Priest Lake

Having spent a lot of time in Northern Idaho in my lifetime, it is somewhat funny that I've never been to Priest Lake. I guess we always figured that we had a beautiful lake to play in, so why go to a different one?

After years of hearing about the clear waters and unpopulated shores, I wanted to check it out. Being quite pregnant, it sounded like a great trip, since I can no longer do long hikes, mountain bike rides, or rock climb due to premature labor concerns. We made the short drive from CD'A to Priest Lake and settled into our campsite. With a little time before dinner, we decided to do a short hike out of the campground to a viewpoint.

K was slow to start but became highly motivated to hike once we found huckleberries. I'd go a little ahead and he'd say, "Momma, did you find some?!" When I replied 'yes', he was quick to come up the trail behind me. 

In this fashion, he hiked on his own 2 miles with some elevation gain too. 

It was a muggy night, but the coolest weather we would see the whole trip; hiking, even short distances, became out of the question once the heat set in. And so, we spent our days chilling by and in the water, which is truly crystal clear.

 Trying out the new paddle board

Where are the hordes of people?!?

(They did come on the weekend, but week-days looked like this.)

We really enjoyed the Indian Creek Campground and would like to go back again with a large family/friend group. The beach is spectacular, the little campground store (5 minutes walking) sells ice cream, and there is something for everyone: beach volleyball, horseshoes, frisbee golf, and 'nature education' programs too. Plus, after you got all grubby with sunscreen and sweat, the free, hot showers were appreciated.

Happy 4th of July!

(think he's a bit too hot...sorry, no smile)

Whales Can Climb Too!

I feel like a whale these days. Really, I'm not that big, I remind myself, but I get a little shock when I see pics of myself. The good news is that I can still climb decently, despite my protruding belly.

[9 mo prego]

I went out with a few friends the other day to our super secret crag, with views of Mt. Rainier, wildflowers, and the rock all to ourselves. We had a great time, climbing several easy routes and also one 10b. I didn't even hang on the 10b but it gave me a workout for sure.

The Ongoing Birthday

Since we were traveling to Montana on my actual birthday, Brandon suggested that we 'reschedule' my birthday for another day.

When we returned from our trip to Montana/Idaho, my birthday celebration officially started with flowers, a nice card, shrimp scampi, and strawberry shortcake (my faves). The following day, we continued the celebration and headed out to camp at Cooper Lake. After setting up the tent, we canoed around the lake until it began to rain.

[Cooper Lake]

Thankfully, the rain didn't last and so we enjoyed a nice dinner and campfire. The third and final day of my birthday, we hiked 10 miles into Pete's Lake, then enjoyed ice cream and pizza (in that order) in Roslyn before heading home.

[Pete's Lake]

Yes, I am spoiled. Love you, B.

Family Visits

We spent a week at B's grandparents place in the Bitterroot Valley in Montana, haying (is that a word?), relaxing by the creek, fishing, reading, hiking, eating lots of homemade bread, and laughing with Grandma and Grandpa.

B is finally allowed to use the 1940s tractor.

Two of our favorite people, Lillian and Harry

One day, we decided to hike up to Baker Lake. Our original plan was to eat lunch at Baker lake, a mere 1.2 miles in and then continue to a couple other lakes further in. However, due to a full-scale logging operation occurring on the forest service road in, we were quite delayed in arriving at the lake. The good news was that there was literally nobody else at the lake. 

B walking through some pine beetle infested trees,

the reason for the logging operation.

With thunderclouds on the horizon, coming from all directions, we decided to keep the hike short (super short) and head back down. Although we didn't go far, we enjoyed the small bit of exercise, the views along the way, and the swim to cool us down. 

Dirty Suby awaiting the road to be cleared of many logs on the way down

(yet another hour-long wait)

We also hiked a flat river trail on another day, 

a bit boring but nice to be outside nonetheless. 

Next, we headed to CD'A to see my dad & step-mom, and my brother and his family. 

