Pace: 23:51</div><div>Starting Elevation: about 6,000ft</div><div>Ending Elevation: 4,800ft</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsGE1n25_p9oTlvPQYViGu2ESOn9pNPeAfkFaRC5n8OcNTlCesMAiiGwm0EJtJjwkP0lyN9wP9uQJA3cAG3gomR4m9rO2SKYTkbHui2-n2zVRd7xeipH8SameKZhpEPKiHR1SLl6XvE4/s320/IMG_3935.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634270263586486914" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>This is your challenge to break my record, just bring your Levis.</div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-34033381865199467772011-07-22T17:51:00.000-07:002011-07-22T18:09:18.915-07:00Warm Nights and No Hights<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-bW8ih4hNxhoZpAr2busNFTeKKiZ62YhlZMpyKchTTPkJxD6oaHeXfKxE8OX1O0Tm7fOvLx8PLoksEoC7dVSymsiFS-BhPyGkYjrKXbtYS0m124GYEouP362iFonRctPMYjz6qnN8w8/s1600/IMG_2141.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3SypQY41x0C_cotWqJGL370C4NaEEzbKYDDt9WRVodnAzw7lnMdijLidlEWlnIsRTG6yTZxLUB3skGAWuRL5ZZgpDTfXxhoQgbKn_Gu5DsOYoCyFW9SmGrhNa-UPcsHOgvZOL6dBkPc/s1600/IMG_1939.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA3SypQY41x0C_cotWqJGL370C4NaEEzbKYDDt9WRVodnAzw7lnMdijLidlEWlnIsRTG6yTZxLUB3skGAWuRL5ZZgpDTfXxhoQgbKn_Gu5DsOYoCyFW9SmGrhNa-UPcsHOgvZOL6dBkPc/s320/IMG_1939.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632348205345243058" /></a><br />For some reason this month I was given about 7 days off in a row and REALLY wanted to go do something big and fun. I've been dreaming about a number of routes in the Tetons and of course this WAS the year for it. Unfortunately the best skiing in the range happens to be during our summer vacation where we frolic in other countries. So last week was the first time I really had available to go for it. (In reality I should be well focused on my running schedule, which I'm behind and seems to be going rather poorly)<div><br /></div><div>I had a strong partner queued up and ready to go and after scotty generously covered my last remaining shift we where loaded and ready to fire, until we talked with friends and climbing Rangers in Jackson. Turns out just 10 short days ago the snow was excellent and the ski descents where pilling up. But as summer can, things changed drastically. The nights stopped freezing causing the snow to become unconsolidated from above, and the geo-thermal heat from below caused it to start rotting from below. This is devastating to the snow pack. Most of the routes we wanted need the snow to make them safe, and when the snow isn't safe then the route isn't safe, and also no fun.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-bW8ih4hNxhoZpAr2busNFTeKKiZ62YhlZMpyKchTTPkJxD6oaHeXfKxE8OX1O0Tm7fOvLx8PLoksEoC7dVSymsiFS-BhPyGkYjrKXbtYS0m124GYEouP362iFonRctPMYjz6qnN8w8/s320/IMG_2141.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632348216117726322" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>So in desperation I turned to Alaska, but based on my limited knowledge, at this time of year you need to be flying into the big glaciers up North if you want to ski, which is expensive and very time consuming. Plus, Oklahoma has family in town and I don't really want to tax his time any more than necessary because he is my only good AK connection, and of course a good friend.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZodSk3drnxA-AHyJxhEiil25zbgg0rbXsKz-fcfPDlJq9pvI6ZbSEc2MBKVJSDSxO68jlhc2L5ll36-JYPxQhqkXwOtNBbKPcN7gfy3FK37PEoJmaGakfdZgHvOikv9ozrElRx25z8ek/s320/IMG_2784.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5632348206124294386" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px; " /></span><div>Another dear set of friends was spending a few days in City of Rocks, but the biggest problem is, I'm not really in the cragging zone this year. More like fast alpine. So I just couldn't get psyched for that either. So what do you do when everything falls apart? Well, I went to work for three days. Dumb, I'm not sure there's a proverb anything like: 'if you can't find anything fun to do then go to work.' Oh well. So here is an excellent photo blog from someone who didn't go to work. Doing a route I'd like to do, with some good people from SLC.</div><div><br /></div><div>http://www.getstrongergolonger.com/journal/2011/6/9/teton-link-up.html</div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-53219893316277267072011-07-12T17:35:00.000-07:002011-07-12T18:38:51.500-07:00Goblers Knob, in the summer?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH_FO6lGB1Y5opsYvlZkKcOLY8R6GEGwPIx0IyKezXOw9oycIYzUdSHTJpST8A3RzC_BHtZi2PB0pVo56Qvsm_HkUVJQnI5u1izze0RQFl_4PvV5W2cxKvNi-FCavt3kN3beL1NlPyCc/s1600/IMG_2802.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH_FO6lGB1Y5opsYvlZkKcOLY8R6GEGwPIx0IyKezXOw9oycIYzUdSHTJpST8A3RzC_BHtZi2PB0pVo56Qvsm_HkUVJQnI5u1izze0RQFl_4PvV5W2cxKvNi-FCavt3kN3beL1NlPyCc/s400/IMG_2802.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628634026501864738" border="0" /></a><br />So this week the fun mountain was Gobler's Knob. I've never been to it in the summer, in fact I didn't even know you could go, but as usual, I was wrong.<br /><br />A good friend, lets say Kentucky, was in town and wanted to go for a run, so I headed blindly up Mill Creek Canyon to see what we could find that wasn't too hot or snowy. It was Saturday so we needed to think out of the box a little and the Alexander Basin trail came to mind. So we jump on it and started running for a very short period of time before 1.) it got really steep and 2.) Kentucky was having pulmonary tachycardia. We slowed to a crawl (actually faster than all of the other Saturday hikers) and continued upwards. The good news is that its a steep trail so no time is wasted and we where at Alexander Basin in no time. It is just as pretty in the summer as the winter.<br /><br />We hit snow at about the bottom of the upper bowl and skirted it all the way to the saddle at the top of the North North East aspect of the bowl. We caught the trail again to the top of Goblers Knob and I got to see the geological survey mark, 10K feet. Then heading down into Mill A we caught Desolation trail 019 and finally got into a good clip to the East. The decent of of Goblers was a little hairy, but the perfect time between snow melt and overgrowth. We where able to glisade a good portion of the decent in our running shoes. It was the first glisade of the season and it started on a steep 30+ degree slope, but luckily my skills held together and I kept it upright for the whole decent. Kentucky decided to go with the sitting glisade with much success, and much humor for me.