Introducing the newest and coolest softball team in Portland! We're pretty bad but we have a lot of fun. Our first game was tonight, and we only lost by 6 (10-4). Until next week when maybe we'll lose by less...
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Team Box Knockers
Introducing the newest and coolest softball team in Portland! We're pretty bad but we have a lot of fun. Our first game was tonight, and we only lost by 6 (10-4). Until next week when maybe we'll lose by less...
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Adventures on Smith Rock
This weekend, 8 intrepid Portlanders left the comfort of their cozy homes in the city to partake in some rock climbing and hiking at Smith Rock State Park. The park itself lies on a desert plateau at about 3000 feet and contains over 1000 climbing routes. It was a great weekend with the perfect mix of quality time with friends, eating good food, hot-tubbing and adventuring.
One of many views of a river canyon found throughout the park
Elliot and I climbing our routes
Josh belaying K
The Sunday Hikers
Bee on a flower
Moody storms over the distant mountains
Monkey Face
A calm bit of river moments before the rain came
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Belle
My kitty who was oh so sweet and fine
Sad that we were reunited for such a short time
You used to sleep on my pillow
And would always come to say 'Hello'
Now, I miss your life-force in my place
and I miss your tiny furry face
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Business Time in LA
This past week, I spent two nights in LA doing some training for work. Though the training itself was unremarkable, it's nice that it feels like it gives me a little bit more job security in these hard economic times. The hotel I stayed in was very swank (not sure I fit in wearing my pig tails) but comfortable with close beach access. The most memorable part of the trip, though, was laying down in the sand and staring at the ocean while listening to some of my favorite tunes. I have not had the chance to visit the West coast since my return to the States until now. I also rode the irresistible roller coaster on the Santa Monica Pier.
My ride
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Working the Winery
Memorial Day weekend is a big weekend for wineries in the area as their doors are opened wide, drawing in crowds of people who fancy a taste or two...or ten. My sister works for this great little winery, Ken Wright Cellars, that produces truly fabulous Pinot Noir wines. So through her, I had the opportunity to 'volunteer' my time to help out for the weekend. I use the term 'volunteer' loosely, as I was handsomely rewarded with some of their very tasty wine to take home. My work consisted of greeting people as they came in, checking ID's and accepting payment. However, the weekend is most memorable for the quality time my sister and I got to spend together and for the new, really cool friends I made.
Come one, come all
That's the good stuff
Glasses patiently waiting to be filled with that fiery liquid
My adorable sister and I being sisterly
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mt. St. Helens Summit
A couple of weekends ago, I was reunited with my climbing friends for a group ascent of Mt. St. Helens. I've climbed to the summit of St. Helens twice before in years past, but never on the unmelted snow of the longer winter route and never before in a skirt. Yes, that's right. A skirt! It was Mother's Day weekend and it is tradition to climb that weekend in something with a swish.
The climb itself proved strenuous, almost 6000' of elevation gain. Amazingly, all 17 of us managed to mostly stay together and travel at a good pace at 1000' per hour. Needless to say, celebrating ensued upon reaching the crater rim with high-fives, sips out of the flask, and taking in the view of the surrounding mountains and the steaming lava dome.
Personally, it was great to hit the trail again with my climbing crew. I missed climbing with them last season immensely and am extremely happy to have the chance again.
17 hearty souls setting out on a summit climb at 5:30 a.m.
Climbing the ridge-line...
...and still more climbing
Taking a break while enjoying the view of Mt. Adams
Mr. Ice Man....he forgot his dress
Josh, Bob and Daniel (my former 2007 Mt. Hood summit rope team) looking dainty for the climb
K giving a high-five as she reaches the crater rim
A summit celebration
The steaming lava dome
Glissading down almost 4000'!!
17 hearty souls resting on the warm pavement and drying out after a good day's climb
The climb itself proved strenuous, almost 6000' of elevation gain. Amazingly, all 17 of us managed to mostly stay together and travel at a good pace at 1000' per hour. Needless to say, celebrating ensued upon reaching the crater rim with high-fives, sips out of the flask, and taking in the view of the surrounding mountains and the steaming lava dome.
Personally, it was great to hit the trail again with my climbing crew. I missed climbing with them last season immensely and am extremely happy to have the chance again.
Re-enter the Blogger
Well, what can I say? I've missed blogging. I've missed organizing my thoughts and my photos to share with those I care about. I found it to be a great positive outlet and one more way to connect with those far away from me. So with all that being said, I hope you enjoy.
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