12.20.2011
And Now...
... back to dryland... (most of us) in our finest fall colors! the 1/2" of snow on the hill looks nice, doesn't it?
Eastern Cup Openers
by the crew in the van
This weekend was the first Eastern Cup and most of the older racers went for the all the races. Not only was it the first races of year for most, it was the first groomed skiing for more than half of our racing team. We were not alone. Very few skiers from New England had spent much time on snow, which there was not much of anywhere. With the hard work of the Craftsubury race organizers, a1.4 kilometer loop of manmade snow was maintained for our enjoyment. The fist day was a sprint of 1.4km with all age groups and genders mixed into one medley of fast moving skis and bodies. Our results ranged from mid 50’s finishs to mid 100’s. With these results we were seeded for the afternoon prologue which was a 3km classic race. We returned to our homestead in Glover, VT and proceded to make a lovely burrito dinner followed by brownies and ice cream. The final day of racing was a 4.2km race for the J2’s and Women, and a 8.4km race for the Men’s field. With lots of alums and friends in the field our day was filled with racing, cheering, and catching up with friends. Despite the chilling weather that assailed us throughout the weekend we handled our temperature well with layers and big puffy jackets. Dennis even helped us discover a warm room for volunteers that the girls used to regain feeling in their toes after the final races. Overall, the weekend was a good start to the racing season. It was full of good racing, some homework time, and most importantly, delicious cookies and brownies.
Thanks to Janet for all of these great Saturday photos! (click on any photo to see a larger version)
12.13.2011
Déjà Vu
It's December, the week leading up to the first Eastern Cup races, and we are skiing in the fields of Lyme - with Astri coaching!
Many thanks to Karl and Charlotte for the beautiful venue, and to Astri for joining us!
12.10.2011
Skiing in Plainfield
by Alexi
Today was my first day classic skiing on snow this year…. and in my whole entire life. While seeing the other skiers whizzing by me gracefully was often frustrating, I feel as if I progressed a lot during the hour we skied at Plainfield. My first lap was messy and I felt that I was getting nowhere. Used to skate skiing, my legs kept moving into skate position. But as I circled that small soccer field over and over again, I could feel myself getting more comfortable to the classic motion. Natalie and Scottie taught me great tips on weight-transfer and watching the other skiers really helped me. The little lesson Dennis gave me about relaxing my upper body benefited me. After today's experience in the van and on snow (finally!), I am so excited to get back out. Cross your fingers (and toes) for snow!
Today was my first day classic skiing on snow this year…. and in my whole entire life. While seeing the other skiers whizzing by me gracefully was often frustrating, I feel as if I progressed a lot during the hour we skied at Plainfield. My first lap was messy and I felt that I was getting nowhere. Used to skate skiing, my legs kept moving into skate position. But as I circled that small soccer field over and over again, I could feel myself getting more comfortable to the classic motion. Natalie and Scottie taught me great tips on weight-transfer and watching the other skiers really helped me. The little lesson Dennis gave me about relaxing my upper body benefited me. After today's experience in the van and on snow (finally!), I am so excited to get back out. Cross your fingers (and toes) for snow!
Sunday 12.4.11 OD
by Noah
Last Sunday (12/4) all the JNT skiers (except Sam M who was in SWEDEN) along with the coaches (including Natalie!) met at River Rd in Orford for the weekly OD.
While Sarah L and Emily rollerskied back the way we came, everybody else (expect for Liza and Alexi who had to go back to Scottie's to get their running shoes - coach error!) changed into running shoes and grabbed poles to ski walk/stride up through the Lyme hills to the top of Pinnacle. We all finally regrouped to summit Pinnacle on a beautiful, clear New England day. After dashing down Pinnacle, the J2s jogged back to Scottie's for a waxing tutorial.
Overall, despite some confusing logistics, the team had a good time while getting a quality 2.5 hrs of L1!! Hopefully this OD was the last one on foot this season!
Last Sunday (12/4) all the JNT skiers (except Sam M who was in SWEDEN) along with the coaches (including Natalie!) met at River Rd in Orford for the weekly OD.
We classic rollerskied south on River Rd on flat and rolling pavement at an easy L1 pace while working in some specific strength along the way. The J1 boys (George, Sam R, Noah, Spencer) and Natalie turned left onto North Thetford Rd first and headed toward the intersection at Rt 10 near Post Pond. Once we got there we looped back to meet the J1 girls and J2s to end the rollerski together at Post Pond.