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUSg8PwZwFV3xLOm3ns1eUAcLEA865Mx4JW60BQ4F10oM0iJfsOATtBD6TIY4q6RU_DQ69mCxfJbfEtGw21MPH-ZCEtj5CFqqgOEFa94Q2kcRK6geLhmrUWrQGHSPHeWHiEIAFoB4JC0/s1600/IMG_3692.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUSg8PwZwFV3xLOm3ns1eUAcLEA865Mx4JW60BQ4F10oM0iJfsOATtBD6TIY4q6RU_DQ69mCxfJbfEtGw21MPH-ZCEtj5CFqqgOEFa94Q2kcRK6geLhmrUWrQGHSPHeWHiEIAFoB4JC0/s400/IMG_3692.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628634019346226290" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We ran Deso trail 019 to Dog lake to see the 800 dogs, then quickly continued down to Little Water trail head, then back down the road to the Car. You can see the approximate route at: http://www.scribblemaps.com/#id=GoblersKnob <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWGF44Fj_UWPfnTL1MPisVoSnmN6F9Eurc-X23Ws8Nfluof0o0q7mbB5QgM6bUplKTIpKT5rymSMvRYaqdl5Pxk93W5eFktvo-bxwtsEJGI3S-z7sscTzzybA0KPFa9fHrMgv61mEplU/s1600/GoblersKnob.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWGF44Fj_UWPfnTL1MPisVoSnmN6F9Eurc-X23Ws8Nfluof0o0q7mbB5QgM6bUplKTIpKT5rymSMvRYaqdl5Pxk93W5eFktvo-bxwtsEJGI3S-z7sscTzzybA0KPFa9fHrMgv61mEplU/s320/GoblersKnob.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5628645097311839810" border="0" /></a>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-1920182781469018542011-07-07T14:28:00.000-07:002011-07-07T14:50:18.576-07:00Mt. Olympus, revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97aZUSrX4qnF6T7OTM7n2R-nlavOI35fsEaq9Dx_wT_qPufFru1cXZxHEX4ylmdyPuAHZL0dQvnR7q_g34h9nG6CXAW-5hS5wr2RTJJTuwC4v7eawmfmqf6R_WmUNDe3yuWloP8sooFg/s1600/IMG_0220.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKUOlFxXKnti8JiRjHIpQHL5QSPUCAZPGqJlCteavre74lgTHup688G3aME5N1vbDJ8qLNPHOfpFR98GLHvJCY8eovUdVTLK303Jy9ml7ASmwve4tQIWTmmZQ3xwddvTglyjJEUNKqC0/s1600/IMG_3818.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKUOlFxXKnti8JiRjHIpQHL5QSPUCAZPGqJlCteavre74lgTHup688G3aME5N1vbDJ8qLNPHOfpFR98GLHvJCY8eovUdVTLK303Jy9ml7ASmwve4tQIWTmmZQ3xwddvTglyjJEUNKqC0/s400/IMG_3818.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626730627143833058" /></a><br />So, I've been on a light and fast kick (or in my case light and slow), and since I just got back from a slack vacation and am slightly on the pneumonia end of a sickness, I figured I'd get in my spring (hmm... July 7th) ascent of Mt. Olympus via the normal route.<div><br /></div><div>The Normal route for me (I decided today for standardized purposes) starts in the parking lot of Dan's Market on Wasatch at 3900 South (Barbacoa to be exact), head down Wasatch Blvd, up to the West Slabs via the Exum Rap route, then via the North Ridge to the Saddle, through the saddle to the Summit, touch the mail box and then descend via the trail to Wasatch, and finally back to Dan's Market.</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY50o_sRvuI4BmQZK1O5bbd6JEDQHZg1FMQNNOS21_tAa8Q2OkffAM7YGdGvS91YDg0H0AIrhcA15pX4nAmgGSijb1ih7U4qVGvB1nv8Cm0fbY3bdPj4bZ3tesnFnaMGRUxS0AceIlo7A/s400/IMG_0208.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626730637931161650" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div>I only took two pictures today, but I'll add some old ones. I started a good alpine start of about 8:00am and past 6 people (they where on their way down, not up) who gave me funny looks. One guy even said 'solo?' and all I responded with was yes, before passing by.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg97aZUSrX4qnF6T7OTM7n2R-nlavOI35fsEaq9Dx_wT_qPufFru1cXZxHEX4ylmdyPuAHZL0dQvnR7q_g34h9nG6CXAW-5hS5wr2RTJJTuwC4v7eawmfmqf6R_WmUNDe3yuWloP8sooFg/s400/IMG_0220.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626730648938572994" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><div>One of the humorous things about this trip was that I've been living at about 11000ft for the last 2 weeks so you'd think I had strong lungs. Well, today I was at my aerobic threshold, or slightly over it all the way up. Dumb, so much for acclimatization. This however doesn't mean I was setting any speed records, just breathing a lot.</div> <div><br /></div><div>The other fun (after the fact) part of the trip was I found a friend just off the top of the West slabs waiting for me, who was very quiet. See photo.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHrDXoOaQS1NwjmAnI30Zz7nFaAYPDcJD1Tog5-RCT4ryktnKESI8psP3Ro1UJhrU1kvmBAyw-kcD0PbMW7zQxm_akLiUgA9eOEIqTm-OlHrGXXF_aeDAfxkab8cGuVyYAOS8ReKiJDA/s400/IMG_3820.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626730631573581506" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><div>Here are the stats.</div> <div>Water: 2.5 liters</div><div>Gu: 6 1 oz packets (used 4)</div><div>Climbing shoes</div><div>wind coat</div><div>patagonia base layer long sleve</div><div>running shorts</div><div>Merril's version of the Minimus running shoes</div><div><br /></div><div>Car to car: 5 hours 12 minutes 20 seconds</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully I will cut off a good hour of this time at the end of the season, or maybe Andy will cut it in half. I think the key to reducing the time is getting the in between route down. The section between the top of the Slabs to the Summit is always the slowest and most difficult to navigate, with a little work this could be much faster.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-76662916726790796052011-04-11T10:39:00.000-07:002011-04-11T14:29:36.584-07:00Dirt Bagging in the Chugach<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53ONDsTNIjPi6M2XkVr9m_ioZf5b-C-eMjuP-p-ud5YOVNkzeYbyzWXdrFsF-loCd7afjv3MPXit2Ip_xYvhoVzfdJM8EGLxHuE0iiOOYJV25_zx9aqmgBjetTcUGI-MJF9RwzKtC9uQ/s1600/IMG_3247.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj53ONDsTNIjPi6M2XkVr9m_ioZf5b-C-eMjuP-p-ud5YOVNkzeYbyzWXdrFsF-loCd7afjv3MPXit2Ip_xYvhoVzfdJM8EGLxHuE0iiOOYJV25_zx9aqmgBjetTcUGI-MJF9RwzKtC9uQ/s400/IMG_3247.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594400346386580402" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQiXyUjtFMo7YOI5Eoph7eHvu5n99HyC1YysiHS6EwBqF7xvlZhfPxkcRhVehjUK2LZLt67zvTwYATclzaNEc7vb4NQImQbmGIRZJKGAO9ZchGlPSA4jeGFHvJ0c7IU5DecGOIqoHB1s/s1600/IMG_3250.