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This article is from the Spokane Mountaineers Kinnikinnick archives.
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FROM THE ARCHIVES OF THE SPOKANE MOUNTAINEERS AND MORE
S.O.S. Explained
An Airbus 380 is on its way across the Atlantic. It flies consistently at 800 km/h at 30,000 feet, when suddenly a Eurofighter with Tempo Mach 2 appears.
The pilot of the fighter jet slows down, flies alongside the Airbus and greets the pilot of the passenger plane by radio: "Airbus, boring flight isn’t it? Now have a look here!"
U
He rolls his jet on its back, accelerates, breaks through the sound barrier, rises rapidly to a dizzying height, and then swoops down almost to sea level in a breathtaking dive. He loops back next to the Airbus and asks, "Well, how was that?"
The Airbus pilot answers: "Very impressive, but now you look!"
The jet pilot watches the Airbus, but nothing happens. It continues to fly stubbornly straight, with the same speed. After 15 minutes, the Airbus pilot radios, "Well, how was that?
Confused, the jet pilot asks, "What did you do?"
The AirBus pilot laughs and says, "I got up, stretched my legs, walked to the back of the aircraft to use the washroom, then got a cup of coffee and a chocolate fudge pastry.
The moral of the story is:
When you are young, speed and adrenaline seems to be great. But as you get older and wiser, you learn that comfort and peace are more important.
This is called S.O.S.: Slower, Older, but Smarter.
Dedicated to all my friends who are like me, now realizing that it is time to slow down and enjoy the rest of the trip. Dedicated to all seniors.
ANONYMOUS
2011
“Wondering the mountains takes us on a path thru our soul.
While a path thru our soul takes us to new heights.
New heights expand our love of wandering”.
chic 7.29.11
Th silence of the mountains include:
The roar of a stream,
The rustle of leaves in the wind,
The songs of birds,
The tumbling of water along it's path,
The crunch of foot step,
The soft warm light,
The experience of beauty,
The click of a shutter,
The capture of an image,
and the company of friends.
chic 7.29.11.
Someone said the other day,
Chic hasn't the good sense to come in out of the rain.
While I countered,
It's sad you don't have the sense to come out into the rain.
chic 8.18.11
I sat on a ridge today,
and watched the sun
come and go.
Far out.
chic 8.18.11
The gentle breeze
makes the trees rustle
a quiet song
as the tall grasses wave.
The warm August sun,
Lights up the forest.
All is well on Canfield.
chic 8.18.11
Oh how lush 2011 is.
chic 8.22.11
This is late August.
Yes I realize this is late August.
The peaks of North Idaho
are still carpeted
in radiant green,
with dozens of different
wild flowers to add ascent.
WOW!!!
chic 8.22.11
Old Memories
A trail not taken
leads to places few go.
Whereas,
a path taken
leads those who wander
to new heights,
new views,
and old memories.
chic 9.13.11
Chicwackin
A freeway takes us to a road.
A road takes us to a trail.
A trail takes us to a path.
A path takes us chicwackin.
Chicwackin takes us near nirvana.
chic 9.13.11
S. P. O. K. A. N.E. M. O. U. N. T. A. I. N. E. E.R. S.
Schools
Potlucks
Orienteering
Kayaking
Alpine Climbing
Navigation
Enjoying Life
Mountain Climbing
Opportunity
Up. The only way
National Forests
Terrain
Alpine Hiking
Ice Climbing
Negotiation
Environment
Energy
Route Finding
Skiing
chic 9.13.11
It amazes me
how people
can live
their whole lives
in an area
and never
go exploring.
What doesn't amaze me
is that obesity
is ramped.
chic 9.13.11
A path sometimes goes somewhere,
sometimes nowhere.
But always
a path
leads one
to enlightenment
to peace
to better health.
chic 9.13.11
We can go
north
south
east
or west,
But no matter
which direction
we go,
UP
is our favorite.
chic 9.13.11
The way up is thru the woods.