While Sarah L and Emily rollerskied back the way we came, everybody else (expect for Liza and Alexi who had to go back to Scottie's to get their running shoes - coach error!) changed into running shoes and grabbed poles to ski walk/stride up through the Lyme hills to the top of Pinnacle. We all finally regrouped to summit Pinnacle on a beautiful, clear New England day. After dashing down Pinnacle, the J2s jogged back to Scottie's for a waxing tutorial.
Overall, despite some confusing logistics, the team had a good time while getting a quality 2.5 hrs of L1!! Hopefully this OD was the last one on foot this season!
12.02.2011
Fall Testing
We completed our fall testing today, having split it across two Friday practices due to the daylight issue.
Our uphill run records don't fall often, but Noah did it!! He ran it in 10:27, 2 seconds faster than Dylan's and John T's record. Almost every skier ran a PR.
In today's strength portion, George raised his own sit-up record and Emily raised her own push-up record. Both set PRs across the board, as did Tucker. Helen and Noah each had a PR in one of the strength tests.
The first-timers all did great, and now have benchmarks to build on over the coming years.
Bring on the snow!
Our uphill run records don't fall often, but Noah did it!! He ran it in 10:27, 2 seconds faster than Dylan's and John T's record. Almost every skier ran a PR.
In today's strength portion, George raised his own sit-up record and Emily raised her own push-up record. Both set PRs across the board, as did Tucker. Helen and Noah each had a PR in one of the strength tests.
The first-timers all did great, and now have benchmarks to build on over the coming years.
Bring on the snow!
11.30.2011
NENSA Craftsbury Thanksgiving Camp
by Spencer
Skiing, eating, sleeping--that’s how a few lucky kids burned off the thanksgiving meal. NENSA hosted the first annual Craftsbury thanksgiving ski camp this year. Because the Craftsbury ski center now has snowmaking, it was possible for them to hope to be on snow by Black Friday. While it was too warm for much man-made snow, we were blessed by a significant storm mid-week, which was enough to open the ski center. Athletes from all over New England converged on some of the only skiing in the area. Three Ford Sayre skiers (Caitlin, Spencer, George) joined (created) the NENSA camp for 3 days of training and a race. It was great to be back on snow! Even though snow became rather sparse by the last day, it was a blast for all. Training all day, without much else to think about was a very relaxing yet productive life style we all agreed we could live with. One of the snow free highlights involved a partially frozen lake and a sauna. All in all, it was a great way to kick off the winter.
Skiing, eating, sleeping--that’s how a few lucky kids burned off the thanksgiving meal. NENSA hosted the first annual Craftsbury thanksgiving ski camp this year. Because the Craftsbury ski center now has snowmaking, it was possible for them to hope to be on snow by Black Friday. While it was too warm for much man-made snow, we were blessed by a significant storm mid-week, which was enough to open the ski center. Athletes from all over New England converged on some of the only skiing in the area. Three Ford Sayre skiers (Caitlin, Spencer, George) joined (created) the NENSA camp for 3 days of training and a race. It was great to be back on snow! Even though snow became rather sparse by the last day, it was a blast for all. Training all day, without much else to think about was a very relaxing yet productive life style we all agreed we could live with. One of the snow free highlights involved a partially frozen lake and a sauna. All in all, it was a great way to kick off the winter.
11.29.2011
Sam M in Sweden
Sam M is in Östersund, Sweden with his dad. They are supporting the US biathlon team for the opening World Cup races - Ed as team physician, Sam as ski/wax tester, photographer, videographer, etc. He's getting in some great training (though I think we had more snow here for the first few days!), and has posted some pics on his blog: http://ostersundsam.blogspot.com/
11.28.2011
Thanksgiving Snow: Bretton Woods
by Sarah L
Getting up early to drive two hours usually isn't one of my favorite things to do. However, this was for snow. Snow in November. Although the temperature was steadily rising as my dad and I approached Bretton Woods, the base was still intact. For about an hour and forty minutes we just cruised. The adjustment from rollerskiing was awkward and both of us are now 1 for 1 on number of falls. However, it was great to get on snow again. Praying for colder weather!
Getting up early to drive two hours usually isn't one of my favorite things to do. However, this was for snow. Snow in November. Although the temperature was steadily rising as my dad and I approached Bretton Woods, the base was still intact. For about an hour and forty minutes we just cruised. The adjustment from rollerskiing was awkward and both of us are now 1 for 1 on number of falls. However, it was great to get on snow again. Praying for colder weather!