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJQiXyUjtFMo7YOI5Eoph7eHvu5n99HyC1YysiHS6EwBqF7xvlZhfPxkcRhVehjUK2LZLt67zvTwYATclzaNEc7vb4NQImQbmGIRZJKGAO9ZchGlPSA4jeGFHvJ0c7IU5DecGOIqoHB1s/s400/IMG_3250.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594400353736640194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />After a ski trip to Haines fell apart due to remarks like 'worst snow in 30 years' and ' you mean we have to hire a guide?.' I attempted to salvage the time off with a trip to the Chugach in southern Alaska. Thankfully, a good friend of mine had coincidentally just moved to Anchorage. In the old days (a decade ago) we used to do all kinds of crazy adventures together, but never had we skied, or been on a glacier together... so why not try it now? This particular friend who we will dub Oklahoma, also had been working a lot in the lat 10 years and I wasn't sure what he was up for.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 1<br /><br /></span>After Oklahoma and his wife generously picked me up at the airport at 200am in the morning we got right to planning adventure number 1, Mt. Ptarmigan North Couloir, a mountaineering route that had some good technical sections. So we headed off with ski's, rope, picket, axe, wipit, hero camera, and a bit of food. Its somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 miles ski in to the base of the route which we started at like 2:00pm or some slacker hour, then followed an off camber ski trail all the way to the base, a good long slog for those of use who are used to going up, not across. We then started the long, long boot up the couloir. Being in AK, 2:00pm wasn't the worst of our decisions for the trip, in fact it worked out rather well, since it stayed light until like 9:30pm. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDUBZU9W4pvuOnB6pKwz7RzQiij5YtfqxaLwTNMBLytKOZ-H0q0BA75Addn-zXkGY-NEMwFd8BIl5bWO6RykpoaVSJQX7uUnwGUjoSkit8lB8NiB7y7OATI9JmNm2ZJ7t4LpIkz31W7U/s1600/IMG_3260.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHDUBZU9W4pvuOnB6pKwz7RzQiij5YtfqxaLwTNMBLytKOZ-H0q0BA75Addn-zXkGY-NEMwFd8BIl5bWO6RykpoaVSJQX7uUnwGUjoSkit8lB8NiB7y7OATI9JmNm2ZJ7t4LpIkz31W7U/s400/IMG_3260.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594400373249410306" border="0" /></a> After much fussing with the Hero HD, I finally got it to take some photo's, but no video.<br /><br /><br />Now, Oklahoma, although he had spent some time in Colorado, Utah, Wisconsin, and California, had not been in the big mountains it seems for some time. And after a few hours of booting up the steep 45 degree couloir, finally looked down. Something we don't even think about in the mountains it seems these days and got a little sketched that he could look down 2000ft almost straight down to the run out zone. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XtmAtyGWtxo9-k9C_OCY5ry2yBXoWJE4oaHYIBl-R4A-ikr8koBYmLa3sxjMvKgKwc_vQzpbpgTfN9iBIaxThI0QqD2JBmA8cCheWQie3v9Ow7v7zzyiHK9zlfn1qlS_70jYPJnZ1Hk/s1600/IMG_3256.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8XtmAtyGWtxo9-k9C_OCY5ry2yBXoWJE4oaHYIBl-R4A-ikr8koBYmLa3sxjMvKgKwc_vQzpbpgTfN9iBIaxThI0QqD2JBmA8cCheWQie3v9Ow7v7zzyiHK9zlfn1qlS_70jYPJnZ1Hk/s400/IMG_3256.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594400364064599746" border="0" /></a> Thankfully he is almost as hard headed as me and was able to turn his head and keep trudging. As we ascended we talked about the importance and application of useful skills like the self-arrest. I always thought it was best to learn by doing, not so much any of those other options. Thankfully we did, because Oklahoma slipped in the first 500ft of his decent and had to try out his new skills or be whisked to the bottom at break neck speeds, likely over a good 300ft rock band. At about 500ft shy of the saddle the weather decided it was time for us to descend by bringing the vis down very low. It had been snowing the entire time, with clouds coming in and out--as would be the weather for the rest of the trip. On the way up I spied a cool looking steep line either ice or snow (not sure which) that I dubbed the Hypodermic Needle AK, but actually I think is named the hooker. It looked like an excellent line to ski, but with my partners inability to rescue me, and my lack of knowledge of the line I decided to ski the main chute.<br /><br />Oklahoma left his ski's at the bottom based on his lack of skiing experience and the high consequences of a fall on this route, so I sent him on his way. It had been recommended that we rope up for this route earlier but I didn't see any time when I though a rope would be necessary. Within the first 500ft Oklahoma took a tumble and, like a seasoned veteran, self arrested. A short and tense moment followed by relief. Now confident that he could reasonably take care of himself I start my ski decent (after dynafit-tling for a while with my bindings). The snow was variable but nice, and as I would soon find out, the best snow of the whole week. After finally getting some video I finished the lower section, retrieved Oklahoma's ski's and sat down for a nice hot tea break to wait for the slow, mountaineering decent.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV8N93LXpiD6iZh8Av3lbzz0S9xby5xD31cmI5T3YljJReRIWtsJvqNPmysC_MIJeA-zKgvXylwqpguTKk3bthqoen5FzUkgtMF8EgoLLXsVyWYBGrReuDSb_1tOvLthBWiX3qMpSqo4/s1600/IMG_3270.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBV8N93LXpiD6iZh8Av3lbzz0S9xby5xD31cmI5T3YljJReRIWtsJvqNPmysC_MIJeA-zKgvXylwqpguTKk3bthqoen5FzUkgtMF8EgoLLXsVyWYBGrReuDSb_1tOvLthBWiX3qMpSqo4/s400/IMG_3270.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594404340513171890" border="0" /></a><br /><br />A moment of soap-boxing. I'm not sure which background played a bigger role in my development, but as the years pass it seems to me that ski's are almost always the option of choice for winter, mountain transportation. Almost as efficient on the way up, 10 times as efficient on the way down. I enjoyed the decent, went quickly, safely, and used a fraction of the energy. In the Wasatch, it seems to be the norm; in AK, we where the weird ones with ski's on our backs.<br /><br />After my feet where cold, just like my tea became; Oklahoma finally caught up and we where off for our 4 mile ski back to the car.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMJt1a9BKO8l7vx6uNZ7jepUEjjN3BPIHT2iPU4_Tp_okNP3pYN4SaziCCROfQYY1FEfmjIPUMNpJRMVWaIIdULbqyYHSWqJcaHs-RMvy_5OE7-oyHiB3d1gfKaxqrfvOsFxwf157ya0/s1600/IMG_3271.