I'm a graduate student in Primate Behavior and I recently just moved from Pennsylvania to Washington State. I've re-started my life with my wonderful boyfriend and my goal is to be happy. Simply stated. This is collection of things that give me strength and hope for a wonderful life. I'm improving my body, my life, my career, and my soul. Life is short... Have fun!Ask Me Anything!
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Everything Is Better With A Gorilla
I just got done re-reading an article Backpacker Magazine published about the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail. It’s 165-mile circumnavigation of the second deepest lake in the US. The author starts the article this way:
My younger brother Robert is the kind of person who uses epic as a verb. Bare-chested and howling atop a 10,000-foot peak, cigarette in hand, flask at his lips, wearing what appears to be one of those undersized swimsuits favored by European men, he’ll say, “We just epiced that mountain, bro!” And I’ll pant, “Yes, brother, we did.”
This got me thinking about the word ‘epic’. Webster defines the word as “extending beyond the usual or ordinary especially in size or scope”. I guess that’s true… An epic stands beyond the normalcy of life and encourages the extraordinary. But it’s so much more than just something abnormally large. As the author’s brother is able to understand it, it’s a way of thinking and consequently, a way of doing. When you conquer something new, you should bask in the glory of your accomplishment. You gave all of your effort and then some and now you have your excitement and pride to show for it. As long as we have the desire to conquer amazing things, we can surely do them epically. SO next time you get that promotion, climb a new peak, finish a 5K, or bike up that crazy hill. Stand on top of your imaginary podium, pump your fists in the air, and say, “I just epiced that!”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! In honor my father’s birthday, here is one of my favorite memories of time spent with my dad. This was a backpacking trip we took through the “rocks” of Pennsylvania! The weather was great and we got to meet a bunch of thru-hikers! So cool! Thanks Dad for always making my life an adventure. I’m so glad we’ve been able to share moments like these my whole life!
January 5
I might live in a one horse town, but dead of winter it’s… …beautiful! And although I slip and fall all the time because we don’t have proper care of our roads and sidewalks, the snow and mountains and two foot long icicles make it all worth living here. We don’t have much beyond a college and an annual rodeo. The best thing about Ellensburg, WA? The proximity to the Cascades. That means epic backpacking adventures into the Enchantments and Alpine Lakes Wilderness, skiing and boarding at Snoqualmie Pass, and Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helen’s. Owned! Come visit some of the world’s continuously active volcanoes. You won’t be disappointed!
Wow, has this week been a drag! I woke up this morning at 5AM feeling worse than I’ve felt all week. You would think 1000mg of amoxicillin would be doing something. I guess I just need some patience. But I’ll tell you; being cooped up inside all day with nothing to do, is BORING! Needless to say, I’m getting out of the house for a little tomorrow (yay, back to work). But here is a photo to help with my mood and anyone else in need of a serious pick-me-up.
An amazing view of Lake Ann from Heather and Maple Pass in the North Cascades near Rainy Pass. This place must be incredible. The sheer beauty of the lake, the mountains, and the mist is enough to take your breath away. Love to head there before the snow disappears… or maybe just in time for spring!
It’s the first day back to school… too bad I still feel like crap. I feel like I need a little bit of comfort knowing that my local adventure spots are still there. This might be a little old, but still amazing. The sun coming up over the Central Cascades. There’s snow everywhere and it’s absolutely beautiful! Hopefully I’ll be able to get into these mountains this weekend, if I’m feeling better to do some snowshoeing. Here’s to winter! Everyone should get out and do something fun! Winter is the forgotten playground. Try something new!
This new year isn’t exactly beginning the way I had hoped. A friend asked me to go snowshoeing today and I had to say no because I had better things to do (like go to the doctor and get some antibiotics…) But needless to say, I’ve been keeping my spirits up that I’ll be better by the weekend.