Past grandma's house
across the meadows
and over the hills.
But it doesn't stop there.
Above the treeline
there are ridges ,
glaciers,
and so many summits.
All this and much more
are available
to anyone
who goes
UP.
chic 9.13.11
Yes, I said
"up is the only way."
But once up
the descent
especially on skis,
Is a rush more addictive
than any drug.
chic 9.13.11
I walked amungst giants today.
Some were growing along streams.
Some were so old
they turned white
decades ago,
amung the high ridges.
These giant trees,
no matter their age,
are monarchs.
chic 9.14.11
One of the joys
of wandering
along the high ridges,
is the ancient twisted snags.
Some look like chandeliers,
while others look like
they were frozen
as they meander thru time.
chic 9.14.11
On top of Granite Peak
amungst the massive rubble of scree,
the trail has been defined
by the separation of stones.
Next to the two rock cairns,
are large slabs stacked as back rests.
As you sit comfortably on rock,
the views of three states,
two countries,
are all around you.
The songs of birds
as they soar in the wind,
brings peace.
chic 9.14.11
I lucked out yesterday.
As I was descending from Granite Peak,
over a cliff, down a dry stream,
a huge boulder I was clinging to,
suddenly let loose.
As it plummeted down the gorge,
it luckily pushed my leg aside.
Where I was, was isolated
on a cliff.
I was lucky.
Or was ?
chic 9.15.11
The other day I was on a mountain top.
The first rain in many weeks went by.
Shortly after a rainbow appeared.
A nice sight after so long.
chic 9.16.11
My Nine Lives
1. 18 Bee Stings Del Cardozo Bay.
2. Chrappnel to Nose ( A. b. C.). 6.66
3. Underpass I-90 Rose Lake
4. Ran my Kowasaki off I-90 by Worley
5. Rock Climbing Accident 6.87
6. Falling Rock on Granite Peak. 9.11
7. Heart Attack Scare (G.E.R.D.'s. )
8. Mt. Biking Tr. 79 (Bungy Stick).
9. Skiing Silver U. Cent. ( Head into Bank)
10. Skied of a 12' embankment and broke my calcaneus
11. Fell, smacked head on rock, right ear, Tubbs. 11.28.2014
12 Flew off S.O.B's cattrack and hit tree w/head 12.2016
13 Slipped on icy trail Tubbs Hill, banged head 2.15.2017
14 Carotid artery surgery. 9.2.2019
15 9.29.2019 scraped left shin on granite,then had surgery to remove squamous cell carcinoma. 12.5.2019 see below. I survived cancer.
16 Went to S.M.C. for a blood draw…bone spurs. 7.25.2023
Learned my heart is having an issue.
chic. On going
To find peace,
simply take a walk along a high mountain trail.
Listen to the wind rustling the trees.
And the sounds of water cascading,
and tumbling down over rocks and logs.
Notice your elevated heart rate,
and the rhythm of your breathing.
It's times like this,
that clear the cobwebs
from our minds.
chic 9.16.11
I was deep in the forest the other day,
when I noticed the deafening sound of quiet.
As I stood motionless,
I began to feel and hear the rush of blood thru my veins.
It was so quiet.
I could hear my heart beat.
I stood there for quite some time
before I walked on.
chic 9.17.11
It rained today.
The cooler temps
made for a nice day
for a walk.
Mineral Ridge
offers good views
all around.
chic 9.18.11
It was odd today.
Looking at thick dark clouds
after months of blue sky's .
On one hand,
I'm sad to see the sun
start to flirt.
But on the other hand,
we're one day closer
to ski season.
chic 9.18.11
Cool crisp days
Clear cold nights
Are the triggers for all of Nature to move on.
As the summer fleets,
and fall marches thru its glorious display of colors,
it's time to turn up the high country visits.
Because of the cool wet spring,
and the 15 minutes of summer,
the mountains are over grown
much like a jungle.
All of this adds up to what will be
a spectacular fall color season.