11.27.2011
Life After JNT, revised
Not all JNT skiers continue cross country ski racing after high school or college, but many pursue diverse athletic interests. I would like to think the basic training principles learned in the JNT are valid in other endurance sports. I had a chance to watch two former skiers in the New York City Marathon Sunday, Nov 6. Impressive results from both: Stephen Donahue, 59th overall, 2:32:25 and Megan Kelly, 283rd overall, 3:04:58.
During lunch with Stephen after the race, I asked him for his reflections. After a half dozen marathons, Stephen noted he was better able to pace himself and not lose a lot of energy before and during the early stages of such a long race. Practice makes perfect, even for 26 mile events. But I do remember how nervous he would be prior to a cross country ski race as a JNT member. Obviously he has learned a few things over the years - one of the primary goals of the program (sport for life).11.24.2011
Firewood vs. Thanksgiving Snowstorm
Many thanks to Kate and Paddy for helping with Tuesday's last-minute scramble to get the firewood under cover before the snow came!
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| 8am Weds |
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| 2pm Tues |
This year's firewood is the result of pushing back the treeline above the house to give the photovoltaic solar panels as much sun as possible. It was a real team effort: Dennis and Sam R (and Ben Nichols) ran the saws, Paddy and Spencer shared in the fun of splitting, lots of hands moved and stacked, and a couple even had to drive the truck!
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| happy (now unshaded!) solar panels |
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| sculpture in the field |
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| lots more firewood to come! |
11.23.2011
Snow in Bend
Last weekend, Chelsea made the three-hour trek from Eugene OR to Bend OR. She reports several feet of snow and great skiing!
Her friend in Bend, Anna Schulz, invited her to guest-coach at a Mount Bachelor Ski Education Foundation BKL practice, where she got chatting with one of the 13-year old boys in her group. They discovered they were both from New England. He explained he had skied in the Eastern Mass Bill Koch program before moving to Oregon, and Chelsea told him she skied for Ford Sayre. He went on to say that the Silver Fox Trot is his favorite race, and hopes to come back to race it again soon!
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| MBSEF version of BKL practice. Too bad about the snow and the scenery! |
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| Chelsea and Anna |
11.09.2011
11.06.2011
Snowfall Totals
10.27.11 First Tracks East of Rockies set by JNT Skier
Thursday 10.27.11: snow had been falling at altitudes above 1200’ for much of the day, it wasn’t until dusk that the rain turned to snow in the lowlands of downtown Norwich. By 7:00 pm there was full snow cover on exposed surfaces and at 7:12 pm JNT skier Caitlin declares herself to be the first skier on snow this season east of the Rocky Mountains. The course was short and the duration brief, but, hey... first tracts.
If you want to contest the claim for first tracks east of the Rockies, digital photo with date stamp please.
More Photos from Last Weekend's Ski
thanks to Sam M for photos from our first ski of the season! (click any photo to open a larger version)
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| pinnacle fields |
Strafford Nordic
Saturday 10.29.11 Father of JNT Skier Emily Muller and I hopped on our bikes for a visit to the new Strafford Nordic Center. After a "shortcut" to Strafford we rode up to the ski center from the valley via Carpenter Hill and Ayres Road. Although this route presented beautifully unique vistas it was rather steep and narrow: don’t go this way in winter. Access either by Cross Road, or better, Brook Road out of Strafford Village which is paved.
Father of JNT Skier Emily Muller's "shortcut"
We met Rett Emerson and his father. Rett was busy clearing brush along electric fence lines in preparation of the snow forecast for Saturday night, but had the time to orientate us to the land and location of the trails.
We left with two impressions: the setting is beautiful, a blend of forest, rolling hills, old orchards and open fields and second, something one really appreciates when riding a bike, its at a fairly high elevation, so expect good snow. I’m thrilled to have this opening and look forward to skiing the trails.