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMJt1a9BKO8l7vx6uNZ7jepUEjjN3BPIHT2iPU4_Tp_okNP3pYN4SaziCCROfQYY1FEfmjIPUMNpJRMVWaIIdULbqyYHSWqJcaHs-RMvy_5OE7-oyHiB3d1gfKaxqrfvOsFxwf157ya0/s400/IMG_3271.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594404345400195218" border="0" /></a> Interestingly enough the whole route could have been down sans-skins. Something new to me. But actually, in every case in AK I didn't need my skin's at all. We arrived back at the car just in time for dusk.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 2<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>After a nice night of sleep we went to the five fingers on the Turnagain Arm to warm up on the ice<span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span>which was an excellent idea since I've been on ice only once this year. Not to mention it was a downpour. with serious winds. Since I hate wasting a day, we went for it. Full hardshells and neoprene ice gloves seem to do the trick very well. After 200ft of ice and 6K gallons of rain we where ready to be done. On the decent I had the opportunity to do my first V-thread, and after all my complaining it was no big deal. Held strong, looked good, and was easy. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJoTGlZiakU67iWNTMIKZM2QtwATJ87wnBz7j1pgm__dbkMo7fHTlRp5voLrlciyFC6sprwKTjXbfliv2koBgok8OUJgsG4pUuLfng-0wIa-tB_UnGkzYTcWOj5s51AbrUE8szFkKoOU/s1600/IMG_3289.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJoTGlZiakU67iWNTMIKZM2QtwATJ87wnBz7j1pgm__dbkMo7fHTlRp5voLrlciyFC6sprwKTjXbfliv2koBgok8OUJgsG4pUuLfng-0wIa-tB_UnGkzYTcWOj5s51AbrUE8szFkKoOU/s400/IMG_3289.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594404360075606098" border="0" /></a> Unfortunately, I did not take any photo's due to the crazy weather.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Day 3-5<br /><br /></span>The next item to be checked off the list was hopefully the Eklutna traverse<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span></span>We looked at going about it both directions and due to the weather chose the North to South route. Unfortunately it starts with about a 12 mile ski across a lake, up a drainage to the glacier moraine. After fearing this ridiculous distance on ski's over flat ground with a pack it turned out to be rather fun and enjoyable. It was great for developing my classic and skate technique.... except I was on Dynafits. Oh well, one thing it made me realize is that their really is a reason for pole straps! After stopping prior to our anticipated finish at the pitcher's hut, it turned out the first hut was full of rescue rats training to save us. So we ended up building a shelter under a pine tree. We where prepared for hut life, and only emergency outdoor life so we ended up spending our nights with one 0 degree down bag, one super light western mountaineering 40 degree bag, 1 bivy, 1 sleeping pad, 1 down coat, 1 3/4 foam backpack insert, a rope, 2 hard shell coats, and a few other miscellaneous items to make it through the rain and snow of night.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQQApzB06qtqGApDgv6_lNUeK7ivkqj8H64Zj54AImCLOgBKYDjsmLryYD_Z4meQQhn5St52tSvImX36bjvDf-F63r_Zm1UFksNDvUb64AJF7613jmKvqt-ITmZw7VQEQoJCUBWOV_ps/s1600/IMG_3295.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQQQApzB06qtqGApDgv6_lNUeK7ivkqj8H64Zj54AImCLOgBKYDjsmLryYD_Z4meQQhn5St52tSvImX36bjvDf-F63r_Zm1UFksNDvUb64AJF7613jmKvqt-ITmZw7VQEQoJCUBWOV_ps/s400/IMG_3295.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594404375569459250" border="0" /></a> With a little suffering we turned out just fine.<br /><br />The next day we started up to the glacier for a little fun and ran into a party who had just spend 4 days in driving snow and no visibility out on the white-out glacier. They where smiling and telling stories of how the almost died. I don't think it was the best for Oklahoma to hear, since he had never been on a glacier before. We then continued up to the ice fall at the toe of the glacier, in all its beauty. Truly a sight to behold, every time. Our objective was small but you could spend weeks just at the toe, sending huge ice routes, mixed lines, technical ski descents, you name it. It really is a wonderland of ice, rock, and snow. To get up on the glacier we had a small, low angle serac that proved to be rather enjoyable. I had brought along 3 screws and a wippet, thankfully Oaklahoma lent me his real mountain axe and I was able to climb with one axe, and one glove on deep blue glacier ice. Thankfully it wasn't too steep and the pro was bomber. After belaying Oklahoma to the top we continued up the ice fall along a fake morain (ice covered in rock) to our high point just below Pitcher's Post. After crossing what seem to be a 10 foot snow bridge we got out into the center and untied for some skiing.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWecAp8LfNs7Y1N3Xlm9PyOpzRegyHFXZCk8gyzdwhPRgSPOXDLCxHc6KdoZrXOTXrERIflvmgYrIQhKwSi2Y9q31XGNJv-qpkzmDJkZBXfWhfHRtdLQ4fkjxz5F9UlVfWQCJpyPOyB7M/s1600/IMG_3313.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWecAp8LfNs7Y1N3Xlm9PyOpzRegyHFXZCk8gyzdwhPRgSPOXDLCxHc6KdoZrXOTXrERIflvmgYrIQhKwSi2Y9q31XGNJv-qpkzmDJkZBXfWhfHRtdLQ4fkjxz5F9UlVfWQCJpyPOyB7M/s400/IMG_3313.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594406373272314130" border="0" /></a> Before sending Oklahoma down the trail put in by our death defying friends, I gave him a stern warning to be careful as we are still on a glacier. As seems to always be the trend, within 5 minutes Oklahoma locates a crevasse and steps in, with both feet because he is charging down the glacier without probing or much thought. Luckily it was packed full of snow (at least at the top) and he only sank up to his waste. The bonus is, Oklahoma tends to learn much better through experience, and so he took his travel much more seriously after that. So we tied back in again as to keep up all on top and I skied on the rope as he trotted. Turned out to be pretty fun, at least for me. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sqg3TITKa7PUJY9wJiRCLHMIu6P3bHbLksaWpXkGMlyn0iSNRyktX6NkfF11pOh5KN-bf-fZpKVm5Rih54Uz6n9D-4YU0zBmIPj56ZwexSlrS0_31SeCfw5HxZNrxp9jDw1-xBu6mZs/s1600/IMG_3287.