Get out and enjoy.
chic 9.18.11
Fall is approaching quickly.
As on cue,
the forest
is starting
it's color migration.
First the yellows,
then oranges,
and on to the reds .
As the colors explode
onto the scene,
go for a walk amungst
astounding beauty.
Fall 2011 will be
one for the record books.
chic 9.18.11
Spring----a renewal of life .
Summer---a time to play.
Fall-------an explosion of colors.
Winter----a wonderland
chic 9.18.11
It seems as the seasons come and go,
that time is zipping by.
Now that I'm retired
eventho, I know I've slowed down,
time races on.
It's hard to figure out
what to do each day.
Hike
Kayak
Mnt. Bike
Road Bike
Rollerblading
Rock Climbing
Scrambling
Photography
Napping
All in the name of fitness.
chic 9.18.11
Hiking---------------Tripping and stumbling up a windy trail
Kayaking------------The sensation of bobbing
Mnt. Biking---------A pounding that causes a shit eating grin
Road Biking--------A smooth glide thru time
Rollerblading------Cranking turns and speed
Rock Climbing-----A vertical dance on rock
Scrambling---------A free ascent
Photography-------A way to remember
Skiing---------------Controlled falling
Extreme Lunch----The art of fueling
Napping------------What happens after each of the above
chic 9.18.11
I walked thru an ancient Ponderosa forest today.
Some of these huge trees stretched to the sky.
They stand so proud and beautiful.
The Marie Creek trail passes by many such beauties.
The peace and tranquility amungst such giants
sooths the soul.
chic 9.19.11
I walked amungst boulders from the size of grains of sand,
to the size of houses.
This heavily weathered granite,
intruded thru a billion year old sediment some 135 million years ago.
The weathering has produced a rough knobby surface that makes
it easy to walk up the steep slabs.
The high "trail" is scattered with ancient white snags.
While the tundra is so lush and green,
you'd swear gnomes live about.
Living or walking below the north Twin
In the American Selkirks,
Is one of the best trips of my life.
chic 9.21.11
High above Beehive Lake, just below the Seven Sisters,
are granite strewn meadows filled with wildflowers,
Sub-Alpine Firs, and lush green tundra.
To walk in this high country take considerable effort.
Once you have experienced the high meadows,
and walked the giant granite slabs, your senses are heightened.
With towering peaks high above, and miles of meadows to wander about.
You swear you are in bliss.
And you are.
chic 9.21.11
Walk high.
Climb above the lakes.
Ascend the rugged ridges to new heights.
Gaze across the expanses from one peak to another.
Look down massive granite walls.
Descend thru meadows few ever visit.
You have arrived.
chic 9.21.11
Can you imagine the excitement,
the amazement of ascending a high mountain ridge top?
Now imagine looking up 400 vertical feet to the summit
of the North Twin at 7599'.
Now allow your eyes to drop down the 1600 vertical feet
to the basin below.
This all takes place in less then 400 feet of horizontal relief.
Now consider that most of these mountains are actually stacked rock.
chic 9.22.11
We were amazed at the fragility of the ridge we walked and scrambled along today.
In one section north of the North Twin, the ridge resembled that of a back's spine of a giant crocodile .
Each solo spire along the ridge of spires, round the cirque.
It looked gnarlier than that of an aggressive cross cut saw.
We scrambled up one pile that we swear looked unstable.
Thru a split in the rocks, we photographed the northern end of the
American Selkirks, with it's many jutting summits.
Wow.
chic 9.23.11
The mountains are calling me again.
"Come play along my ridges.
Visit my summits.
Wander my lush valleys.
Drink in it's beauty, it's peacefulness.
Absorb it's wonder.
Allow yourself to become drunk on it's visual nectar.
My mountains are screaming--
'Come play with me.'
chic 9.23.11
It's astonishing to me that the spiny cirques of the American Selkirks, have lasted for 135 million years.
Some look so fragile, you wonder of its safety.