Scenery on the climb up Carpenter Hill
Here is the web page: http://straffordnordicskiing.com/
And lets all get out for their first event, A 5 km Turkey Trot:
11.05.2011
XC Running States
by Noah, George, and Sam M
Last Saturday (10/29/11) the Hanover Cross Country Team woke up early and hopped on a school bus at 8AM to go down to Manchester, NH for the State Meet. It was a bitterly cold day with a taste of snow in the skies and not a glimpse of sun was to be seen. At last it was time for the races to begin. The girls raced valiantly to a 2nd place finish in Division II. But our real Ford Sayre heroes were in the boys race. Noah Williams led the Hanover wolf pack as number one runner, followed by George Voigt and Sam Merrens. The race began with a bang and sprint into the swamp that was Derryfield Park. As our heroes reached the first mile, they sat comfortably in the top 30 with plenty of room to make their moves in the following hills. Noah clipped along at the heels of champions in an advantageous top 5 position, while Sam and George joined forces to battle the evil forces of Coe-Brown and Merrimack Valley. Just short of the second mile lay a dormant monster, known only as “The Ski Hill.” Naturally, our intrepid skiers smited this beast with all the energy they could spare. They then sprouted wings and flew down the proceeding hill, back into the marshes and nearing the final challenge. As they approached the 800m mark, a deafening roar rose from the crowds upon seeing these true champions fight to the end. With the finish finally in sight, each athlete conquered their own obstacles. Noah fought desperately to overtake a competitor, but in the end, settled for a respectable 4th place in a blistering 16:29. George followed suit with an incredible kick putting him 24th place, with an astounding 30 second PR of 17:14. Sam made a modest effort at a sprint, but in the end it was for naught, still finishing with a top-30 position of 28th with a stellar time 17:27. In the end, the boys took 3rd overall in Division II, an incredible feat for an unranked team. Stay tuned for the next installment of our brave heroes journey, this time into the mighty plains of Nashua.
Last Saturday (10/29/11) the Hanover Cross Country Team woke up early and hopped on a school bus at 8AM to go down to Manchester, NH for the State Meet. It was a bitterly cold day with a taste of snow in the skies and not a glimpse of sun was to be seen. At last it was time for the races to begin. The girls raced valiantly to a 2nd place finish in Division II. But our real Ford Sayre heroes were in the boys race. Noah Williams led the Hanover wolf pack as number one runner, followed by George Voigt and Sam Merrens. The race began with a bang and sprint into the swamp that was Derryfield Park. As our heroes reached the first mile, they sat comfortably in the top 30 with plenty of room to make their moves in the following hills. Noah clipped along at the heels of champions in an advantageous top 5 position, while Sam and George joined forces to battle the evil forces of Coe-Brown and Merrimack Valley. Just short of the second mile lay a dormant monster, known only as “The Ski Hill.” Naturally, our intrepid skiers smited this beast with all the energy they could spare. They then sprouted wings and flew down the proceeding hill, back into the marshes and nearing the final challenge. As they approached the 800m mark, a deafening roar rose from the crowds upon seeing these true champions fight to the end. With the finish finally in sight, each athlete conquered their own obstacles. Noah fought desperately to overtake a competitor, but in the end, settled for a respectable 4th place in a blistering 16:29. George followed suit with an incredible kick putting him 24th place, with an astounding 30 second PR of 17:14. Sam made a modest effort at a sprint, but in the end it was for naught, still finishing with a top-30 position of 28th with a stellar time 17:27. In the end, the boys took 3rd overall in Division II, an incredible feat for an unranked team. Stay tuned for the next installment of our brave heroes journey, this time into the mighty plains of Nashua.
11.03.2011
Hi Viz Shirt Order
Orders due WEDS 11.9.11
short sleeve and long sleeve versions available
click to order
short sleeve and long sleeve versions available
click to order
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| click image for larger version |
10.30.2011
First Ski of the Season!
by Elyse, Sarah H, Liza, Tucker, and Caitlin
With last night’s early snow, most of the team headed up to the fields of Lyme for the first ski of the year. It was very cold (32 degrees - ed) and windy (northwest under 10 mph) but there was a very good view (verified - see team picture). There was grass poking through and the snow was heavy and wet, sticking to the skis, making gliding hard. But, after a few laps, the feeling started to come back and everyone began to enjoy themselves. Everyone had a few falls so it was quite easy to remember how eating snow felt. The team skied around two fields for an hour and a half and then went to Scottie's house for a post ski treat.