Kayaking around Loff's Bay on Lake Coeur D'Alene.

Jane and Brandon practicing the fly-fishing cast on the lawn.

Thunderclouds rolled in and we had an incredible storm.

That Great Orb in the Sky

I'm sure that you've seen it by now, this being the fourth day of sunshine. Wow! I had forgotten what the sun looked like. I couldn't remember the feeling of warm skin. I thought for sure my flip flops would never come out again.

But then we woke up on the morning of July 4th to blue sky and radiant light. The next day, to celebrate the arrival of summer (and my bro's bday...happy bday Bear!), I got in some climbing with Anne.

Anne, my awesome rope-gun

Anne silhouetted against blue sky 

(no clouds...where are we?!?)

Now, you may notice that my silhouette is less slim, 

a bit more bulgy. 

Ha, ha! Not too shabby for 8 months pregnant! :)

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

Inspirational Sites

I have been on the hunt for sites of women/mothers doing cool outdoor adventurous things for years now. When I find one, I cherish the words written there. As you know, us outdoorsy chics are few and far between. And the numbers deplete as women enter that next phase of life, motherhood.

I've added a few awesome blogs/sites to the 'Blogs of Interest' link list, so you can always come back for more. My favorites are:

• Into the Mountains- from what I gather, she & her husband are guides that live in Chamonix. Rough life! They recently had their first child but life hasn't slowed down that much, really.
• Tales of a Mountain Mama- a couple kiddos and some good hiking tips; also some great giveaways.
• CragMama- amazing climber chica that climbed until the week before she was due, I think.
• Adventure Parents- really great site all about families continuing their outdoor adventure;  in addition to his own good material, he has a great list of more blogs to check out. 

Happy reading!

Belly Bump

A bit more noticeable now...at 6 months this week.

Spring Break 2012

Just before spring break, we headed out on a sunny day with the goal of skiing Kendall Couloirs.

We had a great day out in the sunshine but didn't end up doing much skiing. With a late start and a lot of sun on the slopes, we decided not to do a lot of exploring for the entrances that weren't obvious from our high point. Oh well!

With no new snow in the forecast and feeling the need for some adventure (and more sun), we hit the road to Moab, Utah.

Upon our arrival we were greeted with upper 70 degree temps, a nice breeze, and lots of mtn biking options.  The first day of riding we chose a network of trails called the Brand trails, and rode about 6 or 7 miles to get our bike legs back under us.

Heather on one of the Moab "Brand" Trails with the La Sal mtns in the background

Heather on some slickrock

After one successful day of riding (i.e. the 5-month prego Heather didn't fall), we decided to try the Slick Rock trail, a more committing and difficult trail.  Slick rock is a 10ish mile trail almost entirely on rock that is not slick at all.  In fact, it is very textured and offered great roller coaster technical riding that was Brandon's favorite of the trip.

Brandon starting up one of many short steep ascents

Brandon sticking to the 'slick' rock.

It turned out to be Jeep Safari week in Moab, so there were rock crawlers everywhere. It was cool to watch them on some of this terrain, but it's not a sport/hobby I could never get into.

and the slick rock goes on and on...

 Looking down into the Colorado River canyon from the Slick Rock trail.

Heather riding through a cool carved out waterway

For our third riding day, we did the Sovereign Trail. This was definitely the least crowded and the most varied terrain. It was a fun ride for sure, with some steep downhills, some slick rock, and many steps to ride, and nice views.

Heather on some slick rock

Heather descending

Indian paintbrush growing out of a pocket of dirt on rock

Beautiful country

Again, I dismounted quite a bit in order to protect Kiddo Kern from any potential falls. The good thing about that was that it gave me more chances to take pics of Brandon, here dropping over one of the many steps.

After three days of riding and very sore tooshes, we decided to take a break from the bikes and visit nearby Arches National Park for some sightseeing and short hikes, which we will post pics of soon.

The view from our camp on the dirty Colorado river with lovely desert rock for a backdrop.