Yet we scramble for these perfect spots to photograph each section.
My friend Chris is an aggressive explorer. Yet is first to point out hazards and offer cautions. Such a wanderer makes a special hiking companion.
One who is cautious, yet has to go to the coolest spots.
Thanks Chris .
chic 9.23.11
We walked a ridge line the other day.
In some places it was almost wide.
In others it was a knife edge.
Along this ridge were places where huge boulders were stacked, in huge delicate piles.
Most of these piles of rocks looked as fragile as a house of cards.
As we climbed on them to achieve the best views for our images, we kept in mind where we were.
The views across Harrison Lake's high meadows were, however, to die for.
Of course we didn't . Die that is.
chic 9.25.11
I sat on a hillside today
and watched
a gust of wind,
aggressively
work its way
across Wolf Lodge Bay.
The breeze had protrusions
like fingers traveling
in advance of the bulk of wind .
In some places
the gusts were out front.
Where in other places
the bulk labored along behind.
It took several minutes
to reach the shore,
so I had ample time
to enjoy the view.
chic 9.26.11
I'm out boobin today next to an old weathered shore line point.
As the waves hit the caverns,
they glug and glug and glugged a deep throaty belch.
John Denver is playing "Sunshine on My Shoulders"
on my iPod.
The sky is azure blue
with large puffy white clouds on the horizon.
The winds are calming, and there are few if any boats.
This is the day before the Kent Lake scramble.
chic 9.28.11
Bush whacking, or as it is better known as, chicwhackin’,
is simply a dance thru the woods.
chic 9.20.11
Bush whacking, or as it is better known as, chicwhackin’,
is simply a dance with Mother Nature.
chic 2.23.2025
There are as they say, 4 directions to a compass.
Unfortunately there are two other directions often overlooked.
One is often arduous , and most always becomes
an exercise of passion with great views.
The other can be painful, but most often,
exsiting, exhilarating, and draws out uncontrollable yahoos.
The two most important directions are......
UP and DOWN.
chic 9.20.11
One of the coolest things about a trail,
is its ability to make you think.
And even more important,
the ability to allow you to forget.
chic 9.20.11
Skiing is the only activity that is more pleasing and satisfying than sex.
What you say?!!!!
How long does your sex last?
chic 9.22.11
Hiking, biking, swimming, climbing, rollerblading, mountain biking, partying, snowshoeing, backpacking,scrambling,
are all fillers to keep us sane, between ski seasons.
chic 9.22.11
What a day to remember.
Yesterday, Chris and I hiked to Upper and Lower Two Mouth Lakes high in the American Selkirks. The trail up thru the old forest was riddled with roots and rocks, giant trees, and house size boulders.
Once at the lakes, Chris was astounded by their sheer beauty.
Lower Two Mouth Lakes has a lot shoreline made up of rolling granite, and multi colored grasses, that beg to be photographed.
What the maps don't show, are the many lengthy bays, jutting back along its
Shoreline.
Sub-Alpine Fir dominate the landscape. When these trees are young, under 40 years or so, they are short and remind me of hula dancers. As they age, they grow into towering spears of solid green. By the time they are 50 feet or so, they are ancient. Walking amongst these trees, one conjures up feelings of walking in a make believe land.
The basin these lakes sit in, are surrounded by towering peaks and huge granite slabs, miles wide and thousands of feet from the valley floors to their lofty summits. Scattered along the basin floor are boulders the size cars far away from the ridge lines and peaks.
Off in the distance stands Harrison Peak with it's hook nose summit.
On the opposite side of the lake's basin, stands Peak 7171' with a shear vertical face.
After capturing many images around the lake, we ventured up a ridge line to the upper base of this peak. We examined a route on a less vertical east face, and set our goal for the top. As we worked our way up thru the diagonal rock bands. The views improve with each step. Once above the steepest section, we walked along it's shear vertical edge. Views of other ridge lines leading up to the summit, were sole gnarly, they are simply impossible to hike or climb.