With last night’s early snow, most of the team headed up to the fields of Lyme for the first ski of the year. It was very cold (32 degrees - ed) and windy (northwest under 10 mph) but there was a very good view (verified - see team picture). There was grass poking through and the snow was heavy and wet, sticking to the skis, making gliding hard. But, after a few laps, the feeling started to come back and everyone began to enjoy themselves. Everyone had a few falls so it was quite easy to remember how eating snow felt. The team skied around two fields for an hour and a half and then went to Scottie's house for a post ski treat.
10.28.2011
Coaches Keeping Busy
The season of meetings and organizing continues... nothing here deserving of a picture, but I hear there will be photos posted shortly of last night's first-of-the-season backyard skiing!
Last Thursday evening, Dennis and I went to the New Hampshire Nordic Coaches Association fall meeting at Moultonborough Academy. With a new president who is reaching out to all athletic directors and coaches throughout the state, it was the largest turnout in years! There are many great initiatives underway, including a move of the NH Series races to late January/mid-February. This shift will allow more ski time before the races, and holding these qualifying races closer to the J2 and EHSC championship events has been a goal for years. There is also a move to take a more regional approach to the high school racing schedule to minimize travel costs and missed school. Look for cross-division (may also include prep schools) Regional Championships in early February. For the Connecticut Valley region, this event is likely to be in the Upper Valley!
Sunday afternoon/evening, Dennis, Tim, Dave & Nancy Lindahl, and I attended the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum's Hall of Fame induction dinner at Killington. John Morton, long-time teammate of Dennis's and men's coach during Dave's and my years at Dartmouth, was one of this year's inductees. There was a strong Upper Valley/Ford Sayre contingent there to celebrate with him!
Tuesday evening brought a USSA coaches' education webinar on "Effects of Altitude on Training and Performance." Take-aways from the 90min presentation... the most important things a sea-level athlete can do to prepare for competition at altitude are stay hydrated and stay healthy... and Dennis will need to 'live high, train low' to be ready for his duties as a NE Junior Nationals coach in Utah!
Last Thursday evening, Dennis and I went to the New Hampshire Nordic Coaches Association fall meeting at Moultonborough Academy. With a new president who is reaching out to all athletic directors and coaches throughout the state, it was the largest turnout in years! There are many great initiatives underway, including a move of the NH Series races to late January/mid-February. This shift will allow more ski time before the races, and holding these qualifying races closer to the J2 and EHSC championship events has been a goal for years. There is also a move to take a more regional approach to the high school racing schedule to minimize travel costs and missed school. Look for cross-division (may also include prep schools) Regional Championships in early February. For the Connecticut Valley region, this event is likely to be in the Upper Valley!
Sunday afternoon/evening, Dennis, Tim, Dave & Nancy Lindahl, and I attended the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum's Hall of Fame induction dinner at Killington. John Morton, long-time teammate of Dennis's and men's coach during Dave's and my years at Dartmouth, was one of this year's inductees. There was a strong Upper Valley/Ford Sayre contingent there to celebrate with him!
Tuesday evening brought a USSA coaches' education webinar on "Effects of Altitude on Training and Performance." Take-aways from the 90min presentation... the most important things a sea-level athlete can do to prepare for competition at altitude are stay hydrated and stay healthy... and Dennis will need to 'live high, train low' to be ready for his duties as a NE Junior Nationals coach in Utah!
10.22.2011
Alum Update: Chelsea
an update from Chelsea Little... from Eugene OR (click any photo to view a larger version)
Hi everyone! I’m a Ford Sayre alum that many of you have seen kicking around on the Eastern race circuit for the last few years, first skiing for Dartmouth and then the Craftsbury Green Racing Project. At the end of last season, I decided not to continue as a ski racer, and so now I’m being forced to grow up and get a real job! Although negotiating municipal water and electric bills and not having my dad around to help me troubleshoot car problems has been a big change, it’s actually pretty fun, so here’s a little update.
I moved all the way across the country to Eugene, Oregon, where I am working as a research assistant in the biology department of the University. I studied ecology at Dartmouth and did a lot of field research there, so it feels great to get back into science.
It’s nice to like your job, but the best thing about Oregon is that there is a ton to do outside, especially in the summer. I have been on some amazing hikes up big volcanoes, a great backpacking trip in a national wildlife refuge, some summer skiing, and plenty of trail running. It’s a little strange after so many years of training to know that I am only getting more out of shape with every day that goes by, but I’m still fit enough to do the hikes and runs that I love so I can’t really complain.