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sqg3TITKa7PUJY9wJiRCLHMIu6P3bHbLksaWpXkGMlyn0iSNRyktX6NkfF11pOh5KN-bf-fZpKVm5Rih54Uz6n9D-4YU0zBmIPj56ZwexSlrS0_31SeCfw5HxZNrxp9jDw1-xBu6mZs/s400/IMG_3287.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594404355247744194" border="0" /></a> After reaching the ice fall again and hacking out a Bollard we rapped the last remaining steep section of glacier where again we unroped and skied out the toe. Oklahoma tried out his skiing skills on this low angle section and realized that skiing on death cookies is actually harder than it looks. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLzOHWEsJk20oTalZ4euhfYhyphenhyphenbouYx_eQsQ2Sdb82kWGUMxooRGbTG8zPh-3Dh5E85gp384LgW8wP9d0ZXGCDEwCpo0K0QaaN7PspTUjXqdr_4Ufh0i1626KULpI94oeD1m5JVtPlI3M/s1600/IMG_3310.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLzOHWEsJk20oTalZ4euhfYhyphenhyphenbouYx_eQsQ2Sdb82kWGUMxooRGbTG8zPh-3Dh5E85gp384LgW8wP9d0ZXGCDEwCpo0K0QaaN7PspTUjXqdr_4Ufh0i1626KULpI94oeD1m5JVtPlI3M/s400/IMG_3310.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594406365486158754" border="0" /></a>A quick skate the mile or so back to the shelter and we where out, safe and sound.<br /><br />The next day was the first day where it wasn't low overcast AND snowing. We woke early and packed up for the 12ish miles out. The sun came up between jagged peaks with beautiful shoe string lines of snow glistening in the morning light.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R4IiQdDBI8vE9lBfXv-Hk5zxSiOLwpdyBCGAJgWexACt8avSGVV5_sKQB4rBvTfxqRP6qJ2jk-8DiPWYqMO_KjfCmehK1wWQDGjv5u4nt_INFI20us2KNWf8BxibXZGGm9E4yC1p9os/s1600/IMG_3268.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R4IiQdDBI8vE9lBfXv-Hk5zxSiOLwpdyBCGAJgWexACt8avSGVV5_sKQB4rBvTfxqRP6qJ2jk-8DiPWYqMO_KjfCmehK1wWQDGjv5u4nt_INFI20us2KNWf8BxibXZGGm9E4yC1p9os/s400/IMG_3268.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594400384656939650" border="0" /></a> It was cold, the snow was fast and we made excellent time as we headed back. It felt like time to do the traverse, since finally the visibility had come up to a reasonable level. Well, I guess that's how it goes in Alaska. The ski out seemed fun and short on the way out, I ended up blister free on both my feet and my hands. That was it, I had the red-eye flight out that night to SLC where I wouldn't sleep a wink due to my tiny seat that didn't recline next to the toilet.<br /><br />Special thanks goes to Oklahoma and his always adventurous spirit. I don't know many people that can sit on the couch for 5 years and go straight out to 30+ miles a week on ski's plus mountaineering. In the future, after some good scouting, I plan on trying this traverse in a day. See you there.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCb9YPToyywaLVoy6YGn8FS0c5TSjbncMuM3FpACSc2Ac4eU0LW7GWuWis4jVu0IpBAxMYpqkxAZPKSZSmgc1phsBSMl1m9JbhQgvzeSB-5LIOxJ_YB_WyhyBdr_RyAuNnadVeUtlfcU0/s1600/IMG_3328.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCb9YPToyywaLVoy6YGn8FS0c5TSjbncMuM3FpACSc2Ac4eU0LW7GWuWis4jVu0IpBAxMYpqkxAZPKSZSmgc1phsBSMl1m9JbhQgvzeSB-5LIOxJ_YB_WyhyBdr_RyAuNnadVeUtlfcU0/s400/IMG_3328.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594406389744336562" border="0" /></a>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-143866952793630362011-02-19T14:13:00.000-08:002011-02-19T14:17:18.629-08:00Dealing with the Wasatch Powder Birds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRJ8Mv_gUKiQaL7iCaCxltA_FKvNgcvK00SdfwAMOuxdnCpxHKxcKzGDsl1iM9ryUVBMLfcGUkXckO9RPKJhyphenhyphenXQauprRjAtTT7w0qW6JBEVhvXz4HL3aIRvTyZp3-ldesvco0URJabh4/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoRJ8Mv_gUKiQaL7iCaCxltA_FKvNgcvK00SdfwAMOuxdnCpxHKxcKzGDsl1iM9ryUVBMLfcGUkXckO9RPKJhyphenhyphenXQauprRjAtTT7w0qW6JBEVhvXz4HL3aIRvTyZp3-ldesvco0URJabh4/s320/IMG_2702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575528225488187010" border="0" /></a><br />Ever had an encounter with the powder birds yet? My own experience has been very poor. Here some excellent footage taken by Andrew and Friends. Please pass this along to anyone you know who cares about their wilderness staying wilderness.<br /><br />http://straightchuter.com/2011/02/awesome-day-with-the-wasatch-powderbird-guides/KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-58217377684069546962011-01-28T14:54:00.000-08:002011-03-06T19:32:30.521-08:00In the Shadow of the Mountain<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNDwziyqv8YyMSNvNHOeCbWbKMdkebo54U7kkotF6AND7nv_c8uE-7cmeCMBlXhyphenhyphen415viMpGBwtdjDfF_h_FpMucd1kJmH08hyQRBQ5RHj_z1PC2CCzC1-DLcGedx6Cvit07ZfdQSX5E/s1600/East+Face+of+Twin.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdFEI-Csiw-B2BTNChf75umRZodLrq3__Oe7qa8S8FpLnvEJ3WivorjpfcKnF1NkNgRPNWxC4RG7RVnJZmD_T2c0FDlINH-VkQUnrQoWGbzVvNb7_KK0_1xX5kvD784cKNeQhC4aKbfE/s1600/IMG_3093.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi0zruA-VbYSwROVSjsf73J2tCXdmgymNO9qDz6Qi0EYEmFezowQ_Bgz3IsDFYpmfcgBYMQ0-abSPvOnHb7Xx8iO3Bc040ubaOw8w-SBYVhYB7ZLZxeNIpgQtbjXu4GV5DRUxJpFzTBs/s1600/IMG_3071.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi0zruA-VbYSwROVSjsf73J2tCXdmgymNO9qDz6Qi0EYEmFezowQ_Bgz3IsDFYpmfcgBYMQ0-abSPvOnHb7Xx8iO3Bc040ubaOw8w-SBYVhYB7ZLZxeNIpgQtbjXu4GV5DRUxJpFzTBs/s400/IMG_3071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567394919701093282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmk7gOVMepB8lkLqQAkq2mPM0dt8rHSOs7fKZF9a6Eio5MpYI_9t8Viy1PvWqK0Se9nBWJEyFJg-nj_g5mi9tXNMs5SXpxC60QVf-4_IYc1FcYA96w5NtJfxbi6xCAPHwSzvcOJZkT_w/s1600/IMG_3069.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLlr7eHeMNHb3wpp7_vur-LPQpGhINlCNc93OLSRygX5w0kXyNZxJct7k7inVK37AnfVAST6HPQpCplC6kYwynQShRqMQCQ9zp2k8I1EDDTpAYSb7WUwEs6ka6V1ccH4zy1QYWGqcWjI/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg"></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLlr7eHeMNHb3wpp7_vur-LPQpGhINlCNc93OLSRygX5w0kXyNZxJct7k7inVK37AnfVAST6HPQpCplC6kYwynQShRqMQCQ9zp2k8I1EDDTpAYSb7WUwEs6ka6V1ccH4zy1QYWGqcWjI/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg"></a><br />So no this isn't Wasatch 100 part III. But I had such a good day skiing to day I just needed to read about it. Not to mention, one of the photo's in my previous blog is exactly the same as in this one, except this one is winter! See if you can figure it out.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXUmp_Wn12GWrqnxhsUGnUln4UqCTF0qapTxkIci9DdrAzJuvtGSRsDRpAwQXvnqcWX0QxMM0zNYAo1gsX-SckX2loMrB7kbP79sqFM2ZqjVoOlkGrlGG3us-F7V7pf-y28mTxCcIqBQ/s400/IMG_3060.