As our summit came closer, and views kept getting even more amazing, we
Realized that this was a false summit. Just above us, further up the ridge, sits our goal at 7001'. This summit, Altho unnamed, stands above Kent Lake in the back of a huge granite cirque. The ridge line around the cirque offers so many photo ops., you have to become choosy with your shooting. The upper reaches of the ridge line is basically flat. As we wandered about looking for the perfect scene, we realized that all our images will be perfect, simply because of our location. You just can't take a bad image amongst such astounding beauty. All around us for miles are the many summits of the American Selkirks. A cool view of the Seven Sisters, is viewed inline as opposed to face on. A view rarely seen by most.
The hardest part for Chris and I , is the decision to head down. It isn't that there aren't great shots on the way down, it's just that you don't want to leave such a beautiful place.
The long nine miles walk back to the car was uneventful, until we reached the trailhead. Here we meet Sunshine Lisa and a young man, who were rock climbing up higher. When we turned to walk the remaining 1.8 miles, Sunshine Lisa offered us a quick ride to our cars.
Yahoo. For the great young people of Bonner's Ferry and Sandpoint.
Sunshine Lisa dropped us off at the upper end of the bridge replacement we had to start from.
Not only was the hike exceptional, the locals were kind and saved our butts at the end of a hard days hike.
What a day to remember.
chic 9.23.11
Ridge lines
The very best ridge line in our region, is by far The Seven Sisters of the American Selkirks.
First the Pack River road offers an excellent view of Chimney Rock, and a glimpse of the Sisters themselves.
Then there is the scenic trail to Harrison Lake, with views of Harrison Peak's
hook nose shape.
Once at the lake, which is beautiful in it's own right, the high ridge that circles most of the basin is spectacular. Harrison Peak to the north is the start of The Seven Sisters. While just south down the crest is Peak 7171'.
This crest can be accessed thru lots of effort by boulder hopping.
But once on the ridge, the high trail to the south will amaze even the most
experienced explorer.
The path wanders amungst huge boulders and past ancient Sub-Alipne Fir.
Both living and long since bleached white from the relentless sun.
Altho the path is narrow, it allows for views all around, as you ascend.
As the summit block gets closer, you realize that these high peaks really are as sawtooth like as they appear from Highway 200. The excitement builds until all directions are down.
Once you've stood no top of the Selkirks Crest, you start planning your next trip.
After all, there are 6 more summits to play on.
chic 9.30.11
At 7001' in the American Selkirks, towers an unnamed peak above Kent Lake. It's face and ridge line are so scenic, it astonishes anyone who reaches this height.
As the leaves start their migration of colors toward winter, they turn on like spotlights.
The bright colors stand stark against the light grey granite.
Along with the bold dark greens of the Sub-Alpine Fir, the contrast makes for incredible images.
Go visit the high country and benefit from its riches.
chic 9.30.11
It's late September, when the mountains are beginning their migration of colors. First they are subtle with yellows and burnt oranges amungst the brilliant greens.
Over the next several weeks this migration will light up the mountains with such beauty, it will astonish even the most avid wanderers. The ground cover will turn brilliant reds, organes , and yellows. These colors will carpet the mountains with astonishing beauty.
Then just as the lands are about to turn white, the Larch flash onto the scene in electric yellows.
It's fall in the mountains.
It's beautiful in the mountains.
chic 9.30.11
The dark green, nearly black in places, of the moss covered rock of Goofy Falls, are a photographers dream come true. The body of these falls are broken rock in a chaos of angles and near vertical stands.
The flow of water is sparse, and drips more than tumbles. Where the water runs "heavy", are bare and glisten in the light. Along side these flows are mosses so thick, it's hard to determine the underlying rocks shape.
The greens are so dark, the textures adds to its photo quality.