One of the most fun things I got to do this summer was the Hood to Coast relay, which I think is the biggest running relay in the world. It’s like Reach the Beach, but bigger – there are over 12,000 people racing! The relay is 200 miles long, and the twelve people on each team run three legs each. I managed to sneak in with a group of runners from Eugene and Portland and we had a great time. We all ran in red dresses and our team actually won the best costume award! I had the hardest leg because I claimed that I could run uphill... it was a good challenge and I actually ended up running two of my fastest 10k’s ever. That was a huge surprise and the icing on the cake of a weekend that was just pure fun.
Now I’m looking towards winter, which won’t be very white in Eugene: it just rains all year, no snow. Luckily, though, the mountains aren’t too far away. A couple of my old Craftsbury teammates are living in Bend and I’ve already been over for a nice visit. I’m hoping to jump in a few citizen races as part of the XC Oregon squad, and I’m also going to be helping out with the high school team here. Since there isn’t any snow in town, it’s a lot of rollerskiing, running, and circuits during the week, with some trips to do real skiing on the weekends. A little bit different than the training I’m familiar with in New England, but the other coaches are really great and the athletes all have wonderful attitudes, so I think I’m really going to enjoy coaching. It will be nice to give something back to the ski world after being a giant sponge on society for a few years.
Stay well, Ford Sayre, and I’ll miss seeing you on the trails this winter!
Hi everyone! I’m a Ford Sayre alum that many of you have seen kicking around on the Eastern race circuit for the last few years, first skiing for Dartmouth and then the Craftsbury Green Racing Project. At the end of last season, I decided not to continue as a ski racer, and so now I’m being forced to grow up and get a real job! Although negotiating municipal water and electric bills and not having my dad around to help me troubleshoot car problems has been a big change, it’s actually pretty fun, so here’s a little update.
I moved all the way across the country to Eugene, Oregon, where I am working as a research assistant in the biology department of the University. I studied ecology at Dartmouth and did a lot of field research there, so it feels great to get back into science.
It’s nice to like your job, but the best thing about Oregon is that there is a ton to do outside, especially in the summer. I have been on some amazing hikes up big volcanoes, a great backpacking trip in a national wildlife refuge, some summer skiing, and plenty of trail running. It’s a little strange after so many years of training to know that I am only getting more out of shape with every day that goes by, but I’m still fit enough to do the hikes and runs that I love so I can’t really complain.
One of the most fun things I got to do this summer was the Hood to Coast relay, which I think is the biggest running relay in the world. It’s like Reach the Beach, but bigger – there are over 12,000 people racing! The relay is 200 miles long, and the twelve people on each team run three legs each. I managed to sneak in with a group of runners from Eugene and Portland and we had a great time. We all ran in red dresses and our team actually won the best costume award! I had the hardest leg because I claimed that I could run uphill... it was a good challenge and I actually ended up running two of my fastest 10k’s ever. That was a huge surprise and the icing on the cake of a weekend that was just pure fun.
Now I’m looking towards winter, which won’t be very white in Eugene: it just rains all year, no snow. Luckily, though, the mountains aren’t too far away. A couple of my old Craftsbury teammates are living in Bend and I’ve already been over for a nice visit. I’m hoping to jump in a few citizen races as part of the XC Oregon squad, and I’m also going to be helping out with the high school team here. Since there isn’t any snow in town, it’s a lot of rollerskiing, running, and circuits during the week, with some trips to do real skiing on the weekends. A little bit different than the training I’m familiar with in New England, but the other coaches are really great and the athletes all have wonderful attitudes, so I think I’m really going to enjoy coaching. It will be nice to give something back to the ski world after being a giant sponge on society for a few years.
Stay well, Ford Sayre, and I’ll miss seeing you on the trails this winter!
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| Hood to Coast: At the top of the hill on my third and final leg of the Hood to Coast relay - it felt like a victory even though the team was still hours from the finish! |
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| Oregon Coast: The Pacific Ocean is just over an hour from my house, and the coastline is beautiful, like a western version of Maine! |
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| Steens: I did a three-day backpacking trip in a 185,000 acre wildlife preserve with a friend from college. There were big views. |
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| Wild Horse Lake: This was our camping spot on the second night: on the edge of alpine lakes overlooking a huge canyon, with jagged ridgelines in the background and not another person for miles. |
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| Thielsen: I did a fun hike of Mount Thielsen with some friends. It's described as one of the "pointiest" mountains in the world and is hit by lightning more than any other peak in the Cascades. |
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