So, in the meantime, I thought I would share something fun. This is my ultimate favorite back country meal. I think I make this every time I go for an overnight. It’s Thanksgiving dinner! And it’s the easiest thing to make. You need a Stove Top stuffing mix (turkey or sage if you’re feeling festive, or if you want to mix it up and make another blend, try a different flavor), a can/bag of chicken or turkey (if you can find it), and a handful of dried cranberries. Start by boiling some water (oil is optional). I add the chicken and the cranberries to the water for a few minutes to heat them up. When the water is boiling, turn off the heat, mix in the stuffing and let it sit for five minutes to rehydrate. BAM! Instant Thanksgiving feast! Make sure to give thanks for this food with a friend or two, because it makes a lot! But it’s one of my favorite ways to warm up after a long day hiking. A little touch of home in the wilderness. You won’t be disappointed.
Another great combo would be the cornbread stuffing and add some black beans and sun-dried tomatoes with some chili spices and you could have some back country chili in mere minutes!
So… Day 1 turned into a total flop. I’ve got the flu! So instead of wandering into the snowy wonderland of Washington, I’m stuck watching TV and sleeping under the influence of heavy drugs. But that doesn’t stop me from imagining the amazingness of nature.
So in hopes of getting rid of the sick day blues, here’s a photo of Badlands National Park. I was there the other summer and I camped at the Sage Creek primitive campground. As we left the visitor center, a woman told us there was a bison in the valley a mile ahead. The size of a pinhead in the valley below, stood a lone buffalo. I was thrilled that I saw one for the first time. And as we crested the hill on the road towards the campground, my eyes were wide staring at a whole herd of bison!!!! Not more than ten feet from the car! They were so close, I was afraid my camera’s flash would make them charge, lol!
It was dark when we got to the campground and it was hard to find an empty site. Late in the night two thunderstorms ripped through the badlands. The lightening lit up the sky and I could see everything perfectly. The thunder was deafening and the sound of the rain echoed off the tent. It was eerily amazing!
We woke up early to head out past Red Shirt Table before dawn. As we broke down camp and ate some quick oatmeal, a small pack of coyotes began calling to each other. The sound was incredible as it vibrated around the canyon. One of the best ways to wake up!
If you haven’t had a chance to explore the Badlands, put it on your life list! You won’t regret it!
What are your New Years resolutions? Quit smoking, lose weight… How about ‘get out more’? Of course I want to get healthier this year. I have a wedding this October (yes, I’m the bride), but this year it’s all about enriching my life. So begins my 365 project. Post everyday for 365 day of something I’ve done outside. I’m hoping this will get me to explore this wonderfully beautiful area of Washington state and experience new things about myself and my amazing fiance. As I go along, I hope that I will discover inspiration from nature and organize my thoughts in ways that will make my future feel exciting. SO… with that said, join me and post anything that gives you inspiration and confidence to step outside of your house, away from your computer and adventuring out into our extraordinary world. Conquer something amazing today!
People frequently misunderstand wellness as only meaning physical fitness. And where this is an important aspect of one’s life, it’s equally important to remember your own mental wellness. There’s nothing better than cleansing the body with a rigorous 15-mile approach hike and then sitting on the lake shore with nothing but the wind and birds for music to clear your mind. Some of my most calming and self-clarifying moments have happened in the mountains. Whether it was sitting on the banks of an alpine lake, on the top of an Appalachian Trail summit, or basking in the Caribbean sun on a beach after snorkeling in crystal clear water. Go out and treat yourself to self-discovery. It does a body good! Be well.
You’ll never know what you might discover.
Two summers ago, I camped in Badlands National Park. During the night, two thunderstorms rolled through, the lightening brightening the tent so much I could see every single detail and the thunder was so loud it shook me to my core. I lay there taking in the sheer power of the storms and marveling at the way weather could make me feel. I awoke early that morning to hit the road and while packing the tent, a pack of coyotes began howling on the ridge overlooking our site. They were communicating with others outside their group and it was enchanting.
In August, I backpacked up in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. On the shore of Waptus Lake, I was alone. Or at least there were no other hiking parties set up within earshot. Late in the night, I awoke to hear a wolf howling over the mountains. Shortly after another from the opposite direction answered him back. A chill passed through me, but not from fear. But rather it was a sharp reminder that I was in their territory; I was the visitor and that I should always remember and respect that. The next morning, a disgruntled bear roamed the opposite lake shore, voicing his opinion at our presence.
If you never stop to listen to the sounds around you, you miss an integral part of experiencing the world.