This is one falls that actually looks and photographs better with less flow than more. As you position yourself around the base of the falls, especially along it's lower stream, you notice that the rocks of these falls are actually goldish and orange. As the stream flows over the rocks in a series of tumbles and drops, the multi colored rocks shine in a splash of color. These brilliant rocks add to the contrast of the dark green mosses above them. On one side of the narrow canyon, the rocks overhang drastically , which adds depth and size to the canyon.
Amongst all the tame chaos, deep inside the rocks, under the falls, lives a family of Dippers. As we set up to photograph the falls, they fly out thru the falling water, and perch on the diagonal logs in front of the flow. They dip, hence their name, and seam to dance a happy dance, mostly because they seam to be showing off their home.
These falls are unique and special to our area.
Most falls rage, while these falls drip onto lush green moss. It is a place to return to often for its unique beauty.
chic 10.4.11
High along the Idaho Montana boarder at 7312 vertical feet, sits Ward Peak.
The southern trail to the top is only a mile hike. In early October this face lights up in reds, burnt oranges (Knot Weed) among the pastel yellow grasses. Sparsely scattered along this face are ancient white snags towering like odd chandeliers .
As the trail switchbacks one time up to the summit ridge, Eagle Peak appears across the high mountain cirque. This cirque also contains five beautiful lakes,
Two of which are visible from Ward's summit ridge. As you walk along the boulder strun ridge, there is an area that has been stacked as a wind break campsite. A little further is another ridge jutting off to the north.
Once on the new ridge you have views of Mary Lake on one side and Unnamed Double Lake that I call Dos Lac on the other. Imagine the photos.
As we drop down the ridge towards the trailhead, we venture onto a hidden shelf with wild flowers and fall colors. Across the cirque is a field of brilliant fall colors dying to be photographed. Further down the face the contrast ancient white snags , blonde grasses, and bright orange Knot Weed dominate the views.
Altho this is a short hike, it contains all the ingredients to please even the most traveled hiker.
chic 10.4.11
Rainy Days
It's raining today.
The rains clear the air,
as well as cleansing the soul.
As the rain falls on the forest,
It cleans the dust and dirt
off the trees and plants.
It's been over a month
since we have had any rain.
One advantage to a rainy day,
Is the clean crisp smell
Of rain cleansed air.
chic 10.4.11
Dos Lacs Lac
As we stood on a ridge above the lakes,
it's hard not to notice the astounding beauty of it's cirque.
On one side is a ragged unthinkable ridge with many cliffs.
Just below these cliffs is an area on a steep slope exploding
in fall colors. It's the intensity of these colors that draws your eye.
The bench we are shooting from had both wild flowers and fall colors.
Next to us is a glacier polished rock slab that drops several thousand feet.
The opposite side of the cirque is a descending ridge that runs out in a mile.
From our high place, the double lake sparkles like a gem. Dividing the lakes is a band of debris that snakes from one side to the other.
One hot summer day that I was at the lake, I thot I'd dive in to cool off.
After stripping down I stepped out onto a ledge just below the surface.
To my amazement, that ledge was so far down, I never did stand on it.
The clarity of the water was deceiving.
From the lake the cirque stands high and imposing. Way back in the center of the cirque is a huge snowfield left over from last winter or maybe the winter before.
Another cool feature of these lakes, is a difficulty to reach. I have never unhappy with a trip Ward and Eagle Peaks.
chic 10.4.11
Along the trail stands a stark white ancient snag struggling against time to stand a a monarch.
Covering the ground all around it, is a mass of bright red huckleberry plants.
Scattered around all of this are the aged blonde grasses to add to the contrast.
This scene is copied over and over for miles in all directions.
Ward Peak is one amazing mountain.
chic 10.4.11
Fall colors are the colors of life near it's end.
So brilliant they are.
They inspire writers, painters, and photographers.
And wanders alike.
chic 10.4.11
What is it about the mountains
that draws us there?
A few are peace, serenity, beauty,
and a love for nature.
But as individuals,
It's as varied
as each person's need
To be amongst raw nature.