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567386158611848130" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLlr7eHeMNHb3wpp7_vur-LPQpGhINlCNc93OLSRygX5w0kXyNZxJct7k7inVK37AnfVAST6HPQpCplC6kYwynQShRqMQCQ9zp2k8I1EDDTpAYSb7WUwEs6ka6V1ccH4zy1QYWGqcWjI/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLlr7eHeMNHb3wpp7_vur-LPQpGhINlCNc93OLSRygX5w0kXyNZxJct7k7inVK37AnfVAST6HPQpCplC6kYwynQShRqMQCQ9zp2k8I1EDDTpAYSb7WUwEs6ka6V1ccH4zy1QYWGqcWjI/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLlr7eHeMNHb3wpp7_vur-LPQpGhINlCNc93OLSRygX5w0kXyNZxJct7k7inVK37AnfVAST6HPQpCplC6kYwynQShRqMQCQ9zp2k8I1EDDTpAYSb7WUwEs6ka6V1ccH4zy1QYWGqcWjI/s1600/IMG_3056.jpg"></a><div>Today I didn't have a ski partner, except for one that didn't want to ski thousands of feet of blue ice (what gives?). So I went out Solo on a mission to Twin Peaks, which I've never summited in the winter. After Leaving the car at 7:15 am with my oatmeal and yogurt I was off. </div> <div><br /></div><div>I should go right out and confess, something changed in my skiing, something BIG. I was on a set of new 7 Summit Dynafit skis with Low Tech Race bindings and TLT 5 mountain boots. The Ski binding combo weighs in at 6 lbs 6 ounces, the boots are 5 lbs 6 ounces in a 27.5, which are bigger and I also ski without the tongues, so lets say 5 lbs 3 ounces. A total on foot weight of 11 lbs 9 ounces (not counting skin's or crampons). Sound like a lot? Well my light weight telemark setup is 11 lbs 3 ounces for ski binding combo (Chargers with switchbacks) an my Garmont Energy's weight 8 lbs for a total back breaking weight of 19 lbs 3 ounces. And actually, its not back breaking because the weight is on your feet. So that's about a 7 lbs difference; OR like carrying an extra gallon of water along with you... on your feet. All this to say I felt light and free, or like running. I actually did run for a while but quickly realized that it wasn't THAT light, or at least I am not that strong. <br /><br />Altitude gained is difficult to average but when I'm going solo it seems to be somewhere around 1000ft per hour, depending on snow conditions and technical difficulty. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLlr7eHeMNHb3wpp7_vur-LPQpGhINlCNc93OLSRygX5w0kXyNZxJct7k7inVK37AnfVAST6HPQpCplC6kYwynQShRqMQCQ9zp2k8I1EDDTpAYSb7WUwEs6ka6V1ccH4zy1QYWGqcWjI/s400/IMG_3056.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567386162492276914" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span>Although times very widely, that put my total about 30 minutes faster than expected or about 10 percent faster over a 5 hour period. Not bad for just pulling out your wallet! Ok, so back to the story...</div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysT_P1VVLOG3RhILdAcYQ0rclW5_ftlWl9iPJbgCIWWCu_Co8yWZ7k_M4jY2odI9K3YA0z4cPoe4vRZEXEfQIoqRCWLvgALMonxm4Q-FEgJOsMqwK31lpQwXBKlPVE_HfsEMeGQGPDt8/s400/IMG_3058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567386171997586770" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" border="0" /></span><div>I started off at the S-turns in Big Cottonwoods and headed up Broads fork trail at 7:15. In 1 hour 15 minutes I was at the lower lakes (about 2100ft of easy skinning). After that I followed a skin track to the back of the cirque where I then started putting in my own track since no one had climbed the east ridge yet. Very shortly after starting, I first broke my crampon attachment (race bindings... shesh). and then started wallowing up an rock band that proved to be very difficult because it was covered in 5 feet of facets (think sugary snow). </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWVVYYxqsFGWw_Xr4DXZ8qeNbvImdEZMDsn3rMbTrj4_N7u3W_Dm-Nfn6QTFKu3NIyrz5lQXfdnDBvvtb-Y1B9JrNzUs04QEft6dzKZS_tM_7IFm8lTbBlAlPaDzV-BsPpI3616Vbo7Ok/s400/IMG_3062.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567386177555966562" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" border="0" /></span><div> Finally, I was able to get past this section and return to my ski's with ski crampons and quickly dispatch the next 600 feet or so before it became steep blue ice where I again started booting. The difficulty was finding the place where the ice was thicker than 1/2 inch so you could support yourself. Multiple times I would start wallowing in the facets, trying to pull myself back onto the ice, The visual picture is something like trying to pull yourself out of a whole in the ice over a lake. You reach for the next piece of ice and it just breaks, mean while you slide back to where you started. Very energy consuming.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFmk7gOVMepB8lkLqQAkq2mPM0dt8rHSOs7fKZF9a6Eio5MpYI_9t8Viy1PvWqK0Se9nBWJEyFJg-nj_g5mi9tXNMs5SXpxC60QVf-4_IYc1FcYA96w5NtJfxbi6xCAPHwSzvcOJZkT_w/s400/IMG_3069.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567386188628966946" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span><div> At one point at about 2/3 of the way up I was wallowing and pulled a piece of ice off a tree into my face that then removed my glasses and sent them cascading down the 50 degree ice slope. I watched as they gained momentum and shot off the roller below... out of sight. My favorite photocromatic glasses, gone in a second. I was almost ready to turn around and give up, except that 5 skiers had approached behind me and where skinning up around toward the saddle between big and little (ya 5 skiers, on a Friday, in a cirque that's 4 miles from any road. Freaking Wasatch). So although I had broken my binding, lost my glasses, and spent endless amounts of energy wallowing: my pride wouldn't allow me to descend. So I just told myself I'd go a little more, and then a little more... And finally the snow got hard enough to walk again and I got a good 500ft of good old fashion, boot packing on wind scoured old snow. The crux was definitely at the top when it gets really steep, the snow turns to facets and there's a small cornice to tunnel through. With much fear I quickly dispatch my best wallowing/mixed climbing/cornice burrowing and was on the summit. About 5,100ft from the car and the last 2000ft where earned the hard way. </div> <div><br /></div><div>After a quick lunch, I pulled the skins off, and locked the heal down for the first time on these skis... at 11,300ft on blue ice surround by 3 sides of 50 degree slopes, cliffs, and chutes for a minimum of 2000ft. </div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtAL1-uy3rUE7Mt9VIdQBeFejxYcQFoMn87JhO_hC6jqNE1seFmMbfy9Lny3pBWX1OZfonrz6ANCGJL1MQt6bdc59N1KhaVCvEg_x6luV3p0IDGZ-7m5-rMMQdxIux7TDydPyzgvtth0/s400/IMG_3070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567394911704380850" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span><div>For good measure, and lack of trust, I locked down the toe pieces so nothing would free me from my skies. Then with much anticipation I dropped into the steep, icey slope. Turns out it wasn't too bad on a set of fresh edges and thin, short skies! If it wasn't a 2000ft slide for your life I would have been making jump turns all the way down.