Silver Coercion

Melissa -gung ho anytime skier- once again talked me into skiing Silver in the summer. We planned on going on Saturday but it was pouring plus thunder and lightning. So we decided to try for Sunday, but I awoke to another day of downpour.

I sat down with my cup of coffee and a book and halfway hoped that Melissa wouldn't call. "Maybe she won't want to go," I thought to myself, knowing full well that there isn't much to keep Melissa off the slopes. Unless it was unsafe, we were probably going to go. Then the phone rang and she was full of her usual enthusiasm, so I couldn't really say no.

Winders & I heading up

Miraculously, the weather held all day and it turned out great. We were in partial sunshine, so it was not too hot or cold and also not wet! 

Yes, looking awesome with my nearly 8-month prego belly, 

silly Hollywood sunglasses (thanks Melissa!), and funny hat.

Near the top, avoiding slipping and sliding all that way back down...

I was much slower than normal so Melissa had to wait, but she was good and patient, snapping photos while she waited.

It turned out to be a great day out. We got some exercise, saw some views, inhaled some fresh pine-scented air, and skied some soft spring snow. Thanks to Melissa for always believing! :)

Mini Escapes

We have spent part of the last three weekends in Leavenworth. All three days, we left pouring rain and dark clouds and ended up spending a full day in warm sunshine, just 1.5 hours away.

The first weekend was spent at the Bike & Brew race (last post). A couple weekends ago, we climbed a 2-pitch 5.7 trad route called 'New Fixtures'.

The first pitch was pretty basic and not that interesting, but the second was a lot of fun, involving some stemming between a column and the main face. 

A walk back in the evening sun down a hillside of lupin and tiger lilies and dinner of brat sausages. As we pulled back into the driveway at home, our skin still felt warmed even though it was dark, dreary, and extremely wet.

This last weekend, I headed back to see my sister Carly. We did a flat, easy 4-mile loop hike called 'Icicle Gorge'. It was nice to be outside and to catch up on life together, but the hike was not really picture- or note-worthy. We then headed to 8-mile rock and did a couple fun climbs: Mickey's Mantle (5.7) and Deception Crack (5.9).

Carly on Deception Crack

Again, I pulled back in home, revived after spending the day in 75 degree sunshine, ready to face the monsoon month of June here in Western WA.

Catch Up

We haven't posted in a bit, so here is an update post of what we've been up to the past few weeks.  We have had (not anymore) pretty nice weather this spring, so we've managed to get outside a fair bit.  Went climbing a couple times with Leland, always good to climb with Leland.  Also got out with Jamie and his coworker Mike for a good day climbing at exit 38.  Then, last weekend Brandon punished himself in his first  XC mtn bike race in Leavenworth which also included a cool outside beer garden and bluegrass music.  So far a great start to the non snow season! 

Leland putting up new route

B climbing exit 38

Heather climbing exit 38

Jamie and his work mate Mike, climbing with us at 38

The start of the Leavenworth Bike & Brew

Cool action shot by race photog