To see new places,
Smell fragrant flowers,
Experience weather of all types,
And most importantly
To wander about.
chic 10.4.11
High in the mountains
Is a place for all of us to go.
It is within each of us.
It is our desire to be free,
to wander where life takes us.
It's not a destination,
but rather,
a place where we find
inner peace,
and a sanctuary from life.
Go walk amungst your thots
Experience Nature.
chic 10.4.11
Where a trail takes us,
is a destination.
Where a path takes us,
is within our selves.
To go further into yourself,
try chic-wackin.
But beware,
Up is the only way to go.
chic 10.4.11
Ridge lines are those high places
that allows us to see both sides
at the same time.
Sometimes it is narrow,
and excites those who carefully
evaluate their challenges.
Other times they are broad,
and allow us to wander about.
Not always are they low angle.
It's when they become steep,
and the journey works our legs,
and lungs that we are most excited.
Now imagine a steep narrow ridge line.
It is here that your whole being
feels the exhilaration,
the excitement of being
alive in nature.
chic 10.6.11
From the summit we see more than the terrain around us.
For those who look carefully, we can see inside ourselves.
We can observe others
as they find the inner joy,
and peace we all look for.
For it is on a summit
that we see ourselves clearly.
chic 10.6.11
A trail makes our journey easier.
Yes it has challenges,
but it also guides us
to our destination.
That destination may be a lake,
or a summit.
Or it may be a journey
on a trail
inside our soul.
Step off a trail
and the trek
becomes a journey
inside our very being.
chic 10.6.11
We did a study one year in the Spokane Mountaineers.
The goal was to see how many outings we actually reached
Our destination.
For what ever the cause, 40% of the trips never reach
there destinations.
Whether it was because of rain, snow, bad roads,
or our conditioning, we still our darnest.
We also learned that an alternative trip is something
we should plan for.
40% isn't. Failure.
It is an opportunity to challenge ourselves.
chic 10.6.11
It isn't so much that we meet our goal, or arrive at a specific destination.
Because if we fail to meet our goal, we have achieved something just as great.
We have worked our legs, our lungs, and our minds.
And no matter what, we achieve physical exercise .
Sometimes that is even more important.
chic 10.6.11
Fall is the time of year
that lights up our soul
with its intense colors.
It is a fitting end
to a summer of heat and crowds.
As the fall progresses
from green to yellow,
reds, and oranges,
one dreams of cool nights
and the need to walk
amungst such beauty.
HURRY!!!
Go out into Nature
and see for yourself.
chic 10.6.11
Its when the tamaracks start their migration
from lush green to electric yellow,
that really excites us.
Most fall colors are fading.
Soon the very best fall colors
fall all over the land.
Soon it will be winter.
YAHOO!!!
chic 10.6.11
The very best fall color of all,
is white.
chic 10.6.11
Fall is that time of year
that draws us outside
to experience Mother Nature's beauty.
As colors change
and cool days and nights march on,
go for a hike and experience
Mother Nature at her best.
chic 10.6.11
Last weeks hard hike to Peak 7001'
provided us with a walk on frost
on the many boardwalks.
Up high we encountered half an inch of hoar frost.
Yahoo!!! Ski season is close.
chic 10.7.11
Anticipation of a hard hike, and it's planning stage,
can be a challenge.
Organizing your pack with the needed items,
and not over loading it
is not as easy as it sounds.
Then there's lunch.
Taking enough to fuel your activity,
Without causing a space issue
is even more of a challenge.
Quality buns, and the absolute need
to keep them un-squished
has proven to be a bigger challenge
then most of the hikes.
chic 10.7.11
We walked the ridge again today. This time we skipped the lakes and turned our efforts up hill. As the trail submitted the ridge, we stepped off onto rough rolled granite. After a brief stop to hydrate and snack, we focused our efforts and our attention on the imposing 600 foot rock band in the middle of our ascent. We chose a close diagonal crack that proved to be too scary for me.
After an even scarier descent, I moved south to a very doable route.