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNNDwziyqv8YyMSNvNHOeCbWbKMdkebo54U7kkotF6AND7nv_c8uE-7cmeCMBlXhyphenhyphen415viMpGBwtdjDfF_h_FpMucd1kJmH08hyQRBQ5RHj_z1PC2CCzC1-DLcGedx6Cvit07ZfdQSX5E/s400/East+Face+of+Twin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567413190508268962" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" border="0" /></span>But, I took it conservative and side slipped through the high risk blue ice and saved the turns for the safer ground. It is also scary the first time you do a jump turn on these skies because you over rotate, because they are so light and short.... Super fun! </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDnsUdqfnZ4JOCQ3zCKTbXGUcWVrLWNJUcP8t-pLsNHchGQo4br5pA4iJwBoHETp0faNPiLtnqHy5zpPVB3gVKiTNPoUu8bMOVme0SK0yYdASqdhM7L8K0Ib_wMnUpS1qMQO69kuYoL4/s400/IMG_3067.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567394904351213074" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><br /></span></div><div>Only on one section did I chose to self belay myself down the ice with my Wipp-it, and that was unique and fun in itself. I looked closely for my glasses, and finally I found them, about a quarter from the bottom where the snow got too soft. Now in much safer ground I let it go a bit and really enjoyed the turns on my new short skies. reaching the Amphitheater base, I quickly transitioned to skins (as quick as a free healer can transition with all those gadgets) and started up the ridge to Mill B to ski out via Blanch lake.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdFEI-Csiw-B2BTNChf75umRZodLrq3__Oe7qa8S8FpLnvEJ3WivorjpfcKnF1NkNgRPNWxC4RG7RVnJZmD_T2c0FDlINH-VkQUnrQoWGbzVvNb7_KK0_1xX5kvD784cKNeQhC4aKbfE/s400/IMG_3093.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567394927608537458" style="float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px;" border="0" /></span>Once reaching the ridge I had excellent turning conditions all the way to the lake before it deteriorated into a 'soul searching bushwack' as Andrew McLean would say.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, a fabulous tour that I would recommend to anyone! At least anyone who has the tools, the skills, and of course the bad judgment to do something like that. About 10 miles and 6000ft.</div> </div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3803680830091809712.post-57479536515838816612010-12-07T15:20:00.000-08:002011-01-07T07:31:05.718-08:00Wasatch 100 part II finally<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgtxDZOEpGArTORqFf2EGe-GL3VLlzTYdr5i2sPnc7TXsLvbKBjn0DwvSR6tSp5WU1yY2kFjRmw-bsPQnWS4g_mGkDkIQFCai2lAKIPGZ7BvU6nfLekcXDZiMqQGnI6F8pIMCV24Rn1w/s1600/IMG_0014.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XcDwiEbPFgvTtDEUAlr0IE9rBbDgTRG2QCVj0NkDKkORw6xDoSEdYWBmj5JcHGQx0ZM-3F78B9ZEFMnj1TNArf0fvQDhtn7PNPdmf4k78xpCcJ4rAy_ZE-pH3y9la2NNBtNzR_U_0KI/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XcDwiEbPFgvTtDEUAlr0IE9rBbDgTRG2QCVj0NkDKkORw6xDoSEdYWBmj5JcHGQx0ZM-3F78B9ZEFMnj1TNArf0fvQDhtn7PNPdmf4k78xpCcJ4rAy_ZE-pH3y9la2NNBtNzR_U_0KI/s400/IMG_0969.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559465975955633826" /></a><br />To start out, I do apologize for taking SO long to write part two, but I have been busy. Its time again to register for the Wasatch 100 and you have to ask yourself, do you do it all again? Clearly that answer is different for everyone, but for me its reasonable simple. First and foremost, does the wife approve? Second, was it worth the time, sacrifice, and suffering. Thankfully in my case both of these answers are yes. (with some small print of course) So assuming I don't change my mind between now and then I am going to put in my application. Just to give you an idea how quickly your fitness drops when you are at that level, I went for a run yesterday with one of my pacers and we did somewhere in the range of 6-8 miles in 1 hr 30 mins. Today my legs hurt, and I noticed my quads as I pulled my fat legs into the truck. Not bad for running 100 miles just 3 months ago and still having maintenance runs in between. So by May it will be back to square one.<div><br /></div><div>Back to the story. After leaving the big mountain aid station, the sun has started to set, its still warm, and the course is easy. I currently am running with a 60+ year old hard man who finished the Hardrock this year in like 38 hours. Thats one of the nice things about these races, it seems you are constantly humbled. He pointed out a fascinating old airway beacon along the course which I wanted to go back to see but haven't. As we continued to run along the Sun is starting to set over the Stansbury mountains, similar to the joy in your soul that is beginning to set as well. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivgtxDZOEpGArTORqFf2EGe-GL3VLlzTYdr5i2sPnc7TXsLvbKBjn0DwvSR6tSp5WU1yY2kFjRmw-bsPQnWS4g_mGkDkIQFCai2lAKIPGZ7BvU6nfLekcXDZiMqQGnI6F8pIMCV24Rn1w/s400/IMG_0014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559466012308746690" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div>There was some anxiety associated with this part of the trail as just 7 days earlier I had fallen three times on this section, stubbing my left big toe, all three times. On the third fall I was running down a steep, black diamond, mountain bike course where I took a header off a full on run down a steep section that brought tears to my eyes. I never checked but I likely caused some type of hairline fracture in the first metatarsal. After rolling around on the grown for some time I was able to run the 4 or so miles out that day, but didn't run again until the race. As I ran down this section of trail in twilight, my mine focused on NOT doing that again, since I still had 50 miles to go.This section brought some of the first frustrating moments in trail selection too. I haven't been able to run this section exactly right yet after attempting (hence the black diamond mountain bike trail) to finish this section once before. Now that I had the trail markings this section turned out to be a mile waster, as I affectionately called it. A place where there put in meaningless turns and switchbacks to get the mileage right. The trail we <i>should</i> have run went along the ridge and dumps you out at Summit Park, yet the trail we ran takes down yet another steep, ball bearing ridge descent with scant switch backs. You descend down to the powerline trail almost all the way to Little Dell Golf Course, then promptly start back up the hill toward the pass on the powerline trail. where you cut off into the woods to cross the ridge to lambs canyon. This is one of those trail life lessons, if you will.</div><div><br /></div><div>Its not the actual distance that matters; it the perceived distance and difference between the perceived and actual distance that dictates the mood at which it is accepted.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think this section of trail was one of those crushing moments where the trail felt twice as long as it should have been (because it was) for the section of land crossed. When I finally rolled into the lambs canyon aid station, the Euphoria of Big mountain had rapidly disappeared. The good news was that my whole family was again waiting for me, as well as my first, soul supporting pacer.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1aRXA0i3ou3UobYpORgtlr_rIGPZjZZv2oT-DA1Nf95VRIVRC6HyRMxbBpu9MuyPTZyP6Gg6BPTQC3YhxVcEtKlJx7s_Fvlp2-5c2IuO44DK9cG8kxAmfkqjn7eWmT5_FbgWwwt5fyy4/s400/IMG_2035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559465996177123410" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 400px; " /></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span><div>Its always difficult to explain the emotional experience associated with such an event, but pacers are like catalysts to that experience, either good or bad. My first pacer, a friend who I respect deeply, and have enjoyed many a good time with, helped hold me off of the pit for another few hours. We started out together into the dark of lambs canyon together on a familiar section of asphalt that would soon lead to the beginning of my favorite 25 miles of trail. This is where I noticed, for the first time, the substantial difference between my training pace/strength and my race pace. The natural assumption is that race pace is faster in most races, but not so for me. I think in my training runs I would do the lambs canyon section of trail in around 55 minutes round trip at a good healthy pace (which in the mountains means like 12:30). Yet this time we where just creeping up the trail with large sections of walking. Yet what was still encouraging at this point was that I was still passing people, like I had been doing since the beginning. In my convoluted consciousness, this is where I anticipated making the most progress over the competition because 1.) I new the trail very well and 2.)I felt like I was best at climbing, which was the next 25 miles or so--Unfortunately I was mistaken. This was the last section where I would pass anyone for good.</div> <div><br /></div><div>As we rolled into the big water parking lot in Mill Creek, I started to realize that i was seriously hurting. Not so much in a fitness level, but in a fatigue sense. I was so tired, week, and out of it I just wanted to sit in my lazyboy (a camp chair) for the next 5 hours... The good news is that I was surrounded again by friends and family to encourage me to leave my lazyboy. After having a selection of food that didn't taste all that wonderful I headed out into the dark again with Dave, a fellow runner who I would spend the next 40 or so miles with, and my second pacer, an old friend from elementary school.We left the bigwater trailhead toward dog lake in another section of trail that I considered to be easy yet my training experience was light speeds faster than what I was doing now. This section of trail is the second big mile waster section where you go to dog lake, down Mill D South to the Y, then back up to desolation lake. My personal route would be East out of Big Water to the great western then along the ridge via the crest trail to Guardsman's pass. Either was additional climbing and descending was required. That being said when we reached the desolation lake aid station, it was a sight to see. Too me, it looked like the end of a rave with the camp fire still raging. Interestingly enough I don't remember anything except arriving at the aid station. We then began the climb up to the spine and out towards brighton.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was where the pit began. If you remember the blog link I post sometime back about explaining the ultra experience this was the pit. Not in the means of your physical fitness, but in this case fatigue. As we ran out the easy section of the trail towards Gardsman's, I started to experience serious sleep depravation and dilution.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaTmTWcNv61Oi92odIPALoWaqARhHfDi6sVwRq_ULRWJW5IaF1vOGgbt67FmkhlhyphenhyphenkrWnLtH-SDFFIB39T2v59P-pCO21-lqGWntNNEkHtjDex9hzWIGun_sRTGCxD7p_pVoCEAVlFxk/s400/IMG_1785.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559465966376308258" style="float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></span><div> For the first time ever in my limited experience the desire to sleep was almost able to overcome the desire to stay awake, even during serious exercise. Another way to explain it is the subconscious starts to become as or more powerful than the conscious. Ever had the head bob's when your tired? How about while running? Well we where running and I was getting the head bobs, fading in and out of consciousness, and somehow staying on the trail. This is also where I experienced the best hallucinations. If their is anything I remember clearly, er kindof, its the hallucinations. I'll talk about them in part III.</div></div>KPRTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12303256302063906521noreply@blogger.com0