Sunday, August 30, 2009

A Sailing Video




This video was created by my friend and co-owner of the Windy Winnie, John. He used time-lapse photography with a camera mounted to the mast for the duration of our sail. I'm the little person in red.

This video can also be viewed in HD here

Saturday, August 29, 2009

A Zoo Concert with Amos Lee


Last night, two Portland girls braved the rain and went to the zoo. While there, we observed animals (including a big, big tiger and a tiny, tiny baby elephant), we enjoyed a bottle of wine on our blanket, and we listened to Amos Lee as the sun set and the stars came out. Amos Lee a terrific performer with a soulful voice, and he is also quite a funny dude. It was definitely an enjoyable concert and a perfect way to start the weekend.



Two girls in the rain, loving life

Monday, August 17, 2009

A Weekend in the City

There are many ways I could have spent this past weekend....camping, languishing on my couch, working (boo). However, I chose to forgo all these options, deciding instead to spend this time being active in my awesome city.

Saturday, I was asked by a fellow coworker to be an honorary member on her kickball team, the Huevos Grandes. Though a once rival softball team, the HG's were very accepting of me as we attempted, but failed, to win 4 kickball games at a day long affair.

Sunday, I joined friends to participate in the SE Portland Parkways event. In these events, Portland closes roads to cars and sets up a route for bikers to cycle to and from local parks. The parks then offer a place to rest, live music, giveaways, bike repairs and tasty food options.

Definitely a great way to spend the weekend!




Kicking with all my might




The Huevos Grandes!...and me




A unique Huevos Grandes "Playa of the Game" trophy that was awarded to me for a short while on Saturday




Friends riding down the car-less street on Sunday




A pile of bikes, locked together, while we wander the park




My bike and I at the top of Mt. Tabor

Sunday, August 9, 2009

South Sister Summit

Driving back to Portland today with the warm wind rustling my hair and trying to name the mountains of Central Oregon within view, I felt content. Content from spending an entire weekend camping outdoors. Content from successfully summiting South Sister, the 3rd highest mountain in Oregon at 10,358'. And content from creating fond memories with truly amazing friends.

The climb to the summit of the tallest, youngest and highest of the three Sisters pushed my physical limits to the edge, but I luckily hiked within a group taking small steps all the way to the top. This easy pace allowed for some laughter and good conversation, despite the labored breathing and elevated heartbeat. Once at the summit, elation prevailed and celebrating ensued. In total, 15 of us summited throughout the day. Sitting around the campfire that night, all of us were well fed and tired but content with a great sense of accomplishment.




On the way to the summit in the early morning




The very picturesque Broken Top mountain with the morning sun




An awesome climbing crew




Looking back at the glacial lake and surrounding mountains




On the crater rim with Middle Sister and North Sister behind me




Teardrop Pool, the highest lake in Oregon sitting in the crater of South Sister (those are people on the other side)




An afternoon view of Broken Top with a cool wind-gnarled tree




Home sweet home