Once past this obstacle, the first false summit loomed above us.
Walking up the east face reminds me of a garden built by the gods.
Reds dominate the ground the ground cover all around.
Once on top of Peak 7001', we continued along the ridge to its lowest point.
Here, with great views in all directions, we paused for lunch.
After a delicious chicken caesar wrap, we photographed the rising clouds.
It looked like a storm brewing, but turned out to be a great photo op.
I had slipped on a frosted rock earlier and bruised my left IT muscle, so I decided not to continue on to the Wigwams.
As Chris made his way down to an obvious route, I continued the scenes all around me.
Off to the north, Lions Head, Myrtle, and Abandon peaks command the views.
Turn 180 degrees and Harrison Peak and it's seven sisters line up.
Further away to the south west of the sisters, Mt. Dothan, and it's erection,
Chimney Rock silhouette the horizon.
Soon Chris returned from the Wigs, and we started our ascent back up to Peak 7001'. From Peak 7001', the descent to the van is a slow 6 mile hike.
What an incredible hike and ridge to play on.
chic 10.9.11
YAHOO
The weather folks are talkin a positive chance of snow in the high country.
chic 10.9.11
Today as I reminisce about yesterday's incredible hike, my left IT and ankle remind me of my age.
chic 10.9.11
Pastel greens
Deep greens
Light oranges
Burnt oranges
Delicate yellows
Electric yellows
Soft reds
Bright reds
Tan browns
Dark browns
Sky blue
Vibrant blue
These are the colors of the mountains
just before they become-----
Snow White.
chic 10.9.11
Along the trail to Two Mouth Lakes in the American Selkirks and the surrounding peaks are massive white pines with diameters 3 to 5feet.
Theses giants produce an enormous amount of golden-orange pine needles
Walking along a trail covered with this golden carpet seemed surreal.
Once off the trail, as we ascended the steep ridge line, we are awe struck by all the colors. First and foremost is the near overwhelming quantity and quality of the rolling white granite. Scattered everywhere are granite boulders the size coolers to the size of busses.
On the ridge top are granite boulders stacked precariously into towers and knife edge points. It is a wonder they are still standing.
All around are deciduous trees turning from deep green to spectacular yellows and reds. Their leaves cover the ground all around.
As we venture higher the huckleberry bushes turn a bright burnt orange.
Everywhere they cover the ground and add spectacular colors to our hike.
Not to mention. When you blend all these vibrant colors against the abundant white granite, the contrast is overwhelming .
This is the American Selkirks.
chic 10.9.11
The biggest fear in life ----
is not death.
The biggest fear in life ----
is growing old before you die.
chic 10.9.11
Walking amongst giants, we realize just how small we are.
Small in size.
Small in age.
Small in responsibility.
Small in action.
Small in ability.
Walking amongst giants is a humbling spiritual experience.
chic 10.9.11
Spirituality has little to do with religion.
chic 10.9.11
Rainy days are a mixed blessing.
Without them, we would not have the beautiful green lush forests.
Without rainy days the possibility for forest fires escalate.
Without rainy days, we don't have much needed rest days.
Without rainy days we don't have time to organize or clean our sunny days messes.
With rainy days we enjoy cooler temps and a moment out of the sun.
Just remember that without rainy days our world would not be the same.
chic 10.10.11
Rainy days are cool.
They clean the air,
and wash the forest
and cities.
Without rainy days
the photo ops
we desire so much
would not be as beautiful.
chic 10.10.11
Having T2D is like having a checking account.
The challenge is how you spend your carbs.
Just like you spend your dollars.
Shop wisely.
chic 10.10.11
T2D requires the art of balance.
It puts life and limb against dietary choices .
It's an affliction that sucks.
chic 10.10.11
Open your eyes, and your mind.
Look at life's challenges
as an opportunity to express yourself.
But beware,
Your views spoken hastily,
may come around and bite you on the butt.
Or they may not.
chic